Do you speak Basic?

“Do you speak Basic?”

For a moment the alien seemed to be studying him. “Or would Sy Bisti be better?” Eli added in that language.

Barris threw a glare at him, and Eli winced. Again, stupid. He should have waited for orders. The prisoner, too, was gazing at him, though his expression seemed more thoughtful than angry.

Captain Parck, for his part, only had eyes for the prisoner. “You asked him whether he spoke Sy Bisti, I assume?”

“Yes, sir,” Eli said. “My apologies, Captain. I just thought—the stories all say that the Chiss used Sy Bisti in their—”

“The what?” Parck asked.

“The Chiss,” Eli said, feeling his face warming. “They’re a…well, they’ve always been thought of as a Wild Space myth.”

“Have they, now,” Parck said, eying the prisoner. “It would appear they’re a bit more substantial than that. But I interrupted. You were saying?”

“Just that in the stories the Chiss used Sy Bisti in their dealings with us.”

“As you also used that language with us,” the prisoner said calmly in Sy Bisti.Eli twitched. The prisoner had answered in Sy Bisti…but he’d responded to a comment that Eli had made in Basic. “Do you understand Basic?” he asked in Sy Bisti.

“I understand some,” the Chiss answered in the same language. “But I’m more comfortable with this one.”

Eli nodded. “He says he understands some Basic, but is more comfortable with Sy Bisti.”

“I see,” Parck said. “Very well. I’m Captain Parck, commander of this ship. What’s your name?”

Eli opened his mouth to translate— “No,” Parck stopped him with an upraised hand. “You can translate his answers, but I want to see how much Basic he understands. Your name, please?”

For a moment the Chiss was silent, his gaze drifting around the hangar bay. Not like a primitive overwhelmed by the size and magnificence of the place, Eli thought, but like another military man sizing up his enemy’s strengths and weaknesses. “Mitth’raw’nuruodo,” he said, bringing his glowing eyes back to Parck.

“But I believe it would be easier for you to call me Thrawn.”

~

Few lines. Chills.

Everything I know about him.

About them.

The essence, already there.

[I love them so much]

[Photo: charm by Untramen_Taro from the "Of Mitths and Legends" fanzine]

My Core

Not here

This will be not one of my very long captions, the ones that I fight hard for, fitting all the beautiful Zahn's words in just 2200 characters.

But its length is not related to the depth of my feelings or my message.

Maybe it's because it's a very personal caption.

Not that the others weren't, but they were maybe easier to express.

I, more than anyone, know the meaning of "found family."

In my life, I was so fortunate to find many of them. They make me feel loved, and cared for, and so, so cherished.

This community, in a way, is one of them.

My lifetime family of friends is another.

Thrawn and his gang, and all the beloved characters that give me every day joy and comfort are too.

So, yeah.

Thrawn and I, we are the lucky ones.

But I wish for every one of you out there to find the same.

I really do.

[Photo: @cherriielle beautiful new pins on some borrowed knitting work]

The Secret Guardian

The Tea Master of Naporar presents "The Secret Guardian", a Senior Captain Mitth'raw'nuruodo tea blend.

A confident, bold, delicious mix, it combines distinctive Oolong tea notes with more playful flavors, such as natural chestnut and almonds, all spiced up with ginger flakes and embellished by blue cornflower.

Perfect as a comforting hot Oolong tea, its flavors explode if served iced.

"The Secret Guardian" is blended With Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Cinnamon, Ginger, Natural Almond Flavor, Natural Chestnut Flavor, Cocoa Nibs, Natural Cinnamon Flavor & Natural Chocolate Flavor. Accented With Cornflowers & Ginger. High caffeine, 212°F (100 °C), 3 min.

The Ruling Families’ finest tealeaf and caccoleaf supplier for more than fifty generations, The Tea Master of Naporar brings you quality ingredients, rich flavors and strong aromas. Our Aristocra Exclusive selections, our staple Galara brews and our Warriors’ blends inspired by CEDF heroes have elevated The Tea Master of Naporar to the prime tea maker of the Chiss Ascendancy.

After almost one year and a half of experimentation and perfectioning, @kotoroa and I are finally very proud to present a selection of blended teas that remind us of our favorite Chiss family.

"The Secret Guardian" is our blend inspired by the young Thrawn.

On top of an already impeccable, precious, and exquisite base, we wanted to incorporate his early sarcasm, elegant sweetness, propensity to defy the rules.

We hope you will love it, and it will remind you of our wonderful blue (young) man while reading books or fanfictions.

Let us know if you try it!

[You can find this tea here. Note that Adagio has truly a wonderful tea quality, but the labels are normally badly printed and attached. If you want a high-resolution or vectorial image for your tin boxes, DM me, and I will be happy to send you. Also, note that we do not earn anything from this: Adagio sends "points" to the tea creators, but we do not receive money. Just the fun of relaxing while sipping a piece of Thrawn's soul]

Seducing your boyfriend

[Car’das] had expected Forward Visual to be a crowded, high-tech room. To his surprise, the door opened into something that looked like a compact version of a starliner’s observation gallery. A long, curved couch sat in front of a convex floor-to-ceiling viewport currently showing a spectacular view of the glowing hyperspace sky as it flowed past the ship. The room’s own lights were dimmed, making the display that much more impressive.

