#was thinking about the line ''one son who wants the throne too much and another who will not take it'' and I--

[trappolia]

PUT ALL YOUR FAULTS TO BED (YOU CAN BE KING AGAIN)── leona kingscholar x gn!reader, 1.1k

some days, leona thinks about what the word king means to him and how it links back to you.

contrary to popular belief, he does not so easily forget the whispers of rumours behind his back; though, loathe as he is to admit, leona knows that some are less rumour and more truth, no matter how spiteful. he is a prince, after all, and not some spoiled rotten child who's had compliments fed to him on a golden spoon.

leona knows, better than anyone, that you deserve more than him.

he’s well aware of the fact that many perceive him as lazy, irritable and intimidating, and that is only saying the least. the perfect example of a student who has had to repeat a year way too many times, who is probably still in the world’s greatest magical academy because of his royal blood and noble connections.

the second prince is one way to describe him as well. second to everything his brother does is also a possible description. second to the throne, to their parents’ love, to the praise and glory befitting of a king. because leona will never be king. not as long as his brother and his blood live, because leona has always been the second option.

and so he acts like it. what else can he do? surely he cannot try to usurp his own brother; leona may be a better king than falena, but he is also intelligent enough to understand the consequences of a coup, long-term or otherwise. not to mention his nephew, who undoubtedly has the capacity to be a real pain in his ass if leona ever does away with his father.

now leona spends most of his time bored and unpleasant to be around, not so unlike the whispers that circulated the halls of afterglow savannah's royal palace when his signature spell was discovered. it is when you find him, lazing around in the light of the sun creeping into the greenhouse (one of the only times he has ever felt that he has ever felt that he could escape from the shadows), and, for one reason or another, you decide to stay.

leona hates it.

he hates the way you shine a light in his life. it’s too bright, too hot, and he can’t get rid of you no matter how hard he tries. and, at some point, he has become too scared to get rid of you. the underlying fear of losing that light, reduced to the shadow of a king and a crown prince that he once was; it kills leona. it kills him because he was supposed to be a king, grew up wanting to be the perfect one to rule over the kingdom, and kings do not have weaknesses.

but leona is not a king.

he is the brother of one, the second son of a royal family. with enough skills and intellect to survive in the battlefield that is the royal court of the afterglow savannah. he is born to a long line of kings, emperors, leaders; has learned from the stories of the great kings of the past, of which their blood courses through his veins; but he is not a king. never was, and never will be.

but then again, who is to say that he isn’t a king in another sense?

"the only kingly thing you haven’t done yet is actually opening your eyes, leona," ruggie’s damned hyena laugh echoes in his mind, the mischievous smirk on his face while his eyes stay rooted to the pathetic homemade crown on his head.

leona does not think ruggie has the right to laugh, when he doesn't even understand.

because even with his eyes closed, the second prince sees. he sees the way your breaths come and go, the warmth of the sun and the chill of the breeze on your skin, your quickening pulse and heartbeat. he sees it all without ever needing his eyes, and that is the exact reason why he doesn’t want to open them.

because if he does, he will see you, backlit against the sun and light of the greenhouse you both visit so much, and then he will want more; you by his side in the kingdom of afterglow savannah, bathing in the morning light while wrapped in royal robes, the consort's crown on your head, your rightful place on the throne beside his. you cradling his cub in your arms, sweetly whispering to the result of your love, the future ruler of the afterglow savannah. leona knows that there is none other more deserving of a consort's crown than you, and he would kill anyone who tried to take it from you.

(he would kill for you in a heartbeat. no matter what the cost.

one day, leona thinks, he will not be the only one to fear the extent of what he feels for you.)

but what murder is justified when the crime hasn’t even been committed? when you don’t have the consort's crown, because leona doesn’t even have the king’s.

(child’s play. reaching for something he will never get. leona is a master at this game, even when he loses every single time.)

silly lion, you would chide him with a smile. not for these foolish fantasies (for leona would never admit them), but for the most mundane things. being late to class, forgetting to do homework, getting detention, forgetting to go to that detention. such simple, pathetic things, and leona listens because you are his consort, and kings listen to their consorts.

(pathetic, hopeless little fantasies.)

"leona?" you call out his name, your voice the melody of his sweetest, softest, weakest dreams.

leona's eyes flutter open, lashes brushing against his cheeks as he blinks in the light.

he sees you there, bent over to peer at his sleeping expression. the way your head eclipses the sun makes it seem like you’re wearing a halo (angel’s crown), and if leona looks closely, he can see his own kisses tangled between your locks and the light.

he closes his eyes before he can meet your gaze, see your lips and everything else he’s ever wanted. he will settle for sense and touch, if not for the sake of his sanity, then for you.

"what is it now?" he snarls, feigning annoyance. he hears you laugh, and leona knows you see right through him.

just give him some more time, then he will give you a kingdom, the world, and everything else you’ve ever wanted and deserved──

──but for now, this will be all he can offer you.

© trappolia 2024

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[trashycvntt]

The Fates Will Find a Way { Ⅰ }

Synopsis: When a certain Atreides heir takes a dislike in one of his mother's Bene Gesserit apprentices.

Wc: 7.4k

a/n: THIS IS THE FULL VER. OF "The Fates Will Find a Way"

{the first paragraphs would be the same as the teaser but after that it's gon be a looong long chapter}

Yk I would always imagine reader wearing padme's typa outfits from star wars, she's js to gorgous idc what anyone says, but if u have a diff type of clothing you want to wear you can js ignore the links throughout the story {they're not that many anyways}. AND I got inspiration for some of the lines from the book since the movie doesn't really show much of the inner dialogue and details so I read it in the internet and got what I needed, and I am so shocked how different the book and movie was, I mean the movie is really really good, but some details and conversations in the book made me amazed.

Jessica had always warned you not to speak to her son, despite being the same age as him, she didn't want anyone from Bene Gesserit to interact with him, which is strange because she is a bene gesserit or is that just stupid coming from you. You never thought the duke's son would be this magnificent in the eyes, you can just stare at him the whole day and won't get tired of his gloriously exquisite structured face. 

You would sneak glances every time he passes by you or when he would talk to his mother and you're just right behind her, of course you're careful not to get caught by her or else you'd be kicked out not only from their household but out of the planet. It'd be like trying to cross a minefield when trying to catch a glimpse of him without his mother cursing you and your ancestors. 

And she advises you not to wander to the wing where his room is located, she's already dealt with enough ladies in the court to know the tricks they play when trying to secretly meet her son, such a shame to wear a pretty face on but to have terrible manners, she shook her head, my son deserves more than your pathetic whore you call your daughter Lord ____. She of course wants the best of the best for her one and only son, the heir to Duke Leto Atreides' throne that's why she's so harsh when it comes to talking about his future partner, hence the future duchess of Caladan. 

Paul never liked how his mother welcomed a stranger into their home and taught her things as she did him, he didn't like it when his mother taught him the voice and also had to teach it to her too, he didn't like how fast she was with her lessons just as he was with his, it's a daily torture thinking about how to improve and be faster with his when she is just right behind him, chasing, he wanted to be better so that his mother can see how stronger he is than that cunt who dares compete with the duke's son. 

He cannot fathom how angry he was when his mother explained to him that she was chosen to be this girl's teacher, an attention whore, he thought, he once believed that she was another random lady in court trying to win his attention by successfully convincing his mother to be her teacher so that she could get closer to him. No, she was not. 

His mother told him that this was only temporary, that she was only here to broaden her experience when it comes to the voice. But oh was she so wrong, she is also stuck in this particularly peculiar power, like him, she's also struggling in using it on command, and he's so frustrated that he's as bad as her, he should be better than her, he should be able to use the voice freely unlike her who's stuck not knowing how to use it, but here. he. was. 

"It's good you're up early" Jessica announced, bringing a spoon of food to her mouth. "Your father wants you in full dress before the Emperor's herald arrives"

"Full dress?" He murmurs, glancing from his food to his mom for a second, he hesitates briefly before looking up again. "Military?" 

"Ceremonial" His mom answered as he grumbled about the fact he has to wear that itchy old thing again, it makes his neck irritated every time.

"Why do we have to go through all this when it’s already been decided”

“Ceremony” His mom replies; dodging his question just as she pours a cup of water. Paul hums as he thanks his mother for it, waiting for her to slide it to him, although Jessica only reaches for hers before sternly looking back at the boy. “If you want it” she starts “Make me give it to you” she pauses for a few seconds to drink her cup and put it down.

“Use the voice”

“Mom, I just woke up” He shakes his head, his eyes still slightly puffy from a good night’s sleep, he looks at his mom thinking she was joking but was only met by Jessica’s stoic face, he inwardly sighs as he concentrates glaring at the glass. “Give me the water” 

Jessica almost laughed at her son, she remembered her apprentice days at the Bene Gesserit when the sisters would always be so frustrated in teaching her the voice as she is now with Paul.

“The glass can’t hear you, dear. Command me” She pulled a tight lipped smile while Paul gripped his spoon and fork in exasperation, he sighs heavily as he tries again, but this time, intently looking at his mother’s eyes so he could finish and just eat peacefully. He stares daggers into his moms direction as he hears the melodic sound of the chimes behind him or the painting of his grandfather who he felt like was looking at his grandson. Momentarily, he remembers you, who’s probably still sleeping soundly like a pig after the feast last night. He doesn’t understand why his father lets you eat with them at the dinner table, like, you're not family or anything, you're. just. an. apprentice, an apprentice of his mother nothing more nothing less, so why do you act like you're welcome to just ransack their home, eat their food, sleep in their beds, eat with them, train with them, and God knows what else.

“Give me the water”

Jessica’s eyes flickered briefly, she slowly held the cup, dragging it to Paul when she abruptly snapped from her illusion, her eyes blinking from the water to Paul before letting out a heavy sigh. 

“Almost” She added whilst just pushing the water manually to him. “Almost?”

“Bene Gesserit skills takes years to learn, Paul”

“Mm-hmm”

“You look tired,” she hinted. “More dreams?”

“No,” Paul paused, shaking his head, his eyes flickering to his spoonful of food, his mind briefly flashing the girl in his dreams, face blurred and unseen, he still recalled how much his fingers itched to reach out to her, to see her hood fall down and finally see the face that’s been hiding from him. “How’s she doing?” He quickly shook the mysterious girl in his mind and changed the subject.

“Hm who?”

“You know who I’m talking about mom” He quipped  “Mhm, she’s fine since you asked so nicely”

“Mom–” He sucked in a breath. “I meant, how’s her lessons going” Jessica quirked an eyebrow, she knows her son hated her apprentice ever since she brought her in, a little uncomfortable at first because of the tension between the two, but she and Leto managed, it was like having another child but the other didn’t need that much affection, Paul would always ask her about her lessons, what they’re studying on, or if she has used the voice yet.

“She’s good. although–” she paused. “Why are you always asking about her?” paul halted, still holding his spoon mid-air, he half expected his mom telling him how she was behind her studies, or how frustrating it was in teaching her the voice or how he was ahead of her, but then he also expected his mom getting suspicious of his questions about her, no wonder because he asks them almost everyday.

“Nothing at all, just –”

A pregnant pause fills the room. 

“Curious”

—

“Huh?"

You woke up minutes later, with saliva running down your neck, you glanced around your room whilst zoning out, after a few more minutes you decided that you needed to be productive early in the morning so you lifted up both your arms and gave them a good stretch, along with your legs. You sluggishly sat at the edge of your single bed and yawned, once again stretching your arms up, though when you sat up you didn't even want to stand anymore, so you sat there and started getting lost in your own world.

Your mind wanders back to your lessons, what will Jessica train you with today? You hoped it isn't about the use of the voice, you've grown tired of it already, everyday, every morning, every afternoon, every night you had to do it, it was voice here, voice there, voice everywhere, you wonder how could Paul deal with that tirelessly day after day.

Oh.

Paul. 

The first moon you were here he didn't like you, no, he hated you, he hated you so much that some of the staff in the castle had also grown to dislike you unjustified, I mean, who are they to just hate you and judge you without even speaking to you first? 

You tried weeks to get the others to like you, only some of the few broke their walls and began talking to you, most of the time your alone in the castle, and if you're not alone, your training with Jessica, only Jessica and Leto were very welcoming to you, Jessica told the people of the castle to treat you like you were one of them at the very start, but I guess only some got the memo, thought at least they don't physically hate you like throwing a punch like what people from your homeland would do if they disliked someone. 

People say you're sensitive for thinking like that, saying they don't hate you, it's just because you're new, no, it's been a year and they still treat  you the same, where's the honor in that? 

