#Challenge: Winter Solstice 2021

[zeldaelmo]

ZeldaElmo's masterlist 2024

On his journey to fill the void left inside him by Null’s defeat, Link finds himself running into Zelda.

A lot.

She seems to search for something she has lost, too, but Link can't bring himself to share his burden with her until it's nearly too late.

EoW zelink, T-rated, ongoing advent calendar story; Read Of Fading Echoes

When Zelda hears a rumor about Link she can hardly believe, she's sure it's just pointless gossip. But then he shows up with something that can only be an apology bouquet and things take quite the unexpected turn.

AoC zelink, written for This or That challenge hosted by @zelinkcommunity, T-rated; Read Blooming Gossip

An old promise forces Link into a betrothal with Zelda, the daughter of his father's friend and the center of Castle Town's rumors. At the end of the winter solstice ball, however, he makes his own, rushed promise to her. He soon discovers she might be worth holding it no matter the trouble that seems to follow them like a shadow.

Regency AU, E-rated, ongoing novel; Read The Promise

Bodyguard by day, artist by night—apart from Link's manageable crush on Hyrule's Princess, his life is pretty boring. That is, until one of his artworks attracts the attention of a blogger who anonymously publishes erotica about the Heroes and Princesses of old. Before he knows it, he's in the midst of a flirty online friendship with "Tetra" who happens to know a little too much about castle life.

Modern AU, E-rated; Read Inspiration, Illusions, and other Inconveniences

Link and Zelda visit Rito Village and Tulin can't help but pester Kass with questions about the two.

Kass PoV.

BotW, written for Loftwing Letter exchange, G-rated; Read Like a Starfragment in the Night

"Would you have chosen a different path?"

Zelda finds the answer that Link gives rather depressing, but sometimes life deals second chances when you expect it the last.

BotW; G-rated; Read To have a Choice

Zelda sneaks away to prepare for her performance during the Wing Ceremony, hoping Link heeds her advice to practice flying with his Loftwing. Link, however... well, let's just say that's not exactly how it's going.

Skyward Sword; G-rated; collaboration with @mistresslrigtar. Read Practice for Keeps

Link’s uncle is certain—Princess Zelda visits them to propose to Link.

Link only rolls his eyes but when he returns to the house with Zelda, he realizes in horror that his uncle has prepared everything to set up a romantic mood... And the worst is, Zelda suddenly looks…excited?

Oh boy.

ALttP; G-rated; Read How the stories go

***

Still need more? Here are the other years!

Master list 2023

Master list 2022

Master list 2021

Master list 2020

3-sentences fics for a follower milestone

[musketeergarrison]

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Over a grey background freckled with light grey and white spots, there is a faded white fleur du lis. Over the fleur du lis you can read in a calligraphic font Winter Solstice. Below the word solstice, in a smaller sans-serif, it reads Fic Exchange. In the center bottom of the image it can be read, in calligraphic font: “Brought to you by The Garrison.” /END OF IMAGE DESCRIPTION]

RULES

Minimum extension: 1.5K words.

Your piece must be finished and posted on the platform of your choice (A03, Tumblr or both) on December 21st.

Do NOT share for whom you’re writing with anyone else.

You may maintain anonymous contact with them through the mods or anonymous asks.

Follow the guides of your prompt.

Have fun!

SCHEDULE

Registration opened: SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021.

Registration closed: OCTOBER 27TH, 2021.

Prompts sorted and sent: NOVEMBER 4TH, 2021.

Posting date: DECEMBER 21ST, 2021.

Want to participate? Fill in this Google Form.

[animanightmate]

For @number-of-the-beast-is-666, part of the Secret Solstice Gifting Challenge. Also possibly the darkest thing I’ve written in this fandom yet.

Chapters: 2/2 Fandom: The Musketeers (2014) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: d'Artagnan & Athos | Comte de la Fère & Porthos du Vallon, Aramis | René d'Herblay & Porthos du Vallon, Aramis | René d'Herblay & Athos | Comte de la Fère, Aramis & the orphans, Aramis & Grimaud Characters: Lucien Grimaud, Aramis | René d'Herblay, Luc (The Musketeers 2014), Marie (The Musketeers 2014), The Orphans (The Musketeers 2014), Original Child Character(s), Voisard (The Musketeers 2014), d'Artagnan (Trois Mousquetaires), Athos | Comte de la Fère, Porthos du Vallon, The Abbot (The Musketeers 2014) Additional Tags: Canon Era, Implied/Referenced Self-Harm, Gunshot Wounds, Scars, wound care, Pain, Alcohol, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Episode Related, Episode Remix, Child in Peril, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Episode: s03e01 Spoils of War, Sign Language, Character Study, Monks, Kidnapping, Hostage Situations, POV Multiple, Threats of Violence, Death Threats, deliberately inconclusive ending Summary:

Part of The Musketeers Secret Solstice Challenge, and written for number_of_the_beast_is_666.

I wondered: what happens if you change one thing near the beginning of a pivotal episode? How much else would change? And what would stay the same, it being the same people and all…

Warning: lots of Grimaud, so expect darkness. And please read the tags!

[juuls]

Juulna’s 2021 Multi-Fandom Fanfiction Rec List - Part Five

(Yes, I realize this is a year late, but this year's been a bit nuts. I still hope you enjoy these fics anyway!)

Based only on what I’ve read with my own eyes this year!

Follow me on my journey into what, at times, was…

…actually rather calming! Perhaps you can find some comfort and entertainment, fluff and angst and romance and friendship, smut and a distinct lack of it, space adventures and fantasy and modern adventures, serial killers and good guys, redemption and reconciliation and learning to become someone completely different — there is so much here I read that stuck with me over the past year, and the 2021 Fanfic Reading Challenge ( @fanfic-reading-challenge ) allowed me a new way to keep track of all of my favourites. So props to that event! Definitely participating again (considering I run the event, yeah, that's probably a given lol, but full disclosure).

