#(And some muses have done/can do/will do everything on this list but perhaps not in this order?)

[more-than-a-princess]

Sonia Nevermind has appeared! What to do?

Run away

Pet

Fondle butt

Confess

[isolaradiale]

. . . . .

"Mmhm, I see, I see... Your father did tell us you had a bit of a mishap with your art project. We couldn't help coming to give some advice." Solaris muses, circling the diorama of the city. Currently, it's been moved to a coffee table.

"Yes, he told me I should try and spin it as if I had done such a thing on purpose. But I don't see how I could possibly..." "Oh, we had an idea for that!"

Mimosa flutters from behind, resting her hands on Janus' shoulders. The glint of mischief hiding in her rosy glasses does not escape his notice.

"We could help you mirror it in the city proper, you know!" "What?" "It's an interesting theory. The structures you made still stand, but what gives them life and personality has been greyed out." "I wouldn't say that--" "So how do you fix it? Do you paint them with the hues and values they're supposed to be, or do you pick something new?" "What do you do with the spots where the paint bled together? Do you paint over that, too?"

As the two bounce back and forth in this terrible game of brainstorming, Janus begins to put his hands to his cheeks in mounting horror.

"Oh, no. No no no. Absolutely not--" "If we make someone look like an old black and white movie, what happens? Will they try to change to technicolour?" "Would they paint themselves the colour palettes they're used to? Maybe it's something entirely different. If we make those hues correspond with their personalities..." "I--I'll have no part in this! The last time something like this happened, everything--" "Ah-ah, don't worry."

Mimosa leaves Janus side to twirl next to Solaris, who makes an artful pose himself, as if framing the splotchy mess of a diorama in his hands.

"We have this one completely under control. Not like last time." "I'll make sure of it. Just a little bit of editing... ah, Mimosa, what if we..."

Janus can only move his head as the two take their leave, watching them scheme and snicker. He turns back to look at the model of the city. And in a scramble that almost makes him trip over his own feet, he rushes to his boxes of paints.

"--I have to at least put the base coat back on, or they really won't have anything at all!"

. . . . .

Welcome to another zany event for the fall season! It looks like Mimosa and Solaris aren't done causing trouble, but this time, it should be harmless. Right? (Right...?)

Taking inspiration from a creative mishap, the Stars have decided to effectively render the city in greyscale--including the people residing in it--to see what really makes everyone so colourful. Thankfully, most people will start with a base hue.

What does that mean, though? Here's a handy-dandy list of notes!

As soon as it strikes midnight that night, your muse will find that they've been completely greyscaled, save for one colour that represents who they are at their core, and only that colour! - Think of it like those 'what colour is your soul' quizzes. If your muse was only one hue, what would it be? For example, a character that is inherently cheery might turn completely yellow or pink, while a hot-headed character may turn red or orange to reflect their personality.

Your muse cannot help but feel and act whatever hue/personality they seem to be. However! The more your muse interacts with the people around them, the more colours (and feelings/facets of their personality) will open up to them. This will also physically reflect on them. - If your cheery yellow muse bumps into a sad, blue muse, you'll both have a new colour to express. Now you can feel happy (yellow) AND sad (blue)! And perhaps a sort of melancholy joy, like watching your best friend win that prize you wanted instead of you. Of course, you're happy for them, but sad you didn't win. - Or maybe those two colours mix into being green with envy... And suddenly, you have a new colour ;3

Any inanimate object your muse interacts with (except their Island Issued Cell Phone) will take on your muse's hue. Every step you take will leave a colourful footprint in its wake, every hand rail will have colourful handprints. More on that later.

With enough interactions and perspectives, your muse will be back to their old selves in no time! If, that is, they want to go back to their old selves at all. Maybe another colour palette suits them better than before...?

"It can't be that easy, though."

And, you're right! The experiment did more than reduce everyone to solid (or no) colours! Some other strange things are happening, too. Such as...

The NPCs of the city have not escaped unscathed. Unlike you, though, they have no hue to them at all. However, they'll absorb colours from your muses by proximity and action. - If your deep-green jealous muse is around, NPCs will turn deep-green too, and may want what you have--and might try to take it by force. But a calm mint-coloured muse may just leave you alone and soak up some vibes. - This extends to creatures of the island, too, so watch out!

Sources of water in the city (the ocean, lakes, ponds, swimming pools, etc) will wash away at least one colour from you. (You can still drink and cook with it without any effect, though.) Better not get caught in a rainstorm any time soon!

To combat this, you can find paint cans with a random colour paint in them around the city. You never know what you're going to get, though!

The city itself is completely greyscale, so navigating it might be a challenge without any colourful landmarks to stand out. That being said, your muse will leave colour wherever they go, like they're a giant paint roller. And so will everyone else's muses! Figuring out populated areas will be Very Easy, but you might get disoriented in places that don't get a lot of foot traffic.

These are the major issues...... for now :)

FAQ

"Do I have to pick a hue at the beginning? I can't decide on one."

It's entirely possible that your muse can start in greyscale, and just has No Personality. In that case, they'll take on the hue of the first person they interact with.

"What do we do if a colour has multiple associations with it?"

Each association of that colour is a valid one, and there are no incorrect colour associations. Each colour is whatever you need it to be in the moment. The definition of "red" for your muse may not match the "red" of your RP partner--and that's okay! What may be helpful is to make an event info post explaining your colour choice, how you interpret it, and how it would affect your character!

"Do we have to stick to basic colours like red, yellow, green, blue, etc?"

Nope. Maybe your muse is a mauve, emerald, beige, or aquamarine. Pick any colour you think is best for the moment!

"In theory, could we use the paint cans laying around to add hues to others by splashing them with it or something?"

PVP is enabled, if you want to be a menace! (with mun permission, of course)

"Is the comic in black and white for plot reasons?"

No, I'm just lazy :c

Have a question you don't see on here? You can message the Masterlist!

See you in a week! Make sure to get as many colour perspectives as you can, okay? :)

[aziraphales-library]

Hi! Thank you for this blog. I was wondering if you could recommend any fics where one or the other or both at once think the other is dead?I love presumed dead fics.

Hello! You can check some previous presumed dead recs here, and you may also be interested in our #temporary character death tag. Here are some more presumed dead fics...

The Empty Flat & The Burning Bookshop by probably_publius (T)

It took a lot for Aziraphale to finally give in and give Crowley the thermos of Holy Water, and when he does, he is ladden with guilt. He can only hope that he doesn't use it on himself. In this storyline, Sergeant Shadwell takes just a minute longer to run to Mr. Fell's bookshop and misses Aziraphale after he runs to Crowley's flat. Meanwhile, Crowley is driving (if you can call it driving) to the bookshop. Aziraphale finds the demon goop and his thermos of Holy Water in Crowley's empty flat, his best friend gone. Crowley finds the bookshop in flames, his best friend gone. Warnings!!! You have been warned! Heavy angst, some swearing, reference to murder , reference to discorporation, reference to stealing, mention of Nazis, themes of and apparent suicide, themes of depression, self-loathing, and self-guilt.

Fractured Heart by Blue_Sparkle (T)

Angels are sturdy beings, but rigid and changeless and not meant to endure grief or loss. When thousands Fall and many more are slain in the Great Rebellion, they either literally break apart...or forget. Aziraphale's only memories of his lost beloved are his lover's skill at creating stars. Memories he cherishes above all else. It complicates matters when his heart starts attaching to a certain demon, but perhaps his time on earth can teach him how to heal.

Stitches by CaspianTheGeek (E)

Until now, Aziraphale's family has seen fit to ignore him slipping into the village to see his tailor-turned-lover. That is until the King dies and Aziraphale's brother decides it is time he finds a proper match. Crowley is sent to prison and Aziraphale is told he has died for daring to love the prince. Love isn't so easily stopped, and Crowley is determined to return to Aziraphale however he can. (I promise, this will absolutely have a happy ending. As all my stories do.)

