#rather in him never truly committing to serve anyone

[antianakin]

It's so interesting to look at just HOW BLIND Ahsoka's loyalty towards Anakin truly is.

She is told point blank by Maul that the Sith Master is planning to make Anakin his new apprentice, and her reaction is NOT to warn anybody that this is a potential problem for them to look into but simply to reject the possibility so entirely that it's not even worth warning anyone about. She's so absolutely convinced of this that she dooms the entire Jedi Order and the Republic they serve by keeping it secret in order to protect Anakin from even a SUSPICION of him going dark.

She then HEARS Anakin betray Mace, she hears Anakin turn on Mace and side with Palpatine just moments before Order 66 goes out. And while it's mildly understandable that she could come to other conclusions from that without any more knowledge and just assume Anakin died, she continues to refuse to believe that Anakin became Vader when she senses him despite that evidence.

She spends a YEAR trying to disprove what she already knows to be true, what she could put together from Maul's claims, her vision on the ship just moments before Order 66, and sensing his presence in Rebels. She goes ahead and tells Ezra that what would've surprised people about him was his KINDNESS, despite the fact that she is actively looking for proof that Anakin DIDN'T genocide the Jedi because she's like 99.99% sure that he DID and she's desperately telling herself that no, Anakin was KIND, he would NEVER commit genocides.

This is someone who put her in a training regime where she is knocked out for hours at a time by her own men, forced her into training after being knocked out without a rest beforehand, and left her on the ground after being knocked out with no attempt at making sure she was safe or comfortable. This is someone she has WATCHED go nearly apoplectic with rage more than once, someone she has seen keep himself from murdering people by the skin of his teeth.

And when she comes face to face with him, a year after looking for proof, despite all evidence she's got pointing her to one super obvious and irrefutable conclusion, she LETS HIM convince her that he's NOT Anakin, that he KILLED Anakin, because her blind loyalty to Anakin will let her believe anything rather than face the truth she's on some level known since she was seventeen years old.

AND THEN, after getting all of that loyalty thrown back in her face, after her worst fear is confirmed true and Anakin decides to keep TRYING to kill her, that blind loyalty leads her to decide she'd rather die than live with this truth. She'd rather die FOR HIS SAKE, to keep him from having to be alone, than run away from him again.

Anakin could do quite literally anything to Ahsoka and she'd forgive it. Anakin DOES do just about every possible horrific thing to Ahsoka he COULD do and she's more worried about not abandoning him than anything else still. Ahsoka can recognize he's a Sith who has done horrific things to her and everyone else but because he's ANAKIN, her loyalty is still first and foremost to him and his happiness and his wellbeing. She will abandon the Jedi again, abandon Kanan and Ezra, before she abandons the person actively trying to kill her.

It's so interesting to see that, the one time she DOESN'T do this is in the Wrong Jedi, when she leaves him behind and puts her own needs first.

And THAT'S what she seems to consider her greatest mistake. Not leaving the JEDI, not TRUSTING Anakin at all, but abandoning Anakin when she was at her lowest. Because her blind loyalty to him won't let her see it as anything but a betrayal of ANAKIN.

Ahsoka CANNOT see him for what and who he is, she CAN'T. She's been ignorant of it before, but she also intentionally blinds herself to it over and over again.

#ahsoka tano #star wars #swtcw #tcw #the clone wars #star wars the clone wars #rebels #swr #star wars rebels #twilight of the apprentice #ahsoka tano critical #ahsoka critical #anti anakin #anti anakin skywalker #anakin critical #anakin skywalker critical

[cannonfullofcanons]

Albert Wesker arrived at Umbrella’s training facility when he was quite young, already cool, calm, and fully collected. There was no bright-eyed boy to be found in him, no childlike wonder at working with those he claimed to respect. Only commitment to his task at hand; utter brilliance, and determination to see things through to the end. He took to the work like a moth to flame, ascending rapidly above other new researchers, except for one: William Birkin, a man Albert initially found...detestable.

Wesker’s mind functions more on a psychopathic wavelength. If he feels anything for anyone, it is severely numbed, and he finds such feelings trivial in the first place. He felt no need for strong emotional attachments; it served as a distraction, something that would sideline his work. An annoyance, at worst. Though this stunted his social life when he was young, he learned to emulate certain feelings, to blend in. His mental state made it much easier to learn, as he could remove all distraction, but he had never felt a true bond with anyone. But William remains the sole individual to overcome that barrier. Though Wesker initially considered him a contemptible man, shallow and cowardly, his rivaly with William quickly became a bond. William was the only one in that damned building who could match his intellect. The only one he could carry in-depth conversations with regarding the viruses, without losing him in confusion. The only one who could match his ambition. And he quickly found William to be the only one who truly could supercede him. So he proposed they work together - an alliance of convenience, at least at first. Wesker never expected to find a long time friend in William.

Their combined efforts were beyond beneficial. Even Spencer had taken notice, as time rolled on. Wesker was ever so diligent in his work, particular about every detail; more than once he had lectured higher-level staff about taking risky shortcuts, as it would lead to instability in the final product. “What is the point of doing it if you will not do it right?” That was his question for them, one that earned him the ire of lazier staff. For Wesker was a perfectionist in his work, especially with bioweapons. In time, the order came down for them to start officially working together, dropping the facade of rivalry - preceeded swiftly by the termination of Dr. James Marcus. By then, he had long been a senior researcher, strongly influencing the bioweapon projects at Umbrella. His cold, unapproachable demeanor did him credit, more easily intimidated staff would listen to him without question.

In truth? Wesker never cared about Marcus. Nor about Spencer. To him, they were tools. Pawns of his game, elevating him over time. His true interest was in their work. The viruses he helped to develop. He played them like a fiddle, manipulation becoming among the greatest of his talents. He felt nothing when watching Marcus die, writhing pathetically on the ground - except perhaps...amusement. Yes, he did find Marcus’s position somewhat funny, in the moment. He stayed at William’s side thereafter, officially or not - aiding him in his work, making suggestions if William were ever stumped. Running distraction if William had something to hide. Finding, rather quickly...he actually cared about the man. It was a new feeling, and completely alien to Wesker. He loathed it, and yet...it comforted him. He had absolutely no idea what to make of it.

It was as he was struggling with this revelation that he left the company. The Tyrant project, the core of his interest, had hit a snag, and was stalling. His next stop was the United States Army, where he worked as a stealth operative for a time. He gained special tactics training, extensive training with firearms and close quarters combat - and this was much to his benefit when he was discharged, and recruited to S.T.A.R.S.. The new plant at the Raccoon P.D., Brian Irons, was forming a special tactics unit, and he wanted Albert Wesker to head it. The Special Tactics and Rescue Service. Wesker almost found it laughable. But he accepted the position regardless, and soon came to care for STARS as well - in a twisted way.

STARS, to Wesker, was naught but more pawns in his little game of chess. The leadership position gave him more room to do what he wanted, and free days were oft spent with William in the labs, getting updates and helping him with whatever was needed. Even then, although no longer officially in Umbrella’s employ, he still occasionally reported to Spencer and could access the labs. There was a four-month period, in 1997, when he distanced from William; STARS began to occupy more of his time, but he kept in touch digitally. He continued to support his friend at the company. But that was to change in July of 1998 - when his precious STARS unit would meet its end, at the behest of its own Captain. Wesker used them for bioweapon testing data, in a moment of convenience, as the virus had leaked in the Arklay Mountains. He did so almost giddily. He found great amusement in the work, and was fully open with William about his plans when the time came; he expected to meet up with William in the aftermath, especially with the virus William gave him, to preserve his life.

And that he did. He survived impalement by the Tyrant, though, much to his fury, failed to recover the combat data - nor Umbrella’s virus data. His betrayal bore no fruit. He returned to William some days later, now superhuman in body, but just the same as he was before in mind. The virus bonded with his DNA, stabilizing it in the process. He would not die that dark dreary night in Arklay. He spent whatever time he could with the Birkins, but had to be much more careful about it, as a dead man visiting was nothing to scoff at; he avoided public appearances whenever possible. Instead, he became a contact between the new company he worked for, and their spies in the field - one being Ada Wong. The company made plans to steal William’s research, and Wesker acted as the go-between -- initially, he had the full intention of sabotaging them. He only heard about the incident after it had occurred, through Umbrella’s channels he had tapped into. Spying on the company, just like before. He heard that HUNK had been sent in to retrieve the G-Virus sample - and that William Birkin had been terminated. This sent him spiraling into a rage, ready to enter that city and wipe out the team himself, though this did not happen. He didn’t run to Raccoon City to find his now-mutated friend. He knew better; dead or mutated, there was no returning. Instead, he did as instructed, having Ada retrieve the sample. Soon after, Wesker created a copy of William’s work, which he intended to continue, in the memory of his friend.

William’s death took a heavy toll on him. When around his fellow researcher, Wesker felt at his most human. It was an anchor he could hold onto. Losing him led to that feeling fading completely. Wesker became a monster even in his own mind, and he was proud of what he had become. He decided, then and there, he would retrieve Umbrella’s data and more for his own ends. And as he entered Sergei’s facility, to recover the data he lost at the mansion, he had only one regret on his mind.

That William Birkin, his only true friend, could not be there to witness his penultimate victory.

#{ File Found | Headcanon } #{ Practical Al | Albert Wesker } #and you best believe Albert kept tabs on the family and looked out for Sherry on occasion when William/Annette were preoccupied #though his first attempt at making cookies for Sherry ended in a burning stove and Albert swearing up a storm

[glittervame]

Why not?

(Just a short little blurb)

Mattheo x Fem!Reader

Mattheo and Y/n had been best friends for as long as they could remember, sharing secrets, laughter, and even tears. They had been through it all together, from the time they were just younglings, exploring the vast grounds of Hogwarts and getting into trouble for Apparating too close to the forbidden forest. As they grew older, their friendship only deepened, becoming a bond that was unbreakable and eternal.

Now, as they sat side by side in the great hall, the smell of roast chicken filling the air, they found themselves shooting dirty looks across the hall at the young whipper-snapper known as Harry Potter. They had always been protective of each other, and the trouble and attention that Harry seemed to be getting these days only served to irritate them. He was constantly getting others hurt and attracting trouble to their school.

