cosmicfortuna

[cosmicfortuna]

Basic rules for analysing fiction, an incomprehensive list jotted down in a hurry:

The protagonist isn’t always right

The protagonist isn’t always good

The protagonist isn’t always written to be relatable or likeable

The narrator isn’t always right

The narrator isn’t always good

The narrator isn’t always telling the truth

The narrator isn’t always the author

The protagonist’s moral compass, the narrator’s moral compass and the author’s moral compass are three entirely different things that only occasionally overlap

Pay attention to what characters do and not just what they say

Pay special attention when what the characters do is at odds with what they say

A lot of the time the curtains are blue for a reason. If they aren’t, you should read better books

[cosmicfortuna]

Dungeons and Dragons: A new generation.

[cosmicfortuna]

Aesthetic Dividers for Fics & Masterlists

edit: as of 11/20/23 this will no longer be updated - please go to @saradika-graphics for requests & new resources!

AESTHETIC - CELESTIAL

— Stars & Space | Sun

— Stars & Space | Moon

— Stars & Space | Planets

— Stars & Space | Purple

AESTHETIC - FLORAL

— Bees/Honey/Flowers

— Cherry Blossom / Peach

— Dark Romantic Florals

— Daisies

— Fall Florals

— Cute Flowers

— Pastel Floral

— Pastel Green & Blue Florals / Navy Blue

— Red Poppies

— Roses/Chains / Gothic Roses

— Sunflowers

AESTHETIC - HEARTS

— Black Hearts

— Hearts

— Heartbeat Dividers

— Lilac Hearts

— Pastel Blue Hearts

AESTHETIC - OTHER

— 50’s Neon Diner

— Art Deco (Blue Version)

— Beige Daggers

— Black and Grey

— Black & Red Grunge

— Blue & Yellow Dividers

— Blue & Orange Feathers

— Christmas & Winter

— Citrus

— Cottagecore / Dark Academia

— Cowboy (part ii) (dark) (space)

— Cute Pastel

— Ghostface

— Halloween

— Maroon & Purple

— Mothman

— Ocean | Part ii

— Orange & Green Dividers

— Pale Pink Dividers

— Pink/Coquette

— Pizza/Spaghetti

— Purple, Pink & Blue Dividers

— Rain/Storm

— Ravens/Moons/Roses

— Red/Black Scroll Work

— Red & Yellow Dividers

— Smutty | Pastel

— Taylor Swift (Folklore)

— Vampires

— Warm Grey Dividers

— Werewolves

— Windows/Webcore

FANDOM

— Across the Spider-Verse | Hobie

— Alice in Wonderland

— Boba Fett (Star Wars)

— Clone Trooper/Star Wars

— Fennec Shand

— FNAF

— Lightsabers (Star Wars) / Part 2

— Silmarillion/Tolkien & Lord of the Rings

— Sith-Inspired Dividers (Star Wars)

— Stardew Valley | Part ii

✨(Everything was made in and using Canva - so definitely check that app out if you’re looking to make your own! Here, here, here and here are some tips on using the app / making graphics if you haven’t before!) (and credit is not required but a reblog would be great if you use! 💕) ✨

[cosmicfortuna]

Prompt 4: Lake House

Using @creativepromptsforwriting's May Writing Prompts.

Credits to @saradika for the border. Definitely using it for future use

A cabin sits at the foot of a lake, the smell of the water wafting throughout. I step outside, stretching as the hot sun beats down on me. It's a nice day, better than yesterday's doom and gloom. The smell of last night's rain remains in the air but my nose still breathes it in. I approach the shore of the lake and take a seat by the water's edge. The ducks are out, gliding gracefully on the surface. Other birds are up and flying about as well, chirping happy little songs and plucking worms. I sigh, smiling. "Good morning."

[cosmicfortuna]

Prompt 3: Golden Hour

Using @creativepromptsforwriting's May Writing Prompts.