Anyway, Don't Be A Stranger by Juno_Sunlit (T)

It's been 10 years since Crowley died, and Aziraphale has mourned for every single minute. It's also been 10 years since Aziraphale died, and Crowley, up in the stars, has done the same. To God's chagrin, neither is aware of the other's continued existence. Sick and tired of grief big enough to end a universe, She sends them both on a trip through their old haunts, hoping they'll meet. All is as well and good as possible until something happens to Aziraphale, and a grieving Crowley must unknowingly come to his rescue. Includes musings on existence, gentle, warm flashbacks, demonic heists of a homosexual nature, God in slippers, asshole Gabriel, tearful reunions, the inherent tenderness of loving someone ever so much, and, through all the sorrow, a very happy ending.

A Beautiful Fiction by Thestarlitrose (E)

Nineteen years after having his memories of Crowley stolen, Aziraphale encounters Warlock and has everything come rushing back to him. Together; with the help of an ex-antichrist, they embark on a journey through the Southeastern, United States to locate Crowley to bring him home, where he belongs. Chapters with smut and other potential triggers will be listed in the notes.

The Ghost of Husbands Past by A_N_D (E)

Az always knew that he’d be thrown out the moment his father found out he was gay. He hadn’t expected to be declared dead though - or for his husband to believe it! But their marriage had been a foolish teenage impulse (not to mention invalid in America), so when Az moved to a small town far upstate New York to start his new life, he moved alone. The kindest thing he could do was let Crowley mourn and move on, not be shackled for life to a now disabled partner. Tony Crowley never recovered from losing his best friend, his childhood sweetheart, his better half. He’d been drifting ever since; no plans, no hope, no money - and now, just before Thanksgiving, no job either. Given the stark choice of freezing to death or accepting his sister’s invitation to join her upstate, Tony reluctantly lives out the Hallmark cliche of Recently Unemployed Person Moves to Small Town for Christmas. It’s a time of hope, love, and family. It’s time for Az and Tony to find each other again.

- Mod D

[eemoo1o-tfrmoo]

FanFriday #1: Fanfiction and the art of Snotlout and Hookfang.

For our first FanFriday, I will be looking at one of our arguably best rider-dragon duos: Snotlout & Hookfang! This post was originally going to be a one off, made around the 7th of this month, but I decided to make it into our first instalment of FanFriday instead.

Today, this list (one of many surrounding the duo, I’m sure) will only include works with just the Hookfang & Snotlout tag, so we won’t be covering fics with them as the main focus but other relationships tagged here.

It Aches So Bad by WhoIsWren — This is the first in a Snotlout and Hookfang based series titled Hook, Don’t Sink. This particular piece concerns the RoB episode Viking for Hire. In Snotlout’s POV, it accounts how Snotlout feels about his and Hookfang’s developing distance due to Hookfang’s toothache. It, as well as the rest of the work series, also involves Spitelout’s pressure on his son to be the best, and the author puts stress on Hookfang’s species as that applies to Spitelout’s demands. We also have some wholesome, platonic soulmate-esque cuddles once all is resolved and that makes everything bittersweet, though mostly sweet.

Loyalty At Heart by WhoIsWren — This is currently the last work in the aforementioned series. Here, it is in Hookfang’s POV during his panic when Snotlout goes missing in Sandbusted. The premise is sweet, and the writing is sweeter, and you get to see how Hookfang truly feels about his rider when he isn’t around and in danger.

How To Care For Your Dragon by TulipFluff — This fic is short but sweet, just like the last, but we return to Snotlout’s POV to account how Snotlout grooms Hookfang and how Hookfang lets him (an act of appreciation). In the background, Snotlout’s Terror, Pain (now named Lockjaw), from Worst In Show also makes an appearance. It’s always nice to see the inner-workings of these two’s relationship, even if the work itself isn’t psychoanalytical. What a lovely read!

On Trust by piratesPencil — This fic has a very unique approach to Snotlout and Hookfang’s relationship: Hookfang being glad that Snotlout is one short potato. Accompanying this insight is reflection on how Vikings used to treat dragons in comparison to now. This work is perhaps the sweetest, maybe even my favouritest out of the bunch, because of how interesting the base concept is. If you’re only going to select one out of this list, I think it’d have to be this one.

Gift of the Monstrous Nightmare by sarahenany & Thursday26 — This fic is a bit long, but it is definitely worth the read! Here, it includes emphasis on Spitelout and Snotlout’s relationship (as well as some mention of Spitelout’s treatment towards the wife), but mostly involves Snotlout and Hookfang. Hookfang here also speaks Dragonese written in broken English and he and Snotlout do have some conversations back and forth which is a signature theme in sarahenany’s works. It can be a bit distracting, but I think the broken English was done in just the right amount for a fic this length. Overall, this fic includes some great Snotlout and Hookfang moments, and righteous Spitelout slander. (Plus some sweet Fishlegs moments and some Gothi musings.) What a delightful read!

Main | FAQ | AO3

FanFriday

[sydsaint]

Summary: The reader is Shawn's assistant for NXT having an out-of-control night. Luckily for her, Ilja is always around to lend a helping hand and charming word where he can.

You rush into the building clutching an overflowing briefcase of files in one hand and your bag in the other. Your security badge swings violently against your chest as you weave through backstage personnel in a desperate attempt to make it to Shawn's office before he notices your absence.

You reach Shawn's office huffing and puffing like an animal. You shoulder through the door and thankfully find the room empty. "Oh thank god, I made it." You let out a shakey sigh and hurry over to your desk.

You set your stuff down and take a second to compose yourself. While you're catching your breath, the doorknob turns signaling that someone is coming in. You quickly scramble to your feet ready to greet who is surely Shawn arriving for the night.

"Oh, Ilja." Your rigid posture relaxes when the current NXT champion steps through the door. "Good evening." You sink back down into your chair with another sigh.

"Good evening, YN, my dear." Ilja flashes a debonaire smile at you as he aproaches your desk. "I saw you rushing across the loading bay earlier." He explains. "So I assumed that you could use a little pick-me-up before our night begins." He reveals a cup of hot coffee from catering in his hand.

You eye the coffee with a grateful smile and gladly take it from Ilja's hands. "Oh, thank you so much, Ilja." You thank him. "This is just what I needed after all that running I just did." You muse.

Ilja chuckles at your joke and nods. "I was happy to help, YN." He assures you. "Now! I will let you get back to work. Please do take care, my dear. And perhaps we will see one another again tonight." He bows his head at you with charming smile before turning and exiting the room.

You watch Ilja shut the door behind him and feel blush creeping up your neck. You've been hit on plenty of times by some of the NXT superstarts since you took this job as Shawn's assistant. But none of them have the charm and poetic way with words that Dragonuv does.

A few minutes later Shawn finally arrives and greets you as he comes into the room. "Evening, YN." He nods as he passes your desk.

"Evening, boss." You nod back at him, pretending to be enthralled with the various paperwork at your desk.

"YN, remind me what we've got scheduled for tonight." Shawn asks you as he makes his way around his much larger desk at the back of the room.

You nod and dig around for tonights schedule. Once you've located the paper you're looking for you rise from your seat and walk over to Shawn's desk.

"We've got two more Dusty cup matches tonight. Both Semi-finals. Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade have a match scheduled. Chase University also have a tag match against Gallus. As well as a few backstage segments and promo's being filmed." You read everything on the list before handing it to Shawn. "Oh! And you have a conferene call with Hunter in 15 minutes." You add.

"Right, conference call." Shawn sighs and glosses over the paper. "I want you out at the producers table while I'm on the call." He informs you. "Just in case something happens that would otherwise warrant my attention."

You nod and walk back over to your desk to get some work done before Shawn's conference call. "No problem, boss."

You reply to a few emails and fill out a paper or two before it comes time for Shawns conference call. Shawn gets ready to take the call and you dismiss yourself out to the producers table backstage.

"Hey, guys." You greet everyone at the table once you've arrived backstage. "Shawn is busy taking an important call so he's left me in charge in case anything goes down while he's busy." You explain as you take a seat at the table.

The others nod and everyone gets back to work. You sit and watch the action in the ring for while before you grow thirsty and decide to grab a water from the table on the other side of the room.

You are retreiving said water when Ilja happens through the room after filming a short backstage promo for the show. "YN, darling!" He greets you with a wide smile and walks over.

"Ilja! Hello again." You smile right back at him. "How are you since we last talked? Everything go well with your backstage promo?" You ask him.

"It went fine." Ilja nods. "And I'm looking forward to facing Trick Williams in the ring here in a couple of weeks." He adds.

You nod in agreement and take a sip of your water. "I'm sure it'll be a great match to watch."

