cherchez la femme

megan | xxvi | montréal

[thehelinelover]

can we talk about how helen turned out to be the most “chaotic good” character in tsc

peak comedy and so much love in her heart to give to the others, like aline, her siblings and friends

an angel who must be protected at all costs

[lxdyblackthorn]

On this episode of: who said it?

The quote is: "ghosts need love too"

Now who could've said this?

A. Lucie Herondale

B. Helen Blackthorn

C. Dru Blackthorn

The answer might surprise you!

[helen-blackthorn]

rising from the grave just to say helen is so freaking cute. i love her sm.

[secretsofblackthornhall]

Helen to Julian

Hey Julian,

Thanks for your letter! We’ve never been to Cirenworth but it sounds beautiful. Funny to think of quiet, modest Jem and Tessa living in a turreted MANOR HOUSE. It sounds like Kit’s settled in well and really become part of their family, which is wonderful to hear. And we need more pictures of Mina! Never enough pictures of Mina! I will drop a line to Tessa immediately.

But mostly I wanted to say: please don’t worry yourself about Ty and Kit. You’ve got a house to renovate and fairy renovators to manage and a ghost to help and a curse to break…it’s a lot on your plate already. You know Ty, and you know he always speaks his mind. He’s made it clear he doesn’t want to talk with us about Kit. Whatever happened between them (and yes, we’re curious, of course we’re curious!) we have to respect his wishes.

Besides, you remember being a teenager. It is a time of HIGHEST DRAMA. (Uh, admittedly, your teenage years contain some specific drama that most people’s don’t, e.g. the civil war in the Clave, Malcolm, you turning into a glowing giant stomping on people.) (Yes, we know you didn’t actually stomp on anyone.) With a little more time and distance from whatever happened, I bet Ty will eventually come around and want to talk about it. We just need to give him time. And maybe Ty needs more time than most people. (For instance, it turns out he needs more time than Kit.)

Either way, please don’t worry too much. You know as well as I do that Ty is stronger than he seems. He’ll be all right.

Thanks for the picture, which Aline is going to have printed out at the drugstore so we can hang it on our well. I think we’ll put it in the kitchen—I miss our CHAOS BREAKFASTS. (Aline has come by to read this and she says that she is going to switch her primary Shadowhunter weapon and start training to fight with Chaos Breakfasts.) Here’s a photo for you in return! Tavvy has gotten deeply into Pokemon, which is very cute and also worrying. Will memorizing 700+ imaginary monsters get in the way of his learning the names of actual demon types or weapons? We worry he won’t be able to tell the difference between a glaive, a guisarme, and a bec de corbin!

Love you, love to Emma and hey, love to the ghost, ghosts need love too,

Helen

[helen-blackthorn]

i haven't been on tumblr in ages and i only just saw the snippets for your new hp au. thanks so much for responding it means a lot :) random, unrelated question... but do you have any actors/models that you headcanon as haline? personally, mine are ming xi (a model) as aline and rosie huntington-whiteley as helen (also a model) (although, obviously from when they were a bit younger... sorry, just wanted to share uwu.)

hi!

I actually don’t have any set faceclaim for Helen atm, mostly because I have a particular idea of what she looks like, based off of the art by cassandra jean, and haven’t found anybody I’m 100% sold on yet.

as for Aline, I love Ming Xi! she’s been my fc for Aline for a long time now too!! 

[helen-blackthorn]

Will Helen and Mark live longer because of their faerie blood? I'm not sure if it ever gets mentioned although I may be wrong, it has been a LONG time since I read the series.

I don’t believe it’s ever been said, actually. I like to imagine that because of their faerie blood they may age somewhat slower though, haha.

[helen-blackthorn]

*Feel free to ignore this, I know I already asked for snippets of the origin fic a while back XD*. But... I was wondering if you could share anything about young Helen in Faerie? Or any other snippets? I'm so sorry to be so annoying, I'm just VERY excited for the day you release the fic. No pressure of course :), and again feel free to ignore this. On another note, you're an amazingly talented writer and I love everything I've ever read of yours.

thank you sm!

baby Helen doesn’t make much of an appearance in the fic (nor Aline, for that matter); only the first chapter. here’s a little snippet:

The Lady rests her chin over her forearms, a glint of innocent mischief in a beautiful smile full of too-sharp teeth. Alessa reaches to place the crown of forget-me-nots just passed her hairline, baby blue and white. “You have my thanks, little halfling,” says the Lady sincerely. Her tail breaks the water’s surface, wet scales shining deep pinks and purples in the Faerie moonlight; Alessa watches it, a little mystified, as she gently waves the tail fins back and forth in a quiet show of thanks. “My sisters will go green with envy.”