Credits to @saradika for the border. Definitely using it for future use

There is a reason why that time of day is called golden hour. Quite literally, it's a golden hour. One hour, a whole sixty minutes of the sun rising and setting - waving hello and goodbye to the sky as it starts and ends the day. It's beautiful; the sun shining brilliantly. What would it be like if you experienced it with someone special? I'd imagine it would be quite romantic. The two of us outside, the soft breeze flowing through our hair and tickling our skin. Then, you'd turn to me and ask me a question. To which, I respond, "Yes."

[cosmicfortuna]

Prompt 2: Adventure

Using @creativepromptsforwriting's May Writing Prompts.

Credits to @saradika for the border.

What does adventure mean to you? How does it make you feel? To me, adventure is dripping your toes into the ocean of the unknown and immediately running back to shore. It's that rush of nerves and the tingling sensation running through your veins. You know at some point, you have to step into the water to start your hero's journey. Yet, you refuse the call to adventure anyway, no matter how sweetly the tides entice you. Maybe you're afraid of what lies beyond the beach or what creeping thing hides below the water's surface. Still, unfortunately, you must dive.

[cosmicfortuna]

Prompt 1: Strawberry

Using @creativepromptsforwriting's May Writing Prompts.

Credits to @saradika for the border. Definitely using it for future use

Strawberries are a special type of fruit. It's sweet and refreshing, much like the coming of spring. After the final flake of snow falls from the sky and the sun officially greets the awaiting grass, nature is reborn; a perfect time to introduce new plants to your garden. Like strawberries -- you can't have a garden without strawberries. The taste of the berry itself is nostalgic, a sweet memory from childhood before everything went wrong. A loving reminder that maybe, you'll be alright in the end. The world may change but the one constant is the sweet taste of a strawberry.

[cosmicfortuna]

feeling called out today

credit: _ADWills

[cosmicfortuna]

Writing Tip: Identifying Your Unique Style

When it comes to writing styles, understand what works for others might not work for you and vice versa. Now, when it comes to writing, the first thing we want to do is get the basics down. That's crucial. But once you have that, you might be wondering how far you have to go when it comes to your style of writing? Now, we've talked about always striving to do better, but another thing to understand is remember to find a style you are comfortable with.

I write very descriptive, I like to use metaphors and similes a lot. Does that mean you need to as well? Not at all. It's my style of writing, it's what works for me. Don't look at other writers' material and feel like you need to replicate their standards. Find a style you are comfortable with. Find what works for you. This isn't just something to remember in writing but in life itself.

[cosmicfortuna]

That feeling when you do write and post it but barely anyone reads it so you start thinking that your original works are not enough or the fandoms you cover are too niche and you lose the passion to write but you feel like you have to keep posting for what little audience you do have, so now you're stuck in a vicious cycle that only further drowns you in despair.

[cosmicfortuna]

[cosmicfortuna]

Way too true 🥲

Writing is so much fun! You can be like "I should process this" and just go nuh-huh, see, I'm going to make up a guy and have them process it for me. Not me! It's the guy I made!

[cosmicfortuna]

May Prompts 🌺

Word prompts to use for doodling or writing

strawberries

adventure

golden hour

lake house

picnic

mayflower

nostalgia

homecoming

juice box

farmer’s market

morning light

birdsong

drive-in theater

island

photographs

riptide

coffee-to-go

tree house

instrument

cerulean

porch

animal shelter

lemonade

potted plant

spirit

milkshake

orchids

field

petrichor

sketching

memory lane

[cosmicfortuna]

Bright Conversations

Also wrote this for my school newspaper and posting it here. One of my longer works but, oh well.

Crediting @saradika for the border

Balls. The bane of my existence.

Not that I hate the concept of parties or grand events but the fact that I had to attend was kind of bugging down my mood. Despite being a star pupil and the adopted daughter of Vesper, the Evening Archmage, the king decided to reduce me and Piper to “talented magicians” for cheap parlor tricks in order to entertain the nobility. If I had the option to engage with flamboyant rich people for laughs or remain in the Twilight Wing of the palace studying the history of celestial entities and magic itself, I’d go with the latter.

