#I'm mostly practicing and getting back into figuring out AE and who better to practice on than ur current obsession xD

[chirpy-chi]

A sneak peek for an animation WIP I'm doing. I really enjoy animating his double eyes >u<

Edit: Full animation now done and can be found in the link below oOuOo

[agardenandlibrary]

The Shadow Rising: chapters 15-19

Remember the Doorway to the Danger Zone? Yeah, it's time for Mr. Low-to-No Impulse Control to see what's up! The door takes Mat to a strange place, weird rule of 3 thing going on, fae rules, etc. Mat falls victim to the classic blunder: the desire to ask follow up questions.

The answer he gets boils down to: "Go to Rhuidean." it's his fate. 

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE AIEL, LET'S GO. 

The place starts crumbling around them and they hustle him out. He gets carried out like this:

while Mat is cursing out the doorway, Rand steps out, followed by Moiraine. Shoulda coordinated better, kids! Turns out the fae-Doorway creatures were speaking the Old Tongue. Mat understood them perfectly. No one admits to what they were told and they all go their separate ways.

Perrin is ready to GTFO. He goes to Loial - only to find Faile got there first. She made Loial swear an oath to take her to the Ways so Perrin can't leave her behind. I feel like this is a "please never get other people involved in your mess" moment. It's really shitty of Faile to put Loial in the middle. It's shitty of Perrin to decide to leave her behind "for her own good." The only good bean is Loial, who did not consent to be involved in your weird foreplay and is, in fact, uncomfortable.

Everyone else is also packing. Lan busts into their room and is like, “Hey, why’d you lead me to believe you were going back to the Tower, when you’re actually going to TARABON, PLACE OF AWFULNESS.” Nynaeve’s like “I never SAID I was going back to the Tower.” Practicing Aes Sedai trickery on Lan, which is kinda shitty. Lan's very worried about them (but mostly Nynaeve) going to Tarabon. He really really wants to go with them, but he’s bound to Moiraine. They make out in front of Elayne and Egwene, who are, in order, interested and embarrassed. 

Meanwhile, Moiraine and Thom do their little dance of the Game of Houses which they are both good at & we get references that Thom probably (definitely) killed Moiraine’s half-brother who was w/ Morgase. Given that her half-brother was a bag of dicks, Moiraine doesn't care, except that it gives her some leverage over Thom - she wants him to go with Nynaeve and Elayne to Tarabon to help them. She'll give him the names of the Red sisters who Stilled his nephew in exchange. He's torn - he's been trying to help Rand stay out of Aes Sedai clutches.

Meanwhile meanwhile, Min's getting antsy in Tar Valon. Gawyn is being a little shit, nearly blowing Min's cover because he's trying to figure out where Elayne + Egwene are. Galad is reading the Book of Mormon Children of Light propaganda. Galad... no... 

He's like: "It's got good stuff" → the stuff: "be as boring as possible and enjoy nothing." Min sees Logain crowned in glory & freaks out.

RIP Sahra - but it is kind of funny that there's a farm upstate for the Aes Sedai to go retire at.

The Perrin + Faile Train leaves the station w/ 3 Aiel on board. Faile's like "he's trying to keep me from my rightful place" and I'm like, girl, what the fuck. You two are definitely into each other but you’ve never actually, uhhh, talked about this. As they're leaving, the Stone rings & there's a big earthquake situation – Rand doing something. They make it into the Ways.

Elayne and Nynaeve are on a boat! The Sea Folk are cool.

OH –  the various prophecies of the Dragon are giving big uh missionaria protectiva from Dune vibes. it's the heat prophecy. Turns out the Sea Folk have a prophecy that means they'll help Elayne and Nynaeve for free. Okay, sure. On one hand: v interesting to see all the different ways cultures have interpreted the Dragon Reborn. It really shows his importance across the world!

Then we get the Randquake again.

[cipheress-to-k-pop]

WHWD: AE-Team and C-Team interaction scenario (Conner)

I would like to apologize that it took me so long to send this, was trying to figure out a scenario. The others are still a wip, so who knows when they will be sent

I like to think the scent from a candle help calm down CR whenever she’s overwhelmed with stress. AE-Conner had help CR by informing her which candle scents won’t bother him or C-Conner, but she’s afraid to light them even when C-Conner isn’t around. One day while C-Con was out and CR was overwhelmed, AE-Con encouraged her to light one of the candles while C-Con is away.

No one was aware that C-Con would return sooner that day; and while C-Con was slightly annoyed when he caught a faint scene of a lit candle… it didn’t bothered him at all. He noticed how his counterpart wasn’t bothered by it either (or he probably refuses to even acknowledge it), so no reason to get upset about it… right?