Just as Mattheo was about to turn back to his meal, Y/n turned towards him, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I'm tired of adventures," she said with a sigh, her voice barely above a whisper. "How about we get married and stay home?"

Mattheo's mouth hung open in shock as the words echoed through the great hall, bouncing off the marble walls and settling into his heart like a dagger. His best friend, the girl he had loved for as long as he could remember, had just proposed to him. The world seemed to slow down as he struggled to find the words to respond, his heart racing and his cheeks burning red with embarrassment and surprise.

"I'm sorry, did you just fucking propose to me?" He chokes out, looking at her with wide eyes she laughs

"Why not?" she shrugs

"Y/n," he finally managed to croak, "are you serious?" She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief and love. "Well, I've always thought you were rather handsome, even with that messy hair and those crooked teeth," she teased, making him blush even harder. "And you are the only person who truly understands me. Why waste our lives chasing after adventures when we could have them together, right here?"

He couldn't believe she had just said that. He had been so sure that his feelings for her were one-sided, that she only saw him as a brother or a best friend. But here she was, offering herself to him, asking him to spend the rest of his life with her. His heart felt as if it was about to burst from happiness and disbelief.

Taking a deep breath, he reached out and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "Y/n," he began, his voice shaking with emotion, "I love you too. More than anything else in this world. And yes, I would love to spend the rest of my life with you."

With a smile that lit up the room, she leaned in and kissed him real quick on the lips. "You're so cheesy Matty." Around them, the students of Hogwarts continued to eat and laugh and live their lives, oblivious to the miracle that was unfolding before them.

Mattheo couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. He had never imagined this moment, never dared to dream that his best friend, the girl who knew him better than anyone, would actually want to spend the rest of her life with him. He glanced down at their intertwined hands, feeling the weight of their newfound commitment settle heavily into his heart.

"So," Y/n said, her voice a little more serious now, "when do you think we should do this?" She raised an eyebrow, and he could tell she was only half joking. "I mean, I'm not getting any younger, you know."

"Whenever you want Darling."

#fypシ #idk #writers on tumblr #idk what else to tag #writing prompt #y/n #send help #short story #help #mattheo x y/n #mattheo riddle #my man <3 #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter #harry

[prettysweetprettysweet]

i was thinking about how we have only seen a spare few moments of true positivity or sweetness between Lestat and Louis (such as Louis smiling at Lestat's joy at the opera house, or Lestat telling Louis he is unique, beautiful, and has 'no twin') and my first instinct was to think that it was narratively strange and questionable to see them staying together for so long, even though they don't appear to have any sort of foundation for positive and good feelings to pass between them, no prolonged times of joy and mutual love to look back on and think "this is why we're still together, this is what we're fighting for."

but when I think about it, it actually makes it that much more interesting and unsettling to me to dwell on why they stay together despite never having found their footing. there is the sexual magnetism that was present at the beginning of their relationship that set things in motion, but that no longer plays a role in their current setup as of ep 3. Lestat revealing his time-freezing trick facilitated Louis opening up to him in ways that he had never done with anyone before, and being able to share his most guarded thoughts with Lestat must have endeared him to Louis enormously.

then at the center of it is Lestat’s appeal to Louis that he could truly be himself as his companion, a notion that was proposed to him in the midst of the greatest and most traumatic tragedy of his life during which he was ostracized from his family and emotionally punished by his mother. on the other side of it, Lestat is terrified of loneliness and clung to the brightest flame he saw (even though it continues to burn him). so, despite the many, many issues, incompatibilities, trespasses, and sins that transpire between them, one of the central reasons Louis stays with Lestat is because Lestat, the sole vampire he knows, is the only person in the world with whom he can exist without a mask and not be hated, feared, or persecuted for his true identities.

and the issues I mentioned don’t stop them from finding things to love in each other; Louis is touched by Lestat’s very human adoration of music and the people who make it, and Lestat is enchanted by Louis’ fierce relentlessness. Lestat's sense of humor (sometimes) makes Louis laugh; the stubborn and challenging way that Louis interacts with Lestat makes Lestat giddy and weak in the knees. Lestat finds overwhelming beauty in Louis' personality and character, so much so that he would commit to eternity with him; Louis likely never expected or even dared to hope that he would ever find someone to love his true self so passionately and unconditionally, let alone til the end of the world.

in this environment their love for each is maintained and maybe even continues to grow, despite the fact that their own battles and personal demons, and the way they interact and influence those of the other, make it so that happiness, true selflessness, emotional transparency, and anything resembling mutual effort are uncommon characters in their relationship. characters so uncommon that, rather than serve as a steady heartbeat as they do for most people, they have to constantly fight for air. dysfunction, dissonance, and a growing loathing for each other seems to keep winning out instead, taking a seat next to the love they share for each other.

Lestat and Louis are like two trees that have been planted too close together - as they continue on they merge and merge and merge while simultaneously hindering the other in nearly every way. but they are so noxiously intertwined that they don’t have a grasp on all the ways that they obstruct the other. it seems like they have almost no perspective at all on themselves in relation to each other.

and they don’t make any effort at all to extricate the other and make sense of him, of his proportions and the context within which he exists. it seems like they have chosen to just accept their current joined state, each man suffocatingly close and preoccupied with the other and yet somehow completely blind to each other’s inner workings.

#iwtv #interview with the vampire #amc iwtv #lestat de lioncourt #louis de pointe du lac #yo mismo #yomismoiwtv

[just-some-guy-at-shiz]

Okay, so I’ve got the stupidest AU idea:

When Boq encounters Elphaba after the intermission she became the “Wicked Witch,” he’s spooked and looking around for a weapon. But as soon as she says she won’t hurt him, and appeals to having known him in school, he jumps at the chance to get away from Nessa, and begs Elphaba to let him work for her instead. She’s a little offput and unconvinced by how quickly he’s willing to switch his political alignment, but he manages to convince her that he’s secretly harbored sympathy for her cause. He reminds her how much he admired Dr. Dillamond and his teaching back at Shiz, insists he’s helped an Animal or two on the run in some small ways, says he wished he could do more but he doesn’t have a head for organized protest and doesn’t know how to truly be of use, but if only he had Elphaba to rally behind. And besides, surely she could use a companion that didn’t fail Home Ec, but in fact aced it and knows lots of helpful farming trivia and can totally do her laundry without messing up the intricate beadwork on that fancy new Broadway-costume-cloak she’s got on. What’d’ya say? Need a lackey?

Elphaba agrees on the principle that the more people on her side the better (and also being reminded how long it’s been since she’s done laundry), and having helped Nessa, she sets off with Boq as her new sidekick. Nessa is dumbstruck and heartbroken that Boq is so eager to leave her (and with her own sister!!), but she doesn’t get a chance to cast any ill-advised magic. Boq gets to keep his flesh another day.

This is not the stupid part of the AU. So far this is actually rather plausible.

Anyway, Boq helps Elphaba for a little while. It doesn’t bother him at all, because he has about zero political opinions, and is neither supportive of Animal-racists nor quite as critical of them as he should be. Trying to help the Animals’ cause serves him well at the moment, so for self-preservation’s sake, he gives it his all. Boq’s motto for life is to just survive in whatever situation he’s stuck in, and do whatever emotional labor is necessary to be convincing(ish). So sure, he’s a passionate activist, abso-totally-lutely 👍. But then he gets the chance at a better position, and decides to flip his political opinions again and talk his way into somebody else’s good graces.

Actually, Elphaba goes straight from Nessa’s to the Wizard’s place, so either we change things so there’s more time in between events (my preference), or there’s no “illegal Animal-helping montage” and Boq never has to prove his commitment to being Elphaba’s not-so-evil henchman. But at some point, Elphaba goes to the Wizard to rescue the winged Monkeys and give him a stern talking to, and Boq sees his chance to be protected by the most powerful person in Oz. Boq, morally grey as he is, doesn’t hesitate.

Elphaba tries to sneak in and set the Monkeys free without anyone noticing her until it’s too late. Boq was instructed to go around to the other side of the cage to help her, or he snuck off, or something else happened that separated them, but as soon as he’s out of Elphaba’s sight, Boq runs to the nearest guards and the Wizard and raises the alarm. The Witch is here! Elphaba barely escapes being caught, but doesn’t manage to free the Monkeys. She doesn’t realize Boq is the one who alerted the guards, and assumes he’s been captured and arrested and imprisoned, and makes plans to free him when she comes back for the Monkeys.

Boq, meanwhile, is pleading his case to the Wizard. He claims that he was imprisoned by the Wicked Witch and forced to serve her, do lots of horrible anti-government things, but he never forgot his true loyalty. As soon as he had a chance to betray the Witch, he took it, risking his life in the hope that he might provide some small bit of aid to the wonderful Wizard who has done so much in the fight against wickedness. If the Wizard would have him, Boq would like nothing more than to enter the Wizard’s service as a way of repenting for the deeds he did at the Witch’s bidding, and to join the fight against evil by helping the most good person there is. :3

The Wizard, a seasoned conman, sees right through the flattery. And he’s impressed. It’s clumsy, of course, ameturish and obviously over-exaggerated, but it has potential. Boq reminds the Wizard of himself. Only acting in his own self-interest. Just clever enough to convince people to like him. Just a good enough actor to seem happy and admiring when he’s not. Just a straight liar when it comes to flattery, and good enough at bending the truth to fit his cause the rest of the time. Above all, they’re both opportunists. The Wizard hires Boq as a personal attendant (aka do whatever random tasks boss needs at the moment), but secretly the Wizard is considering Boq as a sort of successor. If he can train that natural talent as a conman, and get rid of the few morals that might interfere with things, then in time, Boq might be exactly the person he needs. He’ll promise Boq power, which equals safety, and that’s all he’ll need to say.

So Boq gets a snazzy green uniform and works for the Wizard for a while. He hopes he’ll run into Glinda now and then, considering they work in the same building for the same person, but tough luck, buddy.