Without further ado, here were my 2021 fic favourites!

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

Fandom: Doctor Who

ElevenRose:

(Past NineRose, TenRose) Mad, Beautiful, Fantastic by JulietRose

If you ever tried to tell Amy that there was a time before The Doctor and Rose danced, she’d call you a liar... The Doctor and Rose just danced. It’s what they did. They made their way through their mad, beautiful, fantastic life spinning each other around and waltzing to a tango. Every turn the universe threw at them, they could overcome. To Amy, they were invincible—an indisputable fact of life.

But one too many turns may end up leading them on a collision course. One too many mistakes, one too many times they’ll have everything ripped away from them...

Entire civilizations see them as gods, but Amy has seen them in tears.

— An Eleven Era rewrite with Rose Tyler.

TwelveRose:

The Bar by @yearn4themoon

The Twelfth Doctor is enjoying a drink in a bar, when a woman walks in. A woman he is instantly drawn to like a moth to a flame.

NineRose:

Kissing It Better by @aintfraidanoghosts

He really was just trying to save her life...honest!

Gialara by @caedmonfaith

A visit to the planet Reth for the Winter Solstice festival ends in a jail cell and with a choice neither the Doctor nor Rose expected.

A different take on the sex pollen/aphrodisiacs/shag-or-die trope.

Tea In The Sahara by @diannelamerc

Rose would be the first to admit that landings in the TARDIS were rarely smooth. But they didn't usually leave you sprawled on the ceiling either.

To Save Her by kaeorin

The Doctor and Rose end up on a dangerous planet at a dangerous time, and the Doctor is given a choice. He can wait in his cell while any number of guards hurt his companion, or he can do it himself.

Penance and Pain by @paigenotblank

Rose and the Doctor land on a planet ruled by women while searching for a missing artifact. The Doctor gets taken prisoner for breaking their laws. Can Rose save him? And can their relationship survive his punishment?

taking the lead by @megabadbunny

She can’t always trust her instincts. She can—and does—trust the Doctor.

Prove It by @timeladyofthesith

When Jack drags the Doctor into a bragging contest, it seemed like a typical ‘my horse is bigger than your horse’ banter. It’s all fun and games, until Rose challenges the Doctor to prove his moves are far superior like he says. Any ego would want to defend its reputation, and the Doctor has the biggest ego in the multiverse.

(Smut only occurs between 9/Rose)

Armless by @allegoricalrose

Nine/Rose: Life's hard when Rose's arms are temporarily paralysed and the Doctor insists on helping her shower...

TenRose:

Marked by banana_daiquiri

The Doctor and Rose take a vacation...only, as usual, they find themselves in trouble and must prove to their captors that they are a married couple. What that entails may be problematic for the Doctor....

Tactical Survival Maneuvers by @allrightfine

The Doctor and Rose find themselves in the middle of a forest, being hunted for sport, with all the applicable cliches that go along with that.

Follow the Tide by gingerteaandsympathy

The air is sweltering, hazy and hot in a way that would be oppressive if a chill weren’t still clinging to her skin. As it is, the rolling clouds of steam feel like heaven on her wind-burnt cheeks, greeting her before she can even get her clothes off and sink into the bath.

Undressing, she mutters her grateful thanks to the timeship that had unexpectedly directed her to this room—or perhaps "directed" isn't the right word. Her door had actually disappeared from its usual wall, replaced by a glowing arrow and a winding hallway with which she wasn't familiar. And that hallway had led her here.

More Than Sex by @kelkat9

The Doctor takes Rose to a celebration of color; beyond fun and dancing, something lingers in the Doctor's eyes. Rose feels it even if she doesn't understand until a moment of jealousy clarifies there's more happening than a possessive Doctor or a celebration of color. On the TARDIS, feelings are revealed and the truth of who they are and what they mean to each other cannot be denied.

Shifts by @kscribbles

They had all this long night, after all, in this little bed, by the fire, beneath a storm.

Pajamas and Poison by @leftennant

Rose and the Doctor concoct simultaneous plots to get one another in bed. (with a little help from the TARDIS)

Helping Hands by @orchisailsa

Ten is healing Rose's injured leg, and she finds herself in quite a predicament. A "how it could have happened" story, involving a sexy first or two for one my favorite star-crossed pairs. Set early-to-mid-Series 2 (but it doesn't reference any episodes). Canon-compatible.

Stuck on You by @tenroseforeverandever

Rose, hot and bothered and in need of a distraction, tries to divert the Doctor’s attention from his repairs on the TARDIS by flirting with him mercilessly and teasing him about the sticky notes that have recently been accumulating on the TARDIS console, piquing her curiosity.

Let Me Be Your Remedy by @tenscupcake

An amorous extraterrestrial spikes the Doctor's dessert with a potent aphrodisiac, and Rose has to deal with the consequences.

Senses Only Divide Us by @tenscupcake

When the Doctor is rendered temporarily blind and deaf by a hostile sect of aliens, Rose discovers the only way to comfort him is through touch.

The Darling Buds of May by ValueTurtle

A plotless frolic through fields of euphoria-inducing flowers, or, the one where the Doctor accidentally gets Rose high as balls.

This Cursed Sixth Sense by @vampiyaa

The Doctor's new body is proving to be a burden, with its oversensitiveness and desire to touch. Rose, it seems, makes it worse. He loves his little companion, but he chooses not to poison her, not when the TARDIS bombards his mind with images of her undressing, not when they're stuck in the dark, not even when he dreams of her naked every night. Until the TARDIS chooses for him. Interfering TARDIS!fic.

