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naushtheaspiringauthor · 3 days ago

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The 7 Faces of Friendship: Character Types to Include in Your Book’s Friend Group

Having a balance of different personas helps create a comprehensive cast for your novels. To get started, here are the 7 main friend personas to consider:

1. The Leader

Description:

The leader is the driving force behind the group. They are often assertive, confident, and willing to take charge in various situations. This person is typically seen as a decision-maker, guiding the group toward plans, activities, or goals.

Traits:

Charismatic: Naturally draws people in and inspires others.

Decisive: Quick to make decisions, often with a clear vision in mind.

Responsible: Takes ownership of the group's well-being and direction.

Role in the Group:

The leader often organises outings, mediates conflicts, and keeps the group focused on shared goals. They are instrumental in making plans and ensuring that everyone feels included.

2. The Caregiver

Description:

The caregiver is the heart of the friend group, always looking out for others. This person is empathetic, nurturing, and willing to lend a helping hand or an understanding ear.

Traits:

Compassionate: Deeply cares for the feelings and well-being of others.

Supportive: Always ready to offer encouragement or assistance.

Attentive: Notices when someone is feeling down or needs help.

Role in the Group:

The caregiver often acts as the emotional glue, fostering connections and ensuring everyone feels valued. They are typically the ones organising gatherings to celebrate friends or supporting them through tough times.

3. The Comedian

Description:

The comedian is the life of the party, always ready with a joke or a funny story. This character brings humour and lightness to the group, helping to relieve tension and elevate the mood.

Traits:

Witty: Quick with humour and often makes clever observations.

Playful: Approaches life with a sense of fun and spontaneity.

Positive: Maintains an optimistic outlook, even in challenging situations.

Role in the Group:

The comedian keeps the atmosphere lively, ensuring that laughter is a common thread in the group. They often defuse tense situations with humour and help create cherished memories through fun experiences.

4. The Adventurer

Description:

The adventurer thrives on new experiences and excitement. This character is always seeking thrills, whether that’s trying out a new restaurant, going on spontaneous trips, or participating in extreme sports.

Traits:

Daring: Enjoys taking risks and stepping outside of their comfort zone.

Curious: Eager to explore new ideas, places, and experiences.

Energetic: Brings enthusiasm to the group, often encouraging others to join in.

Role in the Group:

The adventurer often leads the charge for new experiences, pushing the group to try things they might not have considered. They inspire others to embrace spontaneity and explore the world together. Often contradicts the leader.

5. The Intellectual

Description:

The intellectual is the thinker of the group, often delving into deep conversations and pondering life's big questions. This character values knowledge and is well-read, informed, and curious about various topics.

Traits:

Analytical: Enjoys breaking down complex ideas and analysing situations.

Inquisitive: Asks questions and seeks to understand the world.

Articulate: Communicates thoughts clearly and effectively.

Role in the Group:

The intellectual can help stimulate meaningful conversations, adding depth to the group's interactions. More of a quiet yet important presence. They help get the Adventurer out of trouble, and are likely found bantering with the Comedian from time to time.

6. The Connector

Description:

The connector is the social butterfly of the group, adept at bringing people together and building relationships. This character thrives on interaction and often knows everyone’s stories, interests, and backgrounds.

Traits:

Sociable: Enjoys meeting new people and introducing friends to one another.

Empathetic: Understands social dynamics and helps others feel comfortable.

Resourceful: Knows where to go for recommendations and suggestions.

Role in the Group:

The connector enriches the group by fostering relationships and creating opportunities for social gatherings. They often organise events and help deepen bonds within the friend circle. They are generally close to the Caregiven and the Leader’s partner/close friend. They help the Leader and Intellectual settle on ideas that are both fun and functional thus appeasing to the whole group.

7. The Realist

Description:

The realist is grounded and practical, providing a balanced perspective within the friend group. This character approaches situations with a level-headed attitude and often focuses on the facts at hand.

Note: While the intellectual is an inherently smart person, the realist is the apathetic and logical force of the group. They don’t have to necessarily be smart but are insightful.

Traits:

Pragmatic: Values practicality and often offers sensible solutions.

Sceptical: Questions overly optimistic or unrealistic plans.

Honest: Tends to speak their mind, even when the truth is uncomfortable.

Role in the Group:

The realist often acts as a counterbalance to more idealistic characters, helping the group assess risks and make informed decisions. They provide a sense of stability, ensuring that plans are not just fun but also feasible.

Edit: you don't NEED to have 7 friends each with one persona. You also don't need to have all 7. One person can be the caregiver to A and realist to B. They can be the leader in one friend group but the comedian in another (showcasing their comfort with the latter). This is just a list to help pan out your character personality types!

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks?

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 5 days ago

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Writing Notes: Stages of Decomposition

The decomposition process occurs in several stages following death:

Pallor mortis

Algor mortis

Rigor mortis

Cadaveric spasm

Lividity

Putrefaction

Decomposition

Skeletonization

PALLOR MORTIS

The first stage of death.

Occurs once blood stops circulating in the body.

The cessation of an oxygenated blood flow to the capillaries beneath the skin causes the deceased to pale in appearance.

In non-Caucasians, the pallor may appear to develop an unusual hue; the skin will lose any natural lustre and appears more waxen.

Occurs quite quickly, within about 10 minutes after death.

ALGOR MORTIS

The cooling of the body after death.

The cooling process will be influenced by many factors, including the deceased’s clothing, or whether they are covered with bed linen such as blankets or duvets.

The body will typically cool to the ambient room temperature, but this alters if there is heating in the room or if there is a constant draught cooling the body.

RIGOR MORTIS

Can occur between 2 and 6 hours after death.