Before long, Elphaba comes back trying to free the Monkeys again. She expects to have to rescue Boq too, so she’s surprised to be met upon arrival by Boq himself, looking like a very green bellhop. She initially thinks he might have been pressed into service, but the look on his face tells her all she needs to know. Sellout. It’s like Glinda all over again, groveling in submission to feed ambition and all. She’s furious that he betrayed her, and swears never to give anyone the benefit of the doubt ever again. 🎵 No benefit of the doubt / Will I giiiiiive / Agaaaaaaiiiiinnnnnn 🎵 and all that jazz. Boq says sorry not sorry, the fugitive life isn’t for me, I saw my chance and took it, and you’re stupid if you wouldn’t have done the same in my shoes. I work for the literal Wizard now. I have a snazzy uniform and health insurance. It doesn’t get better than this. lmao you wish you were me. ;)

Anyway. The Wizard was expecting Elphaba to return for the Monkeys, and Boq was sent to meet her when she snuck in and bring her to the Wizard’s throne room so she and the Wizard could chat. He does just that, with Elphaba fuming at him all through the hallways until they get where they’re going, which makes it a really awkward trip.

The following encounter goes roughly the same. The Wizard does a more professional version of Boq’s “put a nice spin on the truth to win them over” tactic, and almost convinces Elphaba to trade her rebellion for the Monkeys’ freedom, but then she sees Dr. Dillamond and tells the Wizard no, I’m nothing like you, I’ll never join you, as protagonists do, and makes her exit.

When Boq is summoned back in after this disappointing (to the Wizard) result, he’s more than a little horrified at seeing what Dr. Dillamond has become. Boq may be self-serving, but he’s not heartless (ha), and he may not have cared that the Wizard was behind the whole silencing-Animals thing, but he had yet to be asked to actually interact with the Animals the Wizard has captive. Maybe he didn’t think the situation was that bad for the Animals, or maybe it’s just harder to ignore injustice when you have to look it in the eye, but the Wizard notices Boq’s weakening resolve.

Boq knows that the conversation with Elphaba was supposed to go a little differently, and asks what now? The Wizard sighs all regretfully, in the way that’s very ominous coming from villains like him, and looks at the cage where his winged Monkeys used to be. He says that he had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, because he had such high hopes for Boq (another ominous thing for a villain to say). Given more time, Boq could have learned to shut away old ideals and become powerful, influential, etc. etc. etc. But the Wizard has become a little desperate, and it’s time for the backup plan, and Boq is the perfect, candidate (because… I don’t know, some reason ¯\_(ツ)_/¯).

Madame Morrible shows up, standing behind Boq so he can’t try to leave. Ominous trifecta!!!

The Wizard tells Boq that nothing is going to change, not really. Boq can still have all he’s ever wanted… as long as he continues to do as he’s told.

This. Is where it becomes stupid. I mean, I like it, but so far this AU has been fairly well-thought-up. The last bit is the part that makes me cringe self-consciously a little. But good news, cringe culture is dead, so I’m just gonna keep going.

Soon after the last, there’s some kind of third interaction between Elphaba and the Wizard. Don’t ask me how they get in the same space, they just do. Also Elphaba is hovering on her broom out of reach. She has the high ground!!! The Wizard says something to the effect of “you stole away my spies. So I had to make a replacement.” And Elphaba is like “more spies?” thinking oh man how many rescues am I gonna have to do in one week? Then the Wizard says “better than just spies. I have created the perfect soldier… for catching witches.” A blur flies out from behind a curtain and straight towards Elphaba in midair. She’s shocked to find her hands being tied by Boq, still wearing emerald city green, but having a pair of feathery wings and looking very ill at ease with the whole situation. Also in pain, very much in pain. This isn’t the result of a magic spell, not with Elphaba on the opposing team. This whole (literal) operation was like 20% Morrible magic tops, and the rest was questionable mad science. The Wizard didn’t even give Boq three full days to recover, and Boq is not only in pain but terrified he’s gonna pull out the stitches on those wings and plummet to his death, or bleed out from his back if the fall doesn’t kill him.

Suffice to say that working for the Wizard no longer feels like a “safe” job.

Elphaba basically says just that, trying to convince Boq to let her go by asking him if he’s really willing to suffer like this for the Wizard’s sake of all people. Stop making your “I’m on the clock” decidedly neutral face and answer me honestly, do you want this? Because you look miserable.

She can see that she’s winning him over. He loosens his grip on her.

Elphaba then launches into her recruitment campaign. She tells Boq to think of everything he’s been through, and how the winged Monkeys were forced into this exact same scenario before she rescued them, and that Animals are suffering like this or worse every single day, and if he would want someone to help him when he’s suffering than surely he can do the same and support the Animals’ efforts to push back against—

Elphaba is then interrupted by the Wizard, who put a lot of effort into this hyperobedient flying soldier of his and doesn’t want to see all that psychological manipulation go to waste. The Wizard talks again about how Elphaba is evil and he’s good, and how Boq is just like him and he’s proud of all the Boq has done, and if Boq stands by the Wizard, he can have power and fame even, everything he’s ever wanted—

And this is where Boq interjects to say that he’s never cared about power or fame or saving anybody. Literally all he’s ever wanted is to just get on with his own life like a normal person, without having to do weird and difficult things like this! Neither Elphaba or the Wizard care about him, they just care about how they can use him. And, you know, fair enough, because that’s exactly how Boq thinks of them as well. Glad we’re all on the same page.

Boq unties Elphaba’s hands, but makes no further move to do anything helpful to either side of this argument. He glides to a landing, exhaling in relief at no longer having to put stress on wings that haven’t even healed yet, and says that he’s not going with either of them, please and thank you. He’s going to leave right now, and don’t they dare try following him, or… else! In the short term, he is going to find someplace to get a decent coffee, and in the long term he is going to find a nice quiet farm to work on or a tradesman to apprentice for or perhaps even risk trying to fly over the great desert at some point just to get away from ALL THE CRAZINESS AROUND HERE. GOOD DAY TO YOU BOTH. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR REBELLION OR ATTEMPTS TO DEFEAT SAID REBELLION. BOQ OUT!

And he throws up his hands in exasperation and turns on his heel and marches away.

This isn’t bad. It’s just the wings bit that’s a little badly written, because it’s sort of unnecessary. I think I just like it for the drama. We can’t have (musical) Boq without a little transformation-related body horror at some point, now can we? He’s just lucky it’s not as all-encompassing this time.

Really though, the fact that it’s unnecessary and dramatic maybe just adds to the humor. Like, wow, good job giving me wings and making me look like a super powerful protagonist, I’m going to squander that immediately by wanting nothing to do with flying or protagonist-ing. You chose the wrong test subject, loser.

#wicked #wicked musical #boq bfeeson #elphaba thropp #wicked AU #I think I give him a little too much credit sometimes #is he really this opportunistic? #I suppose it works because he’s not doing any of this out of ambition. he’s just trying to get out of situations he dislikes #more desperation than manipulation

[tnmeem]

The Legend Of Korra Was Better Than Avatar The Last Airbender

***Spoilers for the Legend of Korra … duh***

Regardless of whatever criticism anyone may have about The Legend Of Korra, it is one of my favourite shows. Sure, I will admit that this show has its flaws. But that’s more to do with the limitations placed on the creators rather than the creators themselves. We have seen, through Avatar The Last Airbender, that the writers of this show: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are incredibly talented. But even great talent struggles when it is only promised one season at a time to carry out their work.

Regardless, this show truly pulled at my heartstrings. I’m not going to lie, watching Korra interact with original Team Avatar made me cry. There is no love story in this world that makes me as emotional as the friendships in Team Avatar. Truly, this is a connection that transcends lifetimes and I wish I had more of it. Every time I watch Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra, I am disappointed when it is finally over. I loved this world so much that I cannot bear to see the stories within it end. In fact, I’d be more than down for extending the series.

And now I’m about to say a very unpopular opinion … I preferred Legend of Korra to Avatar The Last Airbender. Yes, yes, I know! It’s practically sacrilegious for me to say something so ridiculous. But I think it’s important to note that I started this series as an adult. And while I love Avatar The Last Airbender, it was targeted to a demographic much younger than me. It had a tendency to censor the true horror of the world. But I think the biggest thing in Legend of Korra’s favour is that its main character is my favourite character. Aang was not my favourite character in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Zuko was my favourite character.

And I find that I am always inclined to prefer stories that make me feel most strongly for the protagonist. But honestly, during much of Avatar The Last Airbender, I was rooting for Zuko. No, I didn’t want him to capture the avatar but I wanted him to be happy. I never cried as much for any character as I did for Zuko. He held my heart and soul. And I didn’t get to see enough of him to be honest.

Character Development

Disclaimer: contrary to what the title may suggest, I’m not comparing the two shows. They are both phenomenal and while I can happily note my preference for one, I will not do them the disservice of promoting one by shitting on the other. That being said, Zuko’s character arc in Avatar The Last Airbender is one of the best story arcs in television history.

Originally, I watched half of the first episode and then ignored it for months. It was only after I watched a Trope Talks video that discussed Zuko’s character arc that I watched the entirety of the show. I never would have been interested in Avatar The Last Airbender if it had not been for Zuko.

Asami’s Relationship With Her Father

Asami Sato was originally set up to be the perfect villain. She was supposed to be a spy for her father. And her backstory and introduction to the story all but suggested that she was the villain. But this show is too queer to make Asami Sato, the queen herself, the bad guy. She proved herself to be a loyal friend and at her core, a good person. Asami gave up the only family she had left and her immense wealth and privilege to do the right thing. She chose to risk everything rather than help her own father commit atrocities. And regardless of how much she struggled, she persevered and set out to redeem her family name.

And this, to no one’s surprise, made her her father’s enemy. The man proved himself to be a self-serving coward, only loving his daughter so far as she agreed with him. And at the end of the first season, when he’s defeated and thrown in prison, that should be the end of their relationship right? No.

Legend of Korra proves itself to be grounded in reality. The truth is, no matter how horrible our parents are, the bonds created between parent and child can never be severed. As much as Asami tried to move on from his evil, she was still pulled back to him. This is something that anyone with toxic or abusive family members can relate to. Family is hard to let go of. And the sad truth is, as twisted as the relationship is, there is still love there.

