Written From the Ash Tree Meadow

A little bookmad

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

The best part about being a cult-escapee is being able to write the most horrific, Lovecraftian shit and tack on "based on a true story" at the end (not that it'll be fun to write necessarily but a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do)

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Y'ALL WE HAVE GOT TO LOCK THE ABSOLUTE FUCK IN

she DIDN'T KNOW PRIDE WAS SO POPULAR?! And people are out here asking for a new Wrath Novella?! Don't get me wrong, Wrath is still probably my favorite of the princes, love the guy, but COME ON!! She is likely at the mercy of her publishers here but she has been teasing Pride's story since KOTF!!! It ties in the princes, the witches, the goddesses, so many aspects of this realm, the ones we originally fell in love with, and I am absolutely foaming at the mouth waiting for this book and SHE DOESN'T REALIZE HOW MUCH WE NEED IT?! We gotta help each other out here y'all. Scream from the rooftops about how badly we want to see this story. Fill up the comments!! MAKE IT HAPPEN! I wanna read about Lust and Greed too, there's so much fascinating characterization set up there, but we gotta secure Pride's spot. I'm begging y'all for the love of all 🙏🏼

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

O-KAY!!! A lot to talk about here, so buckle up!

My theory about Sloth's house sigil is wrong but I could not be happier about it!! There's clearly so much LORE (pun intended)! And I think this is the first demon prince official art that feels fully genuine. The others are definitely stunning to look at, but I can really feel Lo's character in this one. The still classically attractive face and body, but realistically contoured, the slight curiosity and concern in his eyes, the tentativeness in his hand as it touches his arm. It feels cohesive and very real. Definitely my favorite work by Morgana so far!

Lo's character certainly lends to this too, as he's never *trying* to look hot. He doesn't seem to always be posing for some hidden camera like his brothers. There's an almost heart-breaking amount of emotion in his eyes here. I definitely buy that he sneaks a book into every one of these grand parties. With every teaser, I'm also suspecting more and more that it's not out of apathy, either. Maybe because he gets overwhelmed.

Each of the princes' brains is definitely constantly running. But we've seen the similarities and differences between each, and Sloth is definitely one of the outliers. Primarily because he's the only one to openly resent his sin, which is especially interesting because it was to Camilla, essentially a stranger. The teaser that came with this picture also shows us physical vulnerability, which we've had in small doses with the other princes.

BUT I would like to point out that this isn't the only time we've seen this with Lo. There's also the fighting ring scene in the Walmart special addition of kingdom of the feared, where he's fighting with a sinner so that sinner may get his soul back. Yes, the bonus scenes, especially that one, are not meant to be taken as canon. However, I think it's insight into Miss Maniscalco's view of Sloth as an author that can't be ignored.

He's struggling in that fight. Yes, some of the other brothers have already lost by the time the scene starts, but are having a good time. Sloth was outright struggling. That hints that his physical vulnerability could be a longer thread. I have one main theory for this: and it is that because of his poor relationship with his sin, he struggles to draw from it as much, making him more physically vulnerable.

From what we have been told so far, he thrives when he's researching. Reading, organizing, likely experimenting. His sin seems to outwardly hold him down from what he wants. It slows him down. Doesn't stop him, but slows him down. For a prince that's entire standing and power is based on feeding on a sin, that can't be healthy.

I can also see this being an allegory for disability in a way? What helps other people like him, his brothers, hinders him. Like his very body is working against him. All of the comforts and means for relaxation in his House were portrayed as opportunities for residents and visitors to indulge in the sin of Sloth. But relaxation is hardly Sin, especially when the bulk of his House is practically begging you to get lost in a rabbit hole of knowledge. The library itself seems to taunt you, beckon you to explore. And you very much need rest after a lot of work whether that be physical or mental. If it takes him longer to physically recover than his brothers (again, disability allegory) then it makes complete sense for a good chunk of his House to be dedicated to such. The fact that Sloth's circle is so isolated from the rest of them aids this as well. Not the most attractive for the other brothers or other demons to visit either, and privacy is key in recovery.

