Rex Calls Out For Cody When He’s Waking Up In The Last Battle And It’s Never Mentioned Again This

Echo joining Rex on his missions now in The Bad Batch which means they’ll be saving their brothers from the Empire which means they would be tracking down stranded/lost clones on Coruscant and maybe other planets in the galaxy which means they will eventually be saving Cody at some point.

It fills me with such pride and joy to announce that my version of Speak Now will be out July 7 (just in time for July 9th, iykyk 😆) I first made Speak Now, completely self-written, between the ages of 18 and 20. The songs that came from this time in my life were marked by their brutal honesty, unfiltered diaristic confessions and wild wistfulness. I love this album because it tells a tale of growing up, flailing, flying and crashing… and living to speak about it. With six extra songs I’ve sprung loose from the vault, I absolutely cannot wait to celebrate Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) with you on July 7th. Pre-order now at http://taylor.lnk.to/SpeakNowTaylorsVersion 💜💜💜

Nicky and His Twins

Nicky didn’t know about Aaron until he was seven, and Aaron was three.

He overheard his father telling his mother that Aunt Tilda had apparently gotten pregnant and had a child without telling them. His dad was more angry than anything, but Nicky was excited. He had no siblings, his mothers family was all back in Mexico— now he would have a playmate!

He doesn’t meet Aaron until the next year. Luther pays for Aunt Tilda to come down to see them.

Nicky thinks Aaron is the cutest thing he’s ever seen.

He’s so tiny?? And he’s got these huge eyes and bright blonde hair and Nicky is instantly taken with him.

Aaron is much less taken with Nicky— he’s too shy and Nicky is too loud.

Aaron is maybe the quietest kid Nicky has ever met, but that doesn’t bother Nicky. He knows people are quiet until they’re comfortable and he’s determined to make Aaron his friend.

The adults are too busy pretending to be civil to pay much attention to the kids. Nicky thinks it’s weird that Aunt Tilda hasn’t paid Aaron any attention at all. It was Nicky’s mother who took him to go potty when they arrived, because Aaron was squirming.

He asks Aunt Tilda if he can take Aaron to the park with him and she looks at him like she doesn’t understand. Then says, “I don’t care.”

That’s confusing, because Nicky has to always ask his mom or she gets fussy.

It’s Nicky’s Mom that tells him to be “careful with the baby” even though Aaron is four and not a baby, not really. But he kind of looks like one still, and he doesn’t negate her like Nicky might have.

Aaron hardly speaks, but that’s okay. Nicky can talk enough for two and Aaron let’s Nicky show him everything at the park. He’s scared to go on the slide, so Nicky sits with him. It’s the first time he’s seen Aaron smile.

Aaron tells Nicky he’s never been on a slide before.

Nicky thinks he’s kidding, until Aaron says “Mommy’s too busy to go to the park.”

Nicky thinks that’s sad. Maybe Aunt Tilda and Dad are just a lot alike. Dad’s too busy too. But Mom always takes him.

The trip is too short— but Nicky is happy because Aaron is very attached to him. “Attached to the hip” is what Dad says when he notices Aaron follows Nicky everywhere. Like a baby duck, Nicky thinks. He even takes Aaron potty and helps Aaron figure out how to play with the new toys Mom and Dad bought him.

Aunt Tilda let’s Nicky. She doesn’t seem to ever want to hold Aaron, which Nicky thinks is weird because Aaron is sooo cute and Nicky wants Aaron to sit with him all the time.

Aaron cries when they leave, but Aunt Tilda puts her mouth real close to his ear and says “shhhh!!” And Nicky thinks he sees her pinch his arm, but he doesn’t like that so he thinks he must have imagined it. He doesn’t cry again, but he holds his arms up to Aunt Tilda like he wants to be carried. Only she pretends she doesn’t see.

Nicky doesn’t see Aaron for a couple more years. Dad has to pay for them to come out again, because Aunt Tilda “can’t get her shit together” and is “using” again. Nicky doesn’t ask what she’s using.

Aaron is still so small, Nicky is surprised. The first graders Nicky knows are much taller by now. But Nicky is kind of pleased because Aaron still looks kind of like a baby and Nicky hopes he hasn’t forgotten him.

Aunt Tilda does pinch Aaron. Whenever he does something she doesn’t like, she holds him real close and angry-whispers at him. Nicky doesn’t always see he pinch him, but he sees the red marks. Dad says it’s fine, that’s she’s just trying to make him listen.

It’s the only time Nicky sees her touch Aaron.