As evil as Asami’s father was, he LOVED her and she loved him. And while he chose to be selfish when they first became enemies, he was unable to forsake his daughter completely. That’s the sad reality of a toxic parent. As horrible and evil as they can be, they love their children. And this love comes out in small moments that make it impossible for an abused child to let go. This small glimmer of love is the reason why so many abused children can never completely cut off their parents.

In fact, only someone as cold and cutthroat as me has the ability to go full no contact. And even in my coldness, I still dream of my family. I still recollect the good moments. I know the truth. There are no monsters in this world, only humans. And even when humans do evil things, they themselves are rarely evil. And it is when we see that glimmer of goodness in our abusers that it is crucial we cut them off.

Yes, you read that right. An abuser’s love is true but it is dangerous. They do not have the conscience needed to love without pain. I am convinced that Asami’s father would have hurt her again had she let him back. His death was his only chance at redemption. He was able to leave with one last testament of his love for his daughter before his own selfish desires sabotaged the relationship. This is a truth I know better than most as an abused child myself.

So while you may hate this arc, I think it’s one of the best ones in the show. It is a glimpse into our grey world. There is no true evil as there is always good hidden beneath that. And it is our responsibility as people to still protect ourselves despite the sympathy we feel for that glimmer of good.

Korra’s Journey Of Healing

While the Avatar universe has never held back on its exploration of trauma, I think this is the first time it’s truly been centre stage. And while there have been disabled characters before, this is the first time a main character has had a debilitating injury (shown on screen) which caused them to relearn how to walk.

With the Avatar’s deity level powers, it’s easy to forget they’re also human. It’s easy to think they’ll bounce back no matter what happens.

Season 4 disproves this notion. Korra being poisoned lands her in a wheelchair and it takes her six months to even walk with the help of bars. This is the point where her humanity is on display the most. She may be the Avatar but she is also fallible. And there are devastating consequences when her mortality is revealed. Not only does Korra lose her connection to the past avatars (the only people who understand what she is going through) but she also almost ends the avatar cycle (multiple times).

And this is the point. The way I see it, the Avatar cycle needs to be reset. The Avatar is not an invulnerable being as that would defeat the very purpose of there being an Avatar. Korra’s journey illustrates the humanity required to act as a bridge between spirits and humans. Korra shows that in order to resolve conflicts more effectively, one needs to fall.

What happens to Korra is horrifying but she is strong enough to face it. Even if she cannot walk, she is surrounded by people who love her and would die for her without question. Who understand that she is also a person who deserves a good life. This is an essential lesson for Korra, who has spent her whole life believing that being the Avatar is her only purpose. She is a product of Aang’s failures. She is stubborn and rash because when she was Aang, her peaceful temperament was a detriment to her defeating the Firelord. Aang’s non-violent inclinations almost cost him the war and it created a host of problems.

Aang choosing to take away bending rather than directly removing the dangers to his society created the villains Korra fought. Korra is the opposite of Aang because she is what was needed during the 100 year war. But unfortunately, Aang created the world he wanted to be a part of. He created a world that needed non-violence and calm.

Korra only learns this after falling multiple times. Her recklessness almost costs her whole world and so she is forced to tone it down. She has to learn how to take a step back and not enter every conflict, ready to beat the crap out of anyone who opposes her. Season 4 Korra is a vastly different person to season 1 Korra who was constantly issuing challenges and begging for a fight.

Now that’s good character development.

Read more

#the legend of korra #avatar the last airbender #korra #asami #michael dante dimartino #bryan konietzko #character development #character analysis #entertainment #review #tv show recommendations

[fabeong]

My Dear Revyn - a letter goodbye(?)

Apparently 2am is the perfect time for my OC Ryesandeii and his hopeless crush on Revyn Sadri to take up space in my brain.

Enjoy this angsty letter, likely written right before Ryesandeii accepted Odahviing's offer of help to reach Alduin, knowing full well he might not return from the confrontation...

Quick shout-out and thank you here to the lovely @thana-topsy, @argisthebulwark, and @nejackdaw, all of whom are joys to see on my dashboard and whose writings are my current inspirations!

***

My dear Revyn,

I hope I am not overstepping with such an address. Over the past months you have been a source of unending joy and warm companionship for me, and not a single journey to Windhelm has been bearable let alone complete without a visit to you.

It would be at the very least rude, and at worst unforgivable, if I did not write to warn you therefore that you may not see me for a while. Or perhaps ever again.

I have spoken little of my apparent destiny as Dragonborn, or even of the effect it has had upon my already tumultuous life. Please do not think this to be a reflection of any distrust in yourself, but rather I have up until now done a shameful amount to avoid this calling and the responsibilities it brings out of little else but sheer cowardice. Perhaps there is some logic in wishing to avoid a fate that demands I face the dragon known best as ‘World-Eater’, and yet I can no longer pretend such foibles justify allowing Skyrim and all those who dwell here to suffer a worse fate than I witnessed levelled on Helgen, so long ago now.

And so I am preparing myself to face this World-Eater. If all goes well he shall never return. Whether I shall is unclear to me. But I have run from my past and my fears for too long, and if there is even the slightest of chance that I may prevent the world from meeting a terrible end then even my meagre effort must suffice.

I hope once more that I do not overstep here, and if it is so then I beg you to cast this letter into the fire and speak no more of it. But I confess the thought of saving you above all served as a final throw of the dice that has committed me to my destined cause, because if whatever sacrifice my pitiful life provides can ensure you live in a world free from endless torment and tyranny then I shall consider it worthy. I have long considered you a dear and close friend, Revyn, and were I a braver mer I would have confessed to feelings beyond friendship. I would confess how I have searched every ruin or forgotten treasure for something that could compare to even half of your beauty, only to come up with nothing capable of it. I would confess how it has long been you that brought me back to Windhelm time and time again, diverting through that bitter cold and cobbled paths to bring you whatever spoils have come my way and indulge in your company. Truly, you are a ray of the brightest sunlight and most comforting warmth in a city with dire need of such goodness.

I can do little more but apologise for my persistent cowardice, if no longer in an apparent heroic destiny than in relationships, that I never could summon these word whilst with you. If they are not something you could accept from me then I once more implore you to cast them aside guiltlessly, and will only beg that you remember me kindly. And if somehow I do return then I promise I shall return to you, and show you the decency of hearing your reply in person.

My friend Karhjo, whom you have seen with me many a time, will return to the caravan and family he travelled with before our paths crossed. I have tasked Meeko to stay with him too, but you know as well as I by now how wilful and of independent spirit that lovable mutt is, and so who among us knows where he may roam? What little else I have remains with Winterhold.

I have not prayed in a while to anyone other than Arkay. I hope he is listening, along with every other Divine and Daedra as I pray for your health, for your family, and above all for the joy you shared so generously with one who deserved it the least.

I remain in life, death, or anywhere in-between, faithfully yours.

Ryesandeii.

***

And no, I'm not sure at which point I decided Ryesandeii's writing style is that of a Regency noble on his deathbed.

#skyrim #dragonborn #revyn sadri #skyrim oc #Skyrim: Ryesandeii #skyrim fic #the elder scrolls #elder scrolls oc

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

20th March >> Mass Readings (USA)

Wednesday, Fifth Week of Lent - Proper Readings 

(see also Lazarus)

(Liturgical Colour: Violet: B (2))

First Reading Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 The Lord has sent his angel to deliver his servants.

King Nebuchadnezzar said: “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you will not serve my god, or worship the golden statue that I set up? Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments; otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace; and who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up.”

King Nebuchadnezzar’s face became livid with utter rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual and had some of the strongest men in his army bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the white-hot furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” “Assuredly, O king,” they answered. “But,” he replied, “I see four men unfettered and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God.” Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel to deliver the servants who trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

R/ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.”

R/ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.

R/ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.”

R/ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim; praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.”

R/ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.”

R/ Glory and praise for ever!

Gospel Acclamation cf. Luke 8:15

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Gospel John 8:31-42 If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.” They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!” So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[havfayth]

HEADCANONS.

jing yuan is extremely self-sacrificing, selfless to a fault and this is played all the way from his extremely compassionate side and his early role training to become a cloud knight and his environment. he is consistently told to fight for the xianzhou, even if it meant striking down the mara-struck form of his comrades. he is working as a general behind the desk despite his disinclination, even going as far as to abandoning his dream of travelling the galaxy. all for the luofu and paperwork on his desk who needed him. till the point he felt he had no choice but to deal with these trouble until fu xuan is mentally ready to take on the job.

but behind all of that, he also carried a strong form of guilt. out of five of them, only jing yuan remained to have been living mara-free ( at least for now ) and it haunts him everyday. losing his friend one by one have been silently snapping him from the inside, though he keeps his composure well on the outside to fulfill his role as a leader and bring a peace of mind to the people of luofu. everything he does, no matter how 'unreasonable' or 'low' it is, always tie to the greater good of others, his friends and for luofu. he never argued against it.

even if he went to bailu for his breathing and chest problems ( highly because of a panic attack ), he still turned his visitation to an opportunity to inquire about her wellbeing, made sure she is alright and did not accept any medicine from her. to help yanqing and fu xuan grow into the roles they aspire, he does not have time to care for his garden either.

he is ready to throw himself into the barrage of criticisms, insults or even accusations for what he feels is right for those around him - from exiling dan heng from luofu to taking responsibility for blade's escape to having yanqing to become his lieutenant. he never allowed anyone else to carry those harsh words / criticisms other than himself. he'd even take responsibility for mimi's great appetite ( even though he was swindled by the seller ), tried to find a way around himself and worsen his reputation rather than outing his beloved lion friend to the public. as long as the ones he love can live a fairer and freer life.

while he is known to have counsellors, he always ended up making decisions due to his strategic intelligence. as a headcanon, this in turn would bleed into how he behaves around his friends. making decisions on their behalf, always for the good of their personal well-being but tends to never ask for their input, where jing yuan, himself, is concerned. that is why there is no one who can truly grasp what jing yuan is or his mindset.

SPOILER LEAKS AHEAD.

however, for his friends, it goes and stretches way beyond that. he freed blade, and even his old friend dan feng from the crimes they committed, willing to take the thousand of tongue lashing from the preceptors over his choices. though he also suspects that the preceptors may have something to do with the crisis that occurred, he always picked the road to least losses even if it meant bearing responsibilities on his end and he never minded to do that. jingliu being alive might even serve to the fact that he failed to kill her as he should've. because he can't stand the idea of them having to suffer where he could use his rank to set them free.

he will never be satisfied with an outcome where he cannot minimize the losses around him and will always go to the beyond for his friends and luofu, even at the cost of himself.

on the worst case scenario, he could be on his way to developing a martyr complex.