Your thoughts were snapped back when the sound of the door opens, you quickly dove under the pillows to seize a hold of your knife, and you can thank Jessica for that, she specially had it made for you to fit your fighting style, or whatever she was talking about, you're just thankful for the knife so you can use it for when you're in danger, which is now.

You slowly got up from your bed and silently made your way to the wall near the door, you hid behind it as your sweaty palms made your grip on your knife slightly loose, you frown as you blink incessantly from the stinging of your sweat dripping down your eye. After a few seconds the creaking of the door opening stopped, but you hear no footsteps on the other side, you wanted to take a peak but you can just hear Jessica’s voice in your head telling you she’ll kill you herself if you do it–  if you even do it.

All of a sudden your eyes spotted a figure beside you and you instantly got up and stabbed whoever it was when you were slammed to the wall with your hands held on either side of your head, you quickly clamped your eyes shut and simply awaited your impending demise.

1..

2..

3…

4..

5..

6..

“Huh?” you slowly open your other eye in confusion. 

“Slept that well huh?” You recognize that voice. You blinked your eyes open to a very, very close proximity Paul, his half-lidded eyes glaring at you like a hawk, you allow your eyes to travel down to his night blouse that must’ve been worn down over the years of wearing because it’s now drooping down giving you a pleasant view of his sculpted abs, you gulp nervously as silence fills the situation your in, you try to wiggle yourself out but Paul’s grip was too tight on you, especially when he has your legs stuck in between his, though, your eyes still remain on his abs and you just cannot take them off.

“Eyes are up here, bene gesserit”

“I am not a bene gesserit” 

“You will be”

“I will, but not yet”

“So I’ll call you bene gesserit yes”

“No”

“Yes”

“No”

“Yes”

“Abso-”

“Very well… bene gesserit”

“Absolutely not!”

“I–”

“You dare raise your voice at me?”

“no..”

“Speak up, bene gesserit”

“No,” you hesitated, ”my lord..” 

“Hm” he tilted his head closer to your face as you do your best to back away, his eyes travel down to your lips, nervous, you bit the inside of your cheek, although, you took this chance to study his face, he had a very defined jawline, like super sharp, his curls tickle your face as he looks up once again– slowly, he steps and turns away from you to exit the room, but before he could pass the door, he looks over his shoulder and adjusted his blouse.

“Mom informed me to tell you that you are required to join us later,” he paused, “ Wear ceremonial” 

And with that he heedlessly left the room with you speechless.

—

You gape in awe as the ship slowly landed unto the ground, you thought it might’ve looked like an egg for it was in the color of white and shaped like a circle, although it also looked menacing at the same time due to the fact that it was huge,  you glance at the heir beside you who was also staring at the ship, however, he didn’t seem surprised or amazed by it, you shrugged it off and resumed on gawking at the egg ship. 

After a few minutes, the door of the ship opened and revealed people, no, creatures? Who were wearing this egg-like helmet with white robes, even the owners looked like their ship, you thought, then came all the others who were wearing black, you were about to laugh at their choice of clothing when you made eye contact with a sister of the Bene Gesserit. She glared at you like you did something to her, it gave you chills and the hair behind your neck stood up, it felt like an eternity when she broke eye contact with you to focus on eying the Duke and Jessica. 

“By the grace of Shaddam IV of House Corrino, ascendent to the Golden Lion Throne of Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe,” he paused, “I stand before you as The Herald of the Change” and that was where you zoned out of the situation, you loathe those tedious introductions they always make when coming here, you had to stand and wait for them to finish their considerable length of speech just for it to be their titles and not be even the beginning of the main thing.

You once again glance at the still heir beside you who you couldn’t distinguish what he was thinking, some people are simple to read but Paul wasn’t, he keeps his thoughts to himself without exception.

“We are house Atreides.” He starts. “There is no call we do not answer, there is no faith that we betray, the Emperor asks us to bring peace to Arrakis”

You notice how Paul reacts to his father leading as a Duke, his usual stoic expression softens as he watches his father descending the stairs, intently observing his actions, whether it may be his words or the mannerisms he carries while facing such intimidating individuals.

You were snapped back to reality when you’re dragged down the platform aggressively by Jessica, who was fuming by the look on her face when she shushed you as you were about to ask her what was going on. Good thing everyone's eyes were all situated to the Duke who was stamping his seal on the contract.

“J-Jessica–” you stutter out as you stumble constantly upon trying to get up again and again, though Jessica doesn’t even flinch while she tightens her hold on your wrist even more. For what seems like an eternity of getting dragged around, Jessica finally releases your bruised wrist, although you were thrown in a room that looks more likely hers and the Duke’s, you stumble once again on your feet while rubbing your wrist to cease the domineering pain that’s slowly taking over.

“What did I explicitly warn you about the very moment I brought you here?”

“That- that I shouldn’t interact with my lor—” 

A harsh slap cuts your response short, you were apalled that you didn’t feel anything for a second, that was when everything came back to you and the pain hit right away, your hands tremble as you cup your right cheek, a tear sliding down the bright red spot on your face, your teeth clattering together whilst your lips quivering as to try stop incoming tears from falling—but you aren't capable of hiding that, your tears were falling nonstop like someone had just thrown water on your face.

“Then why?! “ You flinched as Jessica screamed in your face. “What do you mea–”

“YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN" 

You tried to think of anything, anything you did that violated the rule but you've been doing good since the start of your life here, thought, you thought back to the one this morning, did she see it? If she did then why get mad now and not earlier? 

“ANSWER. ME”

"I didn't mean to! I didn't know you'd get this mad for just a simple thing!”

" Simple? SIMPLE?" she scoffs, massaging her forehead intensely. “I brought you here to teach you, and what I asked for was painless, it was comprehensible, and you just had to break it did you? You didn't listen to me”

"I wasn't the one who started it!"

“SILENC—”

"ENOUGH OF THIS!” Duke Leto came in haste, his chest heaves up and down from running in a long distance, you were grateful that he interrupted Jessica or you would've been incinerated alive and standing. You were so busy trying to think of a solution to the situation that you didn't notice Leto dragging you behind him, as if to hide you from her wrath, from the months you've been training with Jessica you've never seen her this angry, like ever, I mean sure, it's already been months struggling to perfect the use of the voice and every time, she's frustrated but shes never shown this much emotion to you in never.

“She is just a child, Jessica! Show some decency, What would anyone think of you for exploding on her like that for such a small mistake?!“

“Don't start with me Leto, we already talked about this”

"But not talked enough," he paused. “Go to your room child"

You didn't need to be reminded for the second time before you fled the scene, hastily rushing to your quarters before anyone sees you and grasps the whole situation and before you know it, it's now the whole universe’s business, though, when you were about to reach the hallway where your quarters are you passed by the one responsibleness you got yelled at— Paul, you were dumbfounded by how calm he was while reading a book, like the argument wasn't heard throughout the castle.

You wanted to confront him about everything, but you know your still in the heat of the moment and didn't want to unleash your anger on him amd get banished by both the Duke and Jessica, so you kept your mouth shut and headed to your room. 

—

"It's useless, we have to get rid of it, this is a taint in your honor, an illegitimate offspring" a man whispers, his face unknown and covered as he looks down to the sleeping newborn. "Give it a few hours, we'll kill the mother and all the servants who helped birth her, make sure there's no one left"

"Wake up child"

"wake up"

"hey, wake up"

"My lady, wake up"

You shot out of your bed whilst panting like you were just running a mile, you clutch your chest as you try and regain your breath,the sun wasn't up yet when you checked your window, after a few seconds of organizing yourself, the maid who woke you up came back with a small candle and rushed by your side.

"My lady," she bows. "Her Lady Jessica wishes to see you— urgently"

You were still disoriented from your slumber that you only heard 'urgently', so you quickly stood up from your bed and followed wherever she went.

You were about to ask her what was happening when she pushed you, gently, but strong enough to get you to a room where Jessica was in, her back turned to you as she tapped her foot impatiently.

"Here she is, my lady" she bows. "Thank you Satyana. You may go"

You nervously fiddle with your fingers as Satyana shuts the doors, a long awkward silence filled the room because no one dared to make a sound.

"I—"

"My—"

"Oh don't, you can—"

"Please, go ahead."

"No, I–"

"I insist"

"uhm," you hesitated. "I-I didn't mean what I did, it just- just happened and I really thought it wasn't going to go against what you said because I really wasn't the one who started and I did my best to stop it but he just—"

"I understand," she stated, "And, my deepest apologies for exploding on you like that, It is entirely my fault for making such a small thing turn big and I'm held fully responsible if you feel any hatred towards me after what happened, but I accept what you feel and your judgement about me"

You were taken aback by her confession, you never ever imagined your mentor apologizing to you like this, wholeheartedly, she was supposed to be stern, fierce, scary, but here she is apologizing to her apprentice.

"I—", you paused. "I don't know what to say.."

"It's alright if you hate me now—"

"NO!", you yelled abruptly, covering your mouth as you realized you just shouted at your mentor. "I mean, no, I don't hate you, and, you don't have to apologize, it's me that should, I was the one who went against you and everything... " Your words die in your mouth as Jessica slowly wrapped her arms around you, pulling you in for a hug, you hesitated if you were going to also wrap your arms around her but you decided neither, only placing it awkwardly on her back and tapping her gently.

"So, do you forgive me?" you paused for bit, contemplating for the proper answer. "I.. I forgive you"

You almost thought you could feel her smile as she continous to hug you, like a mother would to her child.

—

After last night you peacefully slept the remaining moonlight that was until Satyana once again woke you up, Lady Jessica wanted you to train with the old man today to freshen you up, a little break from using the voice and focus on physical. You thought about the first time he trained you the day after you arrived, he was very rough at first, he didn't trust you completely that the next day you were dead as daylight, you slept for the whole day with sores on your feet and hand from continously fighting, Lady Jessica took care of you, your legs were like jello when you tried to stand, your muscles were pulsing, you recall seing Paul silently judge you for being 'weak' as Gurney called you, but overtime, he softened up and treated you normally, though, your sessions with him are still rough, you adapted and surprisingly learned a lot.

The maids helped you with your training clothes, but you decided against it and only wore the pajamas you had, it was too early in the morning to wear such tight fitted outfit and you weren't in the mood to struggle in pulling it up your butt.

Though, you can ask Gurney to postpone it and just move it later afternoon. And so you did, still groggy from your slumber, you stood up and headed to the training room whilst rubbing your eyes and stretching your arms, you tried cracking your fingers like how the Duke Leto taught you although your still scared of breaking them so you didn't persist.

You finally arrived at the entrance of the training room, where you heard swords clanking? You gently peeked from the archway outside just in time to catch Paul's gaze already on you, you watch him exchange hits with Gurney as the sound of sheilds echoes around the room, what seemed like an eternity watching them fight, Paul misses his footing causing him to fall, hard on the floor while Gurney took the chance to pin him to the floor with his weapon.

"Ah, the slow blade penetrates the sheild"

"I fell"

"That's no excuse"

"But I fell"

"You're distracted"

Paul scoffs, throwing his weapon aside as he turns his sheild off, suddenly. Gurney turns his head to where you were, and you hastily whipped your head back and clutched your pajamas close to you. You waited for a few seconds but nothing happened, so you peeked again, slowly, you thought you were being sneaky because Gurney's back was still turned to you while cleaning his equipment, you internally thank the Gods he didn't see you so you won't have to train at all.

That was when you were tackled to the ground by none other than Paul, he pins your hands above your head and brings your legs between his, locking them together, you hear Gurney laughing and clapping in the background, clearly entertained, you gave the both of them a scowl and rolled your eyes the meanest you could, you tried to wiggle out of Paul's hold once again but once again, he doesn't budge, though his grip on you was more tighter than last time, you continue trying to remove him from you but nothing works, and you couldn't kick his balls because he's got your legs stuck, finally, you look up and glare at him but he was already looking down on you, like you were some toy he was playing with, you notice how perplexed and amused he was at the same time, you gulp nervously as his curly hair dips down and touches your face, not once he breaks his eye contact with you, while your there skittishly struggling to not make eye contact with him.

After all these months of him torturing you secretly everyday, you've never been infuriated with him until now, he's not just making you look weak, he's embarassing you infront of Gurney, who looked like he's having the time of his life watching the two of you riggle like worms on the ground.

He finishes his laugh-off and approaches the two with two swords in hand. "Since the both of you are already here, it would be a complete waste to not duel each other yeah?"

"Uh-huh" Paul lets you go to grab a sword, he swings it on his hand several times to warm it up, he was about to turn his sheild on when you took the chance to swing at him, he instantly defended his stance, blocking your attack, he clashes his sword to yours, causing your sheild to tremble.