Factors including temperature can greatly affect this.

Caused by the muscles partially contracting, and the lack of aerobic respiration means that the muscles cannot relax from the contraction, leaving them tense, subsequently resulting in the stiffening we associate with rigor mortis.

This stage typically begins in the head, starting with the eyes, mouth, jaw and neck, and progresses right through the body.

The process is concluded approximately 12 hours after death (although, again, certain variables may occur) and lasts between 24 and 72 hours depending on circumstances.

Contrary to popular belief, rigor mortis is not a permanent state and is in fact reversed, with the muscles relaxing in the same order in which they initially stiffened.

The reversing process also takes approximately 12 hours, when the body returns to its un-contracted state.

It is possible to ‘break’ rigor mortis by manipulating and flexing the limbs. This is usually done by undertakers, pathologists or crime scene investigators who are attempting to examine or move a body – or by a murderer trying to hide their victim in the closet or the boot of a car.

CADAVERIC SPASM

A phenomenon that can be misinterpreted as rigor mortis.

The instantaneous stiffening of the body (most commonly the hands) following a traumatic death.

Unlike rigor mortis, the stiffening of the affected limb is permanent and is not reversed, causing the deceased to maintain the rigidity until such time as putrefaction causes breakdown of the particular muscle group.

Examples:

The deceased following an air crash were later discovered still clutching their seatbelts or arm rests in a final, desperate act of survival.

In a drowning case, the victim was discovered with grass from the riverbank still grasped in their hand.

Perhaps the most famous case of cadaveric spasm involves the rock band Nirvana’s lead singer, Kurt Cobain. Cobain reportedly committed suicide in April 1994. His body was discovered a few days after his death with a shotgun wound to the head, and tests revealed he had large traces of heroin in his system. He was reportedly discovered still clutching the gun in his left hand, due to cadaveric spasm. However, a great deal of controversy surrounds the veracity of this latter assumption, and indeed the cause of his death, with many people insisting and attempting to prove that he died as the result of foul play rather than suicide.

LIVIDITY

Also known as livor mortis, hypostasis, or suggillation.

Once blood can no longer circulate, it will gravitate towards the lowest point of the body.

Example: A supine body will display pinkish/purple patches of discoloration where the blood has settled in the back and along the thighs.

Occurs about 30 minutes after death, but will not necessarily be noticeable until at least 2 hours afterwards as the pooling process intensifies and becomes visible, finally peaking up to between 8 and 12 hours later.

Once it is complete, the lividity process cannot be reversed.

Therefore a body discovered lying on its side, but with staining evident in the back and shoulders, must have been moved at some point from what would have been a supine position at the time of death.

It is worth noting that if the body has had contact with the floor, a wall or other solid surface, lividity would not occur at the points of contact as the pressure would not allow the blood to seep through the capillaries and pool. The specific area of pressure will be the same colour as the rest of the body and a pattern of contact may well be evident.

PUTREFACTION

Derives from the Latin putrefacere, meaning ‘to make rotten’.

The body becomes rotten through the process known as autolysis, which is the liquefaction of bodily tissue and organs and the breakdown of proteins within the body due to the increased presence of bacteria.

The first visible sign is the discoloration of the skin in the area of the abdomen.

Bacteria released from the intestine cause the body to become bloated with a mixture of gases; over time these will leak out, and the smell will intensify to unbearable proportions.

Typically, this will attract flies that will lay eggs, which develop into maggots.

Bloating is most evident in the stomach area, genitals and face, which can become unrecognizable as the tongue and eyes are forced to protrude due to the pressure of the build-up of gases in the body.

At this stage, the body will also begin to lose hair.

The organs typically decompose in a particular order: starting with the stomach, followed by the intestines, heart, liver, brain, lungs, kidney, bladder and uterus/prostate.

Once all the gases have escaped the skin begins to turn black: this stage is called ‘black putrefaction’.

As with all the other stages of death so far, the rate of putrefaction depends on temperature and location. A body exposed to the air above ground will decompose more quickly than a body left in water or buried below ground.

During putrefaction, blistering of the skin and fermentation can also occur:

Fermentation - a type of mould that will grow on the surface of the body. This mould appears white, and is slimy or furry in texture. It also releases a very strong, unpleasant, cheesy smell.

As the putrefaction process comes to an end, fly and maggot activity will become less, which leads to the next stage.

DECOMPOSITION

The body is an organic substance comprising organisms that can be broken down by chemical decomposition.

If the body is outside, any remains that have not been scavenged or consumed by maggots will liquefy and seep into the surrounding soil.

Thus when the body decomposes it is effectively recycled and returned to nature.

SKELETONIZATION

The final stage of death is known as ‘dry decay’, when the cadaver has all but dried out: the soft tissue has all gone and only the skeleton remains.

If the cadaver is outside, not only is it exposed to the elements but it also becomes food for scavengers such as rats, crows or foxes.

As the remains are scavenged, the body parts become dispersed so it is not unusual to find skeletal remains some distance from where the body lay at the point of death.

The way in which skeletal remains are scattered in such cases is of interest to archaeologists, and is referred to as taphonomy.

Where a body has lain undiscovered at home for a period of time it has also been known for family pets, typically dogs, to feed on the body. The natural instinct of a pet is to attempt to arouse the deceased by licking them, but once it gets hungry, its survival instinct will take over and it will consider the body as little more than carrion: it will act with the same natural instinct as a scavenger in the wild, which will feed on any corpse, be it animal or human, if it is starving.

Obviously the number of pets, the body mass of the deceased and the time lapse before the body is discovered will influence to what extent it has been devoured.

