@mountainhymn - Tumblr Blog

cruiserweight

take a gamble that love exists, and do a loving act

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zhongzichen

#rdr2 #rdr #art

sorryiliketoscreenshot

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ireenredd

insta: ireenred_ / rob me daddy 🤯

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sorryiliketoscreenshot

#rdr2

sternbagel

John Marston’s scars through the years

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bonnieknowsbest

You know what I like most about Mary Linton? She's OPTIONAL. The past romance between Arthur and her is real, but whether Arthur remains in love with her or gets over her is up to the player. So, if I decide not to help Mary because I think she’s toying with Arthur’s feelings —and he thinks so too— there comes a point in the game where Arthur no longer has her photo, implying that Arthur has managed to get over Mary and can finally move on.

Mary isn’t written as “Arthur’s destined soulmate no matter what.” She’s written as someone who was deeply important to him, someone tied to the life he could’ve had. But the game leaves room for the player to decide whether Arthur keeps clinging to that dream… or realizes it’s hurting him. And the thing is: the game quietly supports both interpretations.

If you help Mary every time, Arthur clearly still carries that torch. But if you don’t pursue those missions? Arthur can come across as tired of reopening the wound: “She wants me when she needs me, but not enough to choose me.” So when the photo disappears from his tent later on, it feels incredibly deliberate. Not dramatic. Not “I never loved her.” Just… quiet acceptance. Like he finally let the ghost go.

Mary is canonically part of his past, but not necessarily his future. Rockstar never forces the player into “Arthur dies still hopelessly devoted to Mary forever.” They allow healing. Which fits Arthur’s arc beautifully, honestly. Especially because Arthur’s story becomes less about romantic fulfillment and more about emotional awakening. Learning he deserves kindness. Learning he can care for people openly. Learning he can choose who he wants to be before the end.

#rdr2