#headcanon. / jing yuan. #my jing yuan muse is so high rn #been talking about him with pandora on discord for the past few days #alksjalkjsa #ill be more active on here soon. i have a big fic coming up.

[viridianllamasinthesilentspace]

ARE YOU READY FOR A “HAMILTON” SORTING?

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton serve as both foils and mirrors to each other throughout the play, and this holds true in their Sortings as well. They come from different places in terms of class and privilege, but their childhoods are both marked with the traumatic and tragic loss of their parents. They respond differently to this grief, however. Hamilton’s loss and uncertainty harm his Primary (his WHY) while Burr’s harm his Secondary (his HOW).

Hamilton is a Slytherin Primary, who prioritizes himself, his ambitions, and (eventually) the people he loves above all, and a Gryffindor Secondary, who achieves things with a forthrightness and loudness that both makes him enemies and encourages fellow believers to flock in his wake. Just look at Hurricane. Anyone who sees a brimming political sex scandal and says, “You know what I should do? TELL EVERYONE EVERYTHING!” —Well, they’re probably a Gryffindor Secondary.

Hamilton takes his damage to his Slytherin Primary—he “petrifies”. He cuts himself off to connection. He doesn’t do it particularly well or particularly thoroughly—Laurens and Washington slip in, and Phillip is loved fully and fearlessly by his father—but Hamilton’s general response to trauma is to step back. When Laurens dies, he throws himself into his work. An exception comes when Phillip dies, because Hamilton has grown enough and learned enough by then that he manages to turn to Eliza instead of disappearing inside himself completely.

While Hamilton does bond to his revolutionary drinking buddy trio of Mulligan, Laurens, and Lafayette, that bond is made with his Gryffindor Secondary, initially, not his still rather-charred Slytherin Primary. He likes their drive and their cause; he likes their bravery, and he wants to fight alongside them. Young Alexander—abandoned, orphaned, his town destroyed, and yet smarter than almost everyone he’s ever met—is living almost fully in his Gryffindor Secondary alone, at this point. He defines himself by the way he stands on tables, tears apart British loyalists in the street, scoffs at Burr’s caution, and how he will not throw away his shot.

There is often an inherent selfishness in how Hamilton interacts with the war, with love, and with his work. This is about glory; this is about legacy. Don’t be surprised when your history books mention me. He interacts with the world most fully with his Gryffindor Secondary’s brash volume, certainty, and leadership; but he is still driven by the death-obsessed ambition of his Primary, of an orphan kid who never expected to live past twenty.

Burr, however— Well, he can keep all of Georgia. Theodosia, she’s mine. Burr, like Hamilton, is a Slytherin Primary, but losing his family has not injured his belief in or comfort with those he loves, like the Theodosias, or dampened his desire for bonding with them. He still puts his Theodosias, and his own success, above all else. His methods, though, are nearly absent: He is waiting for it.

Love doesn’t discriminate between the sinners and the saints. It takes, and it takes, and it takes. And we keep loving anyway. Burr comprehends, deeply, the chaotic, unfair, and destructive nature of life, love, and death. But unlike Hamilton, it doesn’t make him afraid of bonding, loving, or committing. It makes Burr afraid of acting.

While Hamilton has “burned” his Primary, Burr has burnt his Secondary. Where Hamilton’s early losses have made him wary of investing in people with his Slytherin Primary, Burr’s early losses made him wary of acting, of claiming any Secondary at all. When Hamilton thrives and succeeds on the certainty and brashness of his Gryffindor Secondary, Burr, confused and jealous, watches Alexander rise and tells himself that he is content to “wait for it”. 

Burr recommends caution, keeping your cards close to your chest; he is afraid to invest in action in the same way Alexander takes so long to truly invest in Eliza. Hamilton chooses to live nearly fully in just the part of himself that acts, whereas Burr decides, instead, to divorce from him that part of himself. This inherent mismatch between them is one of the places that leads to their lifelong nonunderstanding of each other and their eventual deadly conflict.

Laurens, lovely Gryff/Gryff, is the one who begins the “rise up” part of My Shot. Laurens and Lafayette are here for the fight, for the cause; and the way they talk about the war shows that. Tell your brother that he’s gotta rise up.

Mulligan and Hamilton are just as invested in the fight—both willing to fight and die for a cause technically outside themselves—but for different reasons. We sort Mulligan as a Slytherin Primary as well: I’m the joining the rebellion ’cause I know it’s my chance to socially advance instead of sewing some pants. 

Hamilton’s repeated crowd-raiser is Hey, yo, I’m just like my country—I’m young, scrappy, and hungry. He invests in the fight by making it about himself; about the ways his country is him; about what this fight will do for him. He makes it personal. Hamilton still genuinely cares about the fight. He fights tooth and nail for Washington, for the fledgling America, for manumission, for his bank and the foundations of this new nation. But Slytherins can do that! Having your first priorities be yourself and those you love doesn’t keep you from caring, deeply and broadly, about right and wrong, about freedom, financial systems, and victory.

Hamilton cares about the new nation he helped found because it is his: because it is where he lives; because it gave him a chance; because it is what he will leave to his children. He and Burr, as Slytherin Primaries both particularly devoted to their children, touch on this in Dear Theodosia: You will come of age with our young nation. We’ll bleed and fight for you. We’ll make it right for you. If we lay a strong enough foundation, we’ll pass it on to you.

Laurens, through the abolitionist fervor and Gryffindor Secondaries they share, and Washington, in his position of commander and mentor, are the first to start to slip through the cracks in Alexander’s traumatized Slytherin Primary. Both of them sneak in via his Gryffindor’s drive and fight—every day is a test of our camaraderie and bravery, as Laurens tells us.

Eliza knows where she stands here, even if she wishes for more. When she wants Alexander to come home, she doesn’t write to him; she writes to General Washington. I knew you’d fight until the war was won. With a childhood of hardship and losses that makes him guarded and self-focused, Hamilton is still prioritizing his own fight and his own glory over most other things.

It is Phillip who breaks through this fully. In Yorktown, Alexander begins his repeated theme of ‘I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory’—only to have that interrupted by a callback to Eliza’s That Would Be Enough: Then I remember my Eliza’s expecting me. Not only that, my Eliza’s expecting! We gotta go, gotta get the job done; gotta start a new nation; gotta meet my son! His thirst for glory and death is finally drowned out (if somewhat momentarily) by the promise of his son’s life. It is Phillip, too, who is what can pull him out of his work (again, only momentarily) in Take a Break. It is Phillip’s little rap which fully brings Alexander into delighted life here: Hey, our kid is pretty great. Angelica and Eliza cannot convince him to come upstate; Eliza can barely convince him to come to dinner on time, but it is undeniable that this man loves his son. And interestingly, it is Phillip’s death which drives Alexander to finally see, and love, and turn to Eliza fully for the very first time in It’s Quiet Uptown.

Eliza, too, is a Slytherin Primary. She is every bit as ambitious and driven as the louder Slytherin souls of Alexander, Burr, and Angelica. But she wants Alexander (the boy is mine!), and her ambitions are quiet, domestic, and certain: We don’t need a legacy. We don’t need money. If I could grant you peace of mind, if you could let me inside your heart…that would be enough.

Eliza is a Foundational Secondary in a play whose plot often turns on the decisions of Improvisational Secondaries (brave Gryffindor, flexible Slytherin). “Foundational” Secondaries are the builders, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, who earn things by working slowly and smartly and capably, and not giving up. Hufflepuffs build things out of work ethic, reputation, kindnesses, or reliability. There are many flavors of Puff Secondary, but the word “dependable” often lurks at the bottom of them. —“Stubborn”, too.

(Ravenclaw [Secondaries], in contrast, are collectors, learners, hoarders; they collect skills, knowledge, and even power, building systems or resources they can use, whereas Hufflepuff Secondaries tend to build systems or resources they can rely on.)

Eliza is reliable, a Hufflepuff Secondary and a particularly subtle one. The gifts she wants to give Hamilton are peace of mind and to be a part of his narrative. She spends her fifty years after his death building his legacy with a capable, consistent, and loving hand. She speaks to every soldier who fought with him; tries to make sense of all his thousands of pages of writing: When my time is up, have I done enough?

Eliza’s sister, Angelica, is one of the most beautiful Slytherin Primaries we’ve seen in years. She loves Eliza more than anything in this life and she will choose her sister’s happiness over her own, every time. (Including her romantic interest, which is rare and beautiful.) Angelica knows what she wants, goes after what she wants (The Schuyler Sisters), but at the end of the day, she will always put her loved ones first.

Alexander has not been prioritizing Eliza, despite his sweet promises in Helpless. There’s argument that those were not deeply meant; Hamilton has long been prioritizing himself, his legacy, and his fight above his wife. Angelica’s confrontation with Alexander after The Reynolds Pamphlet, especially if you include the cut material from the song Congratulations, is one of two Slytherin Primaries who love the same woman—and one who is disgusted with the poor way the other has been living up to that love. 

In Congratulations, Angelica lays Alexander out. She recognizes the Slytherin in Alexander, and Eliza is so deeply enmeshed in Angelica’s priorities that she demands Alexander live up to that, too. Eliza is the best thing in our lives, so never lose sight of the fact that you have been blessed with the best wife!  

One of Eliza’s recurring lines is a wish that Hamilton would let her into his heart. He hasn’t, and he doesn’t fully until It’s Quiet Uptown. (When we hit Best of Wives and Best of Women, she’s fully in [his heart], and his is the warm love of a Slytherin Primary, and yes, everyone please cry now.)

Angelica is a Slytherin Secondary as well as a Slytherin Primary: I romanticize what might have been if I hadn’t sized him up so quickly. Angelica laments here that she sized up Hamilton and the situation with Eliza too quickly; her swift reading and analysis of the scene is the reactive assessment of a Slytherin Secondary. Slytherin is the cunning House: the adapter, the slitherer, and the improviser. This can give you characters who run on slime and ooze or ones like caustic, casual, and capable Jefferson; but also adaptive, quick, and clever ones, like Angelica, who makes calls before she even realizes what she’s realized. 