“Welcome, Jorj Car’das.”

Car’das looked around. Mitth’raw’nuruodo was seated alone at the far end of the couch, silhouetted against the hyperspace sky. “Commander,” he greeted the other, glancing a question at his guide. The other nodded, stepping back and closing the door on himself and the rest of the escort. Feeling more than a little uneasy, Car’das stepped around the near end of the couch and made his way across the curve.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Mitth’raw’nuruodo commented as Car’das arrived at his side. “Please; be seated.”

“Thank you,” Car’das said, easing himself onto the couch a cautious meter away from the other. “May I ask why you sent for me?”

“To share this view, of course,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said drily.

~

“I merely wish your company for a time.”

“Why?”

“Partly to learn about your people,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said. “But primarily so that you may teach me your language.” []

“I see,” Car’das said cautiously. [] “I’ll be happy to teach you Basic, but I’d also like some language lessons myself." []

“I can teach you to understand Cheunh,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “But I doubt you’ll ever be able to properly speak it. I’ve noticed you don’t even pronounce my name very well. [] However, I believe I could teach you to speak Minnisiat. []”

“That would be wonderful,” Car’das said. “Thank you, Commander Mitth—uh … Commander.” []

“Perhaps it would be easier if you called me by my core name, Thrawn.”

Car’das frowned. “Is that permissible?”

Mitth’raw’nuruodo—Thrawn—shrugged. “It’s questionable,” he conceded. [] “But I believe such rules may be broken when there are good and valid reasons for doing so. In this case, there are.” []

~

[Pin, glitter variant by @enamel_empire]

Should I?

And I do not even care

Ovaltine

A moment in time

The Swan

This piece is magnificent.

It is magnificent not just because it was created by an extraordinary artist, @ghazar_glass, it has unreal colors, and it carries Krista's trademarked magic to convey all of Nevil's handsomeness, leadership, loyalty, sassiness, and stance without even having to portray his beautiful face.

But it is magnificent as the symbol of a friendship, an unexpected and wonderful bond, that our fondness for Thrawn gifted to me.

As my first @ghazar_glass piece, my sweet young Thrawn, represents the decision to return to direct my life as I always claimed I was going to do, as the moment I decided it was the time for me to start to be me again, this second gem wraps the love I have for souls, Adrienn and Krista, that have become climacteric chapters of my story.

I tried to find precious and exquisite words to express my gratitude for receiving such a perfect gift from such a beautiful human.

But none is enough.

So, @kotoroa.

Thank you.

Truly.

Science and progress

Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions

Oh, let's go back to the start

Running in circles, coming up tails

Heads on a science apart

Nobody said it was easy

It's such a shame for us to part

Nobody said it was easy

No one ever said it would be this hard

Oh, take me back to the start

I was just guessing at numbers and figures

Pulling the puzzles apart

Questions of science, science and progress

Do not speak as loud as my heart

~

Celebrating this (Cyber)Monday [a very Viktor-appropriate day] with one of the glorious Arcane/ LOL pieces I bought last week from @rocklovejewelry and @riotgamesmerch.

I have been running around this armillary since last year, and I finally convinced myself that it was too good to be paired with the Hexcore for leaving it there.

Never was I more right.

This is probably my favorite of the three necklaces I bought (including Ekko's watch).

All the orbits are spinning, and the crystal in the center is actually (unexpectedly?) clear and shiny.

My overall favorite piece I own from @rocklovejewelry is still their Sith Wayfinder (the craftmanship of that one is unparalleled, IMHO), but this is a close second.

[And, yes, I might be uber-biased in my hyperfixated geek collector's view, but mostly, I am as happy as a clam wearing all these]

Have fun with the (geeky) shopping, you all!

And, if you did not already, now that "Andor" was wrapped and we do not have new SW content for like a whole 10 minutes (unprecedented), give a chance to this beautiful Netflix show.

[Yes, yes. I am talking about "Arcane," obviously]

Again, giving thanks

“Thank you for your assistance, Senior Captain Ziara,” Thrawn’s voice came as the two ships finally cut back on their thrusters and disengaged their tractors. “Without you, the liner would indeed have been lost.”

“Thank you in turn for your quick thinking,” Ziara said, eyeing the liner. The ship’s beautiful external wings, gone, with their fancy suites and, no doubt, the inhabitants’ fancy possessions gone with them. “A word of warning, though. If I were you, I wouldn’t expect a lot of thanks from anyone else.”

~

No.

He will not.

But you all will have mine.

Thank you for reading my rants another year.

Thank you for the sweet words, and the gifts, and the lovely private messages.

Thank you for being a community that, day after day, I look forward to reading the adventures of.

Thank you for sharing.

Your beautiful pictures, your books review, your cosplays, your collections, your words, your art, your talent.

This is indeed a magnificent little bubble of joy.

And I feel comfy, and cuddled, and loved.

