alivingdarkness

[alivingdarkness]

materxnatura​:

       𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑 father, the nightmare king, for perhaps a heartbeat too long. her gaze is as distant and as frigid as ever, but the lingering is nevertheless telling – does he remember? a great general was once a great warrior…did some of kozmotis break through his pallid, sickly prison…?

         ‘ what would you know of a warrior’s life? ’ it would be a sneer if the earth mother ever emoted with more than a hair’s twitch of her lip. ‘ you may be crowned king of fear, but you are nothing but a coward. ’

He doesn’t react to that particular jab. He keeps his expression as passive as he can manage under the assault of such sharp words. A coward, indeed. This is what she thinks of him?

“See, but there’s the problem, now isn’t it? Or, at least, the contrast is the problem. There is no quiet now. There is no peace. Not with all these teeming shadows and their incessant, discordant chittering.”

He shakes his head, expression dark and yet there is a weariness to it.

“It is the clashing of rocks in an avalanche, at their worst, and at their best, a constant maelstrom of terrible whispers swirling about in my head. It is a wonder that everyone cannot hear them… Can you hear them?"

[alivingdarkness]

As my dumb post before says, my muse has indeed started to return with the holidays. Pitch because he’s Disgusted and North because is not long from CHRISTMAS.

In addition, my muses for @beautymarred, @whoshallbeking, and @naughtbutdreams have also perked up. If you have an interest in an Elvenking, a Would-Be King Under the Mountain, or Fae (and other miscellaneous Tolkien characters), just let me know!

[alivingdarkness]

Oh my God we're back again. Brothers, sisters, everybody sing—

[alivingdarkness]

So! Though still around and lurking, I have been absent here as of late due to real life and work, but with the holidays approaching, I suspect, as it often does around this time, that muse will uptick here, @ohfieryautumn, @fullxofxwonder, @hopeandnewlife, and @achaoticdisaster. While not an absolute guarantee, it is, at the least, very likely.

Hope to write more with everyone soon!

[alivingdarkness]

MUSE SHAMING

send me a ⚠️ with a reason my muse should be shamed (e.g. “hangs toilet paper backward”) and I can only confirm or deny

[alivingdarkness]

nonverbal starters prompts featuring nonverbal scenarios.

guide take them by the hand, arm, or shoulder to guide them.

shelter protect them.

shove push them.

loop drape an arm around their shoulders.

touch a gentle touch like rubbing their back, hugging them, holding their hand. 

kiss a kiss on the cheek, knuckles, forehead, in their hair.

palm smack them upside the head.

bed rest gently push them back down when they try getting out of bed.

aid help them with a task.

note pass a note to them.

cry wipe away their tears.

wash wipe something off their forehead, cheek, so on.

bandage patch them up when they get hurt.

heal take care of them when they get sick.

book silently read a story with them. 

carry pick them up. 

scrap punch them.

cherry find blood on them.

sit help them sit down.  

medical wake up in the hospital and find them holding their hand.

steer place a hand under their chin to make them look up. 

beat dance with them.

stare stare them down. 

off track get lost with them.

no shaking their head in disagreement. 

yes nodding their head in agreement.

rush tackle them to the ground.

open hold the door open for them.

[alivingdarkness]

So the new Spider-Man NWH trailer has brought back an old muse ( @misterxdoctor ) who I’m completely revamping and a new muse ( @tomakeabrighterworld ). This is mainly just for anybody who gets a follow from the latter.

