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House Mills

@rebelbyrdie / rebelbyrdie.tumblr.com

We Do Not Kneel
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Working on Cora and Regina dynamics right now. Saying that it is a complicated dynamic is an understatement.

Cora has antisocial personality disorder written all over her. Canonically she has the classic traits of a narcissist and a sociopath with some sadistic traits sprinkled in. Her not having a heart could explain those behaviors, but in my opinion she already displayed these chareristics during flashbacks. I feel not having her heart enhanced her tendencies and gave her a chilling amount of insight and detachment. Within the framework of my story, I've tried to dig into her anger and bloodlust a little more while remembering her humanity. Her anger and bitterness about Henry Sr and Esmeralda. Her obsession/desire with/for Rumple.

Then there's Regina. Who definitely has narcissistic and sociopathic traits. She also suffers from ctpsd and depression. One could argue for bipolar disorder 1 or 2 but I think a lot of her behavior is environmental and reactive more than a long term issue. As far as we can tell, when left to her own devices she is a stable, amenable, and a genuinely good administrator. In the framework of my story, I've tried to dig into her behavior. The anxiety, fea, and self loathing. Her want/need for family and community.

Cora is a triggering presence for Regina, but she desperately wants her attention, approval and love. Cora knows that and uses that to manipulate, isolated and control Regina.

Regina is not as young, nieve, or as desperate as she used to be, though. She's modern and has educated herself about things like abuse and manipulation. She has people supporting her positive growth. She's a mother herself.

I'm trying to capture their relationship and it is hard. Regina is moving, she's like a blur of growth and change. Cora is a statue, settling in her ways and solid in her belief that she is right.

In modern, some would say pop culture terms, Cora is a baby boomer and Regina is a Xellinial.

My own mother is a late boomer and I am an early mellinial so it is familiar territory. Of course my Mom hasn't killed anyone (that I am aware of).

Chapter moving along. It's about to be ridiculously toxic and terrible.

I assure you that I am aware the other 11 months of the year too.

Alternate universe where I literally just to go to school forever (for free) so I can just learn about art and literature and history and languages for 100 years. No job skills. No credit requirements. No student loans. Just learning.

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