The atmosphere was beautiful, I won't lie; only the best from the Orionis royal family. But the gold on top of gold chandeliers, railings, and table centerpieces reflecting warm light proved too much for my poor overworked brain. Maybe it was a side effect of being cooped up in the Twilight Wing for years on end or my affinity to the night's darkness. Perhaps both. If I had a hand in decorating tonight's event, I'd turn the ballroom into something attuned to a planetarium; stars scattered across the walls and silver cutlery along with the table centerpieces — more along the themes of the constellation that the kingdom is named after.

I gazed out into the crowd, sipping a bit of sparkling cider that was too bubbly for my tastebuds. The music that orchestra played was whimsical enough to rival Cinderella’s in terms of crowd pleasing. They moved so smoothly and elegantly, exchanging dance partners as if it was as simple as a handshake. Dresses weren’t tugged by the floor and were allowed to spread evenly and twirl about if they were silk. Oh, I envy them. Poor little me was stuck on the sides in a glamourized recreation of my uniform. It would’ve been nice if I could actually enjoy myself instead of reading horoscopes for pretentious people only for them to get upset about their future.

Out of nowhere, an older looking blonde nobleman approached me. Just looking at his snobby, stuck up appearance, I would have to play nice in spite of my annoyance.

"Good evening sir,” I greeted, smiling gently.

“Good evening, indeed,” he spoke with a little too much enthusiasm. Perhaps he had too much to drink and decided to chat up the only loner that was on active duty. “Algol, although you've most likely heard of me.”

If he phrased as a question, I would've been thinking of a more savory thing to reply with. The fact that this man insisted on it being an honest statement baffled me. I truly did not know this person.

“I'm sorry,” I said meekly, “I'm afraid not.”

His face grew a bit red; whether it was already from the drinks, embarrassment, or anger, I couldn't tell. Still, he didn't look pleased.

“Algol… Duke of Sigma Persei… ” he said slowly.

“Oh,” the realization hit me like a meteor. “you're from Perseus,”

“Well, of course,” he rolled his eyes, flicking a couple of stray hairs away from his face. “As the so-called ‘Cosmic Fortuna’, I'd figure you'd already know.”

The only response I could muster was rapidly blinking my eyelids; acting like he was supposed to get the hint and try his time with some other poor girl. Unfortunately, he failed and was still in front of me looking ever so haughty. Still, I had to save face.

“Apologies, I don't get many chances to talk to other noblemen outside of the kingdom,” I explained, leaving out the part where it's somewhat part of my own violation.

He scuffed, annoyed. “Well then, if you have no indication of my identity, how can you even properly divine my future?”

“I couldn’t even if I wanted to.” Is what I would’ve said if he didn’t walk away with his head held high and probably in a nicer tone of voice. Feeling defeated, I took another sad sip of my drink.

“You good, Cos?” My attention focused on the blue eyed girl with white crescent moons for pupils — Piper.

“Yeah, fine.”

She squinted at me then blinked a few times, a familiar sign of her not buying for the “I'm fine, let it go” song and dance routine. Again, books and reading.

I sighed, my grip loosening around the stem of the glass. In turn, Piper also sighed, getting the memo. Unlike me, she lived for the busy crowds and chatty with the bourgeois

She leaned in close, whispering amongst the beautiful ensemble. “The garden gate is unlocked. Tell Selene I said hi.”

A smile graced my lips. Piper leaned back, removing the cider from my hands and taking a sip. I swiftly nodded my head, my curled hair bouncing as I moved. She ventured back into the crowd — probably looking for a waiter with a tray of more bubbling drinks.

A little fresh air wouldn't hurt anybody, I thought.