"Come on laddy! Play fair!" Gurney hooted, whistling like he were in a gladiator arena, you huff and slammed your hand on the motor, turning your sheild off. "Now were talkin!"

Paul continously attacks you with no opening to get back at him, you wiped the sweat dripping down your cheek as he endlessly assualts you. "Come on girl your getting sluggish!"

You felt as though your lungs might burst, you were getting tired but one misstep could lead you to getting stabbed by him, he didn't look like he wanted to stop at anytime, at first you thought he was only hyper but he looks furious when you caught his eye for a moment. Your chest heaves up and down rapidly, you double stepped on your feet as your back slammed on the floor and you groaned in pain, clutching your head as you hear Gurney shouting in the corner.

Everything was blurry, your eyes wanted to close so bad but you fought against, your ears were ringing dreadfully as you felt yourself getting cross-eyed, your surroundings were all numb to you as the ringing in your ears gradually disappeared which you were grateful to because you had the time to calm yourself down and gain back your eyesight. You hurriedly got up from the ground and you see Gurney holding your head and rubbing the aching spot, you gently held his wrist as he asks a bunch of questions directed to you.

"Who told you to get rough huh lad? Look what you did to her"

"It's not my fault she slipped her foot and hit her head"

"Ugh, Gurney..I'm fine—"

Gurney sucks his teeth in annoyance as he helps you up. "Stop spitting nonsense kid, now get up so we can get you checked."

"No Gurney- it's no big deal—"

"Too bad kiddo," he grunts as he grips your arms to help you. "Now, our dear Paul here will help you get there"

"Huh?"

"What?!"

"You heard me, now go, before your mother sees her beloved student injured and you, grounded for the rest of your life"

Paul groans loudly, wanting you to see how much he despises the situation and you, why does he have to come with you, you injured yourself, not him, he saw it with his own eyes how you got distracted for a second and missed your step and fell down, why is he the one bearing the consequences when your the one at fault here? Talk about justice.

He was about to exit the room but Gurney pulled his blouse and threw him to your direction, he gestured your arm to Paul for him to take, though he didn't move an inch, so Gurney being Gurney, he pulled Paul's other arm to wrap around your waist to support your back, he snaked your right arms around Paul's neck and made him hold it steady for you to stand.

"I hate this"

"You've got no choice, you caused this, you finish it"

"But it wasn't even me—"

"Go"

Paul didn't bite back before Gurney's stern gaze, he drags you outside the training room and headed for the infirmary. You could feel Paul internally wishing he could throw off the balcony for God's sake, though Caladan was a cold country, the exercise from this morning made the two of you hot and sweating, so you're internally and externally burning whilst Paul's body heat melts with yours making matters worse.

"You're– so heavy—"He grunts, "You know that right?—"

You gritted your teeth irritation, "Thanks for reminding me"

An awkward pause filled the room after Paul didn't acknowledge you, you only contineud on limping while he keeps you upright, his grip on your waist gradually gets tighter and tighter the more you falter your steps, he grumbles on how you can't even walk properly despite it only being a small limp, saying how he can walk straight anyways even with a hole on his leg, you only cringed and rolled your eyes at the boy. Although, deep down inside, your getting butterflies everywhere, day one you would've gone into coma if she knew you were in this situation with Paul, I mean you are getting butterflies now, but at the same time you hated his guts from top to bottom.

—

"The Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam is here." She hesitates, "She was my teacher at the Bene Gesserit school, she's now truthsayer to the Emperor himself—"

Jessica nervously fiddles with her fingers as her son awaits her response. "She would like to meet you"

"Why?"

She looks down to her trembling hands. "She wants to know about your dreams."

"How does she know about me dreams?"

Paul looks to her for clarification, but was met with no answer, he gets slightly irritated by the thought of someone very close to him snitching, though, he couldn't pin point who because there was three of them, but he knows in the back of his mind who this person is.

"And why is Dr. Yueh here?" Jessica can't bear to see her son like this, to see him worry and panic for the unknown, she wanted to hug him and tell him everything is going to be fine, but also as a Bene Gesserit, she wouldn't— couldn't.

"He only needs a moment"

"Hello, young master" Paul catiously turns his head to the doctor, lifting his chin up, careful not to show his disappointment. "Your mother asked me to check your vitals"

Paul hesitates for a moment as Dr. Yueh held his head and slowly worked his way through it. "What's happening?"

"The Bene Gesserit say they serve the greater good..." he pauses, "But, meaning no disrespect to your lady mother and her student— they also serve their own designs."

"What are you saying?"

Dr. Yueh ignores him and gently squeezed his shoulder, "Go carefully"

"His heart is strong as ever, my lady"

Jessica gestured a language to dr. Yueh as he nods and leaves the room while Paul can only look at his mother pitifully. His head is so full of questions that he feel it might explode in any second, his mother gestures him to follow her as she covers her trembling hands with her sleeves, her chest heaves up and down nervously for her son, they were about to reach a big black door when Jessica hurriedly turns and faces her son, she reaches out for his face and cradles it in her hands, like how she was when he was a little boy.

'remember your training'

She puts her hood on as she enters the room anxiously with Paul following behind her. Paul glares at the figure sitting inside the library.

who. are. you

The figure whispers through the air, Paul glowers at it, hiding slightly behind his mother, he thought about those widowed women he read in that one book, who wears all black and a veil to signify that their husband was dead and their mourning, but the figure's veil was so high up her head she looks like some—

"Defiance in the eyes," she pauses, "Like his father"

"Leave us."

Jessica nervously looks at her beloved son, her trembling fingers holding his shoulders, whispering to him before hurriedly leaving "You must do everything the Reverend Mother tells you"

"You dismiss my mother in her own house" Paul glares back to the 'Reverend Mother' as if to show he wasn't scared of her and how insulted he was when she ordered his mother to leave, at her very own household, oh how the Bene Gesserit think of themselves highly, he thought, clenching his fists in anger.

"Come here. Kneel"

Before Paul knows what was happening, he was already kneeling down infront of the Reverend, his eyes blinking in bewilderment, she used the voice so easily like it was a normal thing for her to. "How dare you use the Voice on me"

The Reverend didn't answer, only observing Paul as he continous on glaring at her, her eyes falters in a millisecond before she moves her hand revealing a black box.

"Put your right hand in the box" though Paul took his stand and only clenched his jaw, lifting his chin up.

The Reverend Mother only look at him before scolding him. "Your mother bade you obey me" He hesitates, biting the his cheek before shaking his head, he slowly slid his hand into the hole, sucking a breath in preparing to whatever was going to happen.

Suddenly, the reverend points a sharp needle into his neck. "I hold at your neck the Gom Jabbar"

"A poison needle, instant death" she begins, "the test is simple"

"Remove your hand from the box, and you die"

"What's in the box?"

A few seconds pass before the reverend answers him.

"Pain"

"I— "

"No need to call the guards" she pauses, "A Bene Gesserit stands behind that door, no one would get past her"

"Why are you doing this?"

"An animal caught in a trap will gnaw off its own leg to escape." she halts, lifting her head up. "What will you do?"

Paul looks from the needle to the box, seemingly trying to think of some plan to get out, he wanted to laugh at that moment, when he felt tingling in his fingers and pulled his lips together hard. How could this be a test? He pondered. The tingle turned into an itch.

The itch became a slight burning. "Why are you doing this?" he demanded.

Paul clenches his hand as the slight burning feeling increased, his lips quiver as he tries not to show weakness, he felt needles pricking his palms and eventually his fingers.

His arm throbbed with pain. Sweat was clearly visible on his brow. Pulling the hand away from the flaming pit was the sound of every fiber screaming, however... the gom jabbar. He attempted to move his eyes to view that awful needle resting next to his neck, but he was unable to do so. He attempted to decrease his breathing but was incapable after realizing he was gasping for air, he screams in anguish as he felt his muscles getting ripped from nerve to nerve.

Then suddenly, like a switch, the pain disappeared, and the door behind them opens.

—

Meanwhile Jessica was tasked to fetch you after she delivered Paul to the Reverend Mother, she hurriedly proceeded to your room where you were peacefully sleeping, your room was big, but not as big as the Astreides', she had you decide what you wanted to do with it because she was used to taking care of a boy she wasn't aware what to pick or use for a girl.

She gently pused aside the curtains that cover your bed, they were the first thing you wanted to add to your room because you saw it in one of those libraries where they would put curtains over their beds and sometimes even lights, they looked immaculate, but you decided on the curtains only because you were too scared they'd find you spoiled and kick you out and you'll go back to the school.

"Hey.."

She nudges you awake.

"Wake up"

"Huh?" you squint at the harsh light hitting you. "Come with me."

You were about to question it but you see Jessica nervously mumbling and fiddling her fingers that's when you realized it was serious, she brings her hood up and she gestures you to keep quiet, she leads you to a dark hallway and you felt compacted the more you drew near wherever she was leading you, your mind fills with countless questions of what was happening, what's got The Bene Gesserit Jessica so scared and nervous, you frown as her walk increases, she sucks in a breath and abruptly stops in front of a big door, she looks at you pitilly like she was about to say something, her longing eyes searching yours for something, and you return her look, tyring to find reassurance with her, but she only gulped and whispered some unknown words into your ears.

"Don't be nervous, child, for he'll be there"

You heard the fear in her voice, and despite her best trying to soothe you, it made you even scared.

She held your lower back and nods as you slowly but surely unlocked the door, then immediately, not even halfway in turning the handle, you flinch as you were met by Paul's agonizing scream, his mother, who was already suffering in silence, gasps in distress in hearing his son be racked in pain, you pushed through the door and see Paul's teary eyes staring at you, you swear you saw some relief in his gaze in contrast to the Reverend Mother who was staring at you like you did something to her.

You bow to the Reverend, addressing her before lifting your head and hiding your fidgeting hands from her.

"You called for me?"

Paul stands up immediately when the reverend pulls the Gom Jabbar away from his neck, dusting his attire as he backs up slowly.

"Come child"

And as Paul was earlier, and in a blink of an eye your feet carried you unconciously to the Reverend Mother, your eyes flutter in bemusement as Paul paid you no mind and remained glaring at the Reverend.

"Have you been training?" she asked. "I have- Lady Jessica has been generous in teaching me your ways despite not being in the school"

"Show me"

"What?"

"Show. Me" she halts, raising her head to observe you more carefully. "If you what you say is indeed true— then, show me what you've gained."

"Use the voice"

"I have learned various other talents, not only the voice, I am useful in everyway you can see— "

"So use it, use the voice, child"

You attempt to call Paul for aid since he has already used the voice despite failing, but in any event he did but you were helpless, you were about to admit that you didn't know when Paul suddenly spoke up.

"I can"

"I only asked of her"

"But wouldn't you want to see mine, the son of the Duke and Lady Jessica" any other person would've thought he was brave, but all you could see was how he nervously gulped and the sweat running down his face, he clenches his jaw as he hears the worry in your voice as you whisper his name.

"Hm" She hummed and looked towards the door, "Jessica!"

Jessica almost busted the door open as she stood there emotionless, all her worry vanished when she set her eyes on her unharmed and alive son, she managed a faint smile.

"Now," she began, "Tell me about these dreams"

"I had one tonight"

"What did you see?" she immdediately responded. "A girl."

"On Arrakis"

"Have you dreamt of her before?" Paul hesitated, meekly glancing to the ground then to the girl beside him. "Many times"

"Do you often dream things that happen just as you dream them?"

"Not exactly"

A pregnant silence fills the dark eerie room, despite it being comfortable in the morning, it looked a lot scarier now that it was unlit and pitch black. You peak at the reverend who was still observing the certain heir.

After a few moments she stood up, ready to depart. "Goodbye young humans."

"I hope you live"

And thus, you watch the Jessica accompany the Reverend Mother outside, your gaze remained on them until the door shuts close.

"Are you—"

"Leave me alone" He slaps your hand away as he stomps outside in a hurry, you didn't think much of it since he has gone through much for just one night, his pained scream still haunts your mind despite only just happening moments ago, you clench your fists as youlet out a breath you didn't know you were holding until now.

You hesitated to follow after him or to just go back to your quarters.

You came after him.

—

"Did you have to go that far"

"You chose to train him in the Way, in defiance of our rule," she berated, "He weilds our power. He had to be tested to the limits"

"So much potential, wasted in a male"

"And there's the girl, I gave her to you so you could train her like a daughter you never bore, and for me to learn that she hasn't even grasped anything about the Voice? Oh you disappoint me Jessica"

"You were told to bear only daughters, but you, in your pride, thought you could produce the Kwisatz Haderach." She criticized. "Was I wrong?"