For further research on the stages of decomposition and the factors that affect it, look up body farms. These are medical facilities where bodies are donated for research purposes so scientists can specifically observe the decomposition process. However, be aware that some of the images are quite graphic.

Source ⚜ More: References ⚜ Autopsy ⚜ Pain & Violence ⚜ Injuries Bereavement ⚜ Death & Sacrifice ⚜ Cheating Death ⚜ Death Conceptions

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 10 days ago

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10 Non-Lethal Injuries to Add Pain to Your Writing

New Part: 10 Lethal Injury Ideas

If you need a simple way to make your characters feel pain, here are some ideas:

1. Sprained Ankle

A common injury that can severely limit mobility. This is useful because your characters will have to experience a mild struggle and adapt their plans to their new lack of mobiliy. Perfect to add tension to a chase scene.

2. Rib Contusion

A painful bruise on the ribs can make breathing difficult, helping you sneak in those ragged wheezes during a fight scene. Could also be used for something sport-related! It's impactful enough to leave a lingering pain but not enough to hinder their overall movement.

3. Concussions

This common brain injury can lead to confusion, dizziness, and mood swings, affecting a character’s judgment heavily. It can also cause mild amnesia.

I enjoy using concussions when you need another character to subtly take over the fight/scene, it's an easy way to switch POVs. You could also use it if you need a 'cute' recovery moment with A and B.

4. Fractured Finger

A broken finger can complicate tasks that require fine motor skills. This would be perfect for characters like artists, writers, etc. Or, a fighter who brushes it off as nothing till they try to throw a punch and are hit with pain.

5. Road Rash

Road rash is an abrasion caused by friction. Aka scraping skin. The raw, painful sting resulting from a fall can be a quick but effective way to add pain to your writing. Tip: it's great if you need a mild injury for a child.

6. Shoulder Dislocation

This injury can be excruciating and often leads to an inability to use one arm, forcing characters to confront their limitations while adding urgency to their situation. Good for torture scenes.

7. Deep Laceration

A deep laceration is a cut that requires stitches. As someone who got stitches as a kid, they really aren't that bad! A 2-3 inch wound (in length) provides just enough pain and blood to add that dramatic flair to your writing while not severely deterring your character.

This is also a great wound to look back on since it often scars. Note: the deeper and wider the cut the worse your character's condition. Don't give them a 5 inch deep gash and call that mild.

8. Burns

Whether from fire, chemicals, or hot surfaces, burns can cause intense suffering and lingering trauma. Like the previous injury, the lasting physical and emotional trauma of a burn is a great wound for characters to look back on.

If you want to explore writing burns, read here.

9. Pulled Muscle

This can create ongoing pain and restrict movement, offering a window to force your character to lean on another. Note: I personally use muscle related injuries when I want to focus more on the pain and sprains to focus on a lack of mobility.

10. Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon can cause chronic pain and limit a character's ability to perform tasks they usually take for granted. When exploring tendonitis make sure you research well as this can easily turn into a more severe injury.

This is a quick, brief list of ideas to provide writers inspiration. Since it is a shorter blog, I have not covered the injuries in detail. This is inspiration, not a thorough guide. Happy writing! :)

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks?

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 11 days ago

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So when I was like 5 and in kindergarten and we had this school event where I was going to sing. So the place where the event was happening was on the other side of the road from school.

And I was supposed to go with my friends but we got into a fight and they left me alone despite knowing I couldn't cross the road by myself. So I started crossing the road alone and got hit by a motorbike and somehow hurt my head (theres still a tiny bald spot over there). I only had like, minor injuries but insisted on still performing in the event. We still have the video of my performance.

@sirisuorionblack @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @marauders-wife @evelyndane and anyone else who wants to share stuff

it's so weird to me that everyone on this website is a human person outside of their weird internet niche so rb this with a random bit of your lore

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 11 days ago

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~Child Of The Storm~

Nikolai Lantsov x OC

Image by - @brokendreamtale2

Warnings- middle age jerk

A/N- So this chapter has nearly a one year time jump after the last one. There is a LOT going on sooo buckle in! And let me know if you'd like to be added or removed from the taglist.

Taglist- @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @sirisuorionblack @evelyndane @marauders-wife @el-de-phi

Ch-66 ~or make her crumble to shreds~

The entirety of the Grand Palace had been in an uproar when Anaya had walked in. She’d only found out what had happened after meeting with Viktor Ivanov, one of the ministers.

“How!?” Anaya’s voice boomed as she entered the main hall where the council met.

The council members had already gathered and were all equally distressed. Even Nikolai was present, discussing with the man who’d bought the news.

Their heads turned towards Anaya.

“We have no idea how it could possibly happen” Freidrick Rabinov, the education minister said, hand pressed to his temple.

“That base has one of the highest numbers” Anaya paced around the room. “And the documents just vanish!?”.

The military base was close to the Shu border, and apparently had the most soldiers than any other base.

And it was only in the morning, the news of the breach had reached them.

Someone had apparently managed to break in and had stolen all documents of importance.

“The reports of the ranks, camps and barricades in the southern borders, funds,” Danil Baranov, the defence minister, paced around the hall. “All of it, simply vanished as if they never were”.

“The guards did their rounds, no one went in or out” Nikolai spoke, striding forward. “It was only in the morning they found the place ransacked”. Even Nikolai, who had the ability to remain calm and composed in the direst of situations, had a strain to his voice.

"So you're telling me," Anaya paced around the hall. "No one went in or out except the Colonel himself, and the guards remained posted around the perimeter" She looked around.

Minister Baranov nodded in agreement. “But the documents are gone", he finished.

Anaya threw her hands in frustration.

