So, I’ve seen a lot of these and while I don’t want to do a “so long and thanks for all the fish” type post, I have to say – Black Sails fandom, I freaking love you, all of you, and I hope that we all continue to have fun and talk and write fic and draw and do what we do for quite a while because while I’ve sort of made my peace with the show ending, I am absolutely not ready to say goodbye to any of you. This is honestly the first time I’ve really done fandom, and I honestly cannot believe the difference between my life before I’d met you and now. I used to tell people (and still do) that I love the Tolkien fandom – well, let me tell you, I love the Black Sails fandom even more. Here’s to one last episode – let’s all do what we need to do to survive the feels train that’s about to hit us and then let’s keep the party going! 

With that said – special mentions go to the following people who have made my life so much better this past year, you have no idea or maybe you do, but just in case you don’t know how much I love you: 

@reluming – Cynthia, I am so, so glad we met and I don’t care what fandoms either of us get into next or what we’re doing in life, let’s never, ever lose touch because you are a fantastic person and I heart you! Your fics are so, so good and you’re so enthusiastic and wonderful – getting a comment on a fic from you is like getting a warm hug. 

@shirogiku – SHIRO! You were one of my very first friends in this fandom and I cannot tell you how much our conversations have meant to me. You’ve kept me sane through some things this year and I adore your writing so much. You deserve a big hug and for life to start being really, really nice to you.

@iwtv2007 – Laura, if you don’t know this already, I have never, ever, in my whole life been quite so happy as I was the day you wrote me a fic and ended it with one of my favorite verses from Tolkien. You’re a treasure, hon, and I hope we’ll both be rolling in Flinthamilton feels by the end of the finale! 

@gedsparrowhawk – BRI! We haven’t known each other for long but you’re awesome and I’m so glad we got to talking! If you ever need to bounce ideas or just chat or if you need a writing buddy, I’m here! 

@flinthamilton – Aria! Have I mentioned how much I love that the version of Thomas we both have sitting in our heads appears to be largely the same person? It makes reading your fics an absolute delight because they are so. Right! You’re a wonderful person, always so supportive and concerned. Thank you! 

@flintstille – You are such a warm, amazing person with a side of scary vengeance and I love it! I love talking with you and I’m looking forward to doing so in future when we’re sobbing and weeping and holding onto each other because of this damned show and all of the feels it’s managed to give us! 

@bean-about-townn – my darling Bean, where would we be as a fandom without your lovely edits and your painful, wonderful fic ideas? We’d be without Full of Grace, that’s where, and that’s nowhere to be at all. I’m so glad we’ve started chatting – we’re both going to have so much writing to do after this! And crying. And more writing! 

Mentions also go to @whatifimacrowdeddesert and @hiddencait – you both helped me get through days where I wanted to curl up and die if it would mean just not hurting anymore and I am so, so grateful for that. You’re lovely people, both, and I am pleased to say that those episodes will not be happening again due to you pushing me to see someone and get the problem fixed!