"Your lucky he didn't die in that room" the reverend abruptly faces Jessica. "If he is the One, he has a long way to go"

"His sight is barely awakened and now he goes his hero complex and decides he could bite back and protect that stupid girl I brought you, such stubborness from his father"

"But our plans are measured in centuries, we have other propects— If he fails his promise"

"Do you see so little hope?"

"On Arrakis, we have done all we can for you, a path has been laid, let's hope he doesn't squander it" Jessica grips her hood and skirts as the ship ascends the dark skies, her lips quiver as she thought about her son, who has yet found his way, and to her student, who day by day is becoming closer to Paul.

She hugs her clothes as she turns around to come back when she was met by Paul's figure, stiffly standing behind the thick fog.

"Paul"

"What does it mean?" she removes her hood down. "That I could be the One?"

A/N: OH EM GEE this was a very very very very very long chapter, I mean, the longest that i've written, next chapter will be coming soon...

#dune #paul atreides imagine #paul atreides #paul atreides x reader #dune x reader #duke paul x reader #duke x reader #dune paul x reader #paul x reader #dune paul atreides x reader #dune movie #timothée chalamet #timothee chamalet #timothee x reader #timothee chalamet x reader #timothee fanfic #the fates will find a way #trashycvntt

[likeabxrdinflight]

I want to talk more about the way the characters have been adapted for the live action adaptation, because character writing is the thing I care about the most and as a psychologist it's probably the aspect of any story that I'm most invested in. I can get around pretty much any plot contrivance or weird maguffin or even shitty pacing if the characters of a story are engaging enough. This is my bread and butter, so to speak.

And I want to start with Iroh, because I think he is by far the best adapted character from the original. But I suspect I think this for different reasons than other people might, because the beloved Saint Iroh from the animated show this man is not.

See the thing with animated Iroh is that he's just...a bit too perfect. We know he's been complicit in the war in the past. We know he laid siege to Ba Sing Se, we know he had a complicated past. But we never really see it, we only barely hear about it, and more often than not there are other aspects of Iroh's past that serve to further deify him. He was a general in the war, but then he goes on to protect the last dragons and learn the true meaning of firebending. He led a 600-day siege and lost his son but he came out of that experience Enlightened, having journeyed to and from the spirit world. He joins up with the White Lotus (at some point) and becomes the wise old sage we know and love.

Except most of that is revealed in later seasons and is inconsistent with his actions alongside Zuko in season one. Season one animated Iroh is kind of a passive character, largely existing for comic relief and as a support to Zuko. But there's very little to suggest he's disloyal to the Fire Nation or their cause. He says it himself- "I'm no traitor, Zhao!" Now you can certainly interpret that line in several different ways, but I suppose that's the point- there's a lot left up to interpretation with animated Iroh. We get a sense of who he is in relation to Zuko, but his own development largely happens off-screen. And because to Zuko he's a wise, caring uncle and mentor, that's largely how we, the audience, see Iroh. We love him because Zuko loves him. And that's fine for what it is, and clearly it was effective- Uncle Iroh is almost universally beloved. But it does leave a lot of questions about him up in the air.

Live action Iroh is a very different character. This Iroh is a deeply broken man who was been profoundly impacted by the war and what he has lost because of it. I do not get the sense that the loss of Lu Ten has led to any spiritual enlightenment for this Iroh- there's no indication that he can see spirits, for example, or that he has ever traveled to the spirit world himself (he does still oppose the killing the moon thing, though.)

Right out the gate, we get the sense that this Iroh has lost faith in what the Fire Nation is trying to achieve with the war. He explains to Aang fairly early on what the Fire Nation's goal and perspective is, and can rattle off this dogma quite easily. But when questioned by Aang if these beliefs are also his beliefs, he dodges them rather un-deftly. So you know immediately that this Iroh doesn't really support the war. Later you see him somewhat bluntly telling Zuko that the throne may not be all it's cracked up to be, and he's fairly openly critical of Ozai in other moments. So you know from the jump that Iroh's not really on Team Fire Nation.

And yet this is also not a truly repentant man. When he is captured in Omashu, Iroh gets another brief scene with Aang while they are both imprisoned there (this is before Aang meets with Bumi). And in this scene, Aang tries to convince Iroh to help Zuko stop being The Bad Guy. And Iroh defends Zuko to Aang and stresses the point that it is not Zuko who owes him any great debt, but he who owes Zuko. Later, when he is confronted (and hit several times) by an Earth Kingdom soldier who lost his brother during the siege, Iroh does not apologize. He does not flinch at the man's accusations, nor does he deny them. He defends himself, albeit weakly, by stating he was a soldier, and it was a war. He has the audacity to accuse this soldier (somewhat obliquely) of having been made dishonorable by the effects of war. It's kinda messed up, honestly.

But then this man accuses Iroh of knowing nothing of loss. He leaves the shot, and we saw Iroh's face just crumble, and the scene cuts directly to Lu Ten's funeral, where Zuko chooses to sit with his uncle and support him through what must have been the darkest moment of his life. Back in the present, it is only later, after Zuko has come to rescue Iroh, that he speaks more honestly to the Earth Kingdom soldier- he shows mercy and states that they've all "seen enough death."

So what we have here is an Iroh who is deeply disenchanted by the war and does not support it or the goals of the Fire Nation, but who has continued to stand alongside Zuko and support him in his goals. We have a man who doesn't necessarily regret his actions as a soldier in the war but who very much does regret what those actions have cost. We see a man who is profoundly impacted by loss and grief and has become emotionally reliant on his nephew as a source of support. Not that he's parentifying Zuko or anything, he's very much not, but he is rather obviously channeling all the love he once felt for his son into Zuko instead. Zuko is his lifeline, he needs Zuko and you get the sense that without him, Iroh would truly fall apart. I mean the man is on the verge of tears more often than not when Zuko is in even the slightest bit of danger in a way that animated Iroh was not.

This is what I think is different here. Animated Iroh seemed to turn against the war because it was morally wrong, it had thrown the world out of balance, and imperialism is bad. Live action Iroh seems against the war because it wasn't worth it. It wasn't worth the cost, or the death, or the grief. He couldn't see that until he lost Lu Ten, but now he sees it everywhere. I get the sense that this Iroh just wants it all to stop, and I'm not sure he cares how that happens.

The White Lotus is definitely hinted at, but I suspect that was his motivation for joining it. It's not about restoring balance to the world for this Iroh. It's about restoring peace, so that he won't have to lose Zuko like he lost Lu Ten. So that the death and destruction stops. So he can just live a quiet life and put the past behind him.

It's a different take. And it's not that he doesn't still have a lot of wisdom to him, that he's not still a gentle, caring person. But he's a much sadder person, and he's lost that sense of "enlightenment" that his animated counterpart had. There's a selfishness you can read into to this version of his character that's much more apparent than the animated version.

I think a lot of people are gonna hate this, because it's a darker take on a much loved character. But I love it. This Iroh is human, this Iroh is flawed, and this Iroh has a lot more growing left to do. And that's awesome. If we get to actually see more of a character arc for him too, if we get to see him also growing and changing alongside Zuko? Please. It's not like he needs a total redemption arc, per se, but if in his journey with Zuko throughout the Earth Kingdom we can see Iroh gain some of his fortitude back, we can see when he decides he needs to push Zuko down a certain path, to take a side in the war, to see that it's not just the death and destruction that makes it wrong? God there's so much potential with that.

Now, maybe this isn't what will happen with seasons two and three. Maybe they'll back track and try to make him more similar to the animated version. I don't know. But for now? Live action Iroh is fantastic, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee is giving a hell of a performance. He's warm and tender when he needs to be, fierce when he has to, and just profoundly sad throughout it all. And I love him so much more for that.

I'll be controversial here and say it. So far, live action Iroh is a better character than animated Iroh.

#I never disliked animated Iroh to be clear but perfect can be boring #this Iroh is not perfect and that is so much more interesting to me #natla spoilers #natla #iroh

[sixth-light]

Two new WoT theories about Galad, one Watsonian and one Doylistic.

Doylistic: People super underestimate what a minor character Galad actually is, probably because Sanderson promotes him in ToM/AMoL. His first PoV in the RJ books is the KoD prologue, and otherwise he only appears on-page 1) when Rand visits Caemlyn, 2) when Egwene and Nynaeve go to the White Tower, 3) the infamous quarterstaff duel, and 4) when Elayne and Nynaeve run into him in Samara and he's become a Surprise Whitecloak. Everything else is people talking about him! Given the repeated hints he's romantically interested in Egwene and/or Nynaeve that go absolutely nowhere, plus at least one prophecy/viewing that does the same, I think that RJ may have rejigged his role in the story around TFoH.

He's a goldmine of interesting connections to main characters (Rand, Elayne, Egwene) that don't pay off, and when he does take centre stage in ToM it's about his relationship with Morgase (established, significant to him, but SHE is quite a minor character) and a new enemies-to-allies arc with Perrin which...comes out of absolutely nowhere if we're being honest. Perrin already had a Whitecloak to have an enemies-to-allies arc with! He didn't need another one. Justice for Dain Bornhald. RJ kinda moved away from the Arthuriana stuff by mid-series and I think Galad, Walking Arthurian Archetype, suffered from that.

Watsonian: I will make it super-clear that I think everything that follows is because RJ simply wasn't thinking about Galad that hard outside of his role as the Galahad archetype. NEVERTHELESS.

As @butterflydm noted elsewhere, there's not a lot of reason for Galad to be at the White Tower (much less to argue to stay there when Elayne leaves, as he does) and the more I think about it...for someone who is nearly 30, he's extremely adrift from all the normal markers of adulthood and status in his culture. Morgase doesn't appear to have given him any significant responsibilities within Andor, even though he's treated otherwise as her son. He doesn't seem to have inherited estates from Tigraine or Taringail that he could be administering (a la Gareth Bryne in retirement in TFoH). He's arguably in line to be High Seat of either Mantear or Damodred, or even a candidate for the throne of Cairhien, but he's not apparently considered for any of those. Readers are often surprised at how old he is because he's presented as equivalent to Elayne and Gawyn, literal teenagers not yet old enough when the books start to take up their future responsibilities outside of the emergency situations that later occur. Notably, although Galad expresses clear romantic interest in multiple women through the series he's not married or a parent, though again he's more than old enough. (That last is definitely a Galahad-archetype thing.)

So my "canon doesn't support it but canon leaves room for it" new theory is that this is actually on purpose, because like spare sons of royalty before him he's an incredibly tempting target for conspiracies, especially out of Cairhien. He has a close and loving bond with Morgase but she is very politically pragmatic and likely wouldn't want to put him in a situation where he could become the focus of plotting like that. And also...he would righteously report every plot to her unless and until someone managed to convince him that Doing The Thing, whatever it was, was actually the morally correct course of action. Valda achieves this pretty quickly, so it's clearly a possibility!

So, to sum up: Galad is unmarried, uncommitted, and available to be sent to the Tower in TGH because he's too much of a political hot potato to do anything else with. If he was bonded by an Aes Sedai that would probably be a perfect long-term career for him from a political perspective. Ironically puts him in a position, after all these years of Morgase protecting him, to be radicalised by Valda.

#wheel of time #wot book spoilers #galad damodred #he's the perfect character for projection because he's canonically hot and morally pure and an amazing swordsman and loves his mum #and there's...very little else there #I do sincerely appreciate that RJ was like 'oh wow Galahad would be EXTREMELY ANNOYING TO DEAL WITH wouldn't he' #but there's still not a lot else there on the page

[natequarter]

you wonder why the scots were so unstable, then you look at their monarchy and realise they had seven child monarchs in a row. oh your king's a twelve-year-old? that sucks. what, he's been assassinated? huh! good thing his heir-- HE'S SIX? good thing he isn't going to die a ridiculous death like getting blown up by a cannon any time soon! BUT NOT FOR LONG! what, he was actually blown up by a cannon? wow. anyway, we're leaving the throne in the capable hands of a nine-year-old. that won't go wrong! OR SO WE THOUGHT! well, at least it wasn't a cannon that took him out this time, just a little bit of rebellion and war. and we're leaving the throne in the capable hands of a competent and popular ruler.