The Key by @vampiyaa

Rose's TARDIS key is proving to have changed just as much as the Doctor has, in his tenth body. She's kept it on a chain that she keeps round her neck, and whenever she's nervous, she sucks on it. Too bad the TARDIS is channelling that straight to him. One shot, Ten/Rose, very silly; Interfering TARDIS!fic

Mind Fever by @vampiyaa

Ten/Rose smutfic based off of Voyager's 'Blood Fever'. The Doctor and Rose go down into the tunnels to rescue miners trapped inside, but why exactly is the Doctor acting so strangely?

Heartsmith by @licieoic

In this universe, people don't wear their hearts on their sleeves... they wear them around their necks. Sometimes, when a heart is broken or damaged, you can get a new one, but Rose would rather have her heart repaired. A heart-seller in the market points her to the Heartsmith.

Five Times the Doctor didn't find out that Rose Tyler was a Time Lady… And one time he did by Qwerts

Rose Tyler has changed, but after Reinette she's doubting her place in the Doctor's life and doesn't tell him. What happens when he finds out the truth? Jack, Jackie, and the Master all make an appearance! NOT a GitF fic or a Reinette-bashing fic, BUT if you're a Reinette fan this probably isn't the fic for you. VERY Ten/Rose!

Kings and Lords by WhoMe-2

Rose Tyler never imagined she would one day marry a King, especially when she knew her heart belonged to a Lord. Will the possibility of a forced marriage to another force the boundaries of the Doctor and Rose's relationship to be crossed once and for all, or will it drive them apart? **1st in the Kings and Lords series**

TenRose & NineRose:

Introspection (in Pursuit of Perfection) by mayaspice

Rose’s experiences with love and sex and longing deviate somewhat from the average swell but, in her whole nineteen years of life, she can’t seem to put her finger on how exactly. That is, until her Doctor transforms into a woman and suddenly she can’t quite remember how to get oxygen into her body. Female!Ten/Rose.

The Choice by @lastincurableromantic

After GitF, the TARDIS brings the Doctor, Rose and Mickey back to Earth to solve an emergency involving the TARDIS herself. But when they see a familiar face, the face of someone who should not exist, they realize the crisis is much deeper than they thought and is one that could endanger the Doctor's very existence.

[helena-thessa]

Complete List of Helena’s Writing/Creative Works

Novel-length Works 

Shingeki no Kyojin | Attack on Titan

Beyond the Walls rated M (rivamika) [canon divergent] Mikasa has adopted a simple, predictable and quiet life. It is only Levi, whom she has developed something of an odd friendship with over the years, who challenges her on the lonely, directionless path she wanders. ~most popular work *Complete wc 77k | Epilogue to be posted Summer ‘22 

Naruto 

Something Left to Save rated M (sasusaku) [canon inspired | Blank Period] In the aftermath of the shinobi war to save the world, from their own war to save Sasuke's soul, Team Seven adjusts, mends severed bonds, and strives to love. *WIP est. wc 200k 

Teen Titans

Silent Night rated E (damirae) [DCAMU | canon inspired] (explicit violence and traumatic content; dead dove: do not eat) Damian wakes up with no recollection of who or what knocked him unconscious. Bruce tells him the attack was telepathic and destroyed a significant portion of his memories— including that the witch assigned to heal him isn’t a stranger, but his wife. *WIP est. wc 75k  

Short Stories

Shingeki no Kyojin | Attack on Titan

The Fifth Sense rated T (rivamika) [canon compliant] A collection of first impressions between Mikasa and Levi based on the five senses. Hear, see, touch, smell, and taste. *Complete wc 17k 

Out in Search rated T (rivamika) [canon divergent] While the Scouts remain stationed on the Coast, there are distinct moments between Levi and Mikasa that blur between camaraderie and friendship, transition their odd kinship to an indisputable connection. Is that all it is, though?  ~author’s favorite *Complete wc 16k

Easy to Find rated M (rivamika) [canon divergent] Levi arrives late to an important event. He uses the opportunity to remain hidden, observing Mikasa Ackerman's blue silk and bare skin, torturing himself with thoughts better saved for the bedroom. *WIP wc est. 30k 

Naruto 

Adrenalize Me rated M (sasusaku) [canon divergent | anbu]  It took years of delicate steps, careful boundaries, and subtle exchanges for Sakura and Sasuke to develop a genuine sense of camaraderie. He'd fought his demons; she shelved her childish affections. When the lines of lust and intimacy begin to blur between them, Sakura's guarded heart convinces her that their recent developments can be blamed on a flood of adrenaline, nothing more. ~author’s favorite *Complete wc 26k 

One-shots

Shingeki no Kyojin | Attack on Titan

Final Card rated T (rivamika) [canon divergent]  What toll does it take on Levi after he fails to defeat the Beast Titan? Despite a tumultuous start and mutual reluctance, a sense of comradery and connection develops between Levi and the only one who might be able to help him fulfill his promise to Erwin.  ~author’s favorite *Complete wc 9k 

Winter Solstice rated M (rivamika) [canon divergent] Mikasa didn't plan on joining the other Scouts to celebrate the Winter Solstice— but she forgot to account for the opportunities that mulled wine, juvenile games, and an absence of formal protocol might present. Published for Christmas 2020. *Complete wc 6k

Reservations rated M (rivamika) [modern AU | established relationship] Mikasa forgets it’s the fourteenth of February. Published on Valentine’s Day 2021. 

Misc. too many stars | fractured and faint | chasm | unconvinced (excerpt to unpublished one-shot) | description of a deleted scene | unexpected guest (deleted scene for Beyond the Walls) | command suits him (jeankasa) | tethered [subscribe for future drabbles and prompts] 

helena3190 on Ao3  * helena-3190 on fanfiction.net

[atlawintersolstice]

ATLA Winter Solstice 2021 sign-ups are open now!

Please spread the word! ATLA Winter Solstice Exchange 2021 is a fanwork gift exchange for Avatar: The Last Airbender, back for its second year. You may offer and request fanfic, meta, fanart, fanvids, and/or podfic.