Thank you all.

[Photo: I wanted to recall last year's Funko pop Thanksgiving photo, but with my new customs. The stunning Nightswan is a piece made by @kb_graves, while the Senior Captain Thrawn is a @cardinal.creates beautiful work. Thank you, Kara and Cass, for all the astonishing customs you did for me. And thanks to all the artists of whose commissions, charms, pins, custom creations, and clothes give me the purest happiness]

A Chimaera tale

"The double ring is a prized heirloom of the Marocsaa subclan," the spokesman said quietly. []

For the first time since Thalias had met him, Thrawn seemed genuinely surprised. He looked at Uingali, then at the rings, then at Uingali again. Then, he held out his hand, palm upward. "Thank you," he said. "I will guard it in a place of honor."

~

"This next item, though, I think you should consider taking with you." []

For another moment Thrawn stood motionless, a series of emotions playing across his face. Then, with the same reverence he'd shown the Stybla medal, he took the ring. "I shouldn't accept this," he said, his voice oddly hesitant. [] He took a deep breath and carefully slipped the ring onto the two middle fingers of his right hand. "But in the spirit that it was given, I must with humble gratitude accept it."

~

While the decision to include a symbol under the Chimaera was a creative choice of the "Rebels" artists, Mr. Zahn gifted us with this deeply touching background story.

And I adored it.

However, for two years now, I wondered how a person so modest as Thrawn could go like, "Hey, could you paint the family crest of my alien best friend under the ship you assigned me?"

So, since MY canon IS whatever Mr. Zahn thinks or says, I asked HIM.

And I received the most detailed story of all.

Unfortunately, I am not a writer, and definitely, I am not Mr. Zahn.

So, sorry if I report the mere fabula without pathos or art.

When Thrawn was assigned to the Chimaera, there was no logo.

And it wasn't there until the end of "Thrawn," when he was made Grand Admiral.

According to Mr. Zahn, there are just 12 Grand Admirals, and their ISDs are the only ones that are allowed to have a special mark for distinguishing their ships.

So that enemies and even allies could feel the thrill of facing a Grand Admiral, as pirate flags were bearers of the terrifying notoriety of their famous captains.

And, when asked which symbol he cared to have emblazoned on the underside of the Chimaera, Thrawn was certain: the nest of small stylized snakes with two larger ones curving up from among them.

And, immediately it clicked in me.

Honor, loyalty, sad memories.

So perfectly Thrawn.

Genuinely insane amounts of pure math

“This is a genuinely insane amount of pure math you’re proposing,” Jayce says, because it seems terribly important to say something. []

“ ‘Genuinely insane amounts of pure math’ was my childhood nickname. [] This is a very good drawing. You’re quite an artist. Diffraction peaks when you apply fivefold symmetry to the model.”

Jayce blinks. “Impossible.”

Viktor extends the notebook, thumb slotted between Jayce’s own sketches and lattice diagrams, and a block of celestially elegant equations and illegible shorthand, capped off with a scrawl which is either Viktor’s signature, or a prescription for medical amphetamines.

“It’s aperiodic,” Viktor murmurs, “You wouldn’t have seen it without decomposing the function into a frequency domain. But your, ah, Hex crystal…isn’t? Quasicrystalline, perhaps…”

Viktor has chalk in his hair, and ink on his face, and the foundational precepts of Jayce’s life’s work casually gutted at his feet, which, on reflection, is a terrible way to treat a man who nearly threw himself off a building, whose soul longs for high places, who may well still be at risk, the minute the vertigo roiling in his stomach tips from nauseous to nostalgia, who is grappling with all of that, and the existential horror of not actually being the smartest person in the room, and Jayce isn’t manic, just breathing a little too hard. Just watching the numbers swim, schooling and breaking apart into strange fractals, which is a thing that numbers do, sometimes.

[from "High Hawk Season" by JeanLuciferGohard on AO3]

~

It is weird how I could keep writing about Thrawn for two years, while it is sort of difficult for me to truthfully put into words my feelings for Viktor.

Fortunately, I can rely on better writers and real talent.

Funnily, though, this post took me anyway an indecent amount of time to write.

Or, better, for that quote to be chosen to accompany this custom Funko pop that I am so deeply proud of.

[In other news, @rocklovejewelry just dropped this incredible collection of brand-new Arcane jewelry. And the actual amount of money I spent on a single purchase is a secret that will die with me]

Contemplation

Eli read the entry a second time. Then, with a sigh, he shut down his datapad.

He still didn’t know why Thrawn had left him his journal. Perhaps he’d seen it simply as history. [] Or perhaps the reason was encompassed somehow in that final entry.

Distantly, Eli wondered if there had been any more to the journal. And, if so, if he would ever find the other entries.

He doubted it. But it didn’t really matter.

The galaxy had Thrawn’s legacy and his accomplishments. Those who could learn from that legacy had presumably already done so. Those who couldn’t never would.

~

After two years exposed to such beauty, I should stop to be surprised by how this community keeps producing masterpieces.

And yet.

This @jenniemariestudio votive candle touches my heart.