BUT NOT FOR LONG! this idiot gets absolutely wrecked at the hands of the english. and by wrecked, i mean killed. great news for henry viii, terrible news for little one-year-old jamie (his nephew, i should point out), a.k.a. your highness, and fifth in a long line of idiots called james. (you'd think they'd learn to pick another name.) things work out eventually, right up until henry viii's lot come back onto the scene and get into a bunch of fights with the scots. unbelievably, things are about to get so much worse. in a real smart move, james dies at the grand old age of thirty. (i feel the need to point out that none of these jameses lived past the age of forty-two. and that's being generous.)

enter mary. she's catholic! she's not called james! she's the queen of scotland! and guess how old she is? six days! yes, you heard that right - six days. (and you thought six years was bad.) she's eventually whisked away to live in france and later marry the dauphin, handily solving the problem of the english trying to kidnap her and marry her off to edward vi. (she's five at this point. edward is ten. françois, the dauphin, is three. don't think too hard about any of that.)

they grow up. edward dies at fifteen. mary i, best known for her fondness for barbecues, dies five years later. françois, sensing a trend, dies two years after that at sixteen. mary returns to scotland, and all is well.

OR SO WE THOUGHT! whilst england was busy being torn apart by religious matters, scotland was busy being torn apart by religious matters. (you'll never guess what's happening in france.) mary, of course, is a devout catholic. some of the scots, who have spent twelve years without a monarch, let alone a catholic girl raised in france, are... not. rebellions! political instability! back to the status quo, basically. john knox is not happy, but when is he ever? elizabeth i kindly tries to help things by sending her bestie robert dudley (yes, that robert) to marry mary. this, unsurprisingly, does not go down well. fortunately, mary solves all these problems by creating a new one: she marries her half-cousin, henry lord darnley! yuck! i mean, yay! more rebellion (led by mary's half-brother)! henry turns on mary because he wants more power! he allies with the protestant lords, and they stab mary's private secretary to death in front of her whilst she's pregnant! the usual.

BUT NOT FOR LONG! mary and henry escape, they have a lovely little son called james (they still hadn't learn their lesson about scottish jameses), and they all live happily ever after until henry's house is blown up and he's found smothered outside in broad daylight. suspects include: everyone in scotland. but mostly lord bothwell, who proceeds to kidnap mary and marry her. now, you may struggle to believe this, but things go downhill from here. mary is eventually forced to abdicate, and flees to england. bothwell is imprisoned in denmark, and later goes insane. as for james, now the one-year-old james vi (anyone sensing a pattern here?), well, he's probably too busy learning to speak to care. because, you know, he's one. some people never learn.

from this point onwards, mary's kept under house arrest by elizabeth i. in a display of gratitude towards elizabeth, mary promptly spends the rest of her life plotting against her. or being involved in plots. in the meantime, james's regent, also called james stewart (mary's aforementioned half-brother; the name is cursed), earns the dubious honour of being the first head of government to be assassinated with a firearm. eventually, after mary, that virtuous angel, actively tries to kill elizabeth, elizabeth gets fed up and drops a sword on mary's neck. james, who last saw his mother at the age of zero years old, must have been devastated.

you all know what happened next: elizabeth died at the grand old age of sixty-nine, and james inherited the throne. thus followed decades of religious instability, parliamentary infighting, and stubborn monarchs who refused to listen to reason, which were surely new to the elizabethans. james, who was what is commonly known these days as a "hot mess" or "bisexual disaster" - don't quote me on that - was nearly blown up in a plot masterminded by a guy called tosser. sorry, i mean a tosser called guy. he also pissed everyone off by being a bit too buddy-buddy with several men, possibly lovers. (probably lovers.) that was not the end of the curse of james stewart (see: james ii of england), but it did at least put an end to mary queen of scots. oh, and england and scotland were united. that too. cue much chaos with a man you've probably heard of, named oliver cromwell... the rest is history. i mean, all of this is history, but you know what i mean.

and that's the story of why having seven child monarchs in a row is a really fucking bad idea!

#historyposting

[aifsaath]

I am continuously perplexed at how a show as objectively bad and problematic as hotd keeps inspiring outstanding fanfics like yours and @gwenllian-in-the-abbey’s. Truly it’s a mystery to me, especially considering that the books covering the dance are supposed to be quite mediocre as well from what I’ve perceived. Just so you know,with that trailer out now I’m gonna completely blend out the events of the show and consider our fathers clad in red canon

@gwenllian-in-the-abbey AAAAAAAAAAAAAA, I think George's gonna order a hit on us:D

I'm glad you like our slightly destructive approach to teh canon. I'm mostly fueled by spite and my dislike for George's and HBO's complete disregard for the historical context of the stuff they draw their inspiration from (you can't do the Matilda vs Stephen showdown and expect the same sense of injustice, when your main conflict is about Viserys' imbecilic approach to rules, Rhaenyra's weak-ass claim and papa/dragons being her go-to solution to all her problems, Daemon being a chaos gremlin, Corlys' malignant ambition and the Hightowers being the only ones who actually care about the rule of law.)

A lesbian romance doesn't automatically turn a story into a feminist manifesto, nor does a girlboss who's treated by the narrative as the second coming of Christ. Context matters and it's a mistake to view the Dance through the lens of modern ideals about egalitarianism.

GRRM's hubris when it comes to "Aragorn's tax policies" is just another thing that enrages me and Gwenllian, because the man completely misunderstands the medieval legal codes. Just because they were complex that doesn't mean they were fucking contradictory on their own; no one wanted civil wars breaking out each time a monarch died.

Problems happened when two countries with generational beefs worked on two different principles of succession, ie. England (male-preference primogeniture) vs France (male-only primogeniture), or if there was some dynastic fuckery that completely messed up the clear-cut succession lines with usurpations and cousin marriages (Yorks vs Lancasters).

Had Richard II (the son of the Black Prince) died peacefully without issue, the succession would have followed through the line of the Duke of Clarence, with Edmund the Earl of March eventually becoming the king (and he was Richard's heir, btw).

But that's not what happened. The son of John of Gaunt usurped the throne and it was then passed down through his line, because he was the crowned king. Now, you can argue whether or not he had any right to do the usurpation in the first place and whether or not he was the legitimate king and you bet people back then argued about that too. This ambiguity is how you create a proper narrative about actually conflicting claims. The only thing propping up Rhaenyra against her brother is the fact that Viserys is a moron.

How the fuck can I take F&B seriously and without the Dead Sea's worth of salt, when it pretty much blows Jaehaerys' posthumous dick about his wisdom when he "let" the council of 101 decide the succession (while politely ignoring the fact that Jaehaerys' own claim is legit only in the cases of either full salic or semi-salic succession, ie male-only), while never once it calls out Viserys out on his extremely dangerous decision. He gets to die venerated as the peaceful grandpa and all the blame for his incompetence is piled on Aegon II and Alicent.

Let's go through the possible succession systems, shall we?

If we follow male-preference primogeniture, the legitimate line of kings ends with Aerea because she was the eldest child of Aegon the Uncrowned, Maegor's eldest nephew. Only after she and her sister die without issue, Jaehaerys can become the king. Jaehaerys' canon ascension works only because Rhaena gave up her daughters' claims. The next in line would be Aemon and after him Rhaenys. But that's not what happened.

If we follow the salic law (male only), the legitimate line of the kings goes Aegon I -> Aenys I -> Aegon Uncrowned -> Jaehaerys I -> Viserys I -> Aegon II. This is probably what Jaehaerys wanted to ensure, since he challenged Maegor's kingship in the first place.

If a crowned king can choose his heir, then Jaehaerys was never a legitimate king and Aerea was the true queen, because Maegor, who had won his crown in the trial by combat, chose her as his heir.

What about the principle of seniority? Cognatic seniority where men and women have equal claims is out of the question since Aegon I was the crowned king, not Visenya. Male-only seniority would go Aegon I -> Aenys I -> Maegor I (uncontested!) -> Aegon Crowned This Time -> Viserys the Not Tortured to Death -> Jaehaerys I -> Aemon (only if his uncle Viserys has no issue) -> Baelon -> Vaegon -> Viserys I -> Daemon (EW).

Notice the distinct lack of Rhaenyra.

Team Black keeps mentioning the widow's law, but that's a bulk of nonsense. I suppose the misunderstanding originates from a (willful) misinterpretation of this passage. The book says:

Now, I highly doubt Jaehaerys intended for the law to mean that a daughter from the first marriage should come before the sons from the second. The wording is a bit unlucky, but I suppose the intention was to establish the legal position of the second wife and her children as united with the position of her step-children - she has the same duties towards them as if they were own, and the same goes the other way. Which would make sense. Because otherwise, no one would be desperate enough to marry a widower with daughters. Since we know that title and land ownerships have remained in the same families without changing hands once or twice since the implementation of the law, I really doubt the team black's literal interpretation of the passage was the one intended. Ffs, Viserys was pushed to marry again because he had only one daughter, meaning, this law wasn't viewed the way the Team Black wishes for. And I'm not even delving into the fact that this would be a female inheritance hack penned by Jaehaerys, if that was the case. Talk about ooc.

So, yeah, we're taking Gyldayne's interpretation of the past with so much salt our hearts are gonna fail.

#dance of the dragons #aegon ii targaryen #rhaenyra targaryen #viserys i targaryen #grrm critical #Aragorn's Tax Policy #Rhaenyra had no right to the throne and you know it #asks #our fathers clad in red

[dreamfyre03]

A Dragon's Love

Author's Note: First time posting on tumblr, so please go easy on me, I hope you like this fic<3 Also, this fic is heavily team green, so if that's not your thing, this is a warning.

Trigger Warnings (for this chapter): Brief mentions of violence (tourneys), childbirth, death, I think that's it but if there's more I missed please let me know.

Chapter 1: Born from Tragedy next part

As the sounds of knights riding their horses and lances bashing into shields filled the air, at the great tourney to celebrate the birth of what would hopefully be the son of King Viserys, his wife, Queen Aemma, laid in the childbed, crying out as her body swam in the depths of a pain the gods cruelly decided only women would bear. 

The babe was in breech, and there was very little that could be done. King Viserys was given a choice; cut the babe out of his wife, and gain a possible son, but loose his beloved Aemma, or leave it to the gods to decide. The King chose to play god instead, and gave the order. The Queen caught on to what was happening, and as she was held down by an army of nurses, and her own husband, her lasts words were short, yet so profound they would go on the haunt King Viserys until he too met the stranger; “No.” 

More disappointment was yet to come, for now the Queen was dead, and the boy the King so longed for was in fact not a boy, but a girl, a daughter. A screaming, pink, healthy babe, but she was just a girl. Viserys could hardly look at her, for shame of what he had done. The little girl looked up at her father, who struggled to even look at her, without seeing the face of his now dead wife in hers. 

“And what will she be called, Your Grace?” The Maester cut the silence by asking the King. “Daenys. Princess Daenys Targaryen.” He answered, as he handed off the babe to her nurses, for in his guilt the King could not look at her any longer. 

.

.

.

In a mere matter of months later, the King married the Lady Alicent Hightower, dearest friend and companion to his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. It was an act the destroyed the once unbreakable friendship between the two girls, and now the young Rhaenyra had yet another reason to loathe her new baby sister; she killed her mother, and consequently, made her lose her best friend. 

Thus, the sweet baby Daenys was left seemingly alone in the world; no mother, a father that couldn’t bear to look at her, and a sister that bore no love for her. Indeed, the gods can be cruel. 

Months after the marriage of King Viserys and Queen Alicent, the Queen was found to be with child, and soon gave the King his much wanted son, and they called him Aegon. Of course, at this point to Viserys, this changed nothing, as he had already named his daughter Rhaenyra as heir. At first many saw it as a temporary action to secure the line of succession, and to disinherit his younger  brother, Prince Daemon. But it was clearly much more than that, and some might say it was his way of righting the wrong he did to the only woman he ever loved, his first wife Aemma, by naming their daughter Rhaenyra the first woman as the heir to the Iron Throne. If only he knew what sorrow that choice would reign upon the House of the Dragon. 

The Princess Rhaenyra soon married Ser Leanor Velaryon, son of Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Time passed and passed, and Rhaenyra never showed a drop of kindness to her little sister, who tried to follow her around as soon as she could walk. The coldness from her sister and the slowly but surely depreciating health of her father saw the Princess Daenys in the care of Queen Alicent. She wasn’t always warm and kind, like many might expect a mother to be, but she grew a special affection for her step daughter. In turn, little Daenys felt the same for her step mother, and, her half siblings. Daenys and Aegon were about the same age, and as they grew, were inseparable. When Helaena came along, and they were about two and one respectively, Aegon cried at the deviation of attention from him to his new sister, but Daenys took to baby Helaena right away. When Prince Aemond was born a year later, Daenys loved her siblings with all her heart, even as the little girl kept longing for the love and acceptance of her older sister. 