Sign-ups are open from now through November 4 (they close at 11:59 pm Eastern time that day). To sign up, click here! Remember, you can edit or delete your sign-up until sign-ups close. Check out the AO3 profile or pinned Tumblr post to see details and rules.

If you’re interested in the exchange, but unsure about committing: we also need beta readers! (Writers planning on signing up are also encouraged to volunteer as beta readers). If you’re interested, please send this blog a message. You also create treats to give to participants without being signed up for the exchange yourself, but you aren’t guaranteed a gift in return without signing up for the exchange. Finally, we are in need of pinch hitters, who fulfill requests if someone can no longer create the challenge. Please message us if you’d like to join the pinch hitter list! (This is also possible to do without signing up.)

Exchange Schedule

All times are in Eastern Time (US and Canada).

October 25-November 4: Sign-ups are open.

November 7: All assignments will be sent out no later than this date.

November 21: Beta reader matching survey is sent out. Matches will be made on a rolling basis and sent out as soon as possible.

December 7: Deadline to default (withdraw from the exchange).

December 14: Assignments are due.

December 21: Gifts revealed!

[velvet-cupcake-games]

Made Marion Development Update, December 2021

Happy Winter Solstice, and Merry Whatever Non-Avalon Holidays You May Be Celebrating This Time of Year!

I have a couple grinchy updates before we get to the presents.

1. Survey Deadline Approaching!

This is for Kickstarter backers, so I've removed it in other posts.

2. Release Date Pushback

I've been evaluating our progress at the end of the year, and at the team's current pace, we won't be able to release at our initial goal of August 2022. I am officially adjusting our anticipated release to Q4 2022 instead.

I'm very sorry we won't be able to hit our initial goal, but as you all know, it's been a very challenging couple of years for most of the planet.  On my part - you know that town in British Columbia that hit the international news for severe flooding?  Yeah, that was my town. We've had the entire natural world drop on our heads in various incarnations (deadly heatwave, wildfire smoke quarantine, catastrophic flooding) over the last six months. And while my family has escaped the worst consequences, it's affected my spouse's work schedule and I've had to take on a much larger share of household tasks. This is only fair, because his steady job is what allows me to take a chance on starting my own business and making awesome games for all of you!

CREDIT: SOPHIA MIDDLETON/THE GLOBE AND MAIL

My spouse's usual work commute as of mid-November. Yeah, it was bad.

We're still making steady progress, and anticipate the beta for Robin's route to happen in late January or early February at the latest.

Now, for the goodies!

Sherwood Sprite-o-Rama

Our Sherwood love interests (minus DLC LI Layton, who is still in the sprite factory) are complete! Here's the gang!

(Bonus!  A nice look at Marion's Sherwood sprite.)

A very nice glow-up for all of them, methinks. Robin and Will have two major poses now... Will has his crossed arms pose, but also the less petulant pose you see above. Robin has his hands-on-hips pose and also a more conversational one. John just has his main pose, but he has a really cool new outfit that you'll see in the endgame. And of course there are the combat poses. I'm particularly fond of Will's.

This may be the last thing a ne'er-do-well in Nottingham's back allies sees. Yes, Will has a less ostentatious outfit for skullduggery purposes.

Home, Sweet Home

We also now have variations of the Sherwood Cabin for all our love interests. You can get a glimpse of their personalities and interests if you take a good look.

Marion's cabin on a rainy afternoon.

Robin's cabin is largely devoted to fletching.

John's cabin at night. The lion figurine was carved by somebody we know.

Development Miscellany:

My main development tasks right now are writing Robin's route and re-coding the Sherwood common route with the new sprites. Our code assistant/consultant Shawna has been very generous with their time and helped me set up a very nice sprite coding system so that it won't be too terribly time-consuming to work with all the amazing expressions and poses that our new sprites have to offer.

I've also recorded the voiceover for our animated lore intro. It will be four minutes long, and you'll be able to skip it after you've seen it for the first time, even if you quit the prologue without saving your game (in fact, you can choose to skip most of the prologue after you've played it through once, though you might want to play it a couple times to see the alternate scenes you get for making various choices).

As you can see from Will's picture above, I've changed how sprites are named before you know their actual name. Originally I had them listed as "???", but while doing accessibility research I realized that's not friendly for readers who are using Ren'py's self voicing feature. So instead of ???, they will now be listed with some kind of description, such as "Bandit," until you learn their name.

That's it for 2021. What a year! Speaking in Avalon dialect, here's hoping we can get a handle on this rotted pandemic in 2022. See you then!

[sqwintersolstice]

Are you a writer or artist who really loves Swan Queen?

Do you thrive on deadlines but fold under pressure?

Do you want a beta and/or writing group, but have no idea how to find one?

Do you love the sense of inspiration and community that accompanies fandom events like SQ Supernova, but struggle to maintain it during the fandom off-season?

Then we have a challenge for you!

Swan Queen Winter Solstice is a brand-new fic and art challenge set during the winter of 2021-2022. Inspired by classic SQ events such as Supernova and Advent Calendar, our challenge seeks to promote creativity, productivity, and community during a part of the year that has traditionally been devoid of SQ fandom events.

[12daysofchristmas]

Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas (and every other merry holiday) 2021 Challenge!

This challenge was started last year by @champhangman​, and she has graciously given me (@thunderkiss86) the reigns for this year. The purpose of the challenge is to spread ✨ joy and cheer ✨ throughout the holiday season via holiday-themed fanfiction, gifs, edits, or any other way you choose to creatively express yourself. As stated above, any and every winter holiday is welcome. Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yuletide, Winter Solstice, just to name a few; if it’s celebrated in December, it’s welcome. Don’t celebrate anything in particular? Winter-themed submissions are welcome, too!