Jennie did not know Eli when I commissioned her.

So, to deeply capture their bond, she read the imperial trilogy.

Just for this work. For me.

And there is no price I could pay for something like that.

The feeling of ease that Thrawn has when he is around Eli.

Relaxed. Safe to be himself.

Silent, and still, sharing it all.

Because Eli knows.

Because he is able to listen to the unspoken.

A translator of the soul.

Artists. Aren't they astonishing?

A few strokes and they are there.

Thrawn, breathing in the rising moon.

Eli, peeking at that small curl on his friend's lips, a smile that an untrained eye would miss.

Warriors. After a very hard life.

And yet, serene.

Perfectly them.

Inner story

Celebrating my comfort year

"You’ve got a good heart.

Don’t ever lose it.

No matter how the world tries to break you."

~

Mr. Linke, this post is for you.

For the stubbornness, for the commitment, for believing, for never giving up.

The stories that you gave us, the characters that mirrored our souls.

A project that was your dream, which nobody believed in.

[No, Riot, especially not you]

And, after your triumph, for sharing with us your breakdowns, and your humanity.

This post is also for Mr. Charrue and Mr. Delord.

Simply put, because your genius is out of this world.

Because you deserve to win all the director awards in the realms of the director awards. And I am not even talking animation here.

Because you're [fucking] French, but I love you anyway.

And I know I should be thanking, truly, everyone.

All the animators at Fortiche, of whom production videos are my guilty pleasure when I am sad and alone, Mr. Temple and Mako, because my Amazon Music repeats ad libitum the same fifty songs over and over, guessing I will never change the AI-created soundtrack (and I won't), Mrs. Overton because she is brilliant and mindblowing. And one of us.

And for all the actors that I know I should list here, I *have* to mention in this post, specifically Mr. Lloyd.

The two moles did most of the trick, I must admit, but without your curled accent, your "eh," your "incredible," and your "absolutely not," my life in the last year wouldn't be the same.

[And I know that I sound dramatic in this —very Jayce—, but it is the actual truth]

Finally, I would fail miserably in my intent to carve my gratitude for my last year's mental health if I wouldn't also mention @yakichou1 and the talent that they always share on social and Patreon (best investment ever), @nocrownsforkings for the art on my living room wall, @primavera_1903 and all the JayVik artists on Twitter, and the tag Jayce/Viktor writers on AO3.

Thank you.

Thank you, all.

[Photo: the super cute charm is by @ariespsyche_. Crystal by BadAstronautMakes, notepad by TransparentCity, on Etsy. In the background, the end sheets of my precious "Jayvikine," jayvik_zine on Twitter]

The Warrior's regret

“Your report, Colonel, said his death was confirmed?”

“Yes, sir,” Yularen said. “His body was found and identified in one of the outer areas, where the damage was less severe. He was probably checking on the perimeter.” He hesitated. “Possibly preparing to stand alongside the defenders there.”

“Yes,” Thrawn said.

And so it was over. The path had ended. The pattern was broken.

The song of the Nightswan was silenced.

The galaxy would be the worse for its loss.

~

No, not my last post about Nightswan by any means.

After all, all my series are open, no one truly concluded.

But on this gloomy November morning, I feel I want to stress again how regretful Thrawn is when life, any life, is lost without a purpose.

How his sense of duty and leadership prevents him from dismissing a failure as the sole responsibility of someone else selfish actions.

And I am deeply so moved by his scarred soul.

"All people have regrets. Warriors are no exceptions.

One would hope it was possible to distinguish between events caused by one’s carelessness or lack of ability and those caused by circumstances or forces beyond one’s control. But in practice, there is no difference. All forms of regret sear equally deeply into the mind and soul. All forms leave scars of equal bitterness.

And always, beneath the scar, lurks the thought and fear that there was something else that could have been done. Some action, or inaction, that would have changed things for the better. Such questions can sometimes be learned from. All too often, they merely add to the scar tissue.

A warrior must learn to set those regrets aside as best he can. Knowing full well that they will never be very far away."

~

[This Thrawn's journal entry is a Zahn's masterpiece]

[Photo: for lifting the mood of this pretty heavy post, I am sharing an adorable Thrawn chibi pin by @ritarussiandoll_pins. Art by the always talented @junchan_nyan_art]

Carved in my soul

kk"Am I interrupting?"

"The hell's your problem? What's that? Another list with my name on it?"

"Actually, yes, but only because you signed your notes. Every page, I might add. Eh, a little egotistical, don't you think?"

"Is that why you came? To insult me?"

"No, no, I was… I was intrigued by what you said at the trial."

"That makes you the only one."

"Yes, well, I wanted to talk about your work. This Hextech theory of yours."

"It's not a theory. I saw with my own eyes what magic can do, the lives it could save. You've no idea how beautiful it is. And now it's gone. No one believed me."

"Nobody's ever believed in me. A poor cripple from the undercity. I was an outsider the moment I stepped foot in Piltover. I didn't have the benefits of a patron or a name. I simply believed in myself. Which is why I'm here. Because I think you're on to something. I want to help you complete your research."