Following suit, I made my way through the crowd of people towards the open double doors that led to the garden. It wasn't too crowded with people, a few stragglers peppered among the greens. Most likely also running away from talking to self-righteous rich people and needed a break from the stuffy atmosphere. Striding past them across the cobblestone path, I approached the wooden door that separated the wilderness from the carefully curated grounds of the palace.

The door itself wasn't very interesting — merely plain dark oak wood with a gold keyhole with a matching door knob engraved with our constellation insignia. I took hold of it and turned. It didn't not budge so it was unlocked. Before I pushed it open, I stopped myself. How did Piper know that the door wasn't locked? The gardener Fiona had always made sure that it was locked, especially at night when the little woodland critters were out and about looking for food. If Piper was inside the whole night, she'd have no idea.

Nevertheless, I disregarded the inquiry and pushed the door open, crossing the threshold. My breath hitched. A rush exploded from within me. A familiar rush that I’ve felt since I was ten. The exhilarating feeling of breaking unwritten rules and diving into one’s vices. I had to stay on task, though. Quickly, I closed the door behind me and took a breath of sweet relief to calm my senses.

Get a hold of yourself. I reprimanded myself. You’re barely set foot into the forest.

Another deep breath and swift exhale was enough to get me to keep moving. I took a few steps before realizing something -- my shoes. In order to blend in with the ladies at the party, Vesper insisted that I wear a pair of nice heels fit for dancing. Piper (like usual) smooth talked her way out of wearing traditional heels in favor of some riding boots. If only I had her level of confidence and deviance. Then again, here I was a mere two inches away from the door and a couple hundred feet towards freedom.

It’s not like I wanted to run away — Piper always had a knack for escaping into the deep wood — I just wanted some space. Some nice center of the woods all by myself and the stars space.

My eyes traveled towards them. They looked better out in the open, shining like no tomorrow. Not obscured by the royal blue curtains decorating with a golden scroll pattern. Not hidden away from the world… Something welled up inside my being; it wasn’t a good something.

Maybe I should just head back. I considered it. Yea, back to the palace…

It’s times like these where I remind myself that no one else was out here to see me — that everyone was inside fast asleep. But that’s not the case this time. Everyone is inside but awake, lively even. And that comes with a new risk of my nightly escapades: the threat of me getting caught. It wasn’t like I hadn’t thought about it since I’ve begun indulging in my vice but that there’s a difference between a few guards randomly sleeping at their night posts and a couple guests lying around the palace grounds. Still, once again, I made it past the door. The door was the only thing preventing me from venturing out into the woods.

That’s it. I’m going. Even if my shoes make noise. I don’t care.

My mind finally felt at ease. Finally, after so many long nights, I was back in the ocean of the stars at last. I felt free. Free from socializing and watching and the overabundance of golden this and golden that reflecting golden hour levels of light with little remorse. It felt great.

And from there, I ran. Not caring if anyone heard.

Well, there was one thing that still bothered me. I allowed the wind to touch me, feeling the cool breeze tickle on my back and delicate wings. Giving them a few flaps, they woke up and readied at attention.

That's better.

Letting go of a stray breath, I hummed the ball's waltz. My arms raised with a mind of their own, my breath calm and controlled; my eyes fixed upon the starry night sky. And soon, I began to dance. Not so rigid like the shelter and stone cold higher class but not like the intoxicated earls, dukes, and whatnots relieving the stress of putting up fronts. A mere mix that laid straight in the middle — a dance of a girl who wants to be alone and is happy with it.

The stars got brighter. Shining and illuminating the heart of the forest that was my oasis. The moon casted a dim light reflecting the sun’s glow; trees highlighted with iridescent silver. Owls silently flying overhead but hooting a welcome message to the lady of the night. It was perfect.

A familiar feeling flowed through my body that I haven't felt for a few weeks: warmth. A warm glow. A warmth took me to the quiet place of my mind. I closed my eyes and continued moving, trusting the light to protect me during my sacred rite of relaxation.