Now, if you follow me you know that I run a pro wrestling blog. However, this challenge is not exclusive to the pro wrestling fandom—it is open to any and all fandoms. As long as your submissions follow the rules and adhere to the themes, go for it! 

So cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa and get writing, giffing, drawing, whatever brings you joy! Details below the cut.

𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬

The challenge will run from December 13-24, 2021.

Each day will have a theme (listed below); your contribution must relate to the theme for that day in some way, shape, or form, however small.

Tag your contribution with #12daysofChristmas2021 AND tag me (@thunderkiss86) so that I will be notified to reblog your submissions here. (Also, it would be super cool if you followed this blog.)

If your contribution has potential triggers, you must identify/tag them (alcohol, cursing, etc.)

If your contribution is writing, please use a “keep reading” cut and follow the post template below.

Title: Theme: Fandom/Character(s): Warnings: Word Count: (if applicable)

Example:

Title: Santa, Baby Theme: Day 8 - Wrapping/Paper/Presents Fandom/Character(s): AEW/Adam Page x OC Warnings: Alcohol, cursing, sexual situations (explicit) Word Count: 7,290

(and don’t forget to tag #12daysofChristmas2021 and me!)

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 𝐓����𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬

13 December: Snow

14 December: Bonfire/Fireplace

15 December: Holiday Fair/Carnival

16 December: Cookies/Baking/Gingerbread

17 December: Lights/Decorating

18 December: Letters/Cards

19 December: Family/Home

20 December: Wrapping/Paper/Presents

21 December: Cocoa

22 December: Sweater/Scarf

23 December: Mistletoe

24 December: Holiday Dinner/Party

Feel free to contact me here or through my personal blog about any questions you may have. Happy creating!

[ms-m-astrologer]

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Mercury heading into its pre-retrograde shadow is the main event. I think eventually we’ll be able to deal with it, but today, it’s merely the latest encumbrance. If we’re at all susceptible to feeling “put-upon” then the vibes today are going to enhance that. (I have a relative like that - it’s always a race to the bottom, and they’re always far in the lead.) Still, as the day passes, we feel a bit better about our ability to meet the challenges. Maybe even optimistic! We can find some determination to get on with it.

What's happening when:

Lunar Phase: Last Quarter Moon (turn away from, tear down old structures)

Moon/Scorpio

Transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 2:28 am MST

Mercury/Capricorn conjunct Venus Rx/Capricorn, 3:27 am MST

Sun/Capricorn square Chiron/Aries, 4:53 pm MST

Mars/Sagittarius sextile Saturn/Aquarius, 5:22 pm MST

Mercury/Capricorn conjunct Pluto/Capricorn, 2:54 am MST (Thursday)

Vesta/Sagittarius trine Eris Rx/Aries, 3:56 am MST (Thursday)

Looking ahead to Thursday: angry women

Please note that MST is seven hours behind UT. All data gleaned from the Llewellyn 2021 Daily Planetary Guide, and the Winter Solstice issue of "The Mountain Astrologer."

[life-in-the-garden]

2022 grimoire challenge, week one

here are the first week's prompts of this witchy challenge if you want to see them for yourself. These prompts and this year's challenge in general are designed for intermediate-level witches. I am in some sort of nebulous "semi-confident beginner" stage where I want to attempt more challenging things but am not sure I'll be able to perform them gracefully. Therefore, I'll be doing both the 2019 challenge (aimed at beginners) as well as this one. You can see the first part of my 2019 challenge here.

I'm extremely late for this challenge, because my university semester has been kicking my butt, but Spring Break is finally here so I can do something other than homework. Let's get into the actual spellwork, shall we?

2022 prompt 1.1 - create your lab notebook/grimoire

a "lab notebook" refers to all of the notes that one takes before, during, and after the process of executing experiments using the scientific method. A grimoire can be much the same, but the experiments are spells instead.

I decided to use google docs as my lab notebook, since it's easy to edit/organize and I have access to it just about wherever I go. (Note: I do have a physical grimoire in a bound notebook, but that's more for witchy musings, tarot records, and the occasional note-taking spree; I don't draft spells in there).

2022 prompt 1.2 - design your own spell

Okay, this is where I initially started to despair. I've never made my own spell before, mostly because I have some serious self-confidence issues. I understand the basic principles, but I've been afraid to actually do original spellwork; I'm terrified that the magic just won't work because I'm somehow inherently flawed as a person and/or inferior in some way. (It sounds silly when I write it out like this and can read my own thoughts in this post, but I swear it's true).

Ultimately, I decided to just dive in and do my best.

I recently saw "The Green Knight" (2021) movie with my partners, and was impressed with Gawain's struggle with his ideal for himself as a courageous, honorable knight vs. his fear of death. I wanted to use the Arthurian legend and its movie adaptation as the basis for a spell, and I started jotting down my ideas in Google Docs around the theme of inspiring courage in oneself. This is still very much a WIP, but I came up with:

name: Spell for Gawain's Courage (working title)

genre: pop culture witchcraft

ideas: spell jar vs. charm bracelet vs. sigil

Each of the ideas have pros and cons.

A spell jar requires a jar (which I have) as well as ingredients (I have some of the ingredients I'd like to use, but I would need to buy others). My biggest concern is time, since I'm already late for this challenge and sourcing ingredients from Etsy would be too much waiting.

A charm bracelet adheres very well to the symbolism of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" (in the story, Gawain has an enchanted green belt that protects him from harm). However, I have none of the jewelry-making supplies that I need on hand, which means buying beads, charms, cordage, and a clasp... none of which will arrive quickly enough, but which will altogether cost upwards of 30 USD.

A sigil is something I have all necessary materials for, such as green ink and paper. Unfortunately, my itch to make lasting things decries this option as overly simplistic and insufficiently compelling.

In the interest of time, however, I think I'll go with a sigil. Mod Hazel mentions in this post that we shall return to old prompts over the course of the 2022 challenge, so I'll buy some items that have symbolic value not limited to this particular spell, such as oak leaf charms and bloodstone beads, which will be useful even if my ideas change or I switch to a different kind of spell.