"If we don't have the documents," Nikolai said. "We will be suffering a massive setback in all the work we've done ever since the civil war" He knitted his brows.

"Not to mention the records of barricades, regiments, and records of the soldiers all across the country." He ran a hand through his hair.

"And the amount of effort it would take to gather the information all over again".

Anaya placed a hand to her forehead, "I must go there" she said. "Minster Baranov, I'd like you to accompany me"

"Yes, councillor" he gave a strained nod, adding emphasis on the title.

.....................................................................

“My office is the most secure place in this entire base”, the Colonel said. “No one comes in except for me unless it is necessary” he looked around. “Even so, I keep a handful of my soldiers posted outside at all times”.

Anaya looked at the encampment. The place was eerily normal, as if no such disaster had occurred.

“We understand the importance of those documents madam” he continued. “We wouldn’t be careless with them” he emphasised on the sentence upon seeing Anaya’s sceptical gaze.

“No signs of a break in,” she moved towards the entrance. “Nothing broken, not a single page turned” she stopped. “Yet the documents are gone, as if they never were”.

..........................................................

"The base was fully secured" Anaya paced around the room. "Guards posted outside. No one came in or left, except for the Colonel, and yet the documents are gone." She ran a hand through her hair.

Genya, Zoya, David and Nikolai were sitting all around her. All equally distressed.

"I don't understand this," Genya began. "How could they possibly break in and leave without being seen?” she shook her head in distress. “Not even grisha power works to that extent.”

"The base is near the Shu border, perhaps it’s them?" David suggested.

"Whoever it may have been, they had a clear goal" Nikolai said, taking a sip from his glass. "Weaken us".

“What do we do now?” Zoya began. “The documents are gone and they most certainly aren’t coming back” she tilted her head.

Anaya sighed, “We’ll have to do the entire work all over again” she pressed her fingers to her temple. “Minister Baranov will most certainly not enjoy it” she shook her head in distress.

“We will also conduct an investigation,” Nikolai said. “We need to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again”. He picked up a glass of brandy from the table, “The country’s still picking up the pieces, we can’t allow it to fall apart again”.

…………………………………………………

“Perhaps we wouldn’t be in the situation, had they not let children run the country”, Danil Baranov muttered.

The ministers were in much distress as well, but the only one making obnoxious remarks was the defence minister himself.

“Minister Baranov ” Anaya began, choosing to ignore him. “You are to gather your forces and begin investigating the site, make sure nothing is left behind.” She took a breath, preparing herself for her next words.

“And as for the crucial information we’ve lost” She held up her chin. “ I will need you to work on gathering the information again.” she said.

Creases appeared on the man’s pale features,his eyebrows knitted together. “Madam” he began, his voice already stern. “You do realise what you’re asking of, don’t you?”.

“Yes, Ministern Baranov,” Anaya spoke, an unusual calmness to her voice. “I do understand that it’s an incredibly laborious task to ask for, but we’re short on options. And the military records are of great importance for the country, I believe you do realise that”.

“Still”, he began. “Gathering all that information could take days, months even”he raised his eyebrows in dismay. “And I happen to have much more pressing matters to attend to”.

“All of your work is of equal importance, minister” Anaya placed her arms on the table, leaning forward. “I am merely telling you to do your job”.

“Councillor Nasrazeen” he began, his tone mocking her title. “I have been doing my job even when the King himself couldn’t” his tone was brimming with pride. The man was the oldest member of the council, and had held his position during King Alexander the Third's reign, so the uttermost disdain by Anaya becoming the councillor was from him.

More so, as he had expected the position to go to him.

“So you aren’t in a position to tell me what my job is.” He raised a disinterested eyebrow.

“I believe that is exactly what my job is, Minister Baranov” Anaya’s voice began to rise.

She could only get a glimpse of him clenching his fists before he stood up hastily, slamming down his hands on the table. “I’ve had experience more than your age, girl” he pointed a finger at Anaya.

“I don’t get why they made you Councillor, but I’m sure as hell you don’t even know what you’re doing” His voice was jagged, blunt daggers cutting around the edges.

Anaya sat back, fists clenched at her sides.

The rest of the ministers merely looked at him, some with concern, others with disdain. “You think surviving in a civil war makes you capable enough to run a damned country!?” he jammed his finger in the air.

“You’re just some foolish grisha girl who isn't capable of any of this!”. The man was clearly taking out his pent up contempt on her.

Anaya only briefly glanced at the sudden shift in Nikolai’s expression before she stood up.

“I am your councillor! Whether you like it or not.” She roared, her voice reverberating in the massive hall.

“If you think you’re so deserving of leading this council then go ahead, conduct a vote!” she waved her hand. “Let them choose you but until then” she put down her hands on the table, leaning forward. “You will do what I command you and you will do it without complaints!”.

The patience in her voice was long abandoned.

“It’s none of our fault that the documents are gone but we’re all dealing with it aren’t we?” her brows were knitted to the extent that they began to strain. “And it was your job to make sure they were secure” she jabbed her finger in his direction. “So do your damn job and not just complain while the country falls apart yet again!” she jerked her hand downwards.

The man’s eyes widened, his mouth hung open in disbelief. He opened his mouth to respond.

“Sit down, Minister Baranov, ” Nikolai's stern voice commanded before he could speak.

Without further complaint, he hastily sat back down.

“All of you do your jobs” Anaya’s voice toned down. “This meeting is done” she bolted out the door.

……………………………………

“Anaya, wait!” Nikolai’s voice reverberated in the hallways.

But she didn’t halt. That’s what they thought, she knew. What all of them thought, but never spoke, until Danil Baranov did.