[alivingdarkness]

𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑯𝑨𝑽𝑬 𝑵𝑶 𝑷𝑶𝑾𝑬𝑹 𝑶𝑽𝑬𝑹 𝑴𝑬 !    (   sentence  starters  originating  from  jim  henson’s  1986  film  ‘ labyrinth ’ .  )

❛  oh ,  it’s  not  fair !  ❜ ❛  well ,  don’t  stand  there  in  the  rain  -  come  on .  ❜ ❛  [ name ] ,  you’re  an  hour  late .  ❜ ❛  please ,  let me finish .  ❜ ❛  we  were  worried  about  you .  ❜ ❛  i  can’t  do  anything  right ,  can  i ?  ❜ ❛  you’d  better  hurry ,  or  you’re  gonna  be  late .  ❜ ❛  you  really  wanted  to  talk  to  me ,  didn’t  you ?  ❜ ❛  i  hate  you .  i  hate  you !  ❜ ❛  knock  it  off .  ❜ ❛  [ name ] ,  stop  it .  ❜ ❛  what’s  said  is  said .  ❜ ❛  i  didn’t  mean  it .  ❜ ❛  i’ve  brought  you  a  gift .  ❜ ❛  [ name ] ,  don’t  defy  me .  ❜ ❛  you’re  no  match  for  me .  ❜ ❛  turn  back  before  it’s  too  late .  ❜ ❛  such  a  pity .  ❜ ❛  time  is  short .  ❜ ❛  shows  what  you  know ,  doesn’t  it ?  ❜ ❛  you’re  horrible .  ❜ ❛  if  that’s  all  the  help  you’re  gonna  be ,  you  can  just  leave .  ❜ ❛  you  take  too  many  things  for  granted .  ❜ ❛  thanks  for  nothing ,  [ name ] .  ❜ ❛  things  aren’t  always  what  they  seem  in  this  place .  ❜ ❛  that’s  right ,  it’s  not  fair .  ❜ ❛  what  am  i  supposed  to  do ?  ❜ ❛  i  knew  you  were  going  to  get  into  trouble  as  soon  as  i  met  you .  ❜ ❛  oh ,  don’t  sound  so  smart .  ❜ ❛  why  are  you  so  concerned  about  me ?  ❜ ❛  what  do  we  have  here ?  ❜ ❛  what  a  nice  surprise .  ❜ ❛  how  can  i  believe  anything  you  say ?  ❜ ❛  what  choice  have  you  got ?  ❜ ❛  you’ve  gotta  understand  my  position ;  i’m  a  coward .  ❜ ❛  you  little  cheat  -  you  nasty  little  cheat !  ❜ ❛  give  those  back  to  me !  ❜ ❛  the  way  forwards  is  sometimes  the  way  back .  ❜ ❛  will  you  please  be  quiet ?!  ❜ ❛  it  seems  like  we’re  not  getting  anywhere .  ❜ ❛  you’re  the  only  friend  i’ve  got .  ❜ ❛  well ,  i’m  not  afraid .  ❜ ❛  i’m  used  to  it .  ❜ ❛  leave  me  alone !  ❜ ❛  please ,  i only have a little time left .  ❜ ❛  you’re  a  life  saver .  ❜ ❛  [ name ] ,  what  have  you  done ?  ❜ ❛  i’ll  be  there  for  you .  ❜ ❛  [ pronoun ]’ll  never  forgive  me .  ❜ ❛  it’s  all  junk !  ❜ ❛  i  don’t  see  why  we  have  to  be  so  quiet .  ❜ ❛  [ name ] ,  are  you  alright ?  ❜ ❛  i  don’t  care  what  you  think  of  me .  ❜ ❛  i  forgive  you ,  [ name ] .  ❜ ❛  i  have  to  do  this  alone .  ❜ ❛  everything  i’ve  done ,  i’ve  done  for  you .  ❜ ❛  i  move  the  stars  for  no  one .  ❜ ❛  i  have  been  generous  up  until  now .  ❜ ❛  what  have  you  done  that’s  generous ?  ❜ ❛  i  ask  for  so  little .  ❜ ❛  fear  me ,  love  me ,  do  as  i  say  &  i  will  be  your  slave .  ❜ ❛  you  have  no  power  over  me .  ❜

[alivingdarkness]

fluffy / reassuring sentences for your needs … sentence starters

“I’ll protect you.”

“I want you in my life.”

“You make me feel safe.”

“Thank you for loving me.”

“I’ve always believed in you.”

“You’re lovelier than you know.”

“I don’t want anyone else. I want you.”

“Your past mistakes are not who you are.”

