Mmmm Thinking Gale And Slate (my Tav) Hadestown AU Thoughts..... Gale As Orpheus Who Could Make You See

mmmm Thinking Gale and Slate (my Tav) Hadestown AU thoughts..... Gale as Orpheus who could make you see how the world could be in spite of the way that it is....and Slate the street rat rogue who'd seen how the world was and when she fell, she fell in spite of herself in love with him.

And then the tragic finale. Gale, who despite his show of confidence doesn't believe he is worthwhile. Wonders why she would follow him into the cold and dark again. Gale, who doesn't trust the gods, because why would they let him win, why would they let her go. So he looks back.

It just works so well, and its so spicy...

LLOVEEE THESE GUYS!!!!!

I'm normally a very slow reader of published novels, but I devoured The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard and now I can NOT stop thinking about it.

Everyone who has read my Fire Lord Zuko content knows how much I love 1) people of power working tirelessly to make the world a better place for all; and b) kings, slowly being crushed under the weight of their crown and duty, finding love and care in their loyal servants and staff

Except this story is more. The Emperor is worshiped and treated as a god, bound by extreme taboos and protocols that he can't break. It's about his staff (his found family) looking BEYOND the exterior of godhood and finding the human being underneath - who is dying under the weight of being the Emperor - and deciding to reach out, even if by acknowledging his humanity they are technically breaking many laws.

God this book is about so many things, including:

Found family can be the Last Emperor and his senior members of staff

The Emperor learning how to be human again with the help of his friends

There's no romance in this book. The deep friendships are the beating heart of this story, and they very much Love each other.

Breaking down a previously corrupt imperial empire through hard work and radial reforms, leading to sweeping changes including UNIVERSAL INCOME

Embracing cultural heritage, even in the heart of the imperial palace. Our main character is both one of the highest ranking members of government and from an islander culture, and he dedicates himself to both

The struggle for your family (who have a case of tall poppy syndrome, and live far far away from the capital and palace) to see you as a respected adult and understand all of your (many, MANY) achievements, even when you're very literally brought the Emperor home with you.

This book has some BEAUTIFUL confrontations, take-downs, and revelations based on the past two points (and more). If you underestimate or insult our main character, You Will Regret It. Watching him lose his temper is a glorious thing to behold.

Anyway I'm pretty sure this just became my all-time favourite book, because it's beautifully written and touches on all of my favourite tropes.

Saw this meme floating around and HAD TO DO it with Myrra.

Originally I wanted the second pic to be her alone in Kirkwall but decided to draw her after she overcomes the worst time of her life and ends up with Solas.

A story about trust, and learning how to fear for someone else’s life.

the self, among other made up shit