Perhaps he was right.

Nikolai’s steps grew louder as he rushed to catch up to her.

“You don’t have to think of what Baranov says” he said, finally catching up to her. “He’s always been like this”.

“I don’t care!” Anaya’s voice had an unfamiliar sharpness to it. She went inside her study, hoping he would go away.

He didn’t.

“Anaya,” he said, following her inside. “Is there something else bothering you?” His voice was infuriatingly gentle.

Anaya turned to the shelves, feigning urgency of picking out papers.

“Because he has been like this from the start. He’s been on the council for the longest, so he believes he should attain special privileges. You shouldn’t think much of what he says,” he explained.

“It’s not just him”, she spoke, still not facing him. “That’s what everyone thinks” she turned to him, brows knitted. “I see it on their faces everyday, I hear it in their forcefully compliant voices” her voice began to tremble.

“That I’m not capable enough for this job, an immature Grisha woman pretending to be a leader” her gaze turned sombre, she briefly pursed her lips.

“And maybe they’re not wrong” she turned her gaze sideways.

There was a brief silence, hanging in the air, tugging at the edges of the emotions Anaya Nasrazeen did not wish to express.

“That is not true” Nikolai’s voice was gentle, yet firm.

She turned to him, her gaze brimming with disdain.

“They haven’t had the barest glimpse of all that you’ve endured” he said. “You were on the Darkling’s ship, against your will for weeks” he waved his arm. “Yet you’re the reason we managed to make it out alive”.

He moved closer to her. “Even after losing so much, you spent months in the Apparat’s Cathedral.” His voice was much softer now.

“You were the one who stood by my side when I was an inhuman beast. You stood by me, when the world would’ve bolted” His gaze grew sombre.

“In all the time I’ve known you, you’ve done nothing but work for this country” He pointed a finger at her.

“Because you’ve had hope, you believed there was still hope for this country.” He jerked down his hand.

“So no, I don’t think you’re not suitable for this job, and I disagree with anyone who thinks otherwise” His hazel-eyed gaze bore into hers. ‘I think you’re exactly the right person for this job, Anaya”.

Anaya’s gaze softened, her features relaxing. She lifted her eyebrows, unable to fully comprehend all he’d just said.

Nikolai Lantsov had rendered her speechless.

Anaya looked at him with a wide-eyed gaze, “Do you really think that?” her voice was soft, the gentle breeze of autumn.

“Of course, Anaya,” he said, gazing into her deep brown eyes. “I mean every word”. He was close, a little too close.

“It’s just,” she sighed. She paced towards the window, briefly pressing her fingertips to her eyes. “Baranov just never wants to comply”.

He walked up to her side.

“I mean, we’re all equally distressed, aren’t we?” she turned to him. “But he just makes it seem as if he’s the only one struggling”she said, exhaustion spreading over her words.

“Well, he always has been one of the worst people in this palace,” Nikolai lifted a shoulder. “I’ve heard he once insisted on going straight to the battlefields amidst a battle to ‘assess the situation’” he gestured with his fingers. “And ended up getting shot”.

“What” Anaya exclaimed in surprise, her eyes widened. “He actually walked in the middle of a battle!?” she looked at him in awe.

“Oh yeah” Nikolai nodded, slightly grinning.

Anaya shook her head in disbelief. “I mean, I’ve understood by now that he’s not quite sane,” she waved her hand. “But that is pure hysteria” she looked down, shaking her head, as she began grinning.

It soon transformed into a laugh.

Raw, unprecedented, pure, a stranger to her own ears.

She turned to Nikolai, but she stopped, glancing at him in confusion. ‘What?” she asked, utterly bewildered.

Nikolai’s eyes were widened, his eyebrows shot upwards, a smile playing on his lips. “Nothing” he seemed to snap back to reality. ‘It’s just,” he lifted a shoulder. “I’ve never heard you laugh before”.

Anaya pursed her lips. ‘Well,” she shrugged. “You haven’t really said anything like this before”.

……………………………………..

“Good news is,” Zoya began. “After your little scuffle with Minister Baranov, he’s actually started doing his job instead of just complaining about his job” she put a hand on the sofa’s arm.

They were all seated in Nikolai’s office, the triumvirate, Nikolai, and Anaya.

Their meetings after finishing up their work had become a regular endeavour. It was their way of letting out some of their stress.

“To be fair, he did deserve it,” Nikolai lifted a shoulder.

“I can’t actually believe you finally lost control,” Genya grinned.

“Oh you haven’t seen her mad” Zoya spoke. “This one time-”

“Zoya, don’t” Anaya said, already being aware of what she was going to say.

“This one time” Zoya continued, disregarding her. “We were in school, and this one boy told her that she’s ‘wasting her time in stupid things’ because she was studying, what’s it called?’ She turned to Anaya.

“Parabolas,” Anaya answered, raising a shoulder.

“Yeah that” Zoya gave a nod. “ So she punched him in the nose,” she finished, grinning.

A collective sound of surprise echoed in the room.

“Worst thing was that he caught a cold immediately afterwards, so every time he sneezed he would cry in pain,” she added.

“Just because he said parabolas are stupid!?”Genya said in surprise.

“Well-” Anaya began.

“Seems like a suitable reaction actually” David cut her off.

They all turned to look at him.

He merely shrugged.

“Remind me never to offend you,” Nikolai said, his eyes widened.

“You shouldn't need a reminder” Anaya raised an eyebrow.

Their laughter came to a sudden halt as soon as the doors burst open.

“I know how it happened,” Tamar said as she rushed in. “The theft, I know how it happened”.