"How are you?" Ilja asks you after a moment. "Shawn isn't working you too hard is he?" He lightheartedly jokes.

"Not at all." You giggle. "The job can be hard at times, yeah. But I do love my work." You assure Ilja. "Plus, I have noticed a certain someone is always nearby to make my day better." You grin at him.

Ilja chuckles and nods. "It's my pleasure, YN. Anything I can do to ensure that stunning smile graces your lovely features, my dear."

You begin to blush again and bow your head in embarassment. "Ilja." You giggle to yourself when someone from the producers table begins beckoning you back to work. "Sorry, I should get back." You sheepishly dismiss yourself.

"Of course." Ilja nods and steps out of the way. "I'd never dream of keeping you from your work. Have a wonderful rest of your night, YN." He flashes you one last frustratingly charming smile.

"You too, Ilja." You nod and hurry back off to the producer's table blushing like a schoolgirl with a hopeless crush.

[soparklgc]

#   Plots and Sentence starters ━━  This took longer than expected, but below is a brief list of plots and sentence starters. Feel free to grab any of them! If nothing tickles your fancy, Seonam is open to all kinds of relationships—friends, rivals, mentors, fans, exes, and everything in between. If you have any ideas, just let me know, and we can brainstorm together!

(side note) I would love some pre-established relationships. He's been a trainee for 3 years so I'm sure he'd have a few friends here and there for him.

- "Smoke and Secrets" - Seonam is taking one of his usual smoke breaks, lost in thought. He notices (Muse A) approaching and, with a half-smile, offers them a cigarette without a word, almost like a silent invitation. As they take it (or turn it down), he asks. "What's your story then?" - "Night Market Stroll" - After a late night of practicing, Seonam decides to hit up a local street food vendor for his favorite tteokbokki. He bumps into (Muse B), who’s also out grabbing food or trying to get their bearings in the lively night market. Seo Nam offers to show them the best food stalls he knows, and maybe some other non-company sponsored fun-if they're up for it. - "Behind Closed Doors" Seonam's patience has finally run dry. The whispers about his family have been trailing him for days. He’s done ignoring the glances, and half-smirks as he passes by. So when he catches (Muse C) nearby—someone he believes has been spreading the gossip—something snaps. Whether they have or not doesn’t matter; he’s prepared to make an example of them. - "The Great Escape" - It’s a grueling day of training, and Seonam is over it. As he glances at the clock, an idea strikes him, and (Muse D) just happens to be in the right place at the wrong time. with a mischievous glint in his eye, he proposes they sneak out and promise a much-needed break from the grind. After all "There’s a whole city waiting to be explored” -"Lingering Looks" - (Muse E) catches Seonam’s attention in a way he didn’t anticipate, and he finds himself looking for excuses to be near them. During a late-night practice, he spots them in the hallway. Without directly saying it, he hints at his interest, his typical guardedness peeling back just enough for a subtle game of “Are you interested too?” - "The Dare" - Seonam views (Muse F) as about as interesting a silk flower. nice to look at but aromaless and uninteresting. He's amused by their innocence and, with a sly grin, decides to challenge them to do something - or things- outside of their comfort zone. From sneaking out past curfew to climbing the rooftop of an old building. it'll be a night that promises to be anything but innocent. - First Impressions" - (Muse G) joins the program, and Seonam, ever the observer, decides to scope them out. He watches from a distance, taking in the way they fumble through routines, stammer through introductions, and try to find their footing. With the tiniest bit of curiosity, he decides, perhaps for his own entertainment, to take them under his wing. From the start, it’s clear that his mentorship isn’t going to be the gentle, reassuring type. - "Old Mixtapes" - Seonam, ever the collector, has briefly unearthed one of his old mixtapes he made once upon a time. When (Muse H) stumbles across his little walk down memory lane, Seonam lets them listen in. Together they sift through his old tracks. perhaps together they can craft something better picking up on a melody here, a lyric there.

Sentence starters:

❛  Great, now I’m gonna be stuck with serious thoughts all day. ❜ ❛  Well, before I succumb to the ravages of old age, why don’t you tell me what brings you here? ❜ ❛  Due to personal reasons, I’m evil now. ❜ ❛  Sorry I called you a fucking idiot; I was trying to flirt. ❜ ❛  Brooding. Good look. Do you practice in the mirror? ❜ ❛  Partner, I reckon that I ain’t been feeling very yeehaw lately. ❜ ❛  I think my brain has officially shut down; if anyone needs me, I’ll be in my corner questioning all my life choices. ❜ ❛  I know we said we’d take it easy tonight, but I brought a bottle; want a sip? ❜ ❛  I can’t tell if you’re flirting with me or if I’m just reading too much into everything; either way, I’m not complaining.❜ ❛  Every time you open your mouth, I feel a little bit more of my soul withering away—thanks for that. ❜ ❛ I mean, I don’t love bad decisions, but they sure love me. ❜ ❛ Look, I’m just saying… what’s life without a little risk? ❜ ❛ Well, I’m all out of good ideas, so let’s try this instead. ❜ ❛ Don’t worry—I only cause mild chaos. Most of the time. ❜ ❛ If I had a nickel for every bad decision… well, I’d still have no money, but that’s beside the point. ❜ ❛ You’re doing that thing where you think too hard. Stop it. ❜ ❛ If there’s a lesson here, I promise I’m not gonna learn it. ❜ ❛ You’re the kind of person who plans. I’m the kind who doesn’t. Together, we’re unstoppable. ❜ ❛ Look, I get it—you’re perfect. But maybe you could try being human for once? ❜ ❛ I’m only showing you this once, so pay attention. ❜ ❛ I’m not saying I’d die for you, but I’d probably look out for you a little longer than I should. ❜ ❛  Is this where I’m supposed to thank you, or can we skip to the part where I roll my eyes? ❜ ❛ Sorry, I don’t do heartfelt moments. I can offer sarcasm—same thing, really. ❜ ❛ So, what’s it like to be so… relentlessly optimistic? Asking for a friend. ❜

[poohsources]

hi, pooh, is everything alright with you? i hope it's a yes! so, i'm sorry if you already answered something like this, but i just started to follow you right now (because i found your blog really interesting), saw this post of yours and was thinking: do you have tips about "losing our musing while roleplaying"? i see a lot of friends losing their muses, sometimes i do lose mine (which is sad, because we do have affection towards our chars), and i think some tips would help a lot and you seem to have the good ones. i would really appreciate if you could share them with us! the biggest thank you already and have a good, good day!

p.s: if i didn't made myself clear, sorry, english is not my first language ):

hi there! well, i'm sick again but other than that i'm fine, thanks. no worries, if questions are asked multiple times i tend to link them to the original answer. but it's one thing i haven't talked about yet, so you're good.

unfortunately, there is no definitive answer that will definitely help but there are some things i've either done myself or have heard about that are supposed to work, so i've compiled a list of all the tips that would help when you've lost your muse.

look at your muses' source material. this mostly applies to canon muses, but depending on the kind of oc, it might work for them as well. the idea behind it is to potentially watch a few episodes ( maybe ones that heavily feature or develop your character ) of the show your muse is from if you're writing a tv show character; reread the book / certain passages if you have a book muse, or just generally interact in any kind of way with the source material. even if you're canon divergent it might help ignite your muse again when you "see them in action" so to speak.

listening to music. if you're into music, you can probably make a playlist for your character including songs that either remind you of them or are something you think your character would listen to in their own free time. now whenever you're listening to that playlist it can help you inspire your muse.

read fanfics. if you're like me and spend an ungodly amount of time reading fanfics, it's something that can help you get inspiration for your muse. again that mostly only applies to canon muses but seeing the way others write your muse and the different scenarios they can be thrown into, might help with your own muse ( and especially plot ideas / au ideas ) that you can talk about either on the dash, to a friend or someone you'd think could be a great writing partner.

create your own stuff outside of rp for your muse. it kinda ties in into the playlist tip, but there are other ways to "channel" your muse outside of rp. do you enjoy drawing? draw your muse. do you like making mood / aesthetic boards? make one for your muse. there are so many different things you can do for your muse outside of roleplaying / writing that can help you get your muse back. even if it's just by doing other stuff.

