#between kings

[theladyjojogrant]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[brisingirl]

Somewhere around reading ‘Cloudy with a chance of dropbears’ I had a thought about how it was interesting how many of the side characters have disabilities, but none of the main four do. Well, W.R. Gingell has rectified that most decidedly. 

I am actually kind of in awe over this. Most writers do not commit to hurting their characters in this way. Usually someone swoops in to save them at the last minute. But this way, Ruth’s bravery and sacrifice actually have so much more meaning. In general it feels like these books purposefully veer into extremely dark places in order to bring the light out of them. 

[theladyjojogrant]

“I warned you, Pet. I am not your chess piece.”

“I know. I’m yours. But I’m the flamin’ queen, and you better not forget it.”

[brisingirl]

Many thoughts - and many, many feelings about the scene of Athelas killing Pet’s parents. 

Firstly, her parents are amazing - everything from the iron filing trap to the bargain - they were ready to protect their daughter at any cost. They did not hesitate when Athelas offered to let them die instead of their child. Even when he offers to let them think it over there is no hesitation or second thoughts. It’s so interesting how Athelas almost seems to force this memory on Pet. Despite the fact that it’s a terrible memory, their love for their daughter makes such a strong impression on him. He feels that she needs to know the full extent of what her parents were willing to go through for her - how much they loved her. 

Secondly, on the subject of the iron filing trap… Athelas is scary. In a ‘what is wrong with this guy?’ kind of way. Does he have self-preservation? Yes, he’s doing his best to  not die. But anything short of that is on the table. And that’s rather horrifying. 

Lastly, the “I won’t make it hurt” - well, now my heart hurts. Look, I know that he’s messed up in so many ways and often just blatantly wrong. But there’s something about the fact that this man who is trained to kill chooses to kill as quickly and painlessly as possible. 

[theladyjojogrant]

The way Athelas just froze when Pet casually asked if he needed to stab her before taking her to the king—

[brisingirl]

Love, love, love how Ruth threatens Les just a minute after helping him kill the previous king.

[theladyjojogrant]

PET GETTING SUPER ANGRY THAT THE TREE THINGS RUINED HER JACKET

[theladyjojogrant]

The Shrek reference 5 seconds into Between Kings absolutely threw me