And that's where the Phoenix comes in. All of the princes' of sin likely suffer from their sin more than they care to admit. But Sloth doesn't run from it. He faces that struggle head on. And it doesn't stop him. A lesser demon would have fallen to this struggle and lost their House long ago. Lo doesn't run from his struggle, nor does he let it define him. Yes, it is a cycle, but he rises none the less. And that is what makes his House uniquely dangerous. Even for all of his supposed weaknesses, he has that strength that his brothers don't have. And that is why nobody fucks with House Sloth. They are open to their struggles, and are slowed, but never stopped.

I can already see that his character has a unique kind of emotional nuance that I'm SO excited to read! And for a man enduring all of this, I think an "ordinary" librarian is a perfect match.

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

The topic of autonomy is incredibly complicated in the Kingdom of the Wicked universe, and whether it's intended or not, I believe Kerri Maniscalco makes powerful commentary on it in her writing.

I could write a whole post on it, which I might, but I think it'd be easier to do in video format. Are analysis videos on this "franchise" something you guys would watch?

[readingabookmostofthetimes]

Why is Vittoria so mean to Emilia?

In the first book she sound kind to her

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Sorry to reblog and man- woman- NB-splain? NB-splain, I'm just really passionate about this stuff and it's not meant to be offensive whatsoever

I think it's because of the core differences the sisters have combined with the spell lock. Despite being twins, Vittoria has always been more theatrical, perhaps a little more mischievous and more of an instigator. Yes, Emilia used to be fully cruel and violent, but then she fell in love. Vittoria's feelings for pride have been alluded to but not emphasized.

After the spell lock, Vittoria saw the solution to lean even further into her previous identity and ignore the heart the witches "gave" her. She leaned into her cruelty and lust and penchant for violence in order to ease the pain and at least make herself feel like she was healing from what's an enormous amount of trauma and violation. Her sister, for most of her immortal life has been Fury. They were immortal goddesses, they could play-fight with each other and do things to push the others' buttons without feeling any real consequences. Mortal sisters on a more intense scale.

What better way to bring her TRUE sister back than sparking her fury and anger and her violent side? What Vittoria didn't know was that Emilia has grown attached to her heart, and has developed a fear of being heartless to anybody.

When Emilia found out about the spell lock and was released from it. Yes, she took vengeance, but it's as much in character for her as it is for Vittoria. Though Emilia's motivation was more likely about getting justice for her sister, her husband, herself, and any others the witches hurt.

The way Emilia chose to heal and cope was very different to Vittoria's. Emilia chose to take lessons from her time as a mortal, from her time with a mortal heart, to make peace with and combine her two identities. She is compassionate and empathetic and sweet at times, but merciless when the time calls for it, and she likes violence a bit. That's gonna happen.

So I think a lot of Vittoria's actions were likely more harmful than she perceived them to be. And she thought that was what was necessary to get her sister back. She thought it was for the greater good. Vittoria Just didn't understand Emilia for most of the series. It took until the end.

[readingabookmostofthetimes]

Wait Emilia is naming horny sex romantic?

In my eyes it's still horny sex and nothing romantic about it.

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE KOTW SERIES, I have no idea where you are in the series but it's a topic I'm passionate about ^^

I think because it's clear that their attraction and "horny-ness" has always been about the love they have for each other as people. Does she think Wrath is hot, sure. But he's only hot because he's WRATH, he's calculated and invested and really lets loose when he's passionate about something, he has a caring and gentle side, he's a good fighter which Emilia loves, and despite there being a time where he was more powerful than her, he never treated her like it. He treated her as the strong, confident, amazing woman he's always known her to be.

And yes, Wrath thinks Emilia is hot. But he only wants to do stuff with Emilia because she's EMILIA. I think it's implied that he didn't engage in dalliances like his brothers much before Emilia came along. And she rocked his world. Mortal or goddess, she's not afraid to stand up to any demon (or any other powerful being) no matter the power they have. She banters with him, she's inquisitive, she's intelligent as all hell, she's also a brash in her own right, and she finds strength where others would not dare look for it.