Alessa sits back in the grass and criss-crosses her legs. She wants to dip her feet into the water or maybe swim, it was so pretty, but her Aunt Nene had long ago warned her against it. She supposes she would have done it anyway, because her Aunt Nene worried insistently over many things she needn’t, had her mother not warned her also. The Fey loved children, and would never harm them, but Mama and Aunt Nene did not trust the ladies in the lake. “I can make them crowns,” she says, twirling grass between her fingers. “So they can be more beautiful too.”

She responded with a delightful laugh. “And what shall we give you in return?” The Lady questions, her fingers at her chin in a play of consideration. “Perhaps the shiniest possession in our lake? Spoils from lost mundanes?”

“More stories?” Alessa offers shyly, uninterested in shiny things from lost men. “I like your stories.”

while it’s only one chapter, it’s probably been my favourite to write so far!

[helen-blackthorn]

Hello! I've never actually sent an 'ask' on tumblr before so I'm not sure whether you'll even see this. Anyway, I just wanted to say I am glad such a talented writer writes for my favorite ship and I'm really looking forward to reading your origin fic whenever you're able to post it :)

hi there! thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to send this and I’m sorry for taking so long to reply! 

[helen-blackthorn]

heyy "Mother Heline" lol :) i just wanted to drop in and say hi - a little while ago, and im not sure when, i heard about ur origin fic and im really exited to hear that you're still working on it :D i had a few questions as well: does the fic include trsom stuff? how many chapters do u estimate it to be? i, for one, am very excited that you're taking the time to do this bc heline is a very VERY underrated ship that deserves the world, and i love you for still having enough patience to do it <3

heya! sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you. regarding your questions:

1. it will take place before trsom, all the way through cohf and potentially further.  2. I have an outline of 30 chapters maximum. minimum of, at least, 25. but it’s looking like 30!

thank you sm! I’m glad to know there are people who are still interested in this despite me taking literal ages to post anything hahaha. I work in healthcare, so covid has definitely made me put this fic on the backburner, but I’m hoping to get back to it as soon as I can. thank you for your ask and your patience! xx 

[helen-blackthorn]

Yay! I'm so excited for the origin fic! Thanks so much for the snippets, they were awesome! Also, I'm not sure if you even use 'faceclaims' for TSC characters but... I found a lesser-known model named Niamh Adkins recently who, in some photos, gives me Helen vibes. Sorry, I just wanted to share because sadly, I have no friends who read TSC XD.

So... this is a little awkward. I'm not sure if you received it but I'm the same anon who told you my face claim for Helen... ignore that... it's changed...(it's now Sanne Vloet)...¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I'm genuinely really sorry to bother you ó﹏ò... I will exit now... goodbye... (P.S, you're an amazing writer <3) 

both excellent faceclaims!! I have actually heard of Niamh Adkins before I agree that she does have Helen vibes! 

also, please don’t feel like you’re bothering me!! I’ll admit I am not on tumblr often anymore but I love getting asks and talking to people - so send as many as your heart desires! and thank you for your kind words xx 

[helen-blackthorn]

I say this in a totally not creepy and totally not criminal way (or at least I hope it doesn't come across like that 😂) but I kinda wish I could hack into your computer and read everything you've written so far for the Heline origin fic. You're such a talented writer and for selfish reasons I am happy you're so invested in Heline. I understand you must be busy and the last thing I want is for you to feel pressured, but I cannot wait to read the origin fic when you decide to publish it, whenever that might be :) And thank you for all the existing fanfics you've written so far 💕 Take care!

hahaha thank you so much for your kind words!! you will not believe how many times I’ve seriously considered just dropping the link to my google docs

anyway, it is very reassuring to know that there are people out there who are still invested in the story and are patiently waiting - and have been for so long! thank you, it truly means a lot! xx

[helen-blackthorn]

Hi! I'm so sorry to bother you about the origin fic again. I just finished TSC and am desperate for more content XD. I was wondering whether there were any snippets you could share? No worries if you can't. Stay safe :)

sure!! so sorry it’s taken me so long to respond, so here’s two small ones :)

“I feel like our days are numbered,” says Aline, staring blank-faced into the fireplace. “Like we’re fighting a losing battle.”

Helen watches her, and the way the glow of the fire highlights the shades of golden brown in her eyes. “You’re supposed to be the optimistic one, you know,” she says, light. 

“You do look better brooding than I do,” Aline relents with a short lasting grin, casting a glance at her through the corner of her eye.

“It’s a Blackthorn family trait,” Helen says with a shrug. “We were all born to brood and look good while we’re at it.”

and this lil gem with andrew:

“I think this is the part where I ask to see all of Helen’s embarrassing baby pictures,” Aline jokes, just to diffuse the lingering awkward.

“Good thing I don’t have any baby pictures,” Helen says, pointedly staring at her father, whose tired face has lit up. “Perks of being born in a world where cameras don’t exist.”

“No baby pictures, but plenty of childhood ones and even more embarrassing stories you’ll just have to take my word for,” Andrew says, much to his daughter’s apparent horror. Aline smiles as Andrew leads them down the hall, to the institute’s kitchen. “Aline, has Helen ever told you about the toaster incident?”