Timing - Because "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" (in both the original story and its movie adaptation) is a Christmas story, it takes place very close to the winter solstice. Because the plot of the movie symbolizes Gawain's symbolic death as a cowardly person and his rebirth as a courageous and honorable knight of the Round Table, I think that performing this spell under the dark/new moon would be best. The longest (and darkest) night of the year symbolizes the inner darkness of our deepest fears, which need to be illuminated by the flame of courage.

....unfortunately, the solstice and the new moon have passed, but I don't want to put off this spell, so I'm going to do it anyway. Fear can strike even without a cover of literal darkness, so I think that timing isn't the most important aspect of this particular spell.

Location - I'm a closet witch whose parents don't look too closely into my affairs, so I have some freedom to practice but not a lot. I don't have a dedicated workspace or altar yet. Location isn't an important aspect of this spell either.

Materials - This spell will require a candle. I'm choosing to use a green chime candle, since the color green (in the context of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight") is very important here. I'll also be using paper, some green India ink, and a size 0 watercolor brush to draw my sigil.

Method - I'm going to draw the sigil representing my fears, light the candle, meditate on my intention (or at least try to) of overcoming my fears while watching the candle burn down, then gather my energy and burn the sigil before the candle completely burns out.

I'm really nervous.

2022 prompt 1.3 - perform your original spell

I designed my sigil to look like the Green Knight's axe, for which Gawain must kneel and accept the blow that he expects to sever his head from his neck and end his life.

The candle is burning down and I'm trying to meditate, but my cat is desperate to get inside my room and is mewing and scratching at the door. I don't want to let her in, because the chime candle isn't in a holder and could be knocked over very easily. I can't meditate with this noise going on, so I'm going to just burn my sigil (in front of an open window) and call it quits.

Overall first "proper" spell experience? 4/10

I need to invest in proper chime candle holders, I think.

[musketeergarrison]

Winter Solstice

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Over a grey background freckled with light grey and white spots, there is a faded white fleur du lis. Over the fleur du lis you can read in a calligraphic font Winter Solstice. Below the word solstice, in a smaller sans-serif, it reads Fic Exchange. In the center bottom of the image it can be read, in calligraphic font: “Brought to you by The Garrison.” /END OF IMAGE DESCRIPTION]

We are midway through registration! Make sure to click “read more” if you want to take part in this Winter Solstice Event.

RULES

Minimum extension: 1.5K words.

Your piece must be finished and posted on the platform of your choice (A03, Tumblr or both) on December 21st.

Do NOT share for whom you’re writing with anyone else.

You may maintain anonymous contact with them through the mods or anonymous asks.

Follow the guides of your prompt.

Have fun!

SCHEDULE

Registration opened: SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021.

Registration closed: OCTOBER 27TH, 2021.

Prompts sorted and sent: NOVEMBER 4TH, 2021.

Posting date: DECEMBER 21ST, 2021.

Want to participate? Fill in this Google Form.

[addictedtooverwatch]

Overwatch/OW2 Theories: Future Character Challenges

With the Pachimari Roadhog skin challenge, I wanted to speculate about what character challenges we might get in the future. So far, we have eleven character challenges; Nano Cola D.Va, Pachimari Roadhog, Maestro Sigma, Mardi Gras Ashe, Brick Bastion, Kyogisha Hanzo, Marammat Symmetra, Comic Book Tracer, Bastet Ana, Combat Medic Baptiste, and Dr. Ziegler Mercy. So, I’m going to go over some fun ideas for skin challenges based off real world holidays and pieces of lore. 

Holiday Skin Challenge Ideas: 

Summer Solstice Lucio: This would be in between the Anniversary and the Summer Games, so in late June/early July. I don’t have as clear of an idea of what the skin would look like compared to other skin ideas, but it would be shades of blue, yellow, orange, and white, kind of like a sunrise. 

New Year’s Wrecking Ball: So this would be around New Year’s, so between Winter Wonderland and Lunar New Year, if Winter Wonderland started earlier than normal. So, Hammond would be in a white and black suit and the wrecking ball itself, would be a disco ball. 

Valentine’s Day Hanzo: This would be around Valentine’s Day, before the Lunar New Year event. I’m not exactly sure what the outfit would look like, but it would have a red, white, and pink color scheme. I think that it would fit Hanzo best because he is an archer and cupid is depicted as an archer. Ashe(maybe not Ashe since she got the Mardi Gras skin) or Widowmaker would also be ok, but it should be a sniper in my opinion.

Lore Based Skin Challenge Ideas:

Bride Widowmaker: This would be between the Anniversary event and Summer Games, or between the Summer Games and Halloween Terror event. This would be based off a photo of Amelie and Gerard on their wedding day, so I think that would be cool.  

Veteran’s Day Reaper: This would be in November, around the same time the Symmetra Marammat challenge happened last year. This would be a holiday based skin and a lore based skin. He already has his Soldier: 24 skin which is supposed to be a military uniform skin, but I think giving him a skin similar to Soldier: 76′s Commando and Night Ops. skins would be cool because he was part of the US military, like Soldier 76, before joining Overwatch. 

Patrol Officer Orisa: This would probably be between Archives and Anniversary. We know that Orisa was built from one of the destroyed OR15 bots from the Numbani Doomfist fight and we know that the OR15′s were used as defense bots that worked with the police. So, I think that Orisa should get a police skin that would be similar to D.Va’s Police Officer skin and Brigitte’s Riot Police skin. 

Deadlock Rebels Ashe: This probably wouldn’t be a character challenge skin, since Ashe already got the Mardi Gras skin. It will most likely(hopefully) be an Archives Event skin just like Deadlock McCree. If it is a character challenge, I think that it would happen in June/July of this year since the Deadlock Rebels book is coming out in June 2021. 