talk to your friends. if you have friends or certain writing partners you talk to a lot, it can help to just talk to them about your muse(s). you don't even have to spew plot ideas or discuss things that have to do with roleplay but maybe just some casual talk about specific topics ( or if it's a canon muse, you could talk about their source material and what you like / dislike ).

dream up scenarios. if you're someone with an imaginative mind, one thing that can help is dream up certain scenarios that involve your muse. perhaps certain things that could happen to them and how they'd react, or interactions with other people or just random day-to-day stuff ― just put yourself in their shoes and think about them. ( potentially you'll even have some great plot or verse ideas this way. )

last, but not least, take a step back from roleplaying your muse. i know that this is probably the one people will dislike the most but sometimes the best thing you can do when you've lost your muse is to take a step back from it. if you're forcing yourself to write because you think it's what you're supposed to do, it's pretty much bound to frustrate you and therefore make you lose your muse. we all love our characters and the things we've created for them, but sometimes we have to let go. of course it doesn't have to be a permanent thing, maybe someday you'll get your muse for that character back and make a return to it, but sometimes you'll realize that you can't get your muse back and that is okay.

occasionally, people connect to characters that speak to them during specific times of their life and if these change, it can change the muse for that character because you don't feel as connected to them anymore. you can still cherish that time and love that character but as i said above, if you're forcing yourself to do anything, it's bound to be bad.

anyway, i hope these tips will help! :)

[oathkeeperoxas]

@adiduck requested 83 Sweaty kiss for saintspy May, which obviously led to the boys flirting, as they do <3

“You couldn’t have installed air conditioning in this hideout of yours?”

Ethan’s mouth twitches at the edge, but he doesn’t give in just yet. “It would draw attention,” he says. “This place needs to look like everything else in the neighbourhood.”

“I know that I don’t like the cold,” Tony protests. “But this is taking it a little too far.”

“It’s just for the day,” Ethan says. “We’ll be on the move again tonight.”

Tony watches him from under half lowered lashes, sprawled up against the arm of his uncomfortable lounge. They’re chasing a lead on their mystery man – they’re always chasing a lead on him. Ethan is hell bent on it like nothing Tony has ever seen from him before, and he said that he would be here to support, and he is, but he’s good at mocking up fake identification documents and disguises. Ethan wants to hide? Well, Tony is certain that no one will be looking in upscale Parisian hotels for the man on the FBI’s most wanted list.

“I know,” he says. “Just making conversation.”

“It’s funny to be doing this with you,” Ethan muses. “In the IMF we like to talk up the shittest jobs we’ve done – wading through swamp and getting trench foot, or living with thousand of mosquito bites in Ontario, being off grid and eating MREs for months at a time – and then you come along and mention the heat.”

“Oh, I get it,” Tony scoffs. “All that masculine posturing.”

“The women did it too,” Ethan says mildly.

“I’m not excusing them,” Tony says, shaking his head. “They can get in on it too. It’s a toxic work environment, Ethan. Really. You should be grateful that you’re here with me. At least we can talk truth to one another.”

“Hm,” Ethan hums. “Is that what we’re doing?”

“Usually,” Tony allows. “More often these days then not, I hope.”

Ethan’s face softens. “Yes. I hope that, too.”

Tony nods. “Then admit that you don’t like the heat either.”

Ethan barks a laugh. “I should have seen that coming,” he says. “Look, it’s not pleasant. But we’re safe. That’s what matters.”

“Hmm,” Tony hums. “If we’re talking truth…”

Ethan raises an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“And if we’re safe…” Tony says, drawing it out and enjoying the expectation on Ethan’s face. He’s listening. He’s waiting for Tony to speak. He wants to hear what he’s about to say. It goes to his head. Often, lots does, when it comes to this man.

“Yes?” Ethan prompts, drawing the word out himself. Tony allows himself a smug smile.

“Perhaps you could distract me,” he offers, putting his chin in his hand and running his tongue over his lower lip, to great effect. “Since we’re already hot and sweaty already.”

Ethan’s lips finally curve into a smile. “A distraction,” he repeats. “I don’t know. I’ve heard some pretty daunting things about a person they call “The Saint” and I’d think that I’d have to come up with a fairly good distraction if I wanted to snag him.”

“I think you’re right,” Tony agrees. “It would have to be a good distraction. I have it on pretty good authority, though, that you’re pretty good at those.”

“Only pretty good?” Ethan asks, stalking over towards Tony. Tony smirks at him.

“I’m open to changing my mind,” he says. “With a practical demonstration.”

Ethan slips between his thighs and leans down. Tony doesn’t move, letting Ethan come to him. Ethan’s hand is warm and damp when it lands on his cheek – though that might just be Tony’s skin, honestly. Ethan captures his lips with a practised ease, slipping his tongue inside Tony’s mouth just the way he likes it.

“I believe I can accommodate that request,” Ethan murmurs. “If I may?”

Tony puts his hands on him to keep him close. “You may,” he allows, and Ethan needs no more encouragement than that.

Send me a kiss for saintspy May 😘

[forerussake]

Twenty questions for fic writers

I was tagged by the wonderful @elenothar! Thankssss❤️

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

45

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

456.761

3. What fandoms do you write for?

I've written for a bunch of fandoms over the years. Currently I'm most active in Guardian and adjacent fandoms, but I think I could and would still write for pretty much everything I've written for in the past. So the full list would be Guardian, the Silmarillion, QZGS, MDZS/CQL, YYM, the Rebel, DMBJ, and some RPF :D

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Counting the promises as yet unbroken (165)

A ballad of burning lungs and bated breath (125)

A hand within a hand (holding light) (120)

Kaleidoscope (114)

Crowded full of parting's feeling (99)

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to always respond to comments, bc i myself really like it when an author responds to my comments, so I would be a hypocrite not to do it myself. But also I kind of enjoy that interaction. Especially if ppl have commented on specific lines or on the themes. Sometimes commenters have insights about my fics that even I didn't have myself while writing, and I like to let them know their thoughts were appreciated :)

6. What is a fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Well, I am an angst writer, but I often try to make the endings of my fics at least a bit hopeful :/// I think the angstiest ending to a finished fic would have to go to either Crowded full of parting's feeling, which ends with LXC being (for the first time in his life) truly and utterly alone. Kind of a bummer. Or perhaps the easy part, which ends with ZYL crying himself to sleep on the kitchen floor.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

As I said, I try to make my endings hopeful, if not truly happy, but there are a few true happy endings to my fics! I think my RPF pieces tend to be the happiest bc I am slightly less likely to put these guys through the wringer the way I do with my truly fictional blorbos. I think the happiest however is homecoming, which ends with WJX finally coming out as trans and being her best and truest self.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not yet??? Hopefully it stays that way! I do write RPF though, so I'm very ready for one of the crazy antis to one day drop into my inbox calling me all sorts of nasty things for *looks at writing scribbled on hand* having the audacity to put characters in fictional situations that don't hurt the real ppl that inspired these characters in any way??? yeah :PPP

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Occasionally, when the muse strikes! But my ace brain finds it quite difficult. My mind tends to trail off and scatter all over the place when I get to the actual smut, and I have a hard time reeling it back in. As a result my smutty fics often get needlessly long xD and they also get a little kinky bc my brain tries to come up with ways to stay engaged in its own writing xD I like testing the limits of how poetic I can be about smut scenes.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Almost never. I rarely enjoy reading them unless they are very well done, so I don't generally think of writing them. The only consistent exception to this rule is all the weilan derivative fics! I love those very much, even if I don't always know the characters. So i've written one of those myself: no shame in having loved, a crossover between the Rebel and Detective L, which takes Luo Fei's perspective at snapshots in the Rebel canon, reflecting on everything that Lin Nansheng learns, loses, and cannot seem to stop giving away. It's a sad one, but with a slightly hopeful ending :)

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of? I don't think I'm big enough in any fandom for anyone to consider stealing my work.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope, but I have had one podficced :D

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I have not. On the one hand I think I'd love to try one day, but I'm also very particular about certain things and I fear I might get antsy. I love brainstorming about fic though! Some of my best ideas have come from talking to people.

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

Uhm Weilan I think? I'm not really in fandom for the shipping.