#nikolai lantsov x reader #nikolai lanstov x reader #nikolai lantsov x oc #nikolai lantsov fanfiction

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 12 days ago

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A List of "Beautiful" Words: Brown

for your next poem/story

Adust - scorched, burned

Auburn - a moderate brown

Beige - of a color that is light grayish-yellowish brown

Biscuit - a light grayish-yellowish brown

Bronze - a moderate yellowish brown

Castaneous - of the color chestnut

Chestnut - a grayish to reddish brown

Cinnamon - a light yellowish brown

Cocoa - a medium brown color

Drab - a light olive brown

Infuscation - darkened with a brownish tinge

Khaki - a light yellowish-brown

Mahogany - a moderate reddish brown

Russet - a reddish brown

Rust - a strong reddish brown

Sepia - a brownish-gray to dark olive-brown color

Sorrel - a brownish orange to light brown

Tan - a light yellowish brown

Umber - a moderate to dark yellowish brown

Walnut - a moderate reddish brown

More: Lists of Beautiful Words ⚜ More: Word Lists

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 15 days ago

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Malina this, Kanej that. WHAT ABOUT THEM???

Not my art******

All credits go to @kolarpem

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 16 days ago

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I was going through my day when I actually realised something about Zoya

Spoilers for rule of wolves

So there are still a lot of people that think Zoya Nazyalensky is heartless, she doesn't care about anyone, she's selfish, etcetra.

BUT

In the end of rule of wolves, the Darkling stops the fold from spreading by like, impaling himself with the thorn wood and he'd have to suffer for eternity. But Zoya still decides on finding a way to help him, so that he gets to die. A final act of mercy.

Mercy for the man who manipulated her all her life, forced her to keep on pushing her limits to prove herself to him, made her feel worthless and worst of all, took away the person who loved her the most.

AND YET SHE DECIDED ON HELPING HIM. SHE DECIDED ON GIVING MERCY TO THE MAN WHO TOOK AWAY A PART OF HER. THE MAN WHO TORMENTED HER.

So I will die on this hill, defending her against all those who think of her as selfish and obnoxious. Because if you believe those things about Zoya Nazyalensky then you really don't know her at all.

#naush rants #zoya nazyalensky

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 22 days ago

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THE TALENT????THE HARDWORK?? AND THIS IS LITERALLY SO SATISFYING TO WATCH

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 25 days ago

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OH NY GODDDD THIS IS SO MAJESTIC

zoyalai part ?????

@savethegrishaverse you're gonna have to see my edits twice now that you follow me on tiktok 🫡

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 25 days ago

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Trick or treat? :)

WOAHHHHHHHHH I LOVE TRICK OR TREATING TYSM FOR THE ASKKK

However forgive me as I don't have much to offer other than my talents so here's a Lil poem I wrote I hope u like it!

She is the raging storm, the thunder roaring in the night sky

He is the soft breeze, moving through the trees, a breath of fresh air.

She is a hurricane, the massive tides crashing over the rocks.

He is the the gentle waves, nudging the shore with utter sincerity.

She is harsh, she is wild, she is everything all at once

He is silent, he is patient, he is a mere simpleton.

She has sides of her that the world sees, stern, determined, never afraid to speak her mind.

She tucks away the gentle, the benevolent part of her, the one that cares deeply about all things

She hides away this side of her on the farthest corner of her shelf.

He's willing to know each part of her, willing to learn her like his favorites book, intently, enthusiastically, with great effort.

She is all things at once

He is merely the boy who loves her.

#naush rants

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 28 days ago

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Soft-Feeling Latin Words & Phrases

Another list of Latin phrases, this time with soft/warm meanings. It is 2:39am as I make this list.

a te pro te: from thee for thee

ab imo pectore: from the bottom of the heart

volat hora per orbem: time files through the world

coelum versus: heavenward

concubia nocte: at dead of night

crepusculum: twilight or dusk

crescens luna: a cresent moon

cum corde: with the heart

labores solis: an eclipse of the sun

in horam viviere: to live for the moment

in rerum natura: in the nature of things

in tuto esse: in a safe place

ingens aequor: the vast ocean

inter vivos: among the living

januae mentis: inlets of knowledge

jenuis clausis: in secret, with closed doors

littera scripta manet: the written letter remains

lux mundi: light of the world

lux vitae: light of life

meo voto: by my wish

mox nox: soon night

multis cum lacrimis: with many tears

ningit: it is snowing

occidui temporis umbra: a shadow at sunset

opinio vana: an illusion

osculum pacis: kiss of peace

papilio: butterfly

par pari refero: tit for tat

per vian dolorosam: the way of sorrows

philtrum: a love potion

pluvia: rain

res rustica: a rural affair

ros marinus: rosemary

semel et semper: once and always

silva: wood or forest

sinus urbis: heart of the city

As always, happy writing!

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* . ───

💎If you like my blog, buy me a coffee☕ and find me on instagram! Also, join my Tumblr writing community for some more fun.

💎Before you ask, check out my masterpost part 1 and part 2

Reference: Latin for the Illiterati: a modern guide to an ancient language by Jon R. Stone, second edition 2009.

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 1 month ago

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If this post gets 10 reblogs I'll make the Grishaverse pantheon of characters in Dress to Impress. (Edit: This was reached, so at some point it will happen >:)

If this post gets 20 reblogs I'll let the people vote on the order in which the characters get revealed. (Edit: This was reached, so the voting will commence soon >:)

If this post gets 69 reblogs I'll livestream the whole thing on twitch.