Anyways, I think I’m going to go over a character I want added to the game soon or a map that I want added to the game that wasn’t actually added but already had a concepts created for it. 

TLDR: Some ideas I have for possible character challenges include: Summer Solstice Lucio, New Year’s Wrecking Ball, Valentine’s Day Hanzo, Bride Widowmaker, Veteran’s Day Reaper, Patrol Officer Orisa, and maybe Deadlock Rebels Ashe. 

[cheri-translates]

mains - dates

✧ dates from season two can be found after-hours.

🥧 pies // gavin.

hearty and filling, these pies are packed with wholesome organic ingredients and baked to perfection. cut into it slowly and savour its simple sweetness that will bring you back to the nostalgia of home.

✧ basketball court （球场之约）

✧ misunderstandings （误会之约）

✧ mark （印记之约）

✧ ski （滑雪之约）

✧ reflection of beauty （惊鸿照影来）

✧ delightful search （觅趣之约）

✧ private photoshoot （私影之约）

✧ gardening （园艺之约）

✧ flower season （花期之约）

✧ galloping （驰骋之约）

✧ surprise （奇袭之约）

✧ late autumn（秋深之约）

✧ 2020 birthday r&s

✧ old haunt （故地之约）

✧ same path （同途之约）

✧ qixi event

✧ location scouting (prologue) （堪景之约）

✧ returning from afar （远归之约）

✧ deep longing （心驰之约）

✧ special invitation （特邀之约）

✧ challenge （挑战之约）

✧ mind’s quest: obsession （执迷）

✧ mind’s quest: when the galaxy falls （星河欲坠时）

✧ sky （云霄之约）

✧ blessings （祝福之约）

✧ wind and waves (风浪之约）

✧ long journey (长旅之约)

✧ 2021 birthday r&s

✧ spreading wings (展翼之约)

✧ car repair （修车之约）

✧ fragrant traces （香影之约）

✧ mind’s quest: deep sleep with the moonlight (与月色沉眠）

✧ divination (占卜之约)

✧ winning the championship (夺冠之约)

✧ judgment (审判之约)

✧ training (训练之约）

✧ assistance (助力之约)

✧ beautiful time (锦时之约)

✧ gym (健身房之约)

✧ cure (治愈之约）

✧ mind’s quest: moon beyond the curtain（帘外月胧明)

✧ multitude of light (黎光之约)

✧ refining (试炼之约)

✧ torrential (激流之约)

✧ arrest ((抓捕之约)

✧ fishing (海钓之约)

✧ fashion show (秀场之约)

✧ 2022 birthday prologue

✧ opportunities (逢辰之约) l birthday r&s

✧ moon (合月之约)

✧ cheering (prologue) (呐喊之约)

✧ field training (拉练之约)

- west moon au

✧ fated with the world of the living （浮世之缘）

✧ journeying together （同行之约）

✧ late autumn (秋阑之约）

✧ lighten burdens (减负之约) (summary)

🥞 pancakes // kiro.

soft and fluffy, our stack of pancakes are an amazing way to start the day, or if you just want irresistibly soft sponginess in your mouth. drizzle some chocolate or maple syrup if you want, though... it’s sweet on its own.

✧ greenhouse （花房之约）

✧ poetry and wine （诗酒趁年华）

✧ entwining （缠绕之约）

✧ village （晚寨之约）

✧ treasure （藏宝之约）

✧ colourful （缤纷之约）

✧ dessert （甜点之约）

✧ variety show（综艺之约）

✧ qixi event

✧ memories of summer （忆夏之约）

✧ inspiration （灵感之约）

✧ echo （回响之约）

✧ winter tour （冬游之约）

🥐 croissants and strudels // lucien.

our puff pastries are made fresh every morning with exactly 700 layers folded into the dough. crisp and light on the outside, bite through the outer layer to taste the intense flavour inside.

✧ fireworks （烟花之约）

✧ a love not in vain (by @redqueen-hypothesis​) （不负相思意）

✧ warm morning （暖晨之约）

✧ whimsical （奇想之约）

✧ ordinary （平淡之约）

✧ revelation （启秘之约）

✧ seminar （讲座之约）

✧ mirror painting* （镜面之约）

✧ reading （品读之约）

✧ noble virtue (by @redqueen-hypothesis​​) （幽芳之约）

✧ qixi event 

✧ theatre （剧场之约）

✧ radio broadcast  (��台之约)

✧ fantasy book (幻书之约）

🍩 bagels // shaw.

soft and chewy, bagels and donuts have always been an ideal afternoon snack for when you’re busy and need something on the go. our bagels are spiced with a secret mix and are sure to give you the kick you need.

✧ tide of emotions （心潮之约）

✧ 2020 birthday r&s

✧ summer night （夏夜之约）

✧ exorcism (by @redqueen-hypothesis​) （除崇之约）

✧ qixi event

✧ accompanying （陪伴之约）

✧ 2021 birthday r&s

✧ summer solstice （夏至之约）

✧ freedom (自由之约）

✧ hot summer syndrome (热夏症候群)

✧ staying at home (居家之约)

🧁 cakes // victor.

baked with the finest ingredients, everything from cream to sugar is of the highest quality and completely handmade from scratch. we have some class, you know.