Angelica’s intentions to achieve political change by influencing the influential are clear from her first song: And when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’mma compel him to include women in the sequel. This approach demonstrates both her awareness of her status as a woman in this society (I’m a girl in a world in which my only job is to marry rich; my father has no sons, so I’m the one who has to social climb, for one), and her intent to be opportunistic and effective with the power that she does hold.

Our other major Slytherin Secondary in the show is Daveed Diggs’s masterful Thomas Jefferson, who jazzes onto the stage in the second act. Got my first cabinet meeting today, guess I better think of something to say. Jefferson is sharp and clever, an improviser at heart, which is a handy characterization in a musical that borrows so much from a culture and tradition of freestyle rap. His Slytherin Secondary is one of the few things that can go toe-to-toe with Hamilton’s brilliant—and equally improvisational—Gryffindor Secondary.

We don’t get too much of Jefferson’s Primary, but from his somewhat aloof stability, his adaptability, and his idealistic commitment to the promises the young USA had made to Lafayette and France, we’re erring towards a Ravenclaw Primary for him.

No strong opinions on Madison over here (other than his voice is astounding). Foundational (Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw) Secondary, probably? Hufflepuff Primary?

The quick wits and fast-talking of “Hamilton” lend well to a wealth of Improvisational Secondaries: the transformative, creative Slytherin Secondary (Jefferson, Angelica) and the brash, inspirational Gryffindor Secondary (Hamilton, Laurens, Mulligan). Even Burr at least pretends to have them; he “performs” a sort of Slytherin Secondary-thing as his cautious, shifty Act One self, and then in Act Two, Burr adopts a Gryffindor Secondary performance that he borrowed from Hamilton—which Hamilton promptly and publicly refutes (The Election of 1800).

Eliza is one of our major examples of a nice, steady Hufflepuff Secondary: She is certain and patient in what she wants, and she will work at it until the end of her days (Paciencia y fe, anyone?). But our other major Hufflepuff Secondary is George Washington. While he has a great admiration and trust in the forthrightness of Hamilton’s Gryffindor (and occasionally a great deal of long-suffering headaches, too, I’m sure), Washington himself rocks a gritty Hufflepuff Secondary that carries much of the war on its determined back.

Washington will not give up. He will work till it’s done. He will do his duty. Unlike Hamilton, Washington does not feel obligated to wear his opinions on his sleeve; indeed, if anything, Washington feels a great and pressing need to keep to himself, to think of posterity (Can I be real a second? For just a millisecond? Let down my guard and tell the people how I feel a second?). History has its eyes on him—and he knows it.

It’s not a universal truth, but there is a markèd tendency for Hufflepuff Secondaries to put a greater stock, focus, and awareness on reputation. A consistency of work and purpose—and the powers and effects of the reputation that comes with that (as well as the results of the work)—are a major part of the strength of a Hufflepuff Secondary. Eliza and Washington are the two characters with both the most self-awareness and the most awareness of their place in the historical narrative.

Washington, tempered by his disastrous early attempts at war and his concern for posterity (History Has Its Eyes on You), is one of the harder Primaries to pin down. We think he’s a Hufflepuff Primary, hid a bit under the Gryffindor-smelling trappings of someone in an effective leadership position. He puts such a strong emphasis on group cohesion, on responding to Alexander’s “I’s” and “you’s” with “we’s”.  ‘The nation’ is something he wants to be part of, perhaps even more than something he believes in. When he’s setting up his cabinet in Non-Stop, he explains it as “The people are asking me to lead. I’m doing the best I can.” This is about people and about duty, not about right and wrong.

Washington’s a tough Sort because he’s one of the more careful characters in the play when it comes to presentation to the audience—Burr, of course, is massively careful in his presentation to the world, but songs like Wait for It and The Room Where It Happens mean we humble listeners feel like we know him pretty well by the end of it all. Washington plays it a little closer to the chest… Burr, didn’t you know History would have its eyes on you? Well, Tumblr has, anyway…

TL;DR

Hamilton, Burr, Eliza, Angelica, and Mulligan share ambitious and loyal Slytherin Primaries (well, Hamilton’s is a bit charred around the edges, but wouldn’t you be, after his life?). (Also, Lin-Manuel, yes, we completely believe you’re a Slytherin, goodness gracious. You write them beautifully.) 

Laurens and Lafayette are Gryffindor Primaries. Washington is a Hufflepuff Primary.

Laurens and Mulligan (I NEED NO INTRODUCTION!) both share Hamilton’s charging Gryffindor Secondary, while Washington is as steady a Puff Secondary as Eliza.

Burr, despite a hale and hearty and loving Slytherin Primary at his core, is as damaged by his losses and life as Hamilton, who for so long stays so wary of really bonding himself to the people around him (or, honestly, living in general). But Burr took that damage to his Secondary instead; he has chosen to wait and not act. (He has, perhaps, the last vestiges of a Hufflepuff Secondary, but too wary to really invest in anything?)

Jefferson is our lone Ravenclaw Primary (probably?), but he shares Angelica’s quick and powerful Slytherin Secondary.

#shc repost #not my sorting #i would Sort hamilton as an R2 and burr as an S2 #a burnt S2 yes #but an S2

[thirtecnth]

(Hamish Linklater) THE PROPHET. Please welcome FATHER JACOB KARRAS (HE/HIM) to Huntsville, WV. They are a 45-year-old RESIDENT who lives in TOWN. You may see them around working as a PRIEST AT HUNTSVILLE CHAPEL. Poor unfortunate soul. We’ll see if they survive.

( *tw - religious trauma, pregnancy mention )

GENERAL

FULL NAME: Jacob Arthur Karras NICKNAMES: Jake, Father Jacob, Mr. Karras AGE: 45 years old DATE OF BIRTH: May 30th SEXUALITY: Straight Questioning STATUS: Gatherer

APPEARANCE

HEIGHT: 6′ 4″ HAIR: Black EYE COLOR: Brown

BACKGROUND

HOMETOWN: Huntsville, West Virginia INCOME STATUS: Lower Class FATHER: Damien Karras (deceased) MOTHER: Greta Karras (deceased) SIBLINGS: N/A SIGNIFICANT OTHER: N/A HOBBIES: Hiking, Gardening, Reading, Running, Wine, Carpentry

TRAITS

[+] Empathetic, Passionate, Protective [-] Withdrawn, Dishonest, Martyr

STORY POINTS

Jacob had a relatively normal childhood for someone in such a religious household. His parents were rather strict, but they tried their best-- it just took them being gone for him to realize it.

He grew up alongside Cabell McCay as childhood friends, someone of a different religion than his own, but gave him a better appreciation for others. They have remained good friends since.

On a seemingly random day, he was hit by a car while riding his bike to school and fell over the hood. His bike was done for, though he was left with only scratches... It was from that moment on that he believed he had a true calling from God.

As he became a teenager, he understood what it would take to become a priest, (or rather what he would have to give up), but he had a grand passion for God. He would do what it took to serve and made a commitment to remain pure.

It was all so easy until he fell in love with one of his childhood friends. He knew he could never have her, he had made a commitment to God and she had made a commitment to her boyfriend, but the last night he was in town before leaving for his education-- Things happened.

When he returned years later, he was almost heartbroken to find that the girl he loved so dearly was not only married now, but that she had a child... A child of the age of 8... Strange.

She said the child wasn't his and he chose never to speak of it. But that didn't mean he didn't have nightmares about how he believed the child looked more and more like him every day.

Regardless, he continued with his teachings and prepared lessons to prep for an eventual spot as the successor of the church... But then the storm happened.

Jacob was one of the first to offer the place of worship as a place to take refuge. He accepted all people and would be damned if anyone was left without a place to stay in this situation, but he was entirely lost on how to lead the church when such an unprecedented evil was afoot.

It took a very quick conversation between the two of them left to conclude that Absinthe should lead everyone over him. He was far more qualified in Jacob's opinion and with that, he would assist and help preach.

In the beginning, attendance was lower than it ever had been-- but he didn't take it personally. His faith had been tested as well when his parents had been torn to pieces in their own home. They had just refused to use any other symbol outside their door but the cross.

He came to the conclusion that God was finally punishing the town for their sins. Taking the good with him on the way out in the form of a rapture. That was why the cross hadn't protected his parents. Because the monsters must've been some kind of rapture angels.

This opinion changed in private discussions with Absinthe and inner thought. When new life kept occurring in Huntsville, he figured it could be the opposite... That these truly were creatures sent from Hell and they were there to help protect the people of Huntsville.

In the years since, Jacob has become a much more progressive priest. He was already very accepting of everyone, but he has very much settled into the belief that they were living in unprecedented times-- that called for kindness, acceptance, and understanding.

Today, Jacob still helps the needy and is one of the first to welcome new visitors with information. He offers guidance to those who seek it and never judges those who reject his faith. He would still throw himself at the danger before he allowed anyone to be in pain... Jacob only wishes he could get them all out.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

1. The One that Got Away: She might still go to the church, she might not. Either way, the connection might still be there beneath all the tension of their situation... If not, she might just miss the friendship they once had.

2. The Child: They would be around 27 at this point. Do they know the truth? Is there even a truth to find out? And what of their connection at all... They might try to see Jacob or be curious about him because of the pictures of her mother and him that the older woman had tried to hide away.

3. Childhood Friends: He's been in town for quite some time. It wouldn't be surprising that he had some friends still around! He always tried to be a friendly face to others.

4. Lost Souls: Maybe he sees them regularly to discuss addictions or immoral behavior... Or maybe they've just been discussing these things for years. Whatever the situation, he's there to listen. Even if they're not religious.

5. Gossips: He's annoyed by them and all their news around town. Pretending they "know the truth" doesn't mean anything to him. He's never lied in his life... And even if he had, they shouldn't know about it.

…More to come, I’m sure!

#jacob karras. #jacob karras. / intro #huntsvilleintro

[miqojak]

What’s their love languages? / What’s something that reminds them of their partner(s)? Do they have anything on them daily as a reminder (a photo, phone background, tattoo, clothing/accessory, etc)?