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naushtheaspiringauthor · 1 month ago

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~Child Of The Storm~

Nikolai Lantsov x OC

Image by - @brokendreamtale2

Warnings- slight ptsd and mentions of scars

A/N- CHILD OF THE STORM IS BACK YALL. I am SO sorry for disappearing for like, three months life's been A LOT. There's only two three more chapters left until the fic's over. I cannot believe it's been more than a year. BUT there is something new coming up very soon (tho it would be a lot sooner IF I JUST FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THE DAMNED PLOT HOLE). Anyways, this chapter's a bit long so buckle in. And let me know if you'd like to be added or removed from the taglist!

Taglist- @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @sirisuorionblack @evelyndane @marauders-wife @el-de-phi

Ch-65 ~and it was either going to make her stronger than ever~

Anaya stopped at the doorway. She took a deep breath before entering the ballroom.

The place was a massive hall with shiny golden walls and chandeliers that covered almost the entire ceiling. It was where all of the royal events were hosted.

And tonight, for Nikolai’s coronation, Genya had done a great job of making even the hideous Grand Palace appear endearing.

Even though Nikolai was supposed to be the centre of attention tonight, every head turned as Anaya went in.

Even Nikolai himself had turned to look at her.

“Great” she thought, not quite fond of the gesture. She’d already been late because she’d spent the afternoon working when she should've been preparing for the event.

She walked forward, her gown brushing against the laces of her shoes, a smile on her face.

She saw Genya and Zoya standing in a far corner, gesturing to her to come to them.

“Councillor Nasrazeen,” A man spoke up, blocking her path. “It’s an honour to finally meet you” he smiled. Though his narrowed eyes and raised eyebrow expressed how he was much more irritated to meet her.

“Duke Verensky” he introduced himself.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Duke Verensky” Anaya said, a smile plastered across her face.

“I have to say,” he began. “Ravka truly is changing its ways of working” He raised his brows. “Given how the Council is now being led by a Grisha woman”.

There it was.

When the news of Anaya’s position had reached the nobles, some had been intrigued as to why she’d become the Councillor. Others had simply refused to accept it.

“Surely you’re aware of all the events that have happened in our country since last year,” Anaya said, her voice unwavering. “Ravka is certainly seeing changes it hadn’t ever seen before.” She tilted her head. “And perhaps it’s for the best.”

But the Duke only narrowed his eyes further, “That we shall see” he gave a nod, walking away.

The coronation began shortly afterwards and lasted for a while.

Anaya glanced at the clock. It’d only been an hour since she’d arrived, and yet it had felt like an eternity.

The prying eyes of the guests and their never ending questions made her want to walk out the door, but she had no other choice but to stay.

“Why exactly did King Nikolai choose you for a position that holds such great importance?” One of the guests asked.

“I believe you would have to ask his majesty himself about his decision” She offered as pleasantly as she could.

“Still, if you had to think of a possible reason, what would you choose?” She pressed.

It’s probably because I don’t ask useless questions.

“It could be, as I’ve worked by his side during the civil war and because of my experience on foreign lands” She said.

“Surely you would need more factors than that to be worthy of running a country” the woman said, smiling.

Why don’t you run it instead.

Anaya forced her lips into a smile, “Duchess, I-”

“I deeply apologise for interrupting you,” Genya appeared by her side. “But I’m afraid I’ll have to borrow Miss Nasrazeen for a moment” she smiled and dragged Anaya away by her arm.

“How do I thank you for this favour Genya” Anaya let out an exasperated sigh as she went to the corner where Zoya was.

“By actually dressing up on time” Genya grinned as she rolled a single amber eye.

“That woman is a menace,” Zoya added, handing Anaya a glass of champagne.

“That I figured out” Anaya rolled her eyes, taking the glass.

“I have to say,” Genya glimpsed at her dress. “You do look good in blue”.

“‘Immensely endearing’ is the term I’d use” Anaya flashed a grin.

She lowered her voice“ I'm surprised how you managed to turn this hideous palace appealing ”

“What can I say” Genya straightened her shoulders. “I'm very talented”.

“Where is David by the way?” She asked

Genya rolled her eye, “He left as soon as the Coronation was over. He's very repulsive to social gatherings”.

“However do you deal with him” Zoya said, shaking her head.

There was a brief silence, filled by their similar thoughts.

“It's so hard,” Zoya sighed. “Pretending to be thrilled about all this, as if nothing happened”.

Anaya gave a single nod of her head. “That's what this all is” she lifted a shoulder. “Pretending to move on, getting used to the changes, acting along in the play”.

“Atleast Nikolai’s doing it a lot better than us,” Genya said, her gaze drifting over to where he was standing.

Anaya nodded in agreement.

Even after all he'd endured, he'd managed to keep the act going, playing the parts he was expected to.

She had no idea how he did it all, when she could do nothing to shake the feeling of her scars creeping over her, reminding her of how they came to be.

Slithering like thorned vines over her arms, her back.

The evening stretched on and the nobles continued to pester Anaya with their inane questions.

And she had no choice but to offer them and answer.

…………………………………..

Anaya stood near one of the tables at a corner, a glass of champagne in her hand. It was getting immensely difficult to get through the event without it.

She then noticed two of the grisha students silently creeping out with a bottle of champagne hidden behind their backs.

“And where exactly do you two plan to be going?” Anaya said, appearing behind them.

The Fabrikator and the Heartrender turned around hastily, trembling in fear upon the sight of her.

“Nowhere…ma’am” The Boy began, refusing to meet her gaze

But the Heartrender cut him off, “I actually needed some fresh air so I told him to go outside” She offered.

Despite being shorter, Anaya seemed to be the one looking down at them.

“And I suppose you also need the champagne to enjoy the fresh air” She raised an eyebrow.