15. What's a wip you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

ohh hard one. I have three, if I may:

And miles to go (before I sleep): it's a story that's still very dear to me, but it's been so long since I started it that I think I'd need to rewrite the whole thing, bc I've gotten better at writing in the meantime and the style of any new chapter wouldn't match the first ones.

First gradually, and then all at once: I wrote all of this in a single week, and then uni got in the way, and then my hyperfixation on YYM ended and since then the fic's been stuck in unfortunate limbo :(((( I really want to finish it but I need the muse to guide me

Tryptich: not yet posted, but fully planned. It's one of the toughest, angstiest, most cathartic fic plots I have ever come up with, and I really want to write it because it is such a meaningful story about mental health and loss and recovery, but it's also YYM fandom, and as established above I need to regain that hyperfixation for this to move anywhere :(((( or just have a lot of free time on my hands where I can write both the guardian fic stuck in my brain and this.

16. What are your writing strengths?

uuhm, I think atmosphere/scene setting, structure, and character study/reflection.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

dialogue tags (bane of my existence). I also think my work can sometimes drag on, I use too many words sometimes. Also I feel like I can be kind of a one trick pony xD I repeat a lot of similar lines and dramatic build-up between stories.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

Can be great when other ppl do it. If it's a language I can read a little bit that's nice , otherwise including a translation at the bottom helps. I'd definitely never write dialogue in a language I'm not fluent in. That being said, I do pay a lot of attention to what language my characters are 'actually' speaking, even if I present their dialogue to my readers in English. For example if would write a phrase like "he pauses to breathe between all three syllables" (which sucks as a line, but bear with me), in an English-language fic where the characters would canonically be speaking Mandarin Chinese, then I would make sure the line that character said would actually contain 3 syllables in both English and Chinese. I do a lot of that kind of reasoning in my head. "If this line, reflecting on dialogue spoken in Y language, was transposed directly into language X that the characters are really supposed to be speaking, would the line still work like this?" if the answer there is no, then I will either change the line, or change the English dialogue until I have something that reflects what I imagine the characters would say in their native language in the way I need!

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Tolkien!

20. Favorite fic you've written?

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO CHOOSE??? it's probably either a hand within a hand (holding light) or kaleidoscope.

Thanks again, this was fun!!!

tagging: @pangzi @programmedradly @lunarriviera @lucientelrunya @mjsakurea @lynne-monstr @dual-domination @aredhel-of-doylkien @thedaughterofshadows if you want to :)

[fr0gg13b413]

Baie | she/they | unlabled | 18

– currently listening to: 'david melrose theme' by hauschka, smokey eyes by lincoln, along with elias hix, hozier, noah kahan, gang of youths – currently reading: all the light we cannot see by anthony doerr and phosphorecence by julia baird

welcome

hello :> it's general chaos around here. possibly some web weaving of my own floating about. but there's not much else to it

about me: australian!! 2006. lover of love and life. infj 4w5. very in love ᰔᩚ chaotic good! rediscovering and building my faith :) lqbtqia+

academia: graduated '23!! starting my double degree in ‘24! slowly self-teaching japanese ᰔᩚ. chaotic academia by blood

the goal: bachelor criminology and criminal justice + psychological science (and maybe cybercrime in the future?)

master list

(links are broken atm, but the tags are correct)

#poems and quotes

#ineptias loqour (my posts)

#study log

#media

#artwork

#music

#musings (a fav of mine)

#meme

#not a meme but that same category of posts

#on christianity

#letters to myself

#that one type of green

#web weaving

#anderson don’t talk out loud. you lower the iqueue of the whole street. (queue tag)

added this section with the tags i use most often so i can find posts later, everything else is just #on *thing* and frankly i can't be bothered with that.

will possibly add links to fandoms and reads... not sure yet. it would be good to have an active list of all the books i read and enjoyed enough to keep a list of…. here’s a short list of fandomesque things tho: sherlock, rwby, bts/kpop, d20, sk8 the infinity, good omens, epic the musical, lore olympus webtoon, loki series, fnaf,

books would include: archives of despair by caleb finn, hamlet, good omens, throne of glass series, embassy row series, the song of achilles by madeline miller, they both die at the end duology, the inheritance games series, shadow and bone+six of crows, everything by alice oseman

music as well perhaps? hozier, bts, ericdoa, noah kahan, glaive, cage the elephant, lizzy mcalpine, cave town, mccafferty, chase atlantic, brakence, eden, the front bottoms, (it’s all over the place… just not much country music tbh)

here’s the old intro post, haven't decided what to do with it yet

⊹˚₊ ૮꒰•༝ •。꒱ა

ik this is a new account, but i’ve been here since july 2020 &lt;3

for what i have done and failed to do i am sorry.

[roadandruingame]

RaR Musings #14: Spheres

As I continue to try to build out my extensive list of possible ability influences in Road and Ruin, certain spheres begin to emerge, which helps to recognize what might need a sub-resource.

In the first place, Road and Ruin operates on associations. Where other games ask that you make up the circumstances, twists, or even whole setting out of whole cloth, the aim, at least, is for Road and Ruin to appeal to each player's personal experience of popular culture, in a part-tarot, part-rorschach test. The pros of this is that mechanics will assist in players getting to experience what they've come to expect of a story from their genre, with some twists along the way, as well as fulfill any genre. The cons, of course, are if people aren't already familiar with a genre, or have any desire to recreate the tropes from one, then they won't be learning about them here except from other players.

Because Road and Ruin operates on associations, there needs to be certain tropes and recognizable themes in play. The sphere of [ANIMALS] might mean a pet dog, birds, or a tiger, or hunting; in fantasy, it might mean speaking to animals, gaining their powers, or transforming into one, or omens, and in sci-fi, it can mean alien creatures. The sphere of [ELEMENTS] means a lot more to a fantasy player than to sci-fi or the unfamiliar, but likewise, [TECHNOLOGY] can be an entire sci-fi story with very little fantasy applications.

The sphere of [COMBAT] having sub-categories, [FIREARMS], [SWORDPLAY], [MARTIAL ARTS], and [TACTICS] mean a wider variety of playstyles for players who are interested in those, but overly fixating on that sphere means an equal drop in features that don't involve combat in some way. But, if non-combat can lean on what's quickly ballooned out to 60+ proficiencies and counting, for a system where skill checks use up to two in combination, then perhaps combat does need the lion's share of "I use this special ability".

Spheres of [CRAFTING] are both unlikely to be widely used, while also extremely popular for a small niche of players who actually like that sort of thing. Such action can mean anything from specific crafting stations, to sourcing and processing high-quality materials, applying techniques, repair and upkeep, having a catalogue, and simply being able to avoid the service costs of having someone else do it, or making sure it's done right the first time. This sphere relies heavily on the 'associations' of people interested in such things already; rather than have unique recipes for everything that ever has, does, or could ever or never exist, we reduce components and projects down to properties. We don't need specific instructions on how to craft rope, just that if we need something long, flexible, and strong, we need something with the [[Strands]] property, of a certain durability. [Twining] as an action involves weaving things together, to increase durability. People can figure it out from there, twining hemp, vines, even the hair of giants or spiderweb to make ropes. It doesn't matter if it's possible or makes sense, all that matters is the players understand how to come to those conclusions.

________________

I run into the issue of cost.

I run into a very tilted problem where another, 'better' game might have universal 'Special Points', that you can use on any ability. Fireball? 1SP. Fist Flurry? 1SP. It'd allow players to pivot from their otherwise heavily-invested build, as well as be only a single resource for new players to learn, but it comes at a price.

Having multiple difference resources helps to keep divisions between spheres in a way that simply learning new abilities doesn't breach, but it also makes it harder to learn. The connective tissue between different kinds of resources is vast and sprawling, such that a player might not understand what their options actually are, but it also indicates visible connections that are easily searchable with CTRL+F. Not having universal points means the existence of a Battery to power electrical devices, without worrying about a packet of SP being sucked up by a monk looking to punch an extra ten times. In fact, those "what if" scenarios give me the benefit of design space, where "what if a monk COULD absorb the energy from a battery? That's something out of 40k or something" actually becomes a fun and unique ability combo.

I feel like I can use the mentality of a universal ability currency, and have conversions between skills, without actually having a universal currency. Such an 'apples to apples' conversion chart is a little unfortunate, because I have to make sure that there isn't a feedback loop where someone can spend 1MP to earn 3SP and 2SP to earn 1MP, but I think that's something I can chart out early and then balance for account.