“Dad.”

Aline smiles and links her arm through Helen’s, pulling her along. “No, she hasn’t,” she says gleefully. “What’s the Toaster Incident?”

There’s a glint of youthful mischief in Andrew’s eyes as he sits at the kitchen counter, Aline and Helen sitting across from him. As he begins speaking, Helen puts her face into her hands with a groan. “Helen was around six, only days after coming to the institute, when she decided that our toaster was a thing of unspeakable evil…”

[helen-blackthorn]

i've got to admit i've read your hp au about 50 times.... uwu. any chance of an update? sorry, i'm a little obsessed XD. hope you're staying safe xo

well I’m glad that you enjoy it so much! unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll ever really get back to that fic....if only because I’ve quietly started a complete rewrite of it a few months ago! it is very, very different, and far from being uploaded, though.

just for you, here’s a couple snippets of what I have so far (I have plenty to spare) as an apology:

“I have some pumpkin pasties and also, very bad news!”

Helen took a treat from the folded up napkin, raising a brow. “Did you steal these from dinner again?” She asked.

“No,” said Aline. “I snuck into the kitchens on my way here, and the house elves gave me some. Your brother was there, too, by the way.”

“Which one?”

“Mark,” Aline said. She leaned in conspiratorially. “He was with Kieran Kingson and Cristina Rosales. Are they, like-“

“So are we just going to ignore the very bad news part?” Alec interrupted exasperatedly, glancing between them and the pumpkin pasties. He took one, too, just for good measure.

“Oh, right,” Aline said.

aaand another:

“You look like you could use a drink,” a voice said from his right. Alec turned, and there was Magnus Bane, approaching with two drinks in his hands. 

Magnus smiled as their eyes met, and raised the glass of firewhiskey as if for Alec to take. The rings on his hand shimmered in the dim light, the same gold colour as his eyes. “Good thing I have an extra,” he said over the music, smooth but also expectant. Alec hesitated for only a moment before taking it; Magnus’ smile seemed to grow, pleased by Alec’s acceptance. 

“Thanks,” said Alec. 

“You’re very welcome, Alexander,” Magnus said. He was utterly at ease, his gaze never wavering. Alec hoped the common room lighting was dim enough to hide the subtle flush of his cheeks. He could only wish to be as confident and carefree as Magnus Bane. “You don’t seem like you’re having much fun.”

Alec shrugged and tried to play it cool. “Big parties aren’t really my thing,” he answered. 

“Why’s that?”

“Too many people,” Alec said, and hoped he didn’t sound too lame. He didn’t want Magnus to think he was some sort of loser, or something. “And I usually end up sober-sitting my out of control friends. I prefer smaller...get-togethers.”

To his relief, Magnus cracked an amused smile. His teeth were very white. “I can hardly blame you. Not to say I don’t enjoy a good rager on the occasion, but smaller affairs are so much more authentic and fun when you’re surrounded by the right people,” he said lightly. “Don’t tell anyone I said that, though. I do have a reputation to uphold here, after all, and I’d hate to lose it.”

“Your secret dies with me,” Alec said, and they shared a grin as he raised his glass to take a drink.

[helen-blackthorn]

Hi! I was wondering whether you're still writing the origin fic? No pressure :)

hi! so sorry for the insanely late response but I’ve been incredibly busy

as for the origin fic, I am still working on it yes, very slowly but surely. truthfully I just haven’t really had the time to write as often as I like and I kind of fell behind with it. I would love to eventually post it, I just couldn’t tell you when that would likely be (ideally, I’d like to have it mostly if not fully finished before posting).

[helen-blackthorn]

Joyeux anniversaire from France 🥳🥳🥳

merci!!! 💜 I’m so sorry I just saw this today!

[jawhline]

[okruee]

Hi, I wanted to share some Canadian-specific resources in support of the BLM movement. End the misconception that Canada is better than our southern neighbour, our history is plagued with the systematic oppression of the black and indigenous community and we must do better. Black Lives Matter. All cops are bastards, in Canada too. 

As allies it’s essential for us to educate ourselves and support in every way we can. If you are unable to make it to a protest (and even if you have and want to further provide support) and have the means to do so, please consider supporting these Canadian black-led organizations/funds instead:

Resources for non-Black folks to support Black communities in Canada

COVID-19 Black Emergency Support Fund

Justice for Regis Korchinski-Paquet

Black Lives Matter Toronto

Toronto Protester Bail Fund

Black Lives Matter Vancouver

Black in BC Community Support Fund for COVID-19

Black Legal Aid Centre

[okruee]

@illiteratetrash also suggested the following defunding scripts:

2020 Vancouver Police Department Budget - Call For Action - DEFUND NOW

2020 Toronto Police Budget - Call For Action/Defunding Template

2020 Montreal SPVM Budget - Call For Action - DEFUND NOW