My mind's eye painted the perfect scene. Not too different from the current setting but somehow more extravagant. The grass no longer laid beneath me and in its place was a lovely spring that remained still as my feet moved. Stars swirled in the sky like an oil painting, the light streaking in a controlled manner. I kept dancing, a smile making itself known on my face. Little wisps of periwinkle energy exuded from my fingertips, filling the area with magic. It was perfect. My own microcosm safely hidden away from the rest of the world. My smile grew and I could feel my feet departing with the ground, my wings carrying me higher. Euphoria swept through my entire being; the stars expanding and glowing immensely.

“Woah…” a bewildered voice interrupted.

My eyes snapped open, my beautiful art piece escaping me.

There he was.

Among the trees.

Gawking at my suddenly still body floating a good couple of feet above the ground.

His almost midnight blue hair would’ve hidden him completely amidst the night sky if it hadn’t been for his stunning gold epaulets and the dramatic cape flowing behind him.

I gasped, “Crowned Prince Rigel!”

Immediately, my body dropped onto the grass in a bowing position.

“I-I apologize that you have to see me in this state,” my face burned with embarrassment.

The prince stepped out of the trees and into my circle of twirling dim stars.

“Please, call me Rigel,” his voice was soft but low. “Don’t bow before me, Cosmic, I’m not your king yet.”

I rose up, dusting off my skirt and facing his royal highness.

“Yes, but as crowned prince, you command my respect.”

He shook his head, a smile brimming from his lips. “I thought titles never mattered to you?”

“In the case of my department’s employment, I’d say that they do.” Royal mages without ties to the royal family would just be regular old mages after all. Not that I think they could ever get old in the first place.

He laughed lightly. I sucked in a breath.

“Speaking of my department, you’re not going to…?”

He chuckled, waving a gloved hand. “Of course not. Far be it from me to tell the Evening Archmage that his daughter is skipping out on royal events.”

I released a sigh of relief but a feel of uneasiness still churned in my stomach.

Why hasn’t he said anything about my wings?

In good measure, I hid them again before he could ask.

“So…” Something I didn’t expect from the Prince of Orionis was him searching for a conversation starter. Most royals are very keen on small talk. “What made you leave the ball anyway?” he asked.

I looked down, fiddling with strands of hair that framed my face.

“I needed some fresh air.”

In response, Prince Rigel let out a hum mixed with a short giggle.

“I feel you,” he confessed. “Too many people with too much money and too much energy talking on and on about not having a good time.”

I raised a brow. “Isn’t that the point of these things?”

“Unfortunately not,” Rigel shook his head, his hair flowing with each turn. “The point is to find a spouse for poor unassuming young noblemen. Jokes on them, we’re very aware.”

I laughed but felt empty. Laughter is the best medicine for life’s unfairness — cheaper than breaking down and crying about how you can’t change it. Even the highest of highs cannot escape their predestined fates… Wonder what that says about the ones that choose to pursue the impossible…

“Well, um we should be heading back now…” I cleared my throat and moved to leave the dense wood.

He placed a hand carefully on my shoulder, halting me. “Wait.”

I turned to face him. “Yes, your highness?”

“I never said that I wanted to go back.”

True, he indeed didn’t mention his intentions of heading back.

“Then what would you like to do?”

The prince pulled away slightly, then offered his hand to me.

“With all that small talk, I didn't get a chance to dance with anyone yet…”

I stayed silent but eyed him carefully, flickering back and forth from his hand to the soft look in his eyes. He took my hand in his, raising it to his lips and placing a gentle peck.

“Will you dance with me under the light of the stars and silence of the night?”

[cosmicfortuna]

Does this story need to be written down? Is it not enough to have it simply live in my head?

[cosmicfortuna]

Just create the thing you want to create. Because who's going to stop you? Oh, it's you yourself? Well you can't let that bastard win, can you?

[cosmicfortuna]

🥲