"No one thinks it can be done."

"When you're going to change the world, don't ask for permission."

"I don't even know your name."

"It's Viktor."

[Arcane, 1x02]

~

I know.

Quoting this dialogue is a cheap move on my part.

But this exchange between Jayce and Viktor is pure perfection.

In a few glorious lines, phenomenal animation, and brilliant acting, the two characters are sublimely delineated.

Jayce's embarrassed scoff, while caught on the edge of his extreme act.

His inspired and focused eyes when he says, "You've no idea how beautiful it is."

His bewildered but grateful touch, while gently accepting back his bracelet (and his life) from a stranger's pale hand.

The "eh" and Viktor's expression, that will be my comfort image for years to come.

The prompt sarcasm, but also the overwhelming sincerity of that "no, no", because his banter is never intended to hurt.

And how sweet and vulnerable he sounds when simply saying, "it's Viktor."

Every word. Every look.

Carved in my soul.

[I do not think I want to be saved from my hyperfixation]

[But Happy Halloween, you'll!]

Misrepresentation

Key player in the battle of Christophsis, Ryloth (where he authorized Ahsoka's Marg Sabl), Geonosis, Saleucami, and so many others that are boring to list, Wullf Yularen pursued his career with the ISB only after the transition from the Republic into the Empire.

[Transition that, I remind, was supported by both popular consensus and the Senate after the war]

In the whole canon, he is portrayed as a deeply intelligent, extremely calm, and attentive leader. He recognizes priorities and never loses focus on the big picture. An effective modern CIA or FBI agent, if you want.

Asked which minor SW character Zahn loved the most, he indicated Yularen without hesitation. He defined Wullf as "quietly competent," "smart," and "not inclined to choke people." This is probably why he is the only highly-ranked imperial truly connecting with Thrawn. The "Bak'if of the Empire," the one who can save Thrawn's ass every time he is court-martialled, and probably has his own bottle of Xanax in the drawer.

“I want to know what you’re doing here, and what your business was with Nightswan.” [] [Yularen] hesitates a second, then lowers the carbine to point at the ground. “I don’t believe you’re a traitor, Admiral. But this meeting has the appearance of treason, and that’s all your enemies would need to bring you down. Bottom line: You talk to me now, or someday you face them. Which is it going to be?”

Now.

Premising that I do generally love "Andor," HOW THE KRIFF did the LF Story Group authorize Yularen portrayal as an idiotically screaming, power-hungry, "how tight to close our fist", nazi SS?

The same Yularen who was devastated by the civilian casualties at Batonn?

“It was, by anyone’s standards, a slaughter,” Yularen said. *His voice is under control but holds deep regret and the echo of dark memories.* “I saw some horrendous things during the Clone Wars. This ranks right up there with the worst of them.”

Is it then *so easy* to completely misrepresent a super-established character now?

So, well.

Do not ask me, then, why I am so utterly terrified.

[Fact: "#Andor 1x07" Italian title is "Emperor's Hand"]

[Photo featuring more @meltarien Thrawn's cookies]

Gracing the universe

A friend need not be kept either within sight or within reach.

A friend must be allowed the freedom to find and follow his own path.

If one is fortunate, those paths will for a time join.

But if the paths separate, it is comforting to know that a friend still graces the universe with his skills, and his viewpoint, and his presence.

~

I know.

I already posted this beautiful quote, and I really try never to do that.

But, this is a completely different context, so allow me to break my own rule.

Today is indeed a very special #ThrawnThursday.

Adrienn's (@kotoroa) birthday.

And I should be really grateful to Thrawn (and, so, Zahn) for gifting me with such a wonderful human in my life.

A true kindred spirit.

Someone that would send a bottle of Vin Santo from Tuscany to the middle of American nowhere, just because she knows that you are always a little homesick.

Someone that would ask her relative to make you these adorable tiny dolls for your birthday, so they could pop up, in a box full of love, the day you're alone.

Someone who is brilliant, funny, able to read your mind, to speak about Eli (and Thrawn) for five hours in a row, and to (almost?) make you love Obi-Wan.

Happy birthday, Adrienn.

You, spice pumpkin latte

We officially entered the "disgustingly sugary lattes" season.

[Yay?]

So, on this fine mid-October day, I want to bother you with a silly post about what Thrawn&Co. would pick in a hipster, wooden-patterned, indie music-swathed cozy cafe.

In my headcanon, Thrawn has an irredeemable sweet tooth.

I am entertained by the idea that the same people that think he is an emotionless, cold villain would pick for him bitter black coffee while he would probably smash their claims against the most obscenely syrupy drink on the menu.

Like a pumpkin pancake latte, with butter pecan, maple syrup, and spices.

Or a campfire mocha, with honey, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows.

I just got a cavity typing that, but, man, he would looooove it.

Ar'alani gives me more of the vibe of someone that, surrounded by saccharines, would pick the supposedly less sugary drink, but without being that grinchy killjoy that orders just straight black coffee.