Even before Emilia could admit she liked those things about him, she still did like those qualities. And mortal heart or not, Emilia was herself at her core before and after the spell lock. Even before they remembered each other, her soul called to his, and his soul called to hers.

It's romantic because they really only found each other sexually attractive after falling in love with the other's soul first. It's never just been about the other person's body, in fact, it never has been. (Ex. Any other person would have probably been more drawn to Lust than Wrath at the beach scene in KOTW, but the second she saw Wrath, all she could think about was him)

At least that's what I think!

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Talking about the Princesses of the Seven Circles!

I don't know if the demon princes realize this but they're going to build an army against themselves with their spouses. Like do they realize the absolute hell Emilia, Camilla, and Adriana are going to cause for them? Those three are going to hang out. And it's going to mean bad things for their husbands. But you know what they're probably into it.

I love the variation between Kerri's female MC's. Yes they're all sassy and stubborn but there's subtle differences in interests and preferences and personality. Woah, it's like she writes women like they're real people 😱

I also love how Emilia is all like "so maybe the time for talking is over~" and Camilla is all "you wanna touch me, don't you?" And Adriana is just like "either you're lost in thought or constipated" and "mmm steaming innards" and not even in the hot way. Like I'm obsessed with it.

I also love how each of them have at one point been like, "you just sassed my love interest to his face. I love you"

I also love how they don't all have to kick ass in battle to be strong. Like Emilia can tear you apart in terrifying ways in seconds, Camilla has cool powers that she's still kind of figuring out, and Adriana will just roast the fuck out of you and pour ice down your shirt for the burn. But if she's faced with a dragon she's got nothin, which is realistic! Not every female mc has to be physically unstoppable to be cool and "correct" and she does it so well!! I love all these women and I can't wait for them to cause chaos.

(also please more Val and her witch girlfriend please thank youuu)

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Full disclosure: I finished Throne of Secrets like a week ago. I am NOT ready to talk about it because the emotions are too big to fit into words.

So I won't be posting about it for another little bit.

Thank youuuuuu

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

VERY MILD THRONE OF SECRETS SPOILERS THIS POST! (I'm almost done but I'm trying to hold off)

Okay y'all, I know I usually engage in fandom in a more serious and analytical manner. And I complain to myself about other people not engaging with this universe in an analytical enough way (even though there's nothing wrong with that, I'm just peculiar about things!) But I'm gonna let myself be silly for a second.

Silly KOTW and Prince of Sin thoughts!

Go listen to "Lavish" by Twenty One Pilots and think of the Envy, Lust, Gluttony trio. (I love them so much) Really listen to the lyrics towards the end for a little classic demon prince spice lol. It kinda works for all of them but ESPECIALLY that trio. (If someone made an animatic of this, you might very well have my hand in marriage)

I wanna see the demon princes + companions play Among Us. It would be really, really funny.

I also realized that out of all the card games, the Demon Princes can't play Bullshit. Except for Envy. But he can't even because that would reveal that he can lie.

I highly doubt it judging from what Sloth's reading tastes seem to be, but I like to imagine him and Emilia fangirling about their fav romance novels.

I can see Vittoria flirting with Val and Val being verrrry unnerved by it.

Head Canon: Val and Blade are going to hook up at some point. The forbidden nature of it is going to fuel Val's sin and Blade just isn't going to be able to help himself (Edit: I was HORRENDOUSLY wrong, Val indulging with the witch instead. YAY MORE LESBIANS!!! 🔥)

Another head Canon: Gluttony has used silk to make a little baby harness thing to carry dragon hatchlings in on his front. And been totally nonchalant about it. He's a prince, he's got things to do, also needs to keep an eye on the little ones.

I wanna see the demon princes play Jenga. Again, hilarity would ensue.

More on the way I assure you!