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Thirteen years later

Daenys sat with her sister Helaena, who was whispering indecipherable words as she allowed the many legged creature to crawl about her hands. Daenys did not care for the many insects her sister seemed to adore so, but she never said anything because she knew there was not much that brought her sister such peace of mind, even if it meant having all sorts of bugs in display containers in their shared rooms. 

She watched as Queen Alicent attempted to lend a comforting touch to her daughter, but Helaena tensed, and it was clear she did not want to be touched, as had been the case since her betrothal to their brother Aegon. Feeling bad for her stepmother, Daenys walked over and said, “Your Grace, perhaps a walk in the fresh air might do Helaena some good?” Alicent looked up affectionately at Daenys and smiled sadly, responding, “Yes, that’s a good idea my dear.” As the two princesses got up to make their way out, the doors burst open and Aemond ran in, straight into his mother’s embrace and he went on angrily, “They gave me a pig!” 

“What?” Alicent asked as she tried to calm down her son. “They gave me a pig to ride!” He yelled, shaking with anger. Daenys did not hear the words of comfort whispered by his mother, but did hear Helaena whisper, “He’ll have to close an eye.” 

Alicent then left, no doubt to reprimand Aegon, and Aemond stalked over to his sisters, and passed them to sit by the window, in a quiet anger. Daenys turned to Helaena, but before she could speak Helaena already knew and whispered, “Go ahead, sister.” Daenys smiled kindly, Helaena always knew what she was thinking. Daenys walked over to where Aemond sat and joined him quietly, and asked, “Are you alright?” 

“They gave me a pig, Aegon and those bastard Strongs. How is it fair that the bastards have a dragon and I don’t? I’m a true Targaryen, and yet I have no dragon.” He huffed as he looked out the window. Daenys took his hand in hers and said, “Aegon is a fool, and often doesn’t know when enough is enough. I believe you’ll have a dragon on day, Aemond. It’ll be a marvellous dragon, that puts the others to shame.” At this, her brother turned to look at her and asked, “Even Meraxa?” Referring to Daenys’s own dragon, who was incredibly large, larger than Dreamfyre, with beautiful white and red scales. Daenys gave him a smile that put him at ease, and replied, “Hmm, well we shall have to see. I wonder if any dragon can put my Meraxa to shame. But until you claim one that can, you can ride with me on Meraxa any time you want.” 

Aemond smiled slightly and tightened his hand around hers. Later that day, when the sun was setting, Daenys made her way to her older sister’s apartments, to wish her congratulations on the birth of her new babe, Joffery.

She knocked on the door, until she heard her sister’s voice call out, “Enter!” 

Daenys pushed the door open and walked in to the sight of Rhaenyra sitting tiredly on the settee in her rooms, as she rocked baby Joffery.

“Sister, I come to wish you congratulations on the birth of Prince Joffery.” She said, as Rhaenyra barely glanced at her.  “Thank you, Daenys.” Was all she said, and rather coldly at that. But Daenys was used to it. Her sister had never warmed up to her, always seeing Daenys as the one that killed her mother, and ruined her friendship with Alicent, and the years hadn’t softened how she felt about Daenys. Yet, despite the continuing effort she always made with Rhaenyra, she had seemingly already hardened her heart to the younger girl, and had no desire to have any relationship with her. 

“I trust your labours were alright? And little Joffery is well?” She pressed, hoping for something, anything other than the coldness Rhaenyra always gave her, but as always, nothing came. 

“They were alright. Joffery is quite well. Labours can be quite strenuous, as I’m sure you know.” Rhaenyra replied emotionlessly. They both knew she meant it not in the sense that Daenys had birthed children of her own, but that she was the cause of their mother’s untimely death in the childbed. 

Daenys fought the tears that sprung up in her eyes, and simply said, “Indeed. Well, I bid you good day, sister.” As she walked out of the rooms. Rhaenyra hadn’t bothered to even bid her goodbye. Daenys lets her tears begin to fall down her face, and she quietly stifled her sobs as she made her way to the Godswood. She knew that it would be dark soon, and that she should go to her rooms with Helaena, but she preferred to be alone for a moment, if only to shed her tears in peace. 

Once, when she was twelve, she tried to ask Rhaenyra about their mother, which resulted in an awful exchange between the two, which led to Rhaenyra berating her cruelly, and Daenys crying and running to find comfort in the arms of Alicent, which only angered Rhaenyra even more. The memory came back to Daenys as she sat under the Godswood tree, watching the sky turn to night, nothing but the sound of her quiet sobs and sniffles in the air. 

“Daenys?” She heard a familiar voice call out to her. She wiped her tears away quickly and saw Aemond approach. “What’s the matter?” He asked as he sat next to her. She loved her younger brother, although he always put on a tough face, he had a kind heart. While Aegon was loud and boisterous, ever seeking attention, Aemond was always in the shadows, yet he always stood out to her. 

“Nothing, truly.” She replied, sniffling. “Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you can’t  tell me things. It’s alright. You comforted me earlier, I only wish to comfort you now.” He said with a slightly nervous voice. Daenys smiled at him sadly. “I went to see Rhaenyra. I just wanted to congratulate her on the babe.” She told him, and Aemond scoffed, “Ah yes, the newest Strong bastard.” Despite their sister’s cruelty to her, Daenys reprimanded him with a playful touch and said, “She wasn’t too happy to see me. She never is. I suppose I am a fool to keep trying, when I am to blame for our mother’s passing.” 

“You’re not. Rhaenyra is a fool, and you are the best sister ever. But don’t tell Helaena,” he comforted her with a smile, and she giggled. 

“Do not blame yourself. It is not your fault. You didn’t ask to be born, you could not control what happened that day, you were only a babe.” Aemond reassured her, and she chastely kissed him on the forehead and said, “Since when did my little brother become so wise?” Aemond rolled his eyes and said, “I’ll be a man soon, sister. And Daeron is quite younger than me.” Daenys laughed, “True, but Daeron isn’t here is he? So then, I’m afraid you’re  little brother until we see him next.” Aemond shook his head, attempting to hide his smile, as the two siblings sat together, under the Godswood, talking and laughing until they were found and summoned back into the castle once more. 

#aemond targaryen #aemond x oc #aemond fanfiction #the owl house #house of the dragon #hotd #aegon ii targaryen #alicent hightower #helaena targaryen #daeron targaryen #aemond smut #original character

[gwenllian-in-the-abbey]

"You told me it was our duty to hold the realm united against a common foe. By naming me heir, you divided the realm. I thought I wanted it. But the burden is a heavy one. It’s too heavy. If you wish for me to bear it, then defend me. And my children." 

Episodes 8

What is your opinion on this speech?

Rhaenyra is absolutely correct that Viserys divided the realm when he named her heir, despite telling her it was her duty to hold the realm united, and that he placed a heavy burden on her shoulders and didn't do a whole lot for her in terms of practical support. I think it's interesting that the show chose to highlight how neither Rhaenyra nor Aegon particularly want to rule. I think for show!Rhaenyra, it makes a good deal of sense. I always got the sense that if Viserys had disinherited her, show!Rhaenyra's pride would be wounded, but she would probably be at least a tiny bit relieved. It's that same pride that won't let her just admit that it might not be worth it, that maybe she'd rather just step back (and there's a cut dialogue with Daemon in which she voices these doubts to him and he immediately shuts her down saying she's weak like Viserys... hm!). In light of this, it isn't particularly out of character for show!Rhaenyra to be considering the peace offer Otto delivers (book!Rhaenyra is another story, she has no doubts and does not give a fuck about keeping the realm united, she wants to win, period). She has a good life on Dragonstone, her kids are out of the public eye and aren't facing accusations of bastardy, and Daemon has his dragon hobby to keep him occupied. She doesn't need the throne, and if it's not actually that important to Viserys, then he should just say so. If he really wants her to be queen and has a good reason for it, then do something. She has a point.

That said, if Rhaenyra doesn't want the burden, she can give it up at any time, and if she actually does want to be heir, she's not doing herself any favors either. She is the one who stayed away, who went to Dragonstone and was absent from court while the green council built up their power base. And while yes, Dragonstone is the official holding of the heir to the throne, most heirs split their time between King's Landing and Dragonstone because it's important for the heir to learn the workings of the realm and to make connections and alliances. Dragonstone is only a few hours away on from King's Landing on dragonback, and it's a relatively small holding with only a few villages, so it's not as if it requires its prince or princess to be in residence at all times. Aside from that, Rhaenyra also had three bastard children and put them in the line of succession, which she knew was going to cause problems (and in this, Viserys did offer her a ton of support, including allowing his own son's maiming to go unpunished and Vaemond to be killed to maintain that lie). So it kind of goes both ways. Rhaenyra acts like she doesn't really care all that much about being heir beyond the validation it gives her, that she is the favorite child, the one he chose, and Viserys stubbornly keeps her as heir but does nothing to shore up her claim or mitigate the threats against her, and it's divided the realm despite Viserys insisting the realm must remain united, so what are we actually doing here? I liked this scene, I think it reveals a good deal about show!Rhaenyra's mindset.

I think if done well, the show can have Rhaenyra really spiraling due to grief and rage, going from feeling like she should preserve the peace and that maybe it isn't worth it, to feeling like she has to win out of spite (and I think this can apply to both sides. You have Otto and Rhaenys giving Alicent and Rhaenyra similar speeches in the trailer) and a desire for vengeance. I don't... hate this? But the show has to stop giving Rhaenyra the chosen one rightful heir halo and admit that she doesn't go to war for the good of the realm, but for her own very personal reasons.

#asks #hotd discussion #anti viserys i targaryen #anti rhaenyra targaryen #anti team black #but not really in this post #just putting that there because people get weird #anti viserys is always real though

[thesunfyre4446]

Everyone talks too much about how Rhaenyra's bloodline that survive and stayed with the throne, but little the peaple talk about how much shit her line did, they did had some good kings(I think?) But some of them were the worst. Her own grandson, Aegon IV that legitimized all of his bastards and because of this 5 Blackfyre rebellions happened.

And while I was writting this, I noticed tyhat Rhaenyra had 4 granddaughters and 2 of them are just like her, having bastards, one with the cousin who was married with his own sister (her cousin), who didn’t like the marriage and suffered because of him and she was like:"you already have a terrible marriage, I'll just make it worse and I won’t care about you at all" (Naerys deserved a lot better, Daena was a little shit doing this with her) and the other with her own aunt husband (I really wanted to know Baela's reaction of this)

haha lol yeah some of her descendances were def evil & insane & ruined westeros

mm well naerys seems to just want aegon to leave her alone so i don't think she was very uspet about her husband having an affair, and aegon prob took advantage of daena's imprisonment (i've been planning to write an aegon-naerys-aemon analysis) and i actually really like elaena! she's really cool! alyn velaryon is actually the worst and i hate him so much. baela's story is so tragic - she was doomed to live her grandmother's wife - being the "queen who never was", married to an ambitious man who cheated on her, lady of driftmark...

i think that the most important thing about rhaenyra's bloodline is viserys ii inheriting the throne over daena. rhaenyra's own son cementing the "son before daughters & uncle before daughters" precedence is very ironic and symbolic. her descendants had absolutely no interest in honoring her legacy & the reason their family died. they didn't care. they literally have another civil war 2 generations later.

#hotd #house of the dragon #asks #daena the defiant #aegon iv targaryen #elaena targaryen #baela targaryen #anti alyn velaryon

[godsmenusuperbowl]

I Just Love to Look at Him ~ *Han Jisung*

Summary: In order to become Queen, you must marry. As much as you hate the antiquated law, you're willing to try. Now who to pick is a whole other issue!

Pairing: Han Jisung X Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluffy Drabble

Word Count: 729

Warning: Yes it's that one scene from the Princess Diaries 2

Masterlist

Taglist: @foxwinter​ 

You knew ever since you were young that one day you’d have to marry if you ever wanted to be Queen. And now that you were finally eligible for the throne, an arranged marriage was in order. You weren’t really fond of the idea, but you didn’t have much of a choice. Nevertheless, you were at least allowed the opportunity to pick who you married.

It was your mother, the Queen’s, idea to have her secretary, Jeongyeon, compile all the potential suitors into a presentation. You invited your best friend, Ryujin, to be there, as you believed her opinion was just as valid. So in the theater room with you to pick out your future spouse was your mother, Jeongyeon, Ryujin, and the Head of Security, Jackson.

“Baron Lee Minho,” Jeongyeon began. “Resident of Gimpo, age twenty-five, hobbies include hiking, watching movies, and creating choreography.”

Your mother shook her head. “No, not appropriate. He’s a compulsive gambler.”

The slide changed. Before he was announced, you gasped. “Yes! Oh yes! I absolutely accept!”