[She is not a snob like that]

[Samakro, though, would probably be that person]

[But everyone would love him nevertheless, even if teasing him to death]

Anyway. Ar'alani.

Pumpkin cream cold brew. Pretending to respect the seasonal flavor with the spices but on a strong, bitter, highly caffeinated base.

And she doesn't give a kriff about the cold after all.

Eli, obviously, would pick something decisively sugary, but not sickly sweet like Thrawn.

Possibly a cinnamon roll latte, with brown sugar, vanilla, and caramel.

[Well, this is kind of nauseatingly sweet, actually]

Or, maybe, a white pumpkin mocha, with white chocolate and pumpkin spice.

Just for still savoring the coffee taste, a little.

Stars, I think I am running out of characters here.

Let me just add Ch'eri, ok?

Caramel apple hot cider. With cinnamon sticks.

And, yes, she would totally rob some of Thrawn's drinks when she thinks he is not looking.

[But he is looking]

[Obviously]

[And smiles]

[I normally do not like to ask "engagement" questions, but I am genuinely curious about your headcanons! Comment with the offensively sugary drinks they would order]

[Photo: a smiling cute Thrawn pin by lesbianomens.bigcartel.com on a sea of wonderful ginger cookies that @meltarien tortuously sent me because she is brave and unbreakable]

Don't ask for permission

Viktor believes himself unlovable and unable to love, asserts himself above it in some subconscious defence, constructs himself electric and invulnerable to compensate for whatever esoteric pain only he knows the name of.

But the man a few inches away from Jayce is brilliant, and beatific, and bursting with emotion he’s forgotten how to feel.

He’s lovely, sharp, a pain and amazing.

[From: "I do believe that you are the answer to most things in the known universe" by OptimusPrime33, a Giopara/Viktor —LOL lore— AU]

~

I adore when fanfics just express so flawlessly everything I would crave to convey about a person or a relationship or a feeling, but I am so excruciatingly unable to.

~

It is peculiar how fictional characters enter your life precisely when you need them to.

Thrawn is me.

I needed to be seen, and he was there.

More handsome and brilliant and blue, sure.

But me.

Finally acknowledged, deciphered.

Loved.

My self-discovery and acceptance journey.

And then, Viktor.

Brilliant. Unhinged. Beautiful.

There. When I needed to feel again, to live again.

Without asking for permission.

[This is an even more personal post than usual, if possible. I bet it is cryptic and difficult to read, so sorry for that. The exquisite pin is by Nekato404 (on Etsy), and is placed over a very old Ericsson heat engine]

Anxiety

Absolutely terrified every time I sculpt a new custom Funko pop.

There is a not negligible time frame during which everything seems absolutely wrong, the clay inexorably dries, and nothing works.

And yet.

[I'm actually proud of this sculpt for Viktor]

How good you are

“Your Empire is corrupt, Commander. Corrupt, dangerous, and ultimately self-defeating. It’s going to fall anyway. I’m just helping it along.”

“I’d go easy on the overconfidence if I were you,” Eli offered. “As long as there are commanders like Admiral Thrawn, you’re going to have an uphill job of it.”

“Ah, but there *are* no commanders like Admiral Thrawn,” Nightswan said with a tight smile. “Not anymore.”

~

“I started hearing rumors. Stories about something nasty the Empire was up to out in the middle of nowhere. The project that was sucking up all the doonium, iridium, and other metals that they were yanking out of the markets. [] I started getting curious.” His lips compress. His expression holds regret. “Sometimes it’s a very bad thing to be curious.”

“It is never wrong to be curious. But it can sometimes be dangerous. This project you seek. Do you wish to stop it?”

Nightswan frowns, his expression and body stance holding suspicion. His facial heat again rises. “Why? Are you in charge of protecting it?”

“No.”

“You probably should be.” His suspicion is fading. “If they really want to protect it, that is. Would I stop it? I don’t know. I suppose I’d first need to know what it is, so I could judge whether or not it’s worth all the chaos it’s causing. Why do you ask?”

“Because I, too, am interested in the project. I would like to hear what you have learned.”

“Sure.” Nightswan waves a hand toward Creekpath. His expression holds sardonic humor. “Take off that uniform, come join us, and I’ll tell you everything I know.”

“You know I cannot do that.”

“And I can’t give up information that someday might be vital to these people,” Nightswan said. “Obligations, you know.”

“Yet you also have a higher obligation to greater ideals,” Thrawn said. “Tell me about Cyphar.” []

Nightswan shakes his head. His expression holds both resignation and admiration. []

“Sometimes I forget how good you are,” he said. “Other times, I’m glad of it."

~

Week after week, just in adoration for what a perfect Thrawn fangirl Nightswan is.

And while sometimes I think I should discuss all the emotions I am feeling, everything is so deeply already there.

[Photo: custom Funko pop by me this time]

Represent

Borderline insane

“Whoa,” Apros muttered. “Does he ever come up with a battle plan that’s not borderline insane?”

“Not that I’ve noticed,” Lakinda growled.

~

I smirk whenever someone states that Thrawn’s alignment is “lawful evil.”