[bellatrixobsessed1]

Vicarious (Part 39)

She has to at least respect her mother’s persistence. Although it isn’t a terribly hard task with the village being so small, Ursa had managed to track her down. Or so she thinks that she has. Azula wonders for just how long the woman has been conversing with Sokka, apologizing for touching her without asking. At the very least, Sokka hasn’t had to say anything at all, it seems as though mother has done most of the talking. 

Azula comes to stand behind Sokka who casts a glance over his shoulder. Relief twinkles in his eyes. She places a hand on his shoulder and he smiles at her. “Thank Raava you’re here.”

“Who is this?” Ursa asks.

“That’s a more complicated question than you think.” Azula replies for Sokka. She slides her hand down Sokka’s arm and finds a seat next to him. She is close enough to smell the citrus aroma of the inn’s provided shampoo and body wash. Close enough to see that her hair is damp. In spite of having taken a bath, Sokka has not bothered to change out of her night clothing nor brush her hair. 

“How is it complicated?”

“I’m Azula.” She shrugs. “And that’s Sokka.” She points at her own body. Sokka gives her hand a sheepish wave, one that serves to solidify her point. 

Ursa’s brows pinch as she looks between the two of them. “You…? How?”

“Well I imagine that it was similar to the manner in which you acquired an entirely new face.” 

The woman’s hand twitches, the result of resisting the instinct to reach out. Even if she had, Azula imagines that she wouldn’t be certain whose cheek she should cup. 

“You’re going to have to repeat everything you just said to me.” Sokka mentions. “It’ll probably go more smoothly since you have a better idea of what you want to say.” 

“How long have the two of you…?”

“The first time or the second time?” Azula smooths the fabric of her robes. 

“You’ve switched twice?”

“It was an accident both times.” Sokka mentions. “I’ve been taking good care of her, I promise. And she’s been taking good care of me. Honestly she probably does a better job with keeping me on top of hygiene than I do for myself.”

“Perhaps you should let some of the grooming routines you run through on my behalf carry over when we switch back.” She suggests. “It is more pleasant to…” She casts a glance at her mother. “Let you hold me, when you smell clean.” 

Ursa’s eyes widen just for a moment. “He’s a lover?” 

Azula nods. 

She stares at Azula and then at Sokka. She holds that stare for the longest time. 

“Is it that unbelievable for you to see that I can love someone?” That someone wants to love her.

Ursa shakes her head. “I just didn’t think that you would find love with someone who isn’t Fire Nation. I didn’t think that you would be interested in romance at all; you always had other priorities.” 

“Yes, all of my priorities were decided for me.” These days she has trouble deciding if they had been decided for her from the start or if they have been decided for her since the moment her mind had frayed. She can’t prioritize impressing father nor her drive to become Fire Lord. She can’t say that she had prioritized them on her own to begin with. And what of her firebending? She supposes that, that is still very much near the top of her priorities list. It is as soothing and empowering as it is exhausting and brutal. At least these days she has Sokka to give her little massages after she is through. 

Of course, depending on how long this goes on, she will be the one to give Sokka massages after he firebends on her behalf. 

“Perhaps I should come back at another time.” Ursa muses aloud. “When I can actually talk to you.”

“You’re still having the conversation with me. Would you like me to give Sokka a script to read so that you can hear it from my own lips or can we proceed?” She folds her arms across her chest. “I didn’t come all this way just to delay things further.” 

Further than she already had in losing her composure and running off.

“Are you alright?” The woman asks. 

“What?” 

“I upset you the last time we spoke and I want to know if you have been doing well. I shouldn’t have touched you. You’ve always been fickle about that, ever since you were a child.” Before Azula can reply the woman sputters. “Which is alright, some kids just don’t like to be held. I’ve always tried to teach Zuko to say no when he didn’t want hugs. And your father…I told him to hold you more, he probably confused you…”

Azula swallows. Swallows in spite of the tightness in her throat. She is still rambling, perhaps obnoxiously over-clarifying. But that doesn’t matter right now. It doesn’t matter because mother isn’t blaming her. For all of the words she is babbling, not one of them is accusatory. Mother wants to know if she has been handling things alright. Mother doesn’t demand apologies or blame her. “I’m fine.” She says. But her stomach is tickling and her head is some dizzy. With nerves, relief, happiness, dread? She isn’t sure other than knowing that she is overwhelmed by something or by many things at once.

“She’ll be alright.” Sokka smiles and takes hold of her hand. “I’ll make sure that she is while you talk to Zuko.” 

“Yes, thank you. How is he?” Ursa asks. “How is my baby boy?” 

“He’s a grown man.” Azula grumbles through her jitters. She doesn’t mean to be so sarcastic, really she had no need to speak at all. But she is nervous. 

Ursa nods with a wistful smile. “Yes, I imagine that he is.” Azula catches the way that her eyes fall on Sokka. She can see it in the woman’s eyes that she wants to touch Sokka’s cheek. “You’re…” She pauses. “You look like me when I was younger.” 

Azula swallows again. 

“I’m glad that I get to see you—”

“If you wanted to see me then why didn’t you come home?”

“I was afraid, Azula. I didn’t even know what I would say to Zuko, let alone you. We’ve always been strained, I was worried that coming home would make things worse. That it would…” she gestures vaguely. “Open old wounds.” 

“They never closed.” Azula said simply. 

“Yes. I suppose that I hadn’t considered that.” Ursa shakes her head. “Will you let me try to patch them up?” 

Azula purses slightly trembling lips, bunches her fists. She wants to be angry, she wants to take anger in a steely, unbreakable grip and hold onto it for as long as she can. For as long as it takes to stop feeling hurt. But she isn’t sure that she has any anger left in her, those flames have burned out some months into her depressive spiral. She doesn’t want to waste her rekindled energy on it, even if it is entirely justified. 

“You weren’t a bad child, Azula.”

Her throat is constricting all over again. 

“Difficult, maybe. Very, very opinionated and stubborn.” She chuckles. “And the more that I thought about it—about you and Zuko, the more I realized that we shared a lot of childhood behaviors. You weren’t a bad child. But I…I don’t think that I am a bad mother.” 

“No, perhaps you aren’t.” Perhaps it is more complicated than that. It almost always is. Everything is always so complicated and intricate. But she certainly wasn’t a good mother. And Azula isn’t certain of what kind of child she was. Difficult might just be the right word choice. 

“Why don’t we go inside?” Sokka suggests. “I’m sure that Zuko wants to say hi.” 

And Azula could use a breather. Perhaps a cup of tea and some time with a book while mother and Zuzu speak. Sokka rises to his feet and tries to put his arm over her shoulders. He can’t quite reach.

Ursa nods. “I would love to get to know both of you.” 

That is something else that they share; she wants to know herself. Perhaps the woman shouldn’t even bother getting to know her yet because there is still a good portion of her that is subject to change. But maybe that is a good thing. Maybe the woman would let to see her grow and evolve, she had missed it the first time. 

“Lets start with lunch?” Sokka suggests.

“If you’d like, I can take you, Zuko, and your boyfriend to my house and show you how to cook some Esukutai dishes.” Ursa offers. 

“Zuzu would probably enjoy that.” Azula replies. She isn’t sure if she will. She has never tried cooking. There are a lot of things that she has never tried. “First things first…” She pushes the door to the inn open. 

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

wayward (grand)daughter 8

Astrid exhaled, looking at what was the ruins of her living room.  But she couldn’t complain, the orphans all had a lovely time.  And it had lifted her spirits some, to see and hear children running about her mansion once more.

“Helena, don’t bother.  Start picking up in the morning.”  Which reminded her that she’d need to leave the cleaning crew a most generous tip, Astrid mused.  With a grunt, she pushed herself out of the chair--just as the doorbell rang.

“Oh good gods.”

“I’ll get rid of them, ma’am.”  Helena was a blur of pink as she strode quickly towards the main entrance.

“Please!”  Astrid called out after her.  “No more well wishers, friends, wassaliers, saints or saints’ helpers!”  Her feet screamed in pain, and Astrid gritted her teeth.  She bent over to remove her shoes.

“If they ask about a party there will not be one for Heavensturn!  I’m going to Montichaigne’s!  And getting drunk!”  Helena returned-carrying a basket of flowers in one hand, and an open note in the other.