✧ delicacy （美食之约）

✧ encounter （偶遇之约）

✧ phantom （魅影之约）

✧ remembrance （铭心之约）

✧ understanding the human world （遍阅人间色）

✧ magnificent （鬼厉之约）

✧  return home（归家之约）

✧ colours of rain （夜色之约）

✧ night dream （夜梦之约）

✧ cherry blossom （晚樱之约）

✧ warm （温暖之约）

✧ tennis (prologue) （网球之约）

✧ sleepless night （灯火夜无眠）

✧ patio （庭院之约）

✧ qixi event

✧ tender regards （心意之约）

✧ night meeting （夜会之约）

✧ exhibition (by @redqueen-hypothesis​) （观展之约）

✧ perfect （完美之约）

✧ 2021 birthday r&s

✧ belonging （归属之约）

✧ advice （讨教之约）

✧ sand and sea （砂海之约）

✧ leaving traces （留痕之约）

✧ re-enactment (演绎之约）

✧ business exhibition (企展之约）

✧ to the horizon (prologue) (至地平线之约) 

🍒 return to the menu 🍒

[geekcavepodcast]

Nintendo Indie World Showcase December 15, 2021

Nintendo recently announced several stunning indie titles in the latest Nintendo Indie World Showcase (December 15, 2021).

Sea of Stars from Sabotage Studio is a turned based RPG. The story follows two Children of the Solstice who fight off the monsterous creations of The Fleshmancer by combining the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic. 

Sea of Stars releases during Holiday 2022. Check out the trailer here.

Aliisha: The Oblivion of the Twin Goddesses hails from PQube and Underscore. Twin girls Lisha and Aisha stumble on an ancient temple and have to cooperate to overcome its challenges and unravel their destiny. The game can be played solo or with a friend. 

Aliisha: The Oblivion of the Twin Goddesses releases in Spring 2022. Check out the trailer here.

Loco Motive is a point and click mystery from Robust Games and Chucklefish. Players are travelers on the luxury steam train The Reuss Express when a murder occurs. Prove your innocence and find the killer. 

Loco Motive releases in Summer 2022. Check out the trailer here.

Afterlove EP is a slice-of-life adventure from Pikselnesia and Fellow Traveller. The game incorporates elements of dating sims, rhythm games, and a narrative adventure to tell a story about love, loss, and music. The game features art from Soyatu and an original soundtrack by L’alphalpha.

Afterlove EP releases in Summer 2022. Check out the trailer here.

Dungeon Munchies, from maJAJa and Chorus Worldwide Games is a side-scrolling RPG where you, a newly revived dead guy, hunt down creatures, cook, and eat them to gain abilities to escape the dungeon you find yourself in.

Dungeon Munchies is out today. Check out the trailer here.

Figment 2: Creed Valley from Bedtime Digital is an action-adventure game that takes place in a human mind. Nightmares are spreading and it is up to Dusty, the Mind’s courage, to traverse unique environments, sole puzzles, and battle musical boss fights. Also, Dusty’s companion Piper is a controllable character for local co-op.

Figment 2: Creed Valley goes on sale in February 2022. Check out the trailer here.

Let’s Play! Oink Games brings the board game brand to the Nintendo Switch The game includes Deep Sea Adventure, A Fake Artist Goes to NY, Startups, and Moon Adventure.

Let’s Play! Oink Games is out now. Check out the trailer here.

Endling: Extinction is Forever from Heartbeat Studios and HandyGames will make you cry. You play as the last mother fox of her kind trying to save her three cubs, get them to a safe place, and help them survive.

Endling: Extinction is Forever releases in Spring 2022. Check out the trailer here.

Olli Olli World is a skateboarding action-platformer from Roll7 and Private Division. Traverse Radlandia and discover the skate gods on your quest for Gnarvana.

Olli Olli World releases on February 8, 2022. Check out the trailer here.

River City Girls 2 from WayForward picks up shortly after River City Girls. Players can control Misako, Kyoko, Kunio, Riki, Marian, and Provie on a new RPG beat-’em-up. The game also features 2-players co-op locally and online.

River City Girls 2 goes on sale in Summer 2022. Check out the trailer here.

OMORI from Omocat, LLC, is coming to the Nintendo Switch. OMORI is an RPG where you travel between two worlds, the vibrant and the mundane, to uncover your past.

OMORI releases to Nintendo Switch in Spring 2022. Check out the trailer here.

Also announced during the Nintendo Indi World Showcase 12/15/2021 were Finji’s Chicory: A Colorful Tale (available now), Xordix’s Timelie (available now), Klei Entertainment’s Don’t Starve Together (Spring 2022), PortaPlay and DONTNOD Entertainment’s Gerda: A Flame in Winter (2022), Akupara Games’ Grime (Summer 2022), Silver Lining Studio and Akupara Games’ Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery (Spring 2022), Washbear Studio’s Parkasaurus (Spring 2022), and Forever Entertainment’s Baby Storm (January 21, 2022).

(Images via Nintendo)

[atlawintersolstice]

ATLA Winter Solstice 2021 sign-ups close in 5 days!

Please spread the word! ATLA Winter Solstice Exchange 2021 is a  fanwork gift exchange for Avatar: The Last Airbender, back for its second year. You may offer and request fanfic, meta, fanart, fanvids, and/or podfic.

Sign-ups are open from now through November 4 (they close at 11:59 pm Eastern time that day). To sign up, click here! Remember, you can edit or delete your sign-up until sign-ups close. Check out the AO3 profile or pinned Tumblr post  to see details and rules.

If you’re interested in the exchange, but unsure about committing: we also need beta readers!  (Writers planning on signing up are also encouraged to volunteer as beta readers). If you’re interested, please send this blog an ask. You also create treats to give to participants without being signed up for the exchange yourself, but to receive a gift, you must sign up for the exchange. Finally, we are in need of pinch hitters, who fulfill requests if someone can no longer complete the challenge. Please send an ask if you’d like to join the pinch hitter list! (This is possible to do with or without signing up.)

Exchange Schedule

All times are in Eastern Time (US and Canada).

October 25-November 4: Sign-ups are open.

November 7: All assignments will be sent out no later than this date.

November 21: Beta reader matching survey is sent out. Matches will be made on a rolling basis and sent out as soon as possible.

December 7: Deadline to default (withdraw from the exchange).

December 14: Assignments are due.

December 21: Gifts revealed!