“You make me want to be a better person.”

���You’re the best friend I could’ve asked for.”

“I’d travel a thousand miles to find you, again.”

“You’re one of the smartest people I’ve ever met.”

“I’m not going to leave your side until you’re better.”

“You taught me that it’s okay to trust people, again.”

“You don’t have to be scared anymore. You’re safe.”

“Don’t listen to what they say. You’re better than them.”

“You’re not a burden. Stop treating yourself like you are.”

“You deserve so much better than all you’ve been given.”

“I’ll always be right here for you, whenever you need me.”

“Hey, no, don’t beat yourself up. You just made a mistake.”

“I know you’re still healing, and I will do all I can to help you.”

“You’re always there for me, and I don’t know how to thank you.”

“There’s nothing wrong with looking after yourself. It’s not selfish.”

“They hurt you so much, didn’t they? I’ll never let them touch you, again.”

“Hey, don’t insult yourself. That’s my favorite person you’re talking about.”

“I can’t even remember the last time I let myself get so close to someone. Not until you.”

“No matter how much I try, there’s no way I could pay you back for all you’ve done for me.”

“Why do you assume you’re a problem for me? I chose to love you, and all that comes with that.”

[alivingdarkness]

celestaei​:

        HE’D LIVED LONG ENOUGH,  his fear of the boogeyman having been stifled long ago. perhaps it had taken his patience for things like this along with it as it disappeared into the ether.  ❝ i like games, just not right now. you don’t usually bring fun games to your parties, pitch, ❞  he muttered, words only silenced by the other’s appearance as he finally revealed himself.

      ❝ you look a bit rough around the edges. even so, i wouldn’t need the yetis to aid me. i could take you. ❞  depending on the day, but bernard was too prideful to think he’d need help.  ❝ you got two minutes, make it quick and worth my time. ❞

“Would you consider those oh so precious children to be worth your time?” he questions, and yet, despite the phrasing, there is no menace to his tone, not even his usual theatrics. It is merely a question, both sincere and also intended to get the other’s attention.

“I first brought this problem to the Little Queen. The Tooth Fairy. As you may understand, I was quite unable to go to your Boss. I hardly think he would have appreciated my shadow darkening his workshop once more.”

Which is likely a vast understatement.

“While your Boss and the other Guardians were so busy congratulating yourselves on your great triumph and reveling in your success at finally stamping out fear, you seem to have all forgotten one very important detail. I am not the worst of what lurks in the dark.”

Still there is a bitterness, an anger simmering beneath the surface that threatens to bubble up at the memory of those events, the way they had unfolded. How such great heroes with their moral superiority had stood there and watched him be dragged away by the Night Mares, the lot of them grinning and laughing, so proud of themselves. 

[ Are they truly so naïve? Did not one of them so much as consider the timing of his actions? ] 

But he reigns back that irritation, taking a measured breath and exhaling ere he speaks again, voice once more a perfect calm.

“Is it worth your time yet for me to continue speaking, or shall I depart now and wait for your Boss and his lot to discover this on their own?”

Too late, of course. Just as they had for the Easter Debacle.

[alivingdarkness]

deeper sentence starters

“  where do you get your hope?  what keeps you going during all this?  ”

“  you know,  sometimes you don’t have to find the answers.  i think it can be enough to just admit you’re lost.  for now.  ”

“  sometimes,  i don’t feel like i’m real.  not unless i’m hurting in some way.  it’s not like i want to be in pain,  but i’m just so used to it.  i dunno what to do without it anymore.  ”

“  i just keep hoping that one day i’ll have something else motivating me— something more than stubbornness or spite. i wanna feel like i’m living.  ”

“  i learned the only thing i can believe in is me.  i have faith in myself.  that’s how i survived.  ”

“  i hope you know i’m proud of you.  i’ve seen how hard you’ve been fighting to get where you are.  you might feel stuck,  but you’re not.  you’ve come so far.  ”  