“My contact in Barnier’s house says he got some sort of communique from the Illsabard Contigent.  It was enough to make him immediately leave for  Fourchenault’s manor, and send a request to the Scholarch to head there as well.”  Astrid blinked.

“Perhaps something’s happened with the blasphemy problem out there.”  She said.

-----

“Camilla Borja, Astrid’s ex-daughter in law?!  Are you certain?!”  Montichaigne exploded. 

“I don’t have confirmation yet, but I’m certain the representative was telling the truth!  Her name was listed on the roll of survivors in that region.”  Fourchenault realized he was gaping at Barnier, and shook his head to recover his wits.

“Does DeGlass know yet?”  He demanded.

“No, and we’ll have to do something to keep her from finding out.  The minute she learns of this, she’s liable to...take some sort of regrettable action.”  Barnier finished.

“Barnier, that is the godsdamned understatement of the year and you know it!”  Montichaigne had never admitted to anyone, but he had always held a lingering suspicion of Astrid from that dreadful time.  Everything had just been too neat, too tidy, and Astrid was not the type to take any sort of insult lying down.

“Did our representative say just where she was, exactly?”  Fourchenault interjected.  “The Borja woman.”

“A border town just west of Camp Broken Glass.  I already gave them orders to confirm if she is actually there.”  Barnier exhaled.  “I can suppress this, but I do not know how long for.  And if it turns out the ex-daughter in law is actually physically present there...she must be taken into custody.”

“Seven hells.”  Fourchenault breathed.  “Astrid will kill her if she comes here.”

“Thus the need to keep this hidden from her.”  Montichaigne muttered.  “Only I doubt that it can be done.  Her spies are better than the entire Forum’s!”

“We must try.”  Barnier urged.  “There is enough as it is--the debate on rejoining the Eorzean Alliance, that gaol in the aetherical sea--we cannot have this matter get out of control, or serve as a distraction from the bigger issues at hand.”

------------

(thank you to @driftward​ for standing in!)

wayward (grand)daughter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

[theimperialnuisance]

FFXIV Write 2023 || FFXIV Write info\\Prompt list\\Character info \\Master post ||

Prompt 6: Ring

a small circular band, typically of precious metal and often set with one or more gemstones, worn on a finger as an ornament or a token of marriage, engagement, or authority.

Character(s): Kien Eilath, G’raha Tia  Cw: none Word count: 977 Notes: I immediately knew what I wanted to write for this one. I was so excited I woke my dog up from her nap. Contains very mild spoilers from 6.0 MSQ Returning Home. 

“Kien? Are you unwell?” 

The Miqo’te shook his head from the fading vision, the throb of the sudden headache ebbing away as he brought his hand down from his forehead. The headache had emerged the moment Kien opened his window to gaze upon the moon, he hadn’t heard anyone come in after that so the voice of G’raha pulled him back to reality. He blinked, startling a bit when he noticed just how closely the other was leaning in to inspect for any injuries. 

“My apologies,” G’raha blushed as he stepped back a bit to give Kien some space but still hovered anxiously. “I knocked to let you know I was entering in case you were changing but you seemed out of it when I approached.” Now that Kien was aware of his presence, he stepped closer and put a hand to his forehead. “Are you feeling sick? Or was that an echo vision?”

Kien chuckled lightly, bringing his own hand up to guide G’raha’s away from his forehead gently. “I’m fine,” he smiled in reassurance as he moved away from the window to finish changing out of his armor. G’raha hummed nervously, not convinced.  “It felt as if it was an echo but…I’m not sure if it was…whatever it was though, it felt lt ominous.” He fell silent, worry consuming his thoughts again before turning to give the other a half-hearted smile. “Sorry, so much has happened these past few days and I can’t seem to keep my mind off things.” 

G’raha searched Kien’s gaze in understanding and moved to sit on the bed, gesturing for the other to join him. Kien did so, sitting closely next to him so that their shoulders touched. “I too have been troubled as of late, unwarranted concerns, perhaps–I hope,” the archon mused quietly. “Nevertheless, I fear this may be the last quiet night we have to talk for quite some time, and there are some things I’d like to share with you.” 

Kien nodded slowly, understanding the feeling. G’raha drew a small breath with an uneasy smile. “Though you have bested your enemies thus far–Zenos, and even Zodiark–your victories have come at a considerable cost to yourself…no one is without their limits and you are no exception.” He moved his hand to grasp Kien’s, squeezing it gently. “I worry the added weight of the Final Days will prove more than you can bear…it’s surely too much for any one.” 

“But you know I’m not alone,” Kien gently reminded him, as he rubbed his thumb over the top of G’raha’s hand, sensing the nervous energy emitting from his partner. “You have been by my side through everything and I know you’re more than willing to shoulder any burden of mine just as I would do and have done, for you.” 

“I know,” G’raha relished at his touch, closing his eyes in earnest. “Still, I feel as if I could never say it enough, that I wish to repay you for what you've done for me in kind,” he looked back at Kien, letting out a short chuckle. “and I’m sure my carrying capacity pales in comparison to yours when it comes to your ever growing mountain of baggage!” 

“I’m sure I could offer a satchel or two,” Kien chuckled, but he could still sense the nervous energy emitting from the other. He brought G’raha’s hand up to place a feather light kiss on it. “Raha, is there something else on your mind? More than this?” Kien released his hand and leaned in, failing to notice G’raha’s free hand rooting around in his pockets, his sole focus on G’raha’s expression. 

“Kien–I’d like to make a promise to you,” G’raha began suddenly as he inhaled a breath. Kien blinked before nodding slowing in a silent indication to go on. G’raha cleared his throat, his ears flickering a bit. “I know I often ask you to make me promises, but this time, I want to make one to you.” 

Kien took a small intake of breath, his heart fluttering to his stomach. G’raha finally pulled out his hand and opened his fist to reveal two small rings–both gold banded with three small gemstones in the middle. His eyes flicked between the rings and G’raha, a million different questions and reactions trying to fight their way to the surface but he remained quiet with baited breath, unsure of what would come next.

“Moments of joy seem few and far between now,” G’raha continued quietly as he leaned in, Kien naturally leaning in as well so their foreheads touched. “But there will come a time when we can look back fondly on this journey, and when that time comes, I would like to marry you. I know it may not be the right time to get engaged, so I wanted to at least make this promise to you,  if you’ll still have me after all is said and done.” 

Fighting back the tears in the corners of his eyes, Kien wordlessly nodded but he knew G’raha felt the nod as he heard the other let out a shaky breath. “It’s a promise.” Kien whispered. 

“A promise,” G’raha whispered back as he gently pulled Kien’s left hand into his and slid the ring on his index finger. Kien then did the same, putting the ring on G’raha’s left index finger, his hands trembling slightly. 

Finally, they looked up at each other, letting out breathless laughs of joy and relief before Kien leaned in to caress G’raha’s cheek, pulling him in close to place a soft kiss on his lips. G’raha surged forward to return it in kind and they once again touched their foreheads together once they broke apart. 

“I love you,” Kien smiled.

“And I love you,” G’raha smiled back. “To the ends of the star, and beyond–I cannot wait to share a lifetime with you.” 

[cruelfeline]

Hello hello!

I'm absolutely loving your musings on what is potentially joining the lists of one of my favorite games ever! I'm so happy to find someone with a positive view on the game who is also thinking the same thoughts as me regarding Cuff's and Frey's relationship in the game 😁. Even though I ship them, I appreciate your view of a platonic relationship with them.

I just wanted to ask if you could go deeper regarding Frey's choice to keep Cuff sealed within her... rather than destroying him. For me, it says a lot about how much he means to her. Face it, Cuff is Frey's first "friend." Even when she found out who he truly was and what he's done, she still referred to him by his nickname. She also tried to reason with him throughout their fight instead of hurling insults at him.

Also, how do you feel about them seemingly going back to normal with each other after the battle? I think it relates to how they both view their relationship...but I don't want to say anymore since this ask is long as heck 😅.

Bleh sorry for the long ask! I'm just excited to see someone else think about Forspoken like I do 😂!

Hello! Thank you so much for the ask; I'm delighted to discuss these two!