They only see each other every couple of years, and every time it’s harder for Nicky to get Aaron comfortable with him. Nicky offers to call him, but they don’t have a phone. Nicky has never met anyone who doesn’t have a phone. When Aaron is ten, and Nicky is almost fourteen, he shows Aaron how to write a letter and send it.

He gives Aaron a roll of stamps.

After that, they infrequently write. Nicky is always pleased when he sees how much better Aaron’s writing is than the last time. He’s proud— maybe because he knows Aunt Tilda won’t be.

He knows by then she neglects Aaron. It hurts Nicky’s heart because Aaron deserves to be loved, but Aunt Tilda only spends time with her boyfriends.

Nicky wants to do more— wants to be better for Aaron. But Nicky is so tired. He knows now that he’s *weird*, because boys aren’t supposed to like boys. Not the way Nicky does.

Dad says it’s not a good idea to talk with Aaron until Nicky “figures it out”. In fact, it’s not a good idea to talk to anyone until Nicky “figures it out”.

Camp is the worst. Nicky knows he’s a sinner— he has evil thoughts and he’s unclean. Fixed. He just wants to be *fixed*.

That Christmas, he doesn’t play much with Aaron when Aaron comes to his house. He doesn’t want Aaron to get mixed up in all the nastiness in his life. Aaron doesn’t ask him to play— he’s used to being ignored. Nicky doesn’t think about that until he’s already gone. Doesn’t realize Aaron never once came to Nicky, that Nicky didn’t try for Aaron in the way he knows he needs to. He curls in bed and cries. It’s a worse sin than homosexuality.

Aaron has a brother.

An identical twin.

Nicky can hardly fathom it. Dad is so mad he turns bright purple whenever it comes up. Nicky is almost relieved to have that anger turned on someone other than him though. At least if everyone is focused on Andrew— god, poor Andrew— they’re not focused on Nicky.

Nicky can’t even be excited when Mom tells him Aunt Tilda is moving down with Aaron. He’s so tired, he’s so very tired and hurt and crushed that he can’t imagine what he will say to Aaron.

And when Aaron tells him, in a dead voice, eyes vacantly staring at the wall behind them, “Mom didn’t want me either”, Nicky has no words. He tries to hug Aaron but Aaron gets too flustered— and Nicky is unclean anyway— so he just cries himself to sleep when he gets home. Because how could anyone not want Aaron? And why is life so awful to people who deserve more? And Nicky prays and prays that Andrew found someone who loved him. That being given up was some sort of blessing in disguise.

Then there’s Germany and Erik and good God, THIS, this is what living feels like. And for the first time in a long time, Nicky feels happy. He feels… clean. And Erik’s kisses wash away any lingering doubt. Because there is NOTHING unclean, or wrong, or bad about the way Erik makes Nicky feel.

So going back to America is the most awful thing Nicky has ever had to do. Because Germany and Erik have become home, become family. And Erik is the man Nicky will marry.

But then there is Aaron and he needs Nicky, even though he won’t ask for help. Won’t explain the bruises or the purple bags under his eyes.

But Dad says he’ll handle it— he’s made contact with Andrew. Andrew will be coming home to Aaron and Tilda. Nicky is happy, so happy that Aaron will get to have a brother. Someone he can love unconditionally and be loved by. He knows it won’t be simple, but he can hope for it to be good.

Andrew is even quieter than Aaron. They look… God, they look identical. Which makes sense, but it’s so weird. Only Nicky can tell them apart. The adults are useless.

Nicky would like to know Andrew better, but it’s hard and Andrew isn’t very helpful in the process. Then Nicky is kicked out. He told Mom and Dad and the only thing that kept him from doubling over under their disgust and fury is the plane ticket Erik bought for him.

And he’s gone again— to be with family he has chosen. And he can only hope the twins are good for each other.

Then he gets a call. From his father, who never calls. There’s been an accident. Tilda was on something again. She was upset and hitting Aaron, she wasn’t paying attention. She’s dead, she’s dead, she’s dead.

And Nicky can’t grieve her. He never liked her. But his heart hurts for Aaron because despite how shitty parents are, we love them. Even when it only ever hurts to. And Nicky hurts for Andrew, who got thrown into another bad mix.

What will happen to the twins?

The thought strikes him so hard, he doubles over gasping. Erik freaks out. He’s never seen Nicky so utterly lose his composure. Panic attack, that’s what this must be.

The twins— who will ever love them? Who will be there for them? Not Luther, who will only condemn Andrew for his unruly attitude and judge Aaron for any and all ‘failures’. Not Mom, because she will only ever follow her husband.