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

I'm reading Throne of Secrets!! So spoilers for a good chunk of the coming up posts. I'll mark all of them I promise! (This is only first chapter tho lol)

If I had a nickel for every time Kerri Maniscalo UNTRUE killed Wrath in a very graphic scene and you know he's immortal and not TRUE dead but you're still kinda terrified, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

YOU'RE GONNA GIVE ME A HEART ATTACK GIRL

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

The goddess of death was trapped by gold, the light of the sun that gave life, that blinded her to the calls of the grave.

The goddess of fury was trapped by silver, the cool waters to drown her flames, that ordered her to be calm when she yearned for her ire.

The goddess of death returned by turning ice cold, her heart ripped out, no warmth in her eyes.

The goddess of fury returned by engulfing herself in the flames of passion, of anger, of love, her irises set ablaze again.

(Kerri you're a queen for setting up this dichotomy I didn't even notice until today)

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Aaaaannnnd here's the rest! (For now)

KOTW INCORRECT QUOTES PT. 3!!! Everyone edition! Especially the brothers

Wrath: Dammit, Lust, you ruined everything!

Lust: You’re welcome.

Emilia: Vittoria, you're testifying in an aggravated assault case tomorrow, and the D.A. is worried about how you'll present yourself on the stand.

Vittoria: Why? I'm fine on the stand!

*flashback to Testimony #1*

Vittoria: Look, I'll make this real simple so even these dumdums can understand.

Vittoria, to the jury: MAN DID CRIME.

*flashback to Testimony #2*

Vittoria: I'm sorry, could you make her stop doing that weird thing with her face?

Defense Attorney, next to the crying defendant: ...Crying?

*flashback to Testimony #3*

Vittoria: And when this is over, I'm gonna find you and I'm gonna break those little fingers.

Judge: Could the witness please stop threatening the stenographer?

Wrath: Emilia, what are you doing?

Emilia: Making chocolate pudding.

Wrath: It's four in the morning, why are you making chocolate pudding?

Emilia: Because I've lost control of my life.

Emilia: Here's your pudding, Envy.

Envy: Oh that's okay, I'm not hungry anymore.

Pride: I warned you.

Pride: I'm perfect.

Envy: I’m 80% awesome 20% water and 100% handsome.

Wolf: That’s 200%.

Envy: I’m twice the man you’ll ever be.

Wrath: What does a winner do when life gives them lemons?

Anir: Um, make lemonade?

Wrath: No, they squeeze them right back into life’s eyes!

Anir: Am I in trouble?

Wrath: Take a guess.

Anir: No?

Wrath: Take another guess.

Literally anyone: What’s your body count?

Literally any of the demon princes: Do you mean sex or murder?

Emilia: I baked you a pie!

The witches: Really?! What flavor?

Emilia: *pulls [flame flowers] out of the pie* DEATH!

Sloth: I haven’t slept in 72 hours…

Gluttony: I haven’t slept in 80. I’m the insomnia king!

Envy: Ha! I haven’t slept in 90 hours, I’m aiming for an even 100.

Emilia: What the fuck is wrong with you people?

*the brothers are at a dinner party but someone has been murdered*

Greed: You’re acting pretty carefree for someone who’s life’s at stake. Who’s to say you aren’t the killer?

Pride: It’s a murder, not a tax audit. I’ll be fine.

Greed: What about Sloth? Nobody ever suspects Sloth

Sloth: Well what about Gluttony? He has a gun! [Ice rifle]

Gluttony: Wrath has [his dagger out]

Wrath: Yeah, for fun, not for [unnecessary] murder! *stabs Gluttony in the arm*

Vittoria: I think I mostly want to see what happens when this whole place breaks apart.

Pride: when I was married, you know what my wife always told me?

Wrath: stop [having dalliances] with other people? (I'm sorry I had to 😭)

Lennox to Envy: haha you should have seen your face you were like, "AAAAAA NOOOO BETRAYLLLLL"

Pride: WHY. why did you give Emilia a KNIFE?!