It's a great question: why does Frey keep Cuff sealed, rather than simply killing him? It's one that I don't think we can fully answer; there are too many loose story threads left unexplored, and we just don't have access to important bits of information.

For example: can Cuff be killed? Is he mortal, or no? If he can be killed, then is Frey physically powerful enough to do so? Did she truly decide not to destroy him, or was she simply unable to and thus forced to bind him instead? The answers to these questions are unclear, and so we really are kind of stuck in the realm of personal opinion.

Now, my personal opinion is that she chose not to kill him. Partially because I enjoy the character implications and feel it makes for a more interesting story, and partially because, in-game, we have no indication that she's attempting to kill him. It's not like we visibly see her try, realize she can't do it, and switch gears. She just seems to immediately bind him with no overt kill-attempt made.

So, let's just assume, for the purposes of fun character assessment and lack of evidence to the contrary, that she truly decides to bind him rather than killing him. Why does she do that? Why seal him, when he's clearly responsible for untold amounts of death and pain? Why keep him with her, when he is essentially responsible for her being orphaned, for her being "abandoned" in NYC, for pretty much all of the negative aspects of her life?

Well, for one thing: Frey isn't a killer. She does kill, quite often, because she needs to, but she doesn't like it. She doesn't go out of her way to eliminate things. Recall the beginning of the game, when she actually did seek to end Sila because of Olevia's death. Even when she succeeded in avenging the little girl's death, she didn't feel satisfied by it. It didn't bring the closure she wanted, and it just... wasn't a thing that made her feel positive. Even when it was warranted. Same with the other Tantas: they may have been legitimately dangerous and in need of elimination, but Frey still didn't want to do it. She's simply not a person who every truly wants to kill another. No matter, it seems, how dangerous they are. I expect that this same reluctance applies to Cuff. He's arguably the most monstrous thing in Athia right now, but that doesn't change her aversion to taking a life. And so, despite everything, she doesn't want to take his.

There's also this sense, during the final battle, that Frey sees something of her prior self in Cuff. She recognizes her old anger and resentment in him, and she recognizes some sort of loneliness; I think that recognition compels her to want to reach out to him rather than to destroy him. She likewise seems to sense some sort of... distress in him? Perhaps? She asks him if what he's doing is what he actually wants, and he clearly gets angry at the question. One gets the impression that she is trying to feel out what is actually going on with him. Is he acting out of a sense of obligation he feels he can't escape? Why is he so set on Athia's destruction? Is this truly what he wants to do, in his own heart, or is this something he sees as a necessary act that he feels compelled to perform for reasons outside of him? I think Frey senses some sort of discrepancy here and wants to understand it better, despite Cuff being less than forthcoming.

Then there is, as you point out, their relationship. It's not what I would call a "friendly" relationship, mind you, but it's incredibly involved and intimate in ways that likely neither of them has ever experienced before.

To Frey, Cuff is, as far as we can tell, the closest relationship she's ever had. She doesn't have any known friends in NYC (save for Homer!). And while she arguably makes friends in Cipal - Auden, for example - they are friends that really cannot be with her most of the time. The people of Cipal can't leave the city for obvious reasons, and Frey spends the overwhelming majority of her time out in the Break-ridden parts of Athia. The only one who can join her there is Cuff.

So while he's done the terrible things he's done, both to her and to Athians in general, he's also the only one she can count on to be there with her on a day-by-day basis. He's the only one who can be there to support her in battle. He's the only one who can shield her, who can advise her, who can teach and guide her as she continues her work as Breakwarden.

Cuff is also the one who is there with her for both life-changing events and every-day mundane minutiae. He is there when she first arrives in Athia and is thus her only source of support during this life-changing experience. He is there when she kills Sila and comforts her in the aftermath. He is there when she learns who her mother is. He is there when Olas tries to trap her in her illusions. Likewise, he is there every morning to wake her up and every night to nag her to sleep. He chides her to eat, to heal, to rest, and he guards her while she does so. He comments on her new cloaks, necklaces, and nail patterns. He reminds her to put the fire out properly after camping.

For Cuff, Frey is possibly the only one who has ever interacted with him as another regular person. I can't imagine, given what he is, that anyone has ever just... had conversations with him. Treated him like anything other than Athia's destroyer, positively or negatively. But Frey just... talks to him. About nothing. About how gross the foe they're fighting is. About how huge that bridge they just crossed was, or how fun water-gliding is, or how she senses a new cat to befriend. About how annoying he is, even as she's annoying right back.

I expect she's also the only one he's ever had a cooperative, working relationship with. He advises her. She, even while complaining, takes that advice. She attacks, he defends. He counters, she borrows his magic to strike a foe back. Oftentimes, during successful battles, it's very apparent that they both take some joy in how seamlessly they can work together.

So, after their final battle together, I think they fall back into their relationship because it's simply comfortable for both of them. They're stuck together, after all. Each is bound to the other not just by magic, but by the reality of their circumstances. Frey can't be helped in her task by anyone else because it is physically impossible. Cuff can only fulfill his goal using Frey for the exact same reason, and even though he failed this time, any hope he might have for eventual success still lies with her. Each of them needs the other in order to even try to do what they want/need to do.

Since there is no getting away from one another, I feel like they simply resolve to make the best of it. And "making the best of it" is feasible because, at the end of the day, despite the enormity of their conflict, they are each other's most important person. They know one another in ways no one else does. They're are connected to one another as they are connected to no one else. And, ultimately, there's some sort of comfort in that intimate familiarity.

Anyway, thanks for the ask! I hope those thoughts are interesting to you, and I'm sorry for the length. I really like talking about these two c:

[braveparanoiac]

What’s the lie your character says most often?

It took me, personally, too long to think of the right answer. Truthfully you both gave me questions that sort of stumped me. This one shouldn't have, though - there's a very obvious answer - his height, his tattoo, and some things regarding Bill.

I want to get into the specifics of the last one, though, because I don't think I've gotten into the details of it. I want to preface with abuse shouldn't be romanticized and that what Ford went through isn't ideal or okay whatsoever.

However, personally, I think Ford and Bill have romantic feelings for each other. Have, yes - Ford still has these, and this is the particular thing I think he lies about the ABSOLUTE most. I think he tries to even lie to himself about it some days that those feelings aren't still there, simply because of the combination of all the times Bill has hurt him or his family and the resulting trauma it has in his brain. It's extremely rare when you can get him to be completely honest about the love/hate he feels towards Bill. It's something he's also still not fully over. I think, ideally, he'd prefer to have his idea of Bill back, even if he'd be worshipping and admiring Bill in the most literal and unhealthy sense of the words. That version of Bill is the person he (romantically) loves most. He probably projected this image of Bill early on while going through grief of realizing that person never existed. I think he likely started to love the way Bill was and still is now. And I think to a certain degree, he liked the degradation he got in Weirdmageddon, where he was pretty much chained up and objectified as some sort of pet or trophy for his "Muse." Not that any of this is healthy and ideal for people, mind you - this is simply how I think Ford thinks and feels and you will be catching this in my portrayal.

But he also currently can't forgive Bill for all the wrong he has done. Bill really is his greatest enemy and if he could be confident that killing him now would mean he'd be gone forever, I think he would kill him, despite the fact that he loves him. Currently he has doubts that it'd work, however - while he does not care for Bill, he also has no reason to believe he wouldn't come back to life once more. Which is one of the reasons why he prefers to keep Bill around on the boat - he thinks it's the next best thing. The other reason being, of course, that no matter what, he will love Bill. And it'd take specific situations I think for him to stop and admit all of it - that he loves him and can't seem to get over it but also despises him with all of his being at this time. Which... has technically happened. Raoul admitting he too has gone through something similar got Ford to admit it. Raoul, and then maybe Stan? Maybe Bill? Are likely the only other people that know about the complicated ...everything... Ford has towards Bill.

And as a note, you do not have to forgive your abusers. In fact uh??? Please don't??? Do that??? But, it's possible for my portrayal to go into that direction regarding Bill and Ford after LOTS of development. And as always, if any of this needs to be tagged for anyone specifically in the future, do let me know.

tdlr: ford misses the person he thought he knew perhaps way too much and will lie to others about it, and in extreme cases, also lies to himself about it, a lot. Number one thing on his list he frequently lies about. Doesn't help that Bill is on the boat with the twins.