C-Con does bring it up to CR one day, and he will see how she tensed up and become fidgety while avoiding eye contact with him. C-Con is slightly annoyed because it was just a question, but if he were to use his super hearing, he’ll be able to hear how CR’s heart rate is steadily increasing as a panic attack is forming mostly because CR is recalling the time C-Con yelled at her about the candles and believes he’s angry at her again. Luckily someone (who cares for CR well-being) was there to notice the signs and intervened, guiding CR away while she quickly mutters an apologize to C-Con. C-Con is just confused now at how CR reacted. It sort of… scares him a bit to see someone who’s not an enemy, but a teammate, be afraid of him.

I'm so sorry I took so long to reply to this. I was going through personal shit but now that I'm better, I'm getting back to writing and stuff I thought I'd take another shot at answering this

I like where it's going and I really wanna love this but I just don't think that any version of Conner would be this empathetic, AE or not. But I do definitely agree with the first part. AER and AE-Conner most definitely went out for a designated candle shopping day and he almost passed out in a bath and body works.

It was interspaced with many breaks, temper tantrums and lowkey panic attacks (Conner was the one panicking not AER). So they both kind of collaborated and compromised. AER chose a scent that was barely there and also soothing to him. But since the trip, she's been very careful about lighting them. (Not out of fear but just consideration for him)

If C-Conner had calmly explained to YJR why the candles bothered him so much instead of freaking out and yelling at an already insecure version of her they probably would have come to the same conclusion.

But no such luck.

I don't think AE Conner would have helped YJR pick another candle scent because at this point, he already knows his counterpart hates any single scent and he'd be more concerned about why YJR is so panicked and anxious whenever he tries to talk to her.

It's like she's scared of him

And he realizes very quickly he needs to knock some sense into C-Conner

Basically tells him to get his shit together, stop acting like a little bitch and apologize for throwing a hissy fit.

C-Conner does not take it well but does admit that it's unfair of him to make a big deal about just lighting a candle and reluctantly agrees to apologize.

Boy, it does not go well.

YJR won't even make eye contact with him and he can practically hear how loud your heart is ramming against your ribs. The amount of stimulation disturbs him more than the scent of a candle. He can practically feel his eardrums vibrating with each beat.

YJR just wants to run away and looks for the quickest moment to cut the conversation short.

Luckily AE-Conner catches them just in time and is like "I thought I told you to apologize?"

C-Conner is just like "I'm trying!"

"Clearly not hard enough! She's terrified!"

And it's then he realizes that the heart pounding in your chest is because you were scared of him. Not because you were nervous, or awkward or shy. You were frightened. Of him in particular.

And then he realized just how badly he had been behaving and understands that when it comes to you, he needs to be even more gentle.

He doesn't want anyone to fear him. Not like this.

He offers a sincere apology and then next week YJR finds a bottle of lotion on her table. It's the same scent as her favourite candle.

"I know it's not a candle but I hope this is a good compromise."

YJR applies it every time she feels anxious and when C-Conner can smell it, he knows that she needs comforting.

[gay-otlc]

For The Honor Of The Moonlark- 2

Previous

Let's not talk about how I meant to have this chapter up yesterday haha

AO3

"Sophie?" Fitz asks, breaking the long silence that had held as the trio walked back to Bright Moon. Biana had mostly filled that time trying not to cry and/or run back to Maruca, so ae welcomes the distraction of the others' conversation. "How did you plan on telling Edaline about Biana? She'll be happy about Ae-Ra, but maybe a bit less thrilled about the Neverseen soldier part."

"Ex-Neverseen soldier," ae corrects, quietly.

"Right. Sorry."

Sophie stops in their tracks. "Oh. I... didn't think of that."

"She's gonna hate me," Biana groans.

Waving a dismissive hand, Sophie says "Don't worry. I'm sure it'll be fine. Just... maybe we should introduce you in Ae-Ra form?"

"One problem. I don't exactly know how to summon Ae-Ra." Until earlier today, ae had no idea that part of aer even exists. And now Sophie's mother liking aer relies on aer being able to figure it out, and fast. This is not good. This is very not good. All ae wants to do is not disappoint people, and leaving the Neverseen will definitely let Vespera down, not to mention Maruca, so ae would rather not mess this up with Queen Edaline too.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out- how hard can it be? You just hold up the sword and look cool and say the magic words."

"I guess." Ae gives the sword in aer hands an inquisitive look. "For the honor of the moonlark?"

Nothing happens.

Helpfully, Fitz offers "You have to sound more confident! Show that sword who's boss!"

"For the honor of the moonlark!"

Once again, nothing happens.

"I'm sure it's fine! How about you practice out here while I go get yelled at by my mom? Great, good luck."

True to their word, the moment Sophie walks into Havenfield, Edaline storms up to them, screaming "Sophay! What in Eternalia were you thinking? I ground you and expect you to stay in your room for at least one night, but no, you go running off to Ancients-know-where, leaving only the most vague note in existence and giving me a heart attack. Explain yourself!"

"Sorry, Mom," Sophie says, shuffling their feet.

"That is not an explanation."