He doesn’t realize he’s gasping it, “the twins, the twins, the twins” until Erik is crushing him against his body and saying, “We will handle it. I’m getting the plane ticket, baby. I’ve got you, we’ve got them.” And he knows he will love Erik until the day he dies.

And so they go back to the states and sign documents no twenty-year-old should sign. And Erik finances the house and promises to help in any way he can. But he can’t stay. His work won’t allow it and the twins don’t want him around. Aaron is particularly nasty about it. Erik is offended but Nicky smooths it over. “He just lost him mom. He’s hurting.” Andrew doesn’t speak hardly at all, but when he does, it’s cutting.

No one is there to soothe Nicky’s wounds, but Nicky has thick skin. He has had to have it his whole life or he wouldn’t have even made it to Germany the first time.

And the twins… Nicky is just now learning how very broken they are. Before, he would see them quietly speak, see them interact cautiously with one another. Now it’s all silences, tense shoulders and narrowed looks.

Nicky tries to reach to them. But Aaron only ever snaps back and Andrew… apparently Andrew carries knives on him. Nicky made one attempt to get him to stop. One. It didn’t go over well and Nicky decides to pick his battles.

But despite it all, he won’t give up. Not the way Luther and Mom have up on him. The way Tilda gave up on them. The way the world has always, always given up on them. No. Nicky will love them through it.

Nicky will love Aaron when Aaron spits out hateful words. Because hateful words are all he has ever known. And Nicky will love Andrew when Andrew answers with violence. Because violence is all that has ever touched him. And Nicky will love them both when they cannot love themselves or each other. Because who else will love them?

And when Aaron finally tells him the truth about the beatings, the drugs, the brother who killed his mother… Nicky will only love him harder. And he will still love Andrew because whatever else, Andrew deserved more than Tilda gave either of them. And Tilda… Nicky can’t help that nasty, nagging thought that she got exactly what she deserved.

There’s no reward in loving them. Not even the guarantee that they will love him back. And sometimes that is so unbearable. But then, those moments, those moments that no one else in the world would understand the scope of.

When Aaron opens up to Nicky, his eyes blank but his lip wobbling ever so slightly. When Aaron tells Nicky things he has never dared tell anyone. Those moments.

Or when four men cane after Nicky and Nicky thought for sure this would be it— but Andrew moved so fast Nicky was sure he was imagining it. Until there was blood and yelps and three guys where dragging Andrew off of those men. And everyone in the world talked about how crazy Andrew was but… but Nicky knew Andrew gained nothing from coming to his aid. Those moments.

Those moments that made the heartache worth it. Because Nicky knew that loving someone, even when the world won’t, is always worth it.

They are his cousins.

His family.

His twins.

And even though they are broken, and messed up, and bitter with it— they will love each other through it.

nothing I love more than waking up to a bunch of new kudos and realizing that everyone spent the first day of their year reading fanfic like I did

medieval star wars by jake bartok - scenes

Commander Cody Stans we just keep losing 😔✌🏼

taylorswift: Wearing a cap and gown for the very first time - see you soon NYU 🥺🥰🗽

The Throne of Glass world no longer exists.

It was destroyed by the Asteri to create Midgard.

[Spoilers for Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City]

Many thousands of years ago, and prior to the Asteri's invasion of Midgard, there existed another civilisation. Part of this civilisation lived in a place called Parthos.

More specifically, when asked what the Crescent City world was before the Asteri's reign, Tharion noted that "ancient humans and their gods dwelled here."

An exact description of the Throne of Glass world.

Interestingly, despite the Crescent City books mentioning other continents (such as Pangera), readers are only given a map of Lunathion.

This is particularly strange, as all other SJM books have provided a full world map.

So, why would this be hidden for Crescent City...?

As such, I theorise that Midgard is actually the Throne of Glass world; hence why a full map has not yet been revealed.

Thus, I believe that following the events of Kingdom of Ash, some years later, the Asteri showed up and destroyed their world. The result of this was the creation of Midgard, and subsequently Lunathion - the world Bryce inhabits today.

The Timeline.

Evidently, this theory suggests that the timeline between the ACOTAR, CC and TOG worlds are not simultaneous, but rather that Throne of Glass occurred in the past - many thousands of years ago.

When considering this possibility, some rebut that this cannot be possible, as Aelin fell through worlds - right past Velaris and Lunathion. However, there is nothing to suggest that Aelin didn't also fall through time.

In fact, there are a multitude of hints throughout the various SJM books to suggest that time travel, or time manipulation, is indeed possible:

When the Asteri lured people into Midgard, it is said they offered a hand through "space and time."