I spent a gazillion words discussing the canonical inexistence of his supposedly “evil” behavior, so I won’t rant further.

I accept the “neutral” hypothesis if you feel better about it regarding Thrawn’s involvement with the Empire, but I fundamentally agree with Mr. Zahn when, questioned about the matter, he replied instantly “good” without even pondering it a picosecond.

That said, claiming that he is strictly “lawful” is hilarious.

Every of his (five?) close friends has a jar of anxiolytics at hand every time he walks into the room with an idea of his.

Ba’kif probably put a Thrawn’s face sticker on his Xanax pillbox.

Let’s face it.

The guy is brilliantly unhinged.

Quiet, polite, elegant, sure.

Still. Beautifully unpredictable.

And we (and his five friends) love him for it.

~

“An interesting thought,” General Ba’kif said, pursing his lips. “The question is whether that thought is dangerously inspired or merely criminally insane.”

“I don’t see why either adjective has to be attached, sir,” Thrawn said, his voice carrying his usual mix of respect and confidence. “The small scout ship I’m proposing—”

“You *don’t*?” Ba’kif interrupted.

~

“What in the depths of the Chaos were you *thinking*?” Ba’kif demanded [].

“It was a humanitarian gesture toward the Magys’s people—” Thrawn began.

“I don’t want to hear any excuses,” Ba’kif cut him off.

~

“*If* you’ve read him correctly,” Ar’alani said []. “Come on, Thrawn, this is crazy. Even for you.”

~

“I assume you aren’t going to let Ba’kif or Ja’fosk in on that part of the plan?”

“I’m not that crazy,” Thrawn said with a small smile.

~

“You disapprove,” Thrawn said.

Ar’alani eyed him, her head still spinning from the idea he’d presented to her []. “Of course I disapprove,” she said. “The whole thing is totally illegal in at least three directions. Not to mention insane”

“Agreed,” Thrawn said. “The question is, are you willing to go through with it?”

[Shirt by @wrecker.i.barely.know.her]

Precision

"It was a wildly unexpected move.

Bold and brave and yet so very like Viktor, who feared nothing but the limitations of his own mind even while his body crumbled around him.

Viktor, who once risked his respected position at the Academy for a complete stranger’s far-fetched dream, a smirk on his face and a ring of gilded keys in his hand."

[From "Grey Dawn" by TheTrickyOwl]

~

This quote is a gem.

I read roughly 350 #jayvik fanfictions in the last eight months.

And, yes.

This makes more than one per day, with an average of 10k words each.

If you ask me why my Star Wars TBR list became so long: that's it.

Viktor.

[And Jayce]

Sassy, fearless, bold.

[Anxious, sweet, protective]

Them.

My 2022 totally unashamed hyperfixation.

[Photo: another precious custom necklace by @caitlynminimalist. The rune is "precision"]

So what’s the story?

“I have read about the nightswan,” Thrawn called after him. “Have you?”

Nightswan turns partially back. His face is obscured by shadow. His body stance again holds weariness, along with a quiet dread. “You refer to the fact that it sings only as night is falling?”

“Yes,” Thrawn said. “You do not expect your stand to succeed, do you?”

“I know that it won’t succeed,” Nightswan said.

“That does not necessarily mean the end. I can give orders for you to be taken unharmed.”

“They’ll be ignored [].”

“Then come with me now.”

“A man must do what he must, Admiral Thrawn. Even if his stand is against the fall of eternal night.”

~

No "Andor" spoilers in here, but, I genuinely think that Nevil would be a perfect fit for it.

The Batonn insurgency and its tragic conclusion was a 2 BBY affair.

This means three potential years across the series two seasons for a Nightswan storyline.

And, no, it wouldn't be "fanservice."

Full of resentment against a nonsensically brutal Imperial domination, the miners in Batonn were normal people.

Although the movement was linked to a larger and sector-wide insurgence, its final goal wasn't a rebellion of a galactic scale, but simply a very human reaction to the longstanding abuse perpetrated by the local Governor.

Yes.

Deeply in tune with the "feels" of the new series.

Nevil Cygni.

No Force or noble origin.

Just a man and his commitment to leading other common men.

And he wears ochre shades already, a must for being in Cassian's world, it seems.

~

“Describe him, [] describe everything.”

“Dark hair,” Eli said. “Dark eyes. The textured skin of a man who’s spent a lot of time in the sunlight. Miners’ hands, scarred and callused. Slim body, but a full face. Never killed anyone unless he absolutely had to.”

He ran down the complete description []: how he looked, the sound of his voice, the way he did business. []

“Satisfied?” he asked.

“You met him, I’ll give you that,” Sisay said []. “Probably worked with him some, too,” she conceded reluctantly.

“So what’s the story?”

~

[Photo: wonderful art commission by @lucenorthstar]

Delight

The kalikori conundrum

"Admiral Ar’alani says you like art.”

“I study it."

~

No worries.

I will try not to force here the —rather controversial— point that Thrawn does not, in fact, love art but simply analyzes it.

However, I will rant a bit about the huge mischaracterization of him imperialistically exploiting it, as seen in “Rebels.”