Jeongyeon chuckled as she read the slide. “Prince Christopher Bang. Resident of Sydney, age twenty-six, hobbies include playing sports, swimming, and producing music.”

“He’s not eligible because he’s in line for his own throne.” Your mother stated.

“Oh.” You couldn’t help but pout. You hoped he wasn’t the only perfect guy in the mix.

Jackson spoke up. “If he’s not eligible, why is he included in the line up.”

Jeongyeon sighed. “I just love to look at him.”

“Me too.” Your mother mumbled.

“Your Majesty.” Jackson teased her, earning a playful swat on the arm from her. You chuckled to yourself. Your mother always saw him as a son and you could see why.

“Next.” The slide changed again. “Felix Lee. Resident of Sydney, age twenty-three, hobbies include listening to music, dancing, clothes shopping, traveling, and beatboxing. No title, but a good family.”

Ryujin leaned over to whisper in your ear, “What about the title husband?”

You shrugged. “Yeah, he’s cute.”

Jackson hummed. “His boyfriend thinks he’s handsome also.”

Both you and Ryujin fist pump. “Right on.”

“No matter.” Your mother tapped Jeongyeon’s shoulder so that she could take a memo. “Put him on all the invitation lists. He’s a divine dancer.”

“Next.” The slide changed again. “Sir Park Sungjin. Resident of Busan, age thirty, hobbies include playing sports, gaming, and playing the guitar.”

“Too old.” Your mother shook her head.

You frowned. He was only thirty. How could that be too old? Nevertheless, you didn’t argue with her. You learned that lesson the hard way a long time ago.

The slide switched again. “Prince Ren Shuyang. Resident of Pingyao, age sixteen, hobbies include locking, singing, and rapping.”

Another shake of your mother’s head. “Too young.”

“Does this popcorn taste different to you?” Ryujin asked all of a sudden.

You shrugged. “Jackson made it. You know how he is in the kitchen.”

“Ah, I thought so. It tastes amazing!”

The slide switched while you weren’t looking. “Kim Seungmin. Resident of Seoul, age twenty-three, hobbies include writing, listening to music, and eating.”

It was Jackson who had an objection to this one. “Arrested too many times.”

“Really? Him?” You asked, bewildered.

He nodded. “I should know. I’ve been the one to arrest him at least twice.”

Your mother huffed. “Wait, no. We need someone titled, someone who can help you run a country without ego getting in the way. Someone attractive, smart, but not arrogant. Someone with compassion-”

The slide changed.

“Someone like him?”

“Duke Han Jisung.” Jeongyeon announced. “Resident of Incheon, age twenty-three, hobbies include watching movies, drawing, and producing music.”

“Yes!” Your mother all but shouted. “Someone very much like him! Good choice, dearest! I wonder why I didn’t think of him before!”

“Han Jisung.” Ryujin muttered before giving a small nod. “Sounds like he’d be a good one for you.”

“Well he looks,” You tried to pick a suitable adjective. “Decent.”

As you mentioned before, you weren’t really interested in getting married just so you could become Queen. However, perhaps this could work. Even if you didn’t fall head over heels in love with him, perhaps the two of you could get along with one another. His extended biography that Jeongyeon had given you along with all the others made him sound like quite the gentleman.

Who knows, maybe this could work out after all.

#Stray Kids #Stray Kids Fanfiction #Stray Kids Drabble #KPop #KPop Fanfiction #KPop Drabble #Stay #Han Jisung #Han Jisung X Reader #Han Jisung Fanfiction #Han Jisung Drabble #Han Jisung Fluff #Jisung #Jisung X Reader #Jisung Fanfiction #Jisung Drabble #Jisung Fluff #Royalty #Royalty AU #Drabble #Fluff

[theroundbartable]

Hi! I want to share a merthur prompt that's been on me mind for a long time, but cannot write cause english is not my first language and I'm afraid to make mistakes. I would love for you to write it, but if you only share the prompt for someone else to do it, it's fine too.

You know how in the arthurian mithology Arthur wasn't raise as a prince to begin with but was discover later? Not only that, but Utter was the one who order Merlin to hide him, so he took him and made other family raise him.

Well, inspired on this I though what if our BBC Merlin did this? I imagine inmortal Merlin after the events of camlam, mad with grieve, tired of waiting for Arthur and cursing destiny and fate, would come to the conclusion that it was the prophesy he tried to fulfill that ended up killing and condeming Arthur. So, as soon as he learns how to, he travels back in time just when Arthur is about to be born. He kidnaps baby Arthur and gives him to a nice couple in Ealdor who he knows can't have children and will raise him well. He doesn't care about destiny anymore, he just wants Arthur to be happy and safe.

Obviously this has consecuences: Utter's hate towards magic becomes worse because he did not only lose his wife to a sorcerer but his son and heir as well. Search parties look for the lost prince for years without success and Utter is force to acknowledge Morgana as his daughter since he refuses to marry again, let alone have another heir. He won't stop looking for his son though no matter how much his council pleads him to.

Meanwhile, little Arthur meets little Merlin and become inseparable friends. Merlin from the future smiles, watching them from afar. He's been looking after Arthur all this time, making sure he won't be found and that he's safe. Suddenly he notices his body is starting to be less solid and realise that sooner or later he's going to disappear because there can be two Merlins coexisting in the same time. Not wanting to leave Arthur unprotected, he decides to orquest secret encounters with his younger self in the woods disguise as Dragoon/Emrys to start giving him magic leasons so he can control his magic better, ergo protect Arthur when he is not around. However, Arthur follows Merlin one day to see where he always goes of to and he discovers his best friend has magic. He takes it well though and even asks "Emrys" to teach him too. "Emrys" says something along the lines "You don't have magic I can work with but you defenitely have strength and courage. I can teach you to be a Knight" and he does. From then on he gives them not only magic and knight leasons, but education in general.

The day "Emrys" knows he is going to die/disappear he meets with Merlin, who is a teen by then, privatly one last time. With all the power he has left he transfers all his memories to Merlin. Overwhelm but over all angry teen Merlin shouts at adult Merlin, who is not in disguise anymore, "How dare you! You had no right to take that away from him! His right to the throne! He could've have better life, he could...". Adult Merlin argues back "Being prince is what made him miserable and got him killed in the first place!". They fight a little more, but in the end Adult Merlin says "Look, if you think is best to bring Arthur back to Camelot and reveal he is the lost prince is your choice. I already gave you all the information you need to be beware of the dangers and consecuences. Don't let any prophesy lead your choices and protect him" and he banishes soon after. Teen Merlin is left without knowing what to do.

He doesn't have to do anything though. Essetier kingdom falls, maybe do to war or a plague, i don't know, and Merlin, Arthur and their parents are force to flee to Camelot. They arrive at the Citidel and... that's all I got 😅 Sorry. I suppose at some point Arthur is discover and chaos ensues, but I don't know how it would happen.

OP, I just want to say.... i already know you're underestimating yourself. This summary looks awesome. I love the idea. And I have no doubt that you can flesh this out.

I'm not going to write it, because you can make this a 300 k story and people will absolutely read it and they will love it. I know this, because I absolutely would. Don't worry about your English, it's more than fine. (There are some spelling mistakes, but that's to do with typing, not actual problems with grammar.)

Look, I'm not an English native myself. I'm German and I started off with stories that made little sense in consistency. I was 12 when my first comment (my brother) told me it sucked. And he was right but that didn't stop me. The level on writing I see in this little summary is what I would have aspired my writing to become at the time. You have nothing to be insecure about.

Don't be afraid to write your own story. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Trust me on this. You will do better than you think. And if you want, you can always message me if you need any help. I would love to read your version of the whole story.

Seriously, I mean it. You've given me enough text to see it. It would be a great gift to the fandom if you tried. :)

#bbc merlin #merlin #merthur #merlin bbc #fanfiction #faq #op your mind #writing #if anyone agrees #please help me convince op #answer

[judyfromfinance]

Olden Times. Modern Thinking.

(Heimdall/Modern!Reader)

Summary: You know things you’re not supposed to. You behave oddly. And the way you speak is even odder. Kratos, Mimir, and Atreus have no idea if they should believe your ramblings of another world and of a future they have no way of knowing is real. But, you seem harmless enough. Plus, Faye may rise from her grave if they let a poor woman freeze to death in their forest, right outside their home no less.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 2

It’s been a couple of months since you had woken up in what seemed to be the set of Game of Thrones. You remember Kratos questioning you. Who are you? What are you? Why are you here? Basically trying to intimidate you into possibly giving up any information of potentially being a horrible person intending to hurt him, or more so his son. Luckily Mimir was there to lighten the mood a bit. Seeing Kratos in front of your eyes, not as a video game character was… unnerving to say the least. Honestly when you woke up you were expecting everything to be some wacked out dream. Too much gaming late into the night and waking up at the buttcrack of dawn for your shit job. But no. You were here. Actually here. You think. The jury’s still out on the dream thing. But you answered him still. As truthfully as you could. You decided against talking about the fact that you basically played through this man’s whole life. From destroying Olympus to now essentially. Yeah, you don’t think a man like Kratos would’ve handled that well. But he listened. So did Mimir. And so did Atreus. They stopped you and asked questions here or there. Mainly Mimir and Atreus. One because he’s the “Smartest Man Alive” and the other because pure, unadulterated curiosity. They accepted your words. And Kratos made his decision.

“Stay? With y’all? Just like that?” You couldn’t help but sound skeptical. Mimir, who was… sitting… yeah you don’t know whether you could call being placed down on a barrel by your neck stump sitting. But you digress, Mimir chuckled and said “Don’t worry lass! We’ll put you to work yet!” Kratos just hummed in agreement as Atreus smiled towards you.

“Oh. Ok.”

And that’s what led you to now. A few months down the road and they have been teaching you, trying to at least, to hunt and scavenge. Mind you, Fimbulwinter made everything so much harder when it came to gathering food. And since you were mortal, you needed more than the two gods and the undead head.

“This is so stupid. How do you feel anything in this fucking cold?” You simmered to yourself as you practiced with a bow that Atreus had made for you. You could barely feel your fingers as they fumbled with the the string. You tried to keep the arrow straight but no matter how hard you tried it just seemed to move away gradually. As if it was trying to piss you off. “You just gotta get used to it!” Atreus shouted from across the backyard training area. He didn’t want to be hit by a stray arrow. You finally got the arrow to sit still before releasing the string and let your arrow shoot through the sky. Well, shoot through the sky would be a lie. The arrow basically fell not even two feet into the snow and dirt. You heard giggling behind you. You spun around, eyes narrowed into slits. Atreus paused before shrugging and apologizing. “Here, let’s just gather more firewood before father comes back.” You rolled your eyes at the teenage god before walking with him towards the small section of woods behind the training grounds. The trees there were designated as firewood only trees.

“It’s cold as hell here. I can’t help that my body ain’t used to it. I live in California alright? It gets cold there, but never like this.” You swing your bow around your body, finally securing it on your back with the string across your chest. It seemed pretty big to you but Atreus said you’d grow into it. You would’ve mentioned that you were an adult and done growing but the look in his eyes were enough to stop you. You recognized that line. He was remembering his mother, Faye. So instead you just said thank you and took as much care of it as you could. You grabbed a smaller axe that was kept by the fencing and went to work. You definitely didn’t consider yourself strong in the least but you could swing an axe and break a couple of logs. Or at least do some minor damage to it as Atreus did the rest.

“Oh no, Hel is way colder. Trust me.” Atreus said with a grunt as he finished your pile of wood for you. You both then grabbed what you could and headed back inside. “I’ve been meaning to ask, what exactly is your home like? You don’t talk about it much.” He pushed open the door with his back as he stared at you. “Do you miss it?”

You really didn’t talk much about your home and your life before all this. You were more concerned with learning how to be useful to these people. After they were so kind to you and offered their home to you. They deserved that much. And you hated feeling like a burden. It was a gut wrenching feeling to know that no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn’t live up to some peoples expectations. So no, you didn’t talk about home. To busy trying to help. But.. you missed it. You missed it a lot. Maybe talking about it wouldn’t be such a bad thing. “Yeah. Yeah I miss it. What exactly did you want to know?”

It was at that moment that Kratos, with Mimir strapped to his hip, walked in with some freshly dug up roots and what looked to be a chunk of meat he probably butchered from a wild animal. Deer probably. He placed them both on the kitchen counter. Which was just a wooden table. The same table that you guys did anything and everything else on.