The Harp, when used, can transport people through "space and eons." In fact, the 26th string is time itself - but what happens when a full melody is played?

Merrill straight up suggests that all of the worlds overlap - sharing the same space, but are separated by time. Almost as if it suggests that ACOTAR, CC and TOG are in the same 'world,' but manifestations of differing time periods; the past (TOG), the present (ACOTAR), and the future (CC).

Most importantly, when Bryce lands in Prythian, she starts to wonder if she had travelled in time; or, if this new world occupies a different time period (the exact concept that Merrill just suggested...)

Further, in her most recent interview, SJM was asked whether time travel would play a part in future books. SJM mysteriously replied, "no spoilers."

Thus, if this theory is correct, and Throne of Glass is indeed set in the past, then it is perhaps no coincidence that "Midgard" is the Norse name for "Earth."

And that "Terrasen" means "Old Earth."

Parthos.

As previously mentioned, a portion of the civilisation that used to inhabit Midgard (and as this theory suggests, the TOG characters) resided in an ancient city called Parthos.

As readers, we are first offered a glimpse of Parthos when Apollion takes Bryce to a "dream world" - a landscape in which the Great Library of Parthos used to be.

When in this dream world, Bryce notes that what remains of Parthos is a "DUSTY plain."

Interestingly, in the ACOTAR world, the Bone Carver mentioned that the world he (and his siblings) came from is now nothing more than "DUST drifting across a plain."

As the Bone Carver mentions this, Feyre notes that he draws three interlocking circles into the ground.

This is the exact symbol of Bryce's Archesian necklace - which is also the symbol of Parthos.

If this theory is correct, then the Bone Carver originated from Parthos - from the Throne of Glass world.

Considering the similarities between the Bone Carver and the Sin Eater (the absent God-like being in the TOG world who quite literally carved bones, and was known as the 'God of Truth')... it makes perfect sense.

However, the most telling clue of all, that connects everything together, is this;

Knowing that Parthos is referred to as a "dusty" plain, consider Rowan's words to Aelin:

"I love you. There is no limit to what I can give to you, no time I need. Even when this world is a FORGOTTEN WHISPER OF DUST between the stars, I will love you."

Why would the world Aelin and Rowan inhabit ever turn into a "forgotten whisper of dust"? Just like Parthos?

Because IT IS Parthos.

It is the world the Asteri destroyed to create Midgard.

Asteri Archives.

As even further proof, recall that when Bryce entered the Asteri's archive rooms at the end of CC2, she found notes on how Midgard came to be.

These notes stated that the "indigenous life was not sustainable" for the Asteri.

If this theory is correct, this suggests that the "indigenous" lives were the Throne of Glass humans, and that they did not possess enough magic (or first-light) to feed the Asteri.

We already know this is true, as it was a similar problem that the Valg previously faced.

Additionally, on the exact same page of the notes that detail the Asteri's invasion of Midgard, there is a sketch of both a wolf shifter, and a mer.

The wolf shifters and the mer are the two species confirmed to be the Throne of Glass fae.

So, it begs the question; why were the Throne of Glass fae explicitly mentioned on the Asteri's Midgard (pre-colonisation) notes...?

The Southern Continent.

If Midgard is built on the ruins of the Throne of Glass world, then I believe that Lunathion is situated on the Southern Continent (the setting of the TOG book, Tower of Dawn).

More specifically, as Lunathion is said to be modelled after an "ancient city," I believe it is modelled after the famed Southern Continent City - Antica.

In Tower of Dawn, Antica is described as a city surrounded by a wall, lined with "olive groves" and "wheat farms" bordering the city.

Lunathion is described in the exact same way:

Further, both Lunathion and Antica have "arid" climates:

Lunathion:

Antica:

And, most notably, both are surrounded by deserts; a unique geographical feature that is not prominently featured in other SJM settings.

As such, this suggests that the lost library of Parthos, is the Torre Cesme.

Perhaps the most sacred building in the entirety of the Throne of Glass world, the Torre Cesme is home to a huge library - one that is said to be the oldest.

In the present day, Jesiba Roga guards the remaining books that were once held in the library of Parthos (or, in the Torre Cesme library).

Prior to the end of CC1, Jesiba kept these books locked away in her store, Griffin Antiquities. Interestingly, a set of "glaring owl eyes" had been placed on the store to Jesiba's shop.

Owl's are the symbol of Silba, and the healers of the Torre Cesme.

Further, considering that Yrene's healing abilities are the exact same as Bryce's Starborn powers - could this explain why Jesiba looked like she had "seen a ghost" when she first beheld Bryce's Starborn light?