I start by stating that I am not, by any stretch, at war with Dave Filoni.

Ok. Maybe I am a little concerned at the moment. Terrorized, more properly, about the incoming TV series. But not my focus here.

Speaking about what we *do* know, among all the possible big and small details that weren’t fully tuned in Rebels’ Thrawn, his whole relationship with art was, for me, the most striking one.

In Zahn’s work, I do not recall that Thrawn ever expressed an interest in long term collecting art for his personal enjoyment or in robbing it from the legitimate owners. He, very respectfully, gathers cultural information from paintings and sculptures, sure. He reads people souls, if you want, from their artistic expressions. But the object itself carries no specific value after the analysis. In Outbound Flight, for example, he has a total of zero intention to retain the Vagaari stolen collection he is studying, and he is fully committed to gifting it ultimately to Qennto.

So, yeah.

The kalikori conundrum.

For me, the symbol of everything Thrawn actually isn't and "Rebels" claims him to be.

Even not discussing here the absurd and complete out-of-character note he makes about Hera’s *dead brother* (I can hear the heart of Zahn’s Thrawn cracking at that moment, bleeding over cute bistros and cheese triangles), his attitude towards the kalikori is illogical.

The totem gave him the information he sought, eventually an insight into the complex mind of Hera Syndulla. But why strutting about keeping an item that doesn't belong to him with that gratuitous acid superiority?

Like... a trophy?

*Thrawn* wants a trophy?

*Thrawn*?

"I never did something for myself like ever in my life" *Thrawn*?

"I care so less about showing off that I propose to my nemesis of 15 years to join the Ascendancy because he can be actually useful" *Thrawn*?

Clearly nonsense.

Reconsider my path

“Did you learn anything?”

“We learned plenty,” Nightswan said. His expression holds determination. “We learned that Grand Moff Tarkin’s involved at the top, for one thing. We learned the work is being done at a single location, as opposed to being spread out all across the galaxy.”

“Not entirely correct,” Thrawn said. “There is a main work site, but there is also a subsidiary one.”

“Really?” Nightswan frowned. “Interesting. I don’t usually miss things like that.”

“An excusable error,” Thrawn said. “Most of the materials for the subsidiary location were delivered some time ago, with only small additions since then. []”

“Thanks, that makes me feel a little better.” Nightswan’s voice holds dry humor. “Still, it sounds like we’re talking a single main structure or interwoven structure, rather than a group of large ships or battle stations. Otherwise, it would be safer to split off the ships to different locations.”

“I agree.” []

“If I were to aid you in your search for answers, would it persuade you to join me?” []

“What exactly do you know?”

“I have no direct knowledge,” Thrawn said. “But I, too, have gathered some of the pieces of the puzzle to myself. I may also know where the main work site is located.” []

“And [] what then? What would you do? You serve the Empire, and this project, whatever it is, represents a great deal of Imperial resources.”

“I do indeed serve the Empire,” Thrawn said. “But I also serve the causes of the Chiss Ascendancy. If I deem this project to be a threat against them, I might find it necessary to reconsider my path.”

Nightswan’s expression holds interest and temptation. His fingers rub restlessly against his leg []. “And if I surrender and accept your terms? What are you offering?”

“We will journey to the site together.”

“And the people of Creekpath and Batonn?” []

“I will do what I can.”

Nightswan shakes his head, his body stance holding resignation. “And therein lies the problem. This is a political situation, and you have no political power. On one hand, we have a puzzle, and a fear of what the Empire is planning. On the other hand, I have real flesh-and-blood people to protect. I’m sorry.”

“As am I.”

~

[Charm: @_art_and_chaos_]

Leadership is a journey

"Leadership is a journey, not a destination.

It is continually challenged, and must continually prove itself anew against fresh obstacles.

Sometimes those obstacles are external events.

Other times they are the doubts of those being led. Still other times they are a result of the leader’s own failures and shortcomings.

Political power and influence are different. Once certain levels have been reached, there is no need to prove leadership or competence. A person with such power is accustomed to having every word carefully considered, and every whim treated as an order. And all who recognize that power know to bow to it.

A few have the courage or the foolishness to resist. Some succeed in standing firm against the storm. More often, they find their paths yet again turned from their hoped-for goal. But such a turn does not always mean that the victim has lost. Or that the victor has won."

~

I was planning for the second installment of my Nevil's series today.

A celebration for Mr. Zahn's birthday on a #ThrawnThursday.

And not sharing this (although magnificent) quote, which I already burned in my stories one week ago or so.

But, after my long loooooong day, these words were simply too fitting not to post.

When, once again, I am the one with "the courage or the foolishness to resist."

[Yeah, probably just the foolishness]

So, I was supposed to arrive home and take some shots at a Nevil charm.

But I saw sun and shadows on this absolutely stunning original art that @psiibee gifted me.

And I noticed Thrawn's beautiful face.

How melancholic he was.

Tired.

And so alone.

And, yet, surrounded by gold.

Rightful.

Strong.

It is a simple shot. I know.

But, photo and quote are truly me today.