OC Ship Asks

@irisopranta for also asking the second one!

(( In which I gush about the effects @throneoflevin 's Ketsuchi has had on Jak over the years! ))

Her love language is, perhaps shockingly, acts of service! A good bit of it is cultural, and how doting she saw her parents being with each other (I'm sick of seeing negative representations of Seeker life!) - but her tribe really valued everyone pitching in, and taking care of one another! Life in the desert is rough - so true care is taking that time and effort you could use for yourself/your own survival, and giving it to your family/those who matter most!

There's also the fact that she is a rather selfish person these days, who doesn't care how her words or actions affect others - she is who she is, and fuck what others think! So... what's more telling than an egotistical, powerful person being willing to serve another, to show their devotion? Caring what that person thinks, and going out of your way to do for them - something you wouldn't do for anyone else. She's never really understood (romantic) love, never really believed in it! And while neither she nor her partner will say the L word, nor even truly call what they have dating... they are both powerful, action-oriented people easily intimidated by the perceived finality/vulnerability that words feel like they bring (she also thinks he would feel like he's betraying his dead wife if he said he loved Jak, but she's okay with that - she never expected anyone to love her, so it's already mind-blowing to her that he cares about her!).

All that said, behind closed doors she loves to cook for him... and given that she loves hot baths? She adores long, hot baths with her 'Wolf' - and bathing him! It's not even about sex so much (initially) as it is the intimacy of washing this person to whom she has given herself, and being vulnerable - showing him that she's putting him first, and listening to him, and valuing him... as much as she values herself, if not more. They've actually verbally agreed that their actions say everything to one another that they need to know!

As for the reminder of him? That came about once they stopped posturing and fighting so much, and really sort of committed to genuinely letting their walls down for one another - not only did she give him a key to her home... but she got a tattoo that represents a nickname he gave her (a once sort of mean-spirited tease that's become a 'pet name' now really xD) - of a robin! It's a watercolor robin in flight, under her left breast, across her rib cage! And a fun secret about her tats is that they all represent a facet of herself! So it was MASSIVE that she put something permanent on her body, for one, that's out of affection and devotion to another person; it's HUGE because she railed against this moniker for so long; it's mind-blowing, really, because that... to her, is...almost like admitting to a measure of 'control' that someone else has in her life, it's admitting that the 'Little Robin' is, in fact, a facet of her, and a facet of her that's just for him. And an even more fun fact about it all is that her sketchbook is essential to her, and the only people that tend to end up in it are ones that are important to her - and perhaps most notably, she never uses color...except on his portraits, where she colors his eyes. Also notable is that none of her tattoos have color... except that robin. I don't think she knows how to articulate it, but he... brings color to an otherwise unbearably droll existence. He... gave her reasons to fight. Reasons to live... when she had none. So yes - she quite literally carries him close to her heart, his influence imprinted in her flesh not just in levin scarring, but in her own acknowledgement of his impact/influence. (Though that is all very sweet, if it were phrased that way to her, she'd probably roll her eyes at the romanticized language used, lol)

#thanks for asking! #ffxiv rp #miqo'te #ffxiv #[The Jackal and the Wolf] #he's also one of the best rp partners and friends I've had! <3 #and is in fact the best of who I've met in XIV #I am so grateful that he reached out to me back in 2019 #this took me hours to write tbh #sorry it's so long

[technocipher]

Karen Travers is most certainly a man well-accustomed to pain. Each failure served to contribute more and more into his already overwhelming grief. The sheer weight of his duty, stretched across innumerable timelines, aided in mentally destroying him -- more than he already had been. He could never be entirely certain if Luka was happier with his absence, either.

But there appears to be a much deeper aspect of pain locked within Karen. The DLC mentions that he was sold to the government for their illicit experiments, a treatment Luka was likely subjected to as well. The shame of siring duds seemed to be too much for their father to bear. He had to make them normal in some fashion -- anything would be better than what he had.

This kind of parental rejection is excruciating to bear as a child. It will remain with you for a lifetime. Across several, it is likely magnified. To have to relive it a thousand times over must have driven Karen to the brink of madness. Perhaps even he was unsure about it. Perhaps he buried it all the same -- it isn't as if he had any other choice.

Not much is truly stated of the Travers' home life before the OSF, but it was not a healthy one. There are strong implications of abuse in the scant details given. For one, we don't know just how prominent the Travers patriarch was during the boys' childhood. He was likely prone to committing physical violence, if Karen's unusually high pain tolerance is anything to go by. The Travers family patriarch was also likely to be quite verbally and emotionally abusive. In a military organization like the OSF, why, it's not all that different from home -- the top brass and drill sergeants don't seem to be too dissimilar.

Karen's distance and aloofness very much appear to be a defense mechanism. For him to act out so frequently in basic training, to receive as many write-ups as he did, speaks volumes about what his home life had been. Perhaps it was a way to assert dominance... or perhaps he was daring them to strike. With his then-newly implanted abilities, the sky was the limit, wasn't it? He wasn't quite able to protect himself and Luka... but now, he could.

Even Luka's obsession with working out has much to do with his terrible home life. It is a more passive defense mechanism compared to his brother's; constant exercise aids to combat the throes of depression. It also contributes to physical strength... but, every time he looks in the mirror, what does he see? A child who can't even defend himself? Can Luka ever allow himself to let his guard down?

Any inkling of abuse occurring in the Travers household was kept under wraps. If the Travers patriarch was a man of high standing, then he likely had a network of close friends reporting on any "negative criticism". Karen may have been too afraid to discuss the truth with Fubuki and Alice. His inclination towards stoicism aided to mask any hurt he felt. At the same time, it served to harm Karen further, locking all his pain deeper within. It's little wonder that Karen speaks through his eyes -- eyes that are a window into a tormented soul.

How often had Karen craved to speak out and loosen his burdens, only for the familiar wave of terror to silence such a wish? Did he watch Fubuki with envy twisting his insides, bitter about a freedom long since denied? ... Would Fubuki even care? Did Karen prefer the loneliness of solitude, rather than endure the shame?

It's easier to keep other people at arms' length. Most of the time, they're too self absorbed to care about anyone other than themselves. Even if they seem safe enough, few -- if any -- can be trusted. Tell someone a secret, and the next day it will be the talk of the town. Talk about yourself and the things you really want, and someone else will run roughshod over you -- you're just a dud. You're not worth the attention. You might have artificially gifted powers, sure, but give the public an inch and they'll be quick to remind you of your worthlessness. But they sure love to grand-stand about the other fun issues! To remain closed off is to be safe; no one can hurt you if they don't know where to make you bleed.

Not to mention, the experimentation itself must have been excruciating. Merely tampering with the brain causes all sorts of horrid side effects. Brain Eater, if it's even a naturally-occurring power -- highly doubtful, given New Himuka's fondness for clandestine research -- is quite a volatile power. Perhaps it's even unstable. Early usage of the power may have sent Karen into severe convulsions. Maybe even vomiting, foaming at the mouth from the sheer, inescapable agony, with his arms and legs splaying bonelessly. Karen may have had to train his already high pain tolerance into something astronomical. It isn't as if anyone ever cared to check on him. There were were likely no objections from his immediate family when he was sold off and subsequently handed over to the OSF.

As a Septentrion of high standing, it must be even worse for him. With so many eyes upon him, Karen has to bury any modicum of weakness. The pressure crushes him tenfold. He has to overtax his brain for the sake of the OSF. How much worse are his seizures? How often has Karen been forced to drag his uncooperative limbs to a more secluded section of the battlefield, desperate to keep his suffering clear of prying eyes? Has he ever been forced to push it down in front of his platoon, even as the spasms gradually worsen? When he's found an isolated spot, does he ever allow himself to ever be completely vulnerable? He may not even permit himself that -- for all he knows, someone could have followed him. It doesn't take much to tempt an opportunity for blackmail. He may never feel safe enough to be completely vulnerable.

It doesn't seem to be often remarked upon, but Karen is extremely expressive. His eyes and body language are very meticulously arranged and animated. He may not be speaking in a conventional manner, but he is speaking, nonetheless. When irritation, defiance, and anger are not at the forefront, there is a notable sorrow. A silent pleading, even. The rare times when he is at his most vulnerable is when it is the most blatant. It seems to add to the tragedy of his character, in the end. Karen carries far more pain than what the plot completely touches upon... as quietly as he can manage. Did he ever have any other choice?

#scarlet nexus #karen travers #character analysis #he may not be overly vocal about it #but his body language all but screams it #it really is tragic #the man needs a damn hug #abuse cw #at your own peril #archival rewrite #should flow way better than it did initially #welcome to my writing #it's a mess #but it's my mess

[ongole]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Wed Mar 20th, 2024 ... Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent, Year B

Reading 1

_________________

Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95

King Nebuchadnezzar said:

"Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

that you will not serve my god,

or worship the golden statue that I set up?

Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made,

whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet,

flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe,

and all the other musical instruments;

otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace;

and who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?"

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar,

"There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you

in this matter.

If our God, whom we serve,

can save us from the white-hot furnace

and from your hands, O king, may he save us!

But even if he will not, know, O king,

that we will not serve your god

or worship the golden statue that you set up."

King Nebuchadnezzar's face became livid with utter rage

against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual

and had some of the strongest men in his army

bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

and cast them into the white-hot furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles,

"Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?"

"Assuredly, O king," they answered.

"But," he replied, "I see four men unfettered and unhurt,

walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God."

Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed,

"Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

who sent his angel to deliver the servants who trusted in him;

they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies

rather than serve or worship any god

except their own God."

Responsorial Psalm

_________________

Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

R. (52b) Glory and praise for ever!

"Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,

praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;

And blessed is your holy and glorious name,

praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages."

R. Glory and praise for ever!

"Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory,

praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

"Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom,

praiseworthy and exalted above all forever."

R. Glory and praise for ever!

"Blessed are you who look into the depths

from your throne upon the cherubim;

praiseworthy and exalted above all forever."

R. Glory and praise for ever!

"Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven,

praiseworthy and glorious forever."