Wrath: I’m sorry [sarcasm, duh], she said she felt unsafe.

Pride: Now I feel unsafe!

Wrath: ... would you like a knife?

Envy: If you had to choose between Lennox and all the money I have in my wallet, which would you choose?

Camilla: That depends, how much money are we taking about?

Lennox: Camilla!

Envy [who emptied his wallet prior]: 63 cents.

Camila: I'll take the money.

Lennox: CAMILLA!

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Me making my KOTW universe Pinterest boards

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Theory about House Sloth! Also light analysis of the animals of each House of Sin

Very excited to put my wildlife biology info to use

I love Lo, and I'm completely and utterly fascinated at his lack of ego and the fact he's the only one so far to openly/readily admit his sin is a burden and that he's not a fan of it.

But that's for perhaps another post. This is about his house sigil/animal!

Gluttony is dragons, Envy is wolves, Wrath is a snake, Pride is a lion, Greed is a frog

First thought is obviously "wouldn't his animal be a... yk, sloth?"

Right, but humanity didn't discover sloths until 1788, and while they can mess you up, I doubt he'd choose an animal just bc "slow"

The other animals make sense. Dragons are massive, beautiful creatures, allowing you to indulge in their beauty before they gorge themselves possibly on your corpse. Greed says himself that Frogs are greedy little things. (More support for my Greed is different theory, so far the only house animal that isn't at the tertiary level of the food chain in a lot of circumstances.) Wolves aren't as intuitive for Envy, but perhaps it's their territorial nature combined with their need to be in a pack, since Envy and his court value their bond so strongly. Similar thing with snakes for Wrath, but it does make sense when you think about it. They can be sneaky but also make big gestures to ward off predators, showing mercy that Wrath apparently tends to show, before taking down their targets with brutal efficiency whether it be venom or suffocation. Once the venom is in your body (unless you're a honey badger bc they're built different) you can't do much, and the more venomous snakes can take you out in minutes. There's one snake dubbed "the ten pacer" because it's said after a bite, you'll be dead in ten paces. And as for constrictors? If you're their prey, bite and scratch all you want but once they've got you in their hold you're not getting out alive. (Yes some snakes aren't tertiary levels at the food chain but a good amount of them are, like black mambas off the top of my head) Lions, along with some other animals but the vibes just stand out with them, rely on physical features not only to attract mates but also assert dominance. Lion prides are also kinda like harems? For the laymen, one man at the top and all his bitches. From what we've heard about Pride, checks out. They roar, letting all hear their power, and preen like cats. That's Luc for ya

So what do I think is Lo's house animal? Owls!

His motto is books before men, and he seeks knowledge above all else, and owls represent wisdom. Owls are also birds of prey, therefore skilled and dangerous hunters, which would represent the sentiment that House Sloth will fight as fiercely as any other House Of Sin and he still takes pleasure in laying his enemies low. Also, owls spit up owl pellets, the unnecessary parts of their prey they can't digest. While Lo does make a comment about getting the work he wants to do slowly, he also seems like the type to be smart enough to only exert as much energy as needed for a given task. Unlike his more theatrical brothers. And owls don't waste energy digesting parts of prey that won't be that nutritionally beneficial. So that's my theory!

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

KOTW INCORRECT QUOTES, PT. 2!!!

Envy x Camilla edition!

Envy: Am I a good person? No. But do I try to be better every single day? Also no.

Camilla: Let's just agree to both say we're sorry on the count of three.

Camilla: One... two... three.

Envy: ...

Camilla: ...

Camilla: See, now I'm just disappointed in both of us.

Envy: I’ve been described as a ‘heartless villain’ and a 'little shit’, but I prefer… 'has alternative ways of having fun’.

Envy, about 'dearly twin': I've connected the two dots.

Camilla: You didn't connect shit.

Envy: I've connected them.

Envy: Camilla, what are you doing tomorrow?

Camilla: Having my day ruined by whatever you’re about to ask me to do.

Camilla: Are you this rude to everyone?!