“We-” The girl began, but Anaya's sceptical gaze stopped her from further speaking.

Anaya looked at them for a moment, “What are your names?” She said, finally speaking.

“I- Nestor Verakov”, ma’am” The boy looked at his feet.

Anaya's gaze shifted to the girl.

“Nina Zenik” she said, managing to look up.

Anaya sighed, “Fine go, just don't let the General see you” she glanced at Zoya who was surrounded by a group of First Army officials.

They barely nodded before rushing out the door.

Anaya sighed and went back to her corner before another noble could drag her off.

She looked around, taking a sip from her second glass.

“Going very fast on the champagne are we?” She turned to see Nikolai with a smile on his face. “I will need my Councillor to be able to work tomorrow you know” He walked to her side.

Anaya sighed, “Yeah yeah”.

“You know,” He stood beside her. “Even though it’s supposed to be my day, you’re the one gathering all the attention” He flashed a grin.

Anaya rolled her eyes, “These people ask the most inane questions” She shook her head. “I get people asking how I plan on bringing developments to the country,” She waved her hand. “But how am I supposed to know what kind of woman the new king would be willing to marry?” She turned her hand.

He shook his head in disdain but he was smiling, “Ah, the nobles�� He tilted his head briefly. “They tend to do that quite a lot, you’ll get used to it”.

“Perhaps you should tell them that the King’s looking for a seamstress who plays the eighteen string Khatur”.

Anaya turned to him, “Why specifically the eighteen string?” She raised a brow. “Why not the twelve?”.

“I” He began. “am a cultured man Anaya” He spoke as dramatically as he could manage with the guests watching them. “The eight string is for uncultured fools, don’t you think?”

“I don’t know,” Anaya put her glass down. “I don’t have much interest in string instruments”.

He paused briefly then spoke, “I’d have to thank you for your advice” His voice was much lower and serious. “Really helped me get through all this”.

Anaya looked at him and gave the barest shake of his head, “Well I’m not one to offer advice,” She met his gaze. “But I’m glad I could help” Her lips formed a small smile.

……………………………………………

The topic had come up the previous morning. Anaya had been in her study, working, when Zoya and Genya had shown up to have tea with her.

“Nikolai doesn’t seem very thrilled about it,” Zoya had pointed out.

Genya nodded, “He appears distressed” She lowered her voice. “After all he’s endured, I’m not sure if he wishes to be King all the same.”

“But he has to,” Zoya said.

Genya gave a distant nod, pondering upon something. “Anaya” She turned to her.

“Hmm?” Anaya looked away from her papers.

“You should speak with him”.

Anaya furrowed her brows, “What why?”.

Genya picked up her teacup, “He needs someone to tell him that he doesn’t need to fret about being the King”.

Anaya looked at her with an utterly confused look, “Why me? Why can’t either of you speak with him?”.

She glanced at Zoya. “Well not her, but why can’t you do it”

Zoya rolled her eyes.

“I don’t…really speak with him” Genya said, hesitation lingering in her voice. “Given all that has happened”.

Genya had been pardoned only because of Alina Starkov. So there still was some hesitation between her and Nikolai. And Anaya had the feeling he didn’t fully trust her yet.

“Plus, he does seem to listen to you,” Zoya added.

Anaya raised her brows.

“He does, actually,” Genya agreed.

So Anaya had spoken with him.

Not the entire day. The only time she’d seen him was when she’d been walking down the hall with the Finance Minister.

When she’d been walking back to the Little Palace at night, then she’d seen him. Standing near the lake, almost irrecognizable.

"Nervous about the big day?" Anaya asked as she walked towards him.

He turned to her in utter curiosity. His gaze softened upon the sight of her, "Well yeah" he sighed. "It's quite weird".

He looked up at the night sky, the gleaming stars. "Even though I've been preparing for this my entire life, it still seems very daunting".

She stood next to him.

"It is understandable" she met his gaze. "I mean it's not everyday you get to be the King" she tilted her head. "It can be quite strange, when the moment you've been waiting, preparing for so long, finally comes". Her voice was low, the breeze on a summer night, making the trees waver gently.

"For a long while, it almost seems impossible".

"Improbable, actually" Nikolai lifted a finger, a corner of his mouth turned up.

"What?" She said, utterly perplexed.

"Nothing is truly impossible, it's only ever improbable".

She nodded briefly in amusement, "Well, alright".

The silence lingered in the air, gentle, comforting, a hand held in another.

“Is this what you wanted to do?” Nikolai spoke, turning towards her.

She furrowed her brows in confusion.

“To be the council leader, run the country?” He amended.

She looked at him, startled by the question but soon, her gaze softened. “Well, I’ve been certain for a long while” she looked at her hands. “That I wish to help the people, work for their betterment”.

“And if being the Councillor is my way to do it, then I’m content with this job.” She lifted a shoulder.

She turned to the sky, admiring the gleaming stars, the moon at the centre of it all, shining the brightest.

She could feel his gaze on her, lingering in the silence. She didn’t look at him, she didn’t believe she could.

“It’s not easy,” he finally spoke. “Pretending to be your best version, when you’re still picking up the pieces”.

“Isn’t that what we’re all doing?,” she said, finally turning towards him. “Pretending to be okay when we’re not?”.

He nodded, looking at the sky, appearing as if he’s reminiscing.

“You’ll make a great King,” Anaya’s voice wavered in the air.

He met her gaze, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

“Especially because you’ll have an immensely talented Councillor by your side” She lifted her grinning, a small grin playing on her lips.

He smiled, “That, I will”.

#nikolai lantsov x oc #nikolai lantsov fanfiction #nikolai lanstov x reader #nikolai lantsov x reader

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