“   when i told you i loved you,  you know i meant that right?  i’m not talking just about all those warm feelings.  i’m talking about putting in the work.  i’m here to stay for the hard parts,  not just the pretty ones.  ”

“   you don’t have to find the perfect words,  just tell me what you’re feeling.  i’m here to listen.  ”  

“  you don’t have to carry it all.  humans aren’t made to be solitary creatures.  i want to help.  all you have to do is ask.  ”  

 “  i know i haven’t always been there in the past,  but i’m here now.  i’m trying.  please,  just let me in.  ”

“  i still care about you,  you know.  i could never stop caring about you.  but we were both drowning.  and one of us had to get out eventually.  ” 

“  i think you’re still my person.  and i’m hoping maybe one day,  i can be yours again too.  ”

“  i’ll still be here when you need me.  that will never change.  ”  

“  i love you.  but i can’t keep watching you destroy yourself.  i can’t sit here and watch that anymore.  it hurts too much.  ”  

“  i already forgave you.  so why can’t you forgive yourself?  ” 

“  it’s not about what you think you do or don’t deserve.  i get to choose who to love.  i’m an adult.  and i can make that decision.  so i’m here to stay.  i’m in this.  ”  

 “  if we’re going to do this again,  you have to promise it will be different.  you have to show me that you’re ready this time.  ” 

“   i don’t know how to make you believe that i can make us work again.  but i’m not going to give up.  i did that once and—  well,  i’m standing here again because it was the wrong choice.  give us another chance.  ” 

“  i’m lost without you.  and i’m not asking you to fix me or be something you’re not.  i’m just asking you to keep being the lighthouse you are just by being you.   and let me be guide myself by it.  ”  

 “   i’ve never been very good at letting go.  and now i feel like there’s too many burdens i’m holding on to and i don’t know how to get rid of them anymore.  ”  

“  why do you feel like you need to punish yourself so much?  ”

“  why do you keep saying that?  you’re not alone.  i’m standing right here.  ”

“  what are you so afraid of?  why won’t you let me in?  ”

[alivingdarkness]

more angst for you losers

“  how could i possibly trust you again after…everything?  ” “  won’t you at least let me try to make things better?  ” “  please don’t look at me like that.  ” “  stop trying to fix me.  ” “  i thought i could save you. but you can’t pull someone out of a storm if they won’t even take your hand.  ” “  what aren’t you telling me?  ” “  you’re right, you are a monster.  ” “  i keep waiting for you to hurt me.  ” “  how long until you realize i’m here to stay?  ” “  please don’t apologize, because then i won’t be able to help but forgive you and i’m not ready to do that yet.  ” “  sometimes i feel like you’re just waiting for an excuse to leave. ” “  i don’t feel safe here anymore. nowhere feels safe. ” “  i won’t let you ruin us. you’re scared of this but you don’t have to be. ” “  one of these days you’re going to push so hard i won’t be able to pull myself back to you again. ” “  your eyes always look so lost. ” “  loving you is killing me. ” “  i feel like i can’t breathe when you’re not here. ” “  i don’t hate you. but i can’t be in love with you anymore. ” “  why are you looking at me like that? ” “  what happens when i finally fuck up and you finally have to see me for what i am? ” “  i’m scared to let myself want you. ” “  why can’t i be enough? ” “  why won’t you let me help you? why won’t you let me close? ” “  just stay still. let me hold you. ” “  i won’t let you push me away this time. ” “  if you’re so intent on going down this path, then i’m coming with you. ” “  i miss the way you used to smile at me. ” “  i need you. and i hate that i do. ” “  i need to know that you’ll be okay. if something happens to me… ” “  you’re not the person i fell in love with anymore. ” “  why won’t you just let me go? i’m not worth it. ” “  please don’t go. ” “  if you can’t do it for yourself, then do it for me. do it because i need you. ” “  i can’t fix it this time. ” “  do you know how hard it was to let you go? ” “  i don’t think i’ll ever be over you. ” “  i can’t be angry. i’m too tired. i just want it to be over.  ”