Such a notion makes even more sense when you consider that Hypaxia's tutor was brought back to life using necromancy, and was originally an inhabitant of Parthos.

Hypaxia states that this tutor specifically trained her in healing magic; just like the healers of the Torre Cesme.

In fact, the scene of Hypaxia removing the Kristallos venom is near identical to Yrene removing the Valg parasite from Chaol:

Lidia Cervos.

Speaking of necromancy, knowing that Hypaxia's family dabbles in such magic calls into question the identify of Lidia, Hypaxia's half-sister.

Is she Aelin Galathynius, brought back to life?

Or, perhaps she is a child of Aelin and Rowan, brought back to life?

Not only do Lidia and Aelin look near identical,

Not only is Lidia represented by flame (Aelin's power),

But her shifted form is that of a deer; that sacred animal of Terrasen. Even her last name "Cervos" is a type of female deer.

Lidia is also seen wearing a "gold ring, crowned with a square, clean-cut ruby." This is the exact description of the ring Aelin have to Rowan when they married.

Further, Ruhn also suggests that Lidia must be an Asteri, or as old as one, given the way she uses language. However, as Lidia is only 47, this makes no sense.

However, it makes perfect sense if Ruhn is actually talking to Aelin, or Aelin's child; someone who, according to this theory, existed many thousands of years ago.

(And, as a side note - given that Lidia looks like the "spitting image" of Luna, and that Luna's sacred animal is the Stag... could it be that Luna is Aelin? And that Lunathion was named after her?)

Connections.

Is it then perhaps no coincidence that one of the houses of Lunathion is the "House of Flame and Shadow." Aelin was known as the "Queen of Flame and Shadow."

In fact, Throne of Glass being the past world of Crescent City explains a plethora of connections:

The "Stag King" of Avallen.

Ruhn being named after the Ruhnn mountains.

Why so many CC places sound like TOG places (Morrah = Morath, Korinth = Orynth).

The witches worshipping the same "three-faced goddess."

Why wyrdmarks can be found everywhere (especially underwater, where some of the ruins of the "ancient civilisation" are said to lie).

It also explains the "World of Throne of Glass" book, which to this day, mysteriously remains unpublished.

According to SJM, the World of Throne of Glass is an "encyclopedia" that documents the full history of the Throne of Glass world. Written by a "grumpy librarian," SJM stated that it will "feel like a book you can pull off the shelves of an ancient library."

It's almost as if the World of Throne of Glass is a Parthos book in itself...

Is that why it remains unreleased?

Future books.

If this theory is correct, some may wonder how SJM could possibly include TOG characters if they are indeed dead.

I believe there are two viable options:

The "rewrite history" route:

In a future multiverse book series, the main characters of CC and ACOTAR would team up, and using the Harp/Horn (or perhaps the full power of the Dread Trove), they would go back in time. In doing so, they would join forces with the TOG characters, and stop the Asteri from ever overthrowing their world.

If successful, it would mean that the Dusk Court was never destroyed. At present, Bryce is hinted to be the ruler of this court... but it doesn't exist (and there isn't a lot of time to rebuild an entire city). However, if time manipulation was used... no rebuilding would be necessary.

It would also explain why the Oracle told Ruhn that the "royal bloodline will end" with him - as Midgard would never be created, the same applies for the Autumn King's reign.

The "escape" route:

Alternatively, perhaps when the Asteri arrived in the TOG world, some of the main characters were able to escape into other worlds - such as Prythian.

This would explain why so many of the characters in the ACOTAR and TOG worlds share many similarities (for example, Tamlin as the ancestor of Aedion and Lysandra...)

This would also explain why so many of the ACOTAR character's last names have been hidden from the reader.

Some characters may have escaped elsewhere too, such as Hel...

(^ This is more of a crack theory, but there's only two characters in the SJM universe who have "freakishly" blue eyes, can shape shift into any form they choose, and have powers that manifest as cold...)

However, no matter the method of saving the world, or storyline adopted, Aelin said it best herself:

"This world will be saved and remade by the dreamers."

Rex: You do realise there's a rumour going around the GAR that you're in love with General Kenobi?

Cody: A rumour? Are you telling me people are doubting it?

Time to get naughty! Come rock out with StarKids from across the galaxy in a holiday special that’s outta this world - the StarKid Jangle Ball! After a decade-long hiatus, we’re hitting the road again! But this year, we’ve been naughty and nice, so we’re delivering an evening of iconic StarKid villain songs AND a concert rendition of A VHS Christmas Carol that you won’t wanna miss! December 2022! More info coming soon!

Production Info: https://www.teamstarkid.com/jangle-ball