Envy: Yup.

Envy: Don't think you're special.

Camilla: I love murder mysteries!

Envy, trying to impress her: I've been a suspect in four murder cases.

Camilla: You know, there’s something weird going on with your face?

Envy: What?

Camilla: You’re smiling! I didn’t know you could do that?

Envy: Hold on, I can explain!

Camilla: Really? Can you now?

Envy: I can if you give me a minute to think of a convincing lie.

Envy: So you like cats?

Camilla: Yeah.

Envy: *tries to impress her by slowly pushing a glass off the table*

Camilla: Did it hurt when you fell-

Envy: From heaven? Wow, I didn’t think you were such a flirt-

Camilla: No, I meant when you fell down the stairs.

Envy: ...

Camilla: You just laid there for 15 minutes.

Camilla: Dammit, you ruin everything!

Envy: You're welcome.

Envy: Wow, Camilla, you want to hold my hand before marriage? How awfully lewd of you.

Camilla: We literally slept together yesterday.

Envy: That's NOTHING compared to the lewdness of holding hands.

Camilla: What are you in the mood for?

Envy: World domination.

Camilla: That's a bit ambitious.

Envy: You are my world.

Camilla: Aww...

Envy:

Camilla:

Envy:

Camilla: OH.

Camilla: Hey, wanna take a shower with me?

Envy: I have a [hexed] gun in that nightstand beside the bed. If I ever say no to that question, I want you to take it out and shoot me because I’ve obviously gone crazy.

Camilla: Is something burning?

Envy, leaning seductively on the counter: Just my desire for you.

Camilla: Envy, the toaster is literally on fire.

Camilla: Valentine’s day is just a consumerist holiday that holds no real value other than drive people insane buying heart shaped chocolates for their significant others and pos-

Envy: I wrote you a poem.

Camilla, already crying: You did?

Envy: We should get you to a doctor for a check up immediately. What if it happens again, and there isn’t anyone around to help you? What if it’s congenital? Oh my God! Was it me? Did I hurt you?

Camilla: …You realize any other person that made their partner pass out on bed would simply feel really proud of themselves, right?

Envy: We have fun, don’t we, Camilla?

Camilla: I have never been more stressed out in my entire life.

Camilla: *banging a pen on the table out of frustration*

Envy: Stop that. How would YOU feel if I banged you on the table?

Camilla: I—

Camilla: I don’t know the correct answer to that question.

Camilla: Fight me!

Envy: *gets on one knee and pulls out a ring*

Envy: Fight me for the rest of our lives.

Envy: I don't know how to tell you this, but... I love you.

Camilla: That's great, Envy. Especially considering the fact we've been married for 6 fucking years.

Camilla: Go fuck yourself.

Envy, smugly: Sure, but only if you watch

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Today I bring to youuuu 🥁🥁🥁🥁

KOTW INCORRECT QUOTES!!

Wrath x Emilia edition, more coming in the future (envy x Camilla and just general character ones)

Emilia: Why can’t we all just get along?

Wrath: Because most of us are assholes, Emilia.

Wrath: I think we should kiss.

Emilia: And I think you should die but we don’t always get what we want.

Wrath: Okay, but what if we went to dinner not as friends this time?

Emilia: AS ENEMIES?!

Wrath: ...

Wrath: You are the love of my life and I would do anything within reason to make you happy.

Emilia: I would be happy if you ate, stayed hydrated and got a reasonable amount of sleep.

Wrath: I said within reason, Emilia. How about I murder that guy?

Emilia: So murder is in reason but proper self care isn't?

Wrath: Well, duh. What kind of question is that?

Emilia: Wrath and I are no longer dating.

Wrath: Emilia, that’s a horrible way of telling people we’re married.

Wrath: What makes a bigger memory than a passionate kiss?

Wrath: A stab wound.

Emilia: Let's just agree to both say we're sorry on the count of three.

Emilia: One... two... three.

Wrath: ...

Emilia: ...