R. Glory and praise for ever!

Verse Before the Gospel

________________

See Lk 8:15

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart

and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Gospel

_________

Jn 8:31-42

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him,

"If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham

and have never been enslaved to anyone.

How can you say, 'You will become free'?"

Jesus answered them, "Amen, amen, I say to you,

everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.

A slave does not remain in a household forever,

but a son always remains.

So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.

I know that you are descendants of Abraham.

But you are trying to kill me,

because my word has no room among you.

I tell you what I have seen in the Father's presence;

then do what you have heard from the Father."

They answered and said to him, "Our father is Abraham."

Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children,

you would be doing the works of Abraham.

But now you are trying to kill me,

a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God;

Abraham did not do this.

You are doing the works of your father!"

So they said to him, "We were not born of fornication.

We have one Father, God."

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me,

for I came from God and am here;

I did not come on my own, but he sent me."

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

What did those Jews that believed in him hear when Jesus said, the truth will set you free?

Their response implies they were not listening.  They heard Jesus’ words but were so focused on defending their position that there was no room for his word.  Jesus did not question their heritage (I know you are descendants of Abraham).  He questioned their understanding of faith, reminding them that Abraham did not try to kill God’s messengers.  Abraham listened and then demonstrated unconditional faith.  Rather than trying to kill him, if Jesus’ audience heard him, they would have recognized his prophetic voice and, like their ancestor Abraham, they would have trusted the message Jesus brought from God.         

Throughout this discourse, Jesus offers a redefinition of freedom.  It is much more than freedom from physical slavery.  I hear Jesus imploring his audience to release their preconceived understanding with two statements.  First, Jesus says everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin, and second, he invites them to see him as the Son, sharing the Father’s Word.  But his audience continues to resist, refusing to make room in their hearts and minds for his teachings.  The reading ends with one last attempt by Jesus to help them realize he is acting on behalf of God when he says, I came from God and am here.  I did not come on my own, but he sent me. 

I can look at this reading and wonder why it was so difficult for the Jews to see Jesus and accept his invitation to be forgiven and granted true freedom.  But I, too, can fall into a similar trap, stuck in my vision of how the world should be, which then blinds me to see and hear how God never ceases to transform and gently invite all of creation into a deeper relationship with Him.  I can be more attentive to God’s presence through the daily Examen prayer.  I can ask for the grace of an open mind and heart.  I can seek to quiet my inner voice, make room for His Word, and be more attentive to how God chooses to show up rather than blinded by how I think He should show up.    

Reflection for today:  How did I make room within myself today for God, and in doing so, how did God surprise me today?    

All praise and glory to God forever.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Salvator of Hortar

(1520 – March 18, 1567)

Saint Salvator of Horta’s Story

A reputation for holiness does have some drawbacks. Public recognition can be a nuisance at times—as the confreres of Salvator found out.

Salvator was born during Spain’s Golden Age. Art, politics, and wealth were flourishing. So was religion. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus in 1540.

Salvator’s parents were poor. At the age of 21, he entered the Franciscans as a brother and was soon known for his asceticism, humility, and simplicity. As cook, porter, and later the official beggar for the friars in Tortosa, he became well known for his charity. He healed the sick with the Sign of the Cross. When crowds of sick people began coming to the friary to see Salvator, the friars transferred him to Horta. Again, the sick flocked to ask his intercession; one person estimated that 2,000 people a week came to see Salvator. He told them to examine their consciences, go to confession, and to receive Holy Communion worthily. He refused to pray for those who would not receive those sacraments.

The public attention given to Salvator was relentless. The crowds would sometimes tear off pieces of his habit as relics. Two years before his death, Salvator was moved again, this time to Cagliari on the island of Sardinia. He died at Cagliari saying, “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” He was canonized in 1938. The liturgical feast of Saint Salvator of Horta is celebrated on March 18.

Reflection

_________

Medical science is now seeing more clearly the relation of some diseases to one’s emotional and spiritual life. In Healing Life’s Hurts, Matthew and Dennis Linn report that sometimes people experience relief from illness only when they have decided to forgive others. Salvator prayed that people might be healed, and many were. Surely not all diseases can be treated this way; medical help should not be abandoned. But notice that Salvator urged his petitioners to reestablish their priorities in life before they asked for healing. 

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: [phone] .. Whatsapp】

#fundraiser #emergency #aid #homeless #please help if you can #donate #donation #fundraising #motivation #nonprofits

[anthonybialy]

Booting the Softest Reboot

The end of this year’s elections means next year’s races have begun.  If you’re sick of ceaseless politics, vote to get them out of your life.  That’d ideally only happen once, but maintaining freedoms is a constant process.   On that note, feel free to walk away from a letdown of a blowhard unless fealty to defeat is worth keeping as the party’s core belief.

Everything’s going great aside from all the stuff.  Rampant theft despite nobody being able to buy anything constitutes the Democratic miracle.  The only one who can afford their wish list is Hamas.  The White House doing everything they can to help Iran resembles their unflagging commitment to giving illegal immigrants endless quasi-legal benefits.  By contrast, law-abiding Americans are the executive’s enemies.

Next year’s majorities should be easy to capture while running in flip-flops.  Only Republicans could screw it up, which means it’s entirely possible.  Losing winnable contests is a basic way to show contempt for government.  But it would be even better to win and dismantle.

Losing over principles is a win for consciences.  Take wanting babies to make it out.  Smug preening from people who have been born about Ohio allowing the continued pre-emption of life resembles slavery fans celebrating the Kansas-Nebraska Act.  Hoping science pairs with basic morality to prevail continues despite prosaically malevolent earthly setbacks.  

Other races saw calculating about winning turn to losing. Results were super otherwise. Anyone who truly believes in markets should feel free to offer a better alternative than the worst.  As for the present ghastly monopoly, the sole alternative already consistently fails to beat Democrats in the 2020s because of being dragged down by someone who claims it never happens to him.  Winning is all that matters, according to a faction that can’t beat the party responsible for worthless money.

Failures hate everyone else noticing patterns.  Donald Trump-endorsed candidates just happened to lag behind those free of the all-time conman’s taint in the same states.  Genius conspiracy theorists who serve as voluntary informal interns think a consistent unfortunate result means the ballots must have been subjected to tampering by demons who don’t want America to be made great.  The only way self-proclaimed successes can fail is if the officials cheat.  The former’s allegation offers sufficient evidence to them.

There’s always an excuse from the very responsible CEO.  Still, some disloyal losers insist on claiming Trump’s entire persona flaunts the opposite of leadership for humans in general and reality game show hosts who become politicians in particular.  Confidence leads to everything except results.

Thinking an election win is a success itself is a Biden-level delusion.  You may have noticed for decades that Trump is a drag on success, which somehow surprises marks who still haven’t figured out their muscular hero sells his image of being awesome instead of actually doing anything awesome.  Three-card monte is also a scam, while we’re at it.  Play with unused bits from his board game.

Trump flunkies are so fanatical that they could endure his term and still want another.  Presuming it’ll happen again is as presumptuous as expecting his check.  The most committed diehards would rather see Republicans lose if it means someone from their nasty clan doesn’t win.  Persistent MAGA flunkies manage to make both happen.

Joe Biden is so atrocious at his job that it makes his predecessor look competent by comparison.  Fuel was relatively affordable the term before.  But inflicting relatively less awfulness isn’t quite inspirational, especially when the key to a low price per gallon is doing nothing.  Trump was at best a Clinton-style buffoon who claims victory in any area that thrived because he didn’t manage to meddle.  That’s far from the only thing he shares in common with his sleazy counterparts in the rival group to which he once belonged.

Running Trump against Biden will be like Groundhog Day where nobody used time being stuck to learn to be better.  This story features the flattest arc possible.  Bold political theorists speak of other choices.  There may be a third individual capable of winning the presidency, or perhaps even more.  Hannity-style thinking leads to seeing only binary options.  Respect his mentality and change the channel.

Even more unfathomable debt would be just the start of the worst Grover Cleveland soft reboot.  Trump-aligned candidates flaming out offers a preview of a most unwelcome sequel that could still blessedly get canceled.

If primary voters stick with the most unoriginal idea possible, brace for either losing to an all-time terrible president who’ll serve into his mid-80s or win and have another obnoxious term into his early 80s before setting up another dreadful Democratic followup.  Choosing the style of Purgatory is about as fun as deciding what Trump hotel to stay in at Atlantic City.  Thankfully, prospective patrons decided the embodying symbol of phoniness did not deserve their business.  Primary voters should finally take a hint.

Age is the least worst problem with two geezers who’ve served as resentful black holes for decades.  A win will be a loss, which is confusing to a figurehead who bases his entire reputation around triumphing without context and despite already losing to Joe freaking Biden.

It’s time for Republicans to make a decision about who they are, which should mean choosing who they are not with.  Either find candidates who agree that seizing your money to spend on your behalf sucks or stick with a hateful clique who insists they’ll only back the equivalent of an older relative on Facebook who shares a scam giveaway for a free Red Lobster gift card.  You don’t have to keep living with despair despite what those who want to boss you around claim.

The utter phoniness has been clear for decades.  It didn’t take a term to verify, although we may as well use the excruciating evidence.  Sticking with Trump in 2024 would be like him hanging out with Marla Maples.  Like planting a tree, the best time to abandon the real fake was when he failed at selling football to Americans.  The second-best time is now.

#Donald Trump #Joe Biden #president #2023 elections #2024 elections #elections

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of  Wenesday, March 28, 2023

Reading 1

DN 3:14-20, 91-92, 95

King Nebuchadnezzar said: “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you will not serve my god, or worship the golden statue that I set up? Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments; otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace; and who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up.”

King Nebuchadnezzar’s face became livid with utter rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual and had some of the strongest men in his army bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the white-hot furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” “Assuredly, O king,” they answered. “But,” he replied, “I see four men unfettered and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God.” Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel to deliver the servants who trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

Responsorial Psalm

DANIEL 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

R./ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.” R./ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. R./ Glory and praise for ever!

"Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” R./ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim; praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” R./ Glory and praise for ever!

“Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.” R./ Glory and praise for ever!

Gospel

JN 8:31-42

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone.  How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains.  So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you.  I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.”

They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.”  Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham.  But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!” So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication.  We have one Father, God.”  Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”