[alivingdarkness]

random sentence starters

“  i never asked for this/that.  ”  “  i said no.  ” “  she/he was the only one who ever understood.  ” “  help me understand.  ” “  if that’s what you want…  ” “  this is about me, for once.  ” “  maybe if you listened instead of running your mouth, you’d know what i was talking about.  ” “  it was a joke.  ” “  let me see that.  ” “  i don’t have a plan, but we’ll figure it out.  ” “  i like to watch the stars. it reminds me how small we all are.  ” “  i didn’t realize you were in so much pain.  ” “  i only wanted to help.  ” “  what are you smiling at?  ” “  why are you looking at me like that?  ” “  i know i have a right to be angry, but i don’t want to be.  ” “  i’m not sure what i’m supposed to feel.  ” “  don’t make me say it.  ” “  that doesn’t sound quite right, but okay.  ” “  i would never lie to you.  ” “  you wouldn’t get it.  ” “  just, let me have this, ok?  ” “  i need you.  ” “  just go.  ” “  how did this happen?  ” “  is this what you wanted?  ” “  love never really goes away, it just changes sometimes.  ”  “  stop trying to figure everything out. just focus on now.  ” “  you were all i wanted.  ” “  now that i’m on the other side of it, i guess i see now how little it mattered  ”

[alivingdarkness]

celestaei​:

      BERNARD WAS AWARE OF HIS LANGUAGE,  but he was over a thousand years old and away from the pole. no one had to know but him, and poor saint nick had heard many other colorful words be uttered by the arch-elf.  ❝ elves don’t get included on those lists so i’ve got a bit more freedom with my vocabulary. what do you want ? ❞  there was always something. no one just visited someone like bernard.

That the other seems more put out by his presence than anything is entertaining to say the least. There are others among his kind that shiver at a shadow crossing the hall, that must stare at a flicker of a light on the globe. And yet not this one. Never this one.

“Can I not merely call upon an old acquaintance?” 

A slight pause follows, perhaps for effect. Perhaps to gather his thoughts. One never knows with him.

“But then, as I recall, you never did have much patience for games and pretenses, and I haven’t much interest for them at present either.”

At last he emerges completely from his shadows, though how changed he seems from last he was seen [ since the Easter debacle ]. He looks gaunt, more so than he has appeared in decades and there are circles beneath his eyes. If one knew no better, they might almost think that perhaps the Bogeyman’s rest is no more sound than those he frightens… 

Still, he stands tall, hands behind his back, something almost regal in the way that he holds himself [ and yet something so distinctly different in his demeanor from when last Pitch Black had faced the Guardians ]. 

“… I do have a purpose to my visit, and all I would ask is that you hear me out before you choose to summon those absolutely insufferable Yetis to so unnecessarily come to your aid.”

[alivingdarkness]

“Did someone say candy corn? Now you’re speaking my language! A candy associated with my holiday that strikes fear into the heart of the Tooth Fairies and terrifies every parent who knows of the sugar rush that will follow its consumption? What could be more perfect?”

[alivingdarkness]

celestaei​:

BERNARD-SPECIFIC STARTER CALL   \   @alivingdarkness​   .

        ❝ WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE ? ❞  this was bad, though he had to reason it could be worse. at least he wasn’t currently at the pole, instead enjoying a stroll through the neck of woods his little ‘human’ toy shop had been opened in years ago, still up and running and cared for by various elves and human employees. 

“Now, now. What a terribly rude way to greet a guest, after I took such great pains to find that quaint little shop of yours so that I might pay a visit to my favorite elf? And then to be met by such language as that…” the Bogeyman chides, slipping into one shadow lest he have something more than words thrown at him… and out from the shadow of another tree somewhere behind him. 

[ Honestly, the other’s spirit has always amused him. ]

“Someone’s going to end up on the Naughty List for certain…”

[alivingdarkness]

As another aside, if anyone would care to play with my Fae and Elves and Tolkien babies, I would appreciate that very much because I have a lot of muse for them and I’ve missed writing them.

You can find them over at @naughtbutdreams and @beautymarred.