Emilia: See, now I'm just disappointed in both of us.

Cop: Can you describe the person who stabbed you?

Wrath: Lithe, spirited, outgoing, and not afraid to speak her mind. She was a raw sexual force and she knew it. She was a dandelion fluff on a summer day, gone in an instant, leaving you with nothing but a memory of her touch and the faint taste of strawberries on your lips.

Cop: …Great, we have a motive, but we still need a description.

Emilia: We all have our demons.

Emilia, grabbing Wrath: This one’s mine.

Wrath, admiring a sleeping Emilia: You’re so cute.

Emilia, sleepily: I could beat your ass.

Wrath, lovingly: I know.

Wrath: This is a very powerful artifact. You’d be messing with some forces we don’t fully understand.

Emilia: That sounds like a dare to me.

Wrath: Oh my god.

Wrath: I could kill you if I wanted.

Emilia: Yeah? So could any other human being. So could a dog. So could a dedicated duck. You aren't special.

Emilia: Wrath, we tried things your way.

Wrath: No, we didn't.

Emilia: I did it in my head and it didn't work.

Emilia: Why are you burning our marriage certificate!?

Wrath: Good luck trying to return me without a receipt.

Wrath: *casually taking four stairs at a time*

Emilia, falling behind, taking two stairs at a time: Fuck you fuck you fuck you fuck you fu-

Emilia: Snow got me feeling some type of way.

Wrath: That's hypothermia.

Emilia: Damn, the paramedics told me it was the magic of Christmas.

Wrath and Emilia: I am so horny and angry all the time.

Emilia: Hi.

Fauna: Hey, did you do what I said? Did you tell him?

Emilia: I did.

Fauna: And what did he say?

Emilia: “Thank you.”

Fauna: You’re totally welcome. What’d he say?

Emilia: he said, “Thank you.” I said “I love you” and Wrath said, “Thank you.”

Emilia: You’re alive.

Wrath: No need to sound so disappointed. (This one is kind of cheating bc in the first book literally "I thought you were dead" "sorry to disappoint you, witch.")

Emilia: My hands are cold.

Wrath: Here, let me hold them.

Emilia: My lips are cold too.

Wrath: *covers Emilia's mouth with his hand*

Wrath: *Turns on the kitchen light*

Emilia: *Sitting at the table, eating bread*

Wrath: It’s four in the morning.

Emilia: Turn the light back off.

Wrath: It's pretty cold outside.. wanna hold hands? We should stay close.

Emilia blushing: Okay.

Vittoria: It's fucking summer.

Emilia: Ugh, crushes are so dumb.

Wrath: I know. Whenever I’m near the person I like I just start acting stupid.

Emilia: But you’re always acting stupid?

Wrath: ...

Wrath: Yeah, don’t think about that too hard.

Emilia: Go to hell!

Wrath: Oh! I’ve been there, thank you. I found it quite lovely.

Wrath: Punch me in the face.

Emilia: ...Punch you?

Wrath: Yes, punch me, didn’t you hear me?

Emilia: I always hear ‘punch me in the face’ while you’re speaking but it’s usually just subtext.

Wrath: I love you

Emilia: how many people have you said that to?

Wrath: everyone

Emilia: what?

Wrath: I told everyone that I love you

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Another KOTW theory

There's a lot of references to how Wrath clawed his way to his throne, what he did to get there, why he's king, etc

And I know Kerri obvi isn't trying to be biblically accurate but it still gave me an idea

According to the Bible, a third of the angles fell with the devil. And there were way more than 21 folks. More than mere mortals can comprehend, yet the only fallen angels we see are the seven

Where did the others go? I think in a struggle for both power and balance, a massive battle broke out. And the seven princes were who were left standing. Wrath possibly defeated the other six but they were left alive, perhaps because they were the closest, perhaps because they needed to take up the mantels of sin to keep balance, I'm not completely sure on that.

But we can assume Wrath's path to the throne of the Wicked was bloody (ichory? Bloody? Ichory? Idk you get it)

[litnerdwrites]

Oh, interesting theory. I've been wondering about this for a while now too, so here's another take.