“Have you trained more with your bow?” He asked you gruffly. You perked up as you nodded vigorously. “No yeah! Of course!” You said as you took off your bow and placed it next to Atreus’s by the front door. Kratos furrowed his brow at your verbiage before grunting and looking towards Atreus. “She’s doing better father. Not ready to hunt quite yet but better.” He nods before gruffly saying “Good.” He turned towards the food before preparing it for supper. Watching Kratos cook was something else. Sure it wasn’t anything fancy you might see on Food Network but there was still something about it. It was so, domestic for the God of War. You sat down next to Atreus as he got his journal out.

“So… you were going to tell me more about your home? Uuuhh…” he wracked his brain trying to remember what you had called this mystical and other worldly land that you had hailed from. You giggled at his stupefied face.

“California. It’s called California. But that’s just the state I live in. My home country is called America.” You looked down towards your feet. Stilled covered in your Nike tennis shoes. “But… let’s just talk about my hometown for now.”

~*~*~*~*~

Taglist: @zoleea-exultant @sumebuddy @sissontrinity123 @different4black

For some reason tumblr mobile won’t let me tag some of y’all. I’ll see what I can do when I get home on my laptop. But for now enjoy this!

I will say, I do plan on doing time skips here and there. I just want to get to the main weasel man 👉👈🥺

Edit: I got the tags working :)

#Olden Times. Modern Thinking. #Heimdall/Modern!Reader #heimdall x reader #god of war ragnarok x reader #god of war x reader #heimdall gow x reader #gow reader insert

[allyriadayne]

what do you think jace thinks of daemon?

oh this is very complex and delicious. to me jace is of two minds when it comes to daemon:

1) he's the man who married his mother just after both of jace's father figures died of mysterious circumstances, therefore making daemon into a unknown entity who is stealing rhaenyra (adding that after a long separation, daemyra was v busy with each other).

and

2) daemon is jace's stepfather. and what is more, daemon is jace's longtime stepfather who makes his mother happy and after those tumultuous and traumatic events during eps 6 & 7, daemon is a stable parental and/or adult figure in jace's life. and most importantly, in whose presence jace implicitly feels safe.

i think for most viewers it's easy to see why jace dislikes daemon and it's the same for jace himself. daemon doesn't make himself likeable or palatable, he has rhaenyra, he has his family, he's safe and doesn't hunger for viserys' love as much. he's free from two half miserable marriages, he's more himself now than he ever was. conversely, jace is growing up in an unstable family context where he feels like he has to perform and prove himself constantly whether it's about his targaryen realness heritage and claim as second in line to the throne or about his role in the family when laenor checked out a long time ago and his other father figure harwin cannot act like one in public. i will be so bold as to say, jace was one of luke's primary caretakers too. this kind of parentified child might feel threatened ( + the obvious resentment jace feels for his parents) when another one comes into the picture.

jace might have felt after the driftmark episode that rhaenyra was alone and that it was his job to step-up so to speak (more or less what happened to aemon during the same scene, another parentified child!) so when daemon comes to the picture and he's planning to stay it clashed with what jace thought their life could be.

i don't think daemon really made any effort to parent the older kids (it's okay jace has bad vibes), but just because he married to rhaenyra he becomes jace's stepfather by default. but jace is so over fathers, he doesn't want another father who will die and leave him alone (and all the feelings of guilt bc maybe if jace hadn't complained and fought aegon better then harwin wouldn't have felt the need to defend him and be sent to harrenhal as punishment. where he died. in a fire. it's all jace's fault). so his best bet is to deny daemon any possible overture, anything that could made him be endeared to jace. he doesn't want the pain of losing anyone else.

and daemon is so easy to hate. easy to hate when he gives rhaenyra the silver haired purple eyed targaryen sons, when he can effortlessly and without bother or prejudice teach luke (and we know luke wants to please people so much, he would embrace daemon as a father) and joffrey how to swordfight, when he's already loved by baela and rhaena.

but the thing is that jace trusts daemon. he doesn't trust him per se in the emotional sense but he trusts that daemon will never hurt rhaenyra or his siblings, that he won't claim baby aegon and viserys are the better heirs over him (i've talked a bit about this subject here). this gets demonstrated in ep 10 where jace takes a more active role as rhaenyra's spokesperson when daemon's "gone to madness. gone to plot his war". while he seems nervous about speaking out, i don't think he's really afraid that daemon will do something to him, instead daemon takes him outside and does a very obvious show of loyalty, one that i don't think jace will dismiss even in his dislike. same thing in ep 8 where daemon cuts down vaemond velaryon for calling rhaenyra a whore and calling into question the birth of her older boys.

this is the man he's seen every day for six years, rhaena and baela's father, the man his mother loves above all. jace is not afraid of that.

tl:dr. jace trusts daemon with their safety but doesn't respect him (i.e. see how he calls him just "daemon" without titles). he purposely shuts him out emotionally because he doesn't want to get hurt again like after laenor's and harwin's death. he resent's daemon's role in the family as a result of being a parentified child in an unstable family context. i think they are fine.

#anonymous #ask #jacaerys velaryon #daemon targaryen #it's crazy when you think that daemon is the only father joffrey has known. luke was too small. jace is probably the only one who remembers #his other fathers for real #crazyyy #i don't think daemon respects jace much either¸ and that jace's beef with him exist solely in his mind 😭 #jace is plotting how to make rhaenyra dump him while daemon is cleaning his teeth thinking abt how good of a lay rhaenyra is #daemon x jacaerys

[mesillusionssousecstasy]

HOTD: Aemond x Helaena

The more I think about it, the more it could work well if the showrunners decide to go that route. For one, it makes Aemond and Helaena’s characters more complex and blood and cheese would make more sense. 

This work one of two ways: 1) What if Aegon is so repulsed by Helaena that he refuses to bed her and spends more time making bastards with the maids in the castle? That would make the greens look bad and weaken their claim to the throne, so Aemond being straight-headed and duty-bound does what he needs to do to create heirs and everyone just pretends like they were Aegon’s kids the entire time. 2) Another way they can do it is that Aemond likes Helaena and Aegon just claim the kids as his own because for him it would mean he wouldn’t have to sleep with Helaena to make theirs. 

Helaena’s kids being bastards would show just how deep the greens are in their pursuit of the Iron Throne because they’re willing to do the same thing Alicent was disgusted at Rhaenyra for doing if it means keeping their power. Aemond also refers to Rhaenyra’s sons as “strong boys” which will not only make him look hypocritical but show just how far he’s willing to lie to maintain the family line. 

On top of that, Mysaria being the master of whispers and the one hiring blood and cheese would make so much more sense. Because she is the master of whispers, she would have known the truth behind the children’s origins and would have interpreted the “son for a son” thing differently, since in her mind she would think to target Aemond’s son because he’s the one who killed Luke. 

Lastly, Helaena committing suicide on the same day as God’s Eye would make perfect sense if she felt attached to Aemond. Losing her children and also knowing that the only person that genuinely cared about her might have been too overwhelming for her to take and she snaps. 

I’m not sure how I feel about these theories as a whole yet. I think it would work. I don’t think it would cheapen the story. 

But it’s undeniable the connections between Aemond and Daemon.

One of Daemon’s defining qualities is his deep belief in Targaryen exceptionalism, which is likely the source of his attraction towards Rhaenyra. He has a Targaryen power fantasy revolving around their superiority, and their Valyrian heritage. Maybe if he had a sister, he would have been simply after her rather than Rhaenyra, but she is the closest thing he had to that. 

Likewise Aemond also likely has similar feelings about Targaryen exceptionalism, and he seemingly has an obsession with Daemon, wanting to emerge from his shadow and one up him. And since he actually has a sister it makes perfect sense why he’d want her. Sibling marriage is one of the ultimate exercises of Targaryen over everyone else. And while he can’t marry her, fathering her children would be the next best thing for him.

#hotd #house of the dragon #hotd thoughts #hotd 1x08 #hotd theories #aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #helaena targaryen #helaena x aemond #aemond x helaena #aemond x daemon #what do you think #house targaryen

[0rb0t]

oh man I did not realize how angry people were about the selfcest in loki. I LOVED it. I also tbh thought Loki may have seen Mobius as a father figure, the fact he's even got two sons, one who is a trouble maker and is younger, the other who is a BIT more responsible. THE PARALLELS DIDN'T GO UNNOTICED.

I missed all the trailers for the show, so if they were queerbaiting it went right over my head.

Sylvie and Loki were so cute, but so sad. You could tell they were very much at different points of their own stories, but still very much Loki. That terror she felt of opening up and perceiving betrayal.

But what I REALLY love is how every line they say to each other can also be taken as things they actually feel about themselves.

If Sylvie had just been anyone, Loki wouldn't have fallen in love, and I think the same is true for Sylvie. "I just want you to be okay", that was so meaningful AND can still be taken as Loki talking about himself especially after he's said he's been where she's been.

"I'm not you" she says and kicks him through the door, but it absolutely resonated because they ARE each other, and they DO KNOW one another and it's so tragic.

I LOOOOVE it. I love how desperately she wants to keep her life and choices and how paranoid she is. She never craved a throne because she never even had a chance to be IN that story, she craved having a life, being loved, everything that was taken from her.

But there's a special kind of loneliness for people who don't have a timeline anymore, and can only find love in themselves, too.

It's just... Ugh I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE GENDERBEND SELFCEST SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!

Sylvie GO CLIMB THAT TREE!!!!

#JUST MY OPINION #loki series #loki spoilers #I loved this show it was so strange #men in black meets torchwood meets 12 monkeys meets matrix oh and Loki is there #I do wish there was more magic going on but if the point was to strip Loki from everything he knew they did that #lokicest #DAMN OWEN WILSON CAN ACT HOLY SHIT

[from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras]

I got a Q that came accidentally as a DM vs. an ask, so I'll just re-state it here and then answer it: "Why do you think Rohan wasn't concerned about Théodred being single and without children? Shouldn't they have wanted another heir to keep his line going if/when Théodred died?

So, first off, this does seem weird on the surface, at least relative to how many actual monarchies have worked. Queens have lived or died, wars were fought, and entire nations fell when a monarch failed to produce a clear heir. So you'd think that Théodred, being in his 40s, would be considering that need. But maybe not! As shown in the Théodred fic I’m in the middle of rolling out, my personal HC for him is that he held out against marriages of convenience or alliance to have a real love match instead, and he didn't find that until close enough to his (untimely) death that the marriage itself never happened. But he also just didn't feel the call to parenthood—not all of us do!—and was more than happy to pass everything to Éomer and his descendants when he died. After all, he loved Éomer as something between a brother and a son, and that's classic heir territory. So he didn't need to rush into marriage or kids because he was comfortable with Éomer as his own heir and had made that clear enough that it was accepted.

Canonically, of course, there's no evidence for that. But there's also no evidence that Théodred's situation is all that odd in late Third Age Middle Earth. There's almost no one of any significance in the story who is married or actively raising children until the very end of ROTK. Galadriel, Bombadil, some minor hobbits, Beregond...these folks are the exceptions, not the rule. Everyone else is unmarried or widowed (or whatever you call what happened to Elrond), and the younger generation is childless—even the other hereditary heirs to power: Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas, Elladan & Elrohir, Pippin, etc.

There’s a range of reasons for that. We're told dwarves just don't put a lot of priority on marriage. The elves are fading, so they've got other things on their minds, and they tend not to have children during times of war and strife anyway. Gondor is described as a land “falling into dotage” and decreasing in population so there’s almost an element of fading there, too, though of a different kind. The Shire is the one place where there does seem to be a lot more marriage and childrearing happening, so it's probably more of a coincidence that our 5 main hobbit characters (incl. Bilbo) just happen not to be among them at the time of the story, either because of age or queerness or some other reason particular to just those individuals vs hobbit culture as a whole.

That leaves Rohan, and I'm not sure I have a super satisfying answer. Théoden's family does appear much less uptight about issues of inheritance and power and heritage than you'd think. His father very nearly abdicated the throne, and Théoden himself is kind of shockingly casual about the transfer of power when he tells the Rohirrim to just "choose a new lord as you will" should both he and Éomer die in battle. (Were we one hot nephew away from Rohan having the first democratically elected head of state in all of Middle Earth??) If the royal family felt that way, perhaps they were just reflecting a broader culture that was more comfortable with the idea of power not always going linearly from father to son and so setting up those lines through marriage and babies was not as important to them. In that case, Théoden might have been willing not to force his son into a marriage he didn't want, and Théodred may have felt more free to take his time deciding on things. All of which brings me back in the direction of my own HC, so I guess that feels satisfying enough to me!

#lotr #lord of the rings #answered asks #rohan #théodred #theodred #éomer #heirs of middle earth #there are shockingly few spouses and children in the story!