We learn mortals believe that Pride is The Devil, and nobody corrects them, but wouldn't that mean his name is commonly known? Demon Princes are known to go to a lot of trouble to keep their names secret, so it would be odd for Pride to not be concerned about that, even in secret.

Also, in KOTC, we learn that the title of Devil is passed around based on conditions in the mortal world. Does that mean that another Prince was Devil before him? We can only cross envy off of that list for sure, since Anir confirms it. My best guess would be that it's Pride.

Typically, Lucifer is highly regarded as a powerful Angel, or one that is beloved by God, meaning it's possible that he's as powerful, if not, more so, than Wrath.

I believe that when Wrath clawed his way to his throne, the one he fought for it was Pride. I also think that Wrath is the one who gave Pride the scar on his lip (another theory was that he got it for Lucia, either from The First Witch, or something else but that's a theory for another day.

However, Wrath and Pride seem to be on decent terms, and had been since before Emilia and Vittoria were cursed. I think that goes back to the issue of Pride's true name. If it's that widely known, perhaps he gave up the throne to protect himself, in a way, from those who know his true name. They might assume he's The Devil, but will likely end up dealing with Wrath instead of Pride, distracting from Pride, and making them assume that either Lucifer is Wrath's true name, or that none of their names are Lucider.

This could've been the premise of a deal between Wrath and Pride. It would feed both their sins, since Pride still has the reputation of The Devil for his ego, while Wrath deals with those who seek out or want to summon The Devil, and feeds off of their anger or frustration.

Though, that last part about the deal is more speculation than a theory. We'd need to learn more about Pride, and the reason the Princes left heaven, as it was briefly mentioned by, I think Lust, in Throne of the Fallen, before we can be sure.

[dwellerbytheashtreeforest]

Ooo those are some interesting thoughts! I have more ideas though

I think Wrath has always been king of Hell. Envy in KOTC makes it explicitly clear that they all fell with/because of Wrath. Envy mentions it again in Throne of the Fallen that Wrath's reasoning is why they all fell. Pride talks at length in KOTC about how it is so incredibly important that Wrath rules over judgement and how many times he has saved them. It's also made explicitly clear that Wrath is the only one with the power to gain things explicitly from collecting souls. I think that shifting that magic would be odd. Also based off of the size of Wrath's castle, and the fact it is the first circle you enter after the sin corridor, combined with the other things I mentioned, I think Wrath is the permanent King of Hell. Also considering how big of a deal Emilia's coronation was and how magically binding it seemed.

Another note: I think the way it was mentioned in the book is that whichever prince has the most influence in Hell influences the mortal world, not the other way around. The devil title thing seems to be an almost inside joke with them? The sin of pride is also pretty commonly associated with the devil in real life, so I think she just reworked it. She does give the explanation that Pride's sin physically won't let him deny being the true ruler of Hell, so I think that's that situation.

I think Wrath is also confirmed the most powerful because we're told in KOTC that the more powerful the demon prince, the more cold their circle, and Wrath's circle has been dubbed "the city of ice", so I think that's meant to imply that he is in fact the most powerful.

And as far as Pride's name goes? I think in Throne of the Fallen, the way Envy only calls him "Luc" instead of Lucifer full on was purposeful. My theory is that his name does start with Luc and has the same meaning as "light/light bringer/banner of light" but ends differently. Such as Lucian just to give an example. I can see him running with the Lucifer thing in a similar way Gluttony uses the Gabriel Axton moniker. Otherwise I think La Prima would have fucked him up way more than just binding him to the Seven circles

After thinking a bit more, I have some more additions to my theory. I think that the seven were indeed the closest and that's a big reason they're the only seven we see. They seem to have had clear communication before falling and in a heaven where there are mass amounts of angels, I think it says a lot that they call each other brothers. I feel like that would have to mean something up there. (It could mean they were the same rank or made at the same time, but it still means something)