They take a deep breath. "So, Fitz found this really cool piece of Ancients' technology in the wandering woods, and we went to go investigate, but while we were out there, we found something even better- you'll love this, I promise." Judging by Edaline's raised eyebrow, she does not believe their promise. They reach up to tug out an eyelash. "I know I scared you, but this is really good, I'm telling you."

"Alright. Show me."

Twisting their fingers together, Sophie admits "It might take a little while... in the meantime, breakfast?"

The look Edaline gives them proves full well that they are not off the hook. They hope Biana's ready soon.

Biana is not ready, nor will ae be soon. Ae's tried yelling "for the honor of the moonlark" in every voice ae can think of, every accent and pitch and heart-wrenching imitation of Maruca. It seems like even the horse, who ae has taken to calling Horsey in aer complaints, is judging aer failure. Not surprising. "Come on, Horsey, help me!" Biana yells. "Sword? Work? For the honor of the moonlark!?" The frustration in aer voice seems to have achieved something, because the sword sparkles, and then bright light fires at Horsey. Who neighs, rearing back as it grows... wings. Rainbow wings. And a horn.

Is this normal for Havenfield?

When Horsey begins running in a panic, it becomes clear that no, this is not normal for Havenfield. Biana follows, trying aer best to ignore the shocked gasps of the other Bright Moon citizens. Especially when they all notice the white eye, the Neverseen insignia, on the back of aer shirt. They know who ae is, but they don't, not quite- because they don't know ae left. They just see an enemy, and there's shouting, and ae just wants it to stop.

Horsey forgotten, Biana runs to the Wanderling Woods. Doesn't stop until ae stumbles upon a little cottage with an old woman outside, wearing a dress of pink and purple and red and orange. When she sees Biana, her face lights up. "Jolie!"

"...who's Jolie? Who are you?"

The woman laughs. "Jolie, don't tell me you don't remember Doctor Livvy!"

Ae opens aer mouth, closes it, and opens it again. "I'm sorry, I think you have me confused with someone else."

Livvy's face falls. "Oh. I suppose I do. It's not the right time for Jolie, ae's from the past. Or the future? I don't know. But you... you also have the sword."

"Lot of good it's doing me," Biana mutters, glaring.

"Come, pick berries with me."

"I- what?" Livvy's off before ae can stop her, and Biana still hasn't gotten any answers. So, ae follows. "Is that... an Ancients' ruin?"

Livvy nods. "Alluvaterre. It has good berries!"

And she's... climbing. Climbing up this scarily tall structure. Of course.

"Doctor Livvy? I don't think this is a good idea..."

"Nonsense!" The words are barely out of her mouth when she falls, and Biana dives to catch aer. Ae's expecting Livvy to be shaken, or something, but she jumps to her feet and dusts off her dress. "Thank you, Jolie. Follow me." Against aer better judgement, Biana obeys. "Look," Livvy orders, clearing a tree branch out of aer view. Ae sees broken houses and Neverseen weapons.

Not quite realizing ae's saying, or even thinking, the words, Biana whispers "This is wrong."

Livvy nods. "You're a lot like Jolie. Kind, and brave. But scared."

"I'm not scared," Biana insists, knowing full well it sounds like a lie. Mostly because it is.

"Of course you're scared! You asked the first crazy old lesbian in the woods for advice!"

Aer reply dies in aer throat, replaced with a cry of "Horsey!" as Biana sees the horse tied up by cloaked Neverseen soldiers. "For the honor of the moonlark!" This time, it works, and Biana is Ae-Ra again. There's barely time to marvel at it before ae runs off to save Horsey. It makes aer sick, that just yesterday ae was a part of something so awful. But now ae knows the truth, and ae's not going back. Biana screams and thrusts the sword and one soldier, than another.

Livvy jumps into the battle. This seems like a bad idea, but Biana is too busy to point this out. It seems like Doctor Livvy can hold her own, though, as she yells "Doctor Lesbian power!" and rainbow sparkles erupt around her. A soldier flies backwards, and finally, they retreat. Biana leans forward, panting, and Livvy smiles at aer. "It looks like you know what to do."

Maybe ae does. Biana looks at Horsey. "Could I get a ride back to Havenfield?" Ae doesn't say home. Messed up as it is, the Neverseen base is still aer home. Maruca is still aer home.

Barely holding back sobs, Maruca scratches out the little drawing of her and Biana, the B+M on the side of her bed. That was a lie. They don't go together anymore, Biana plus Maruca. They aren't a unit. They aren't anything, except now they're soldiers on opposite sides of the battlefield because Biana left. And Maruca hates aer. Worse, Maruca might still love aer. But Biana left, and Maruca just has a gaping hole where a girl used to be.

"Maruca." Vespera's voice is cold, in sharp contrast to this burning rage. "Pull yourself together. You have failed at your assignment, and I demand an explanation. Where. Is. Biana."

"Biana left!" Her scream slices through the air.

For once, Vespera is silent.

"Biana left, ae's our enemy now. And that might have been the right decision!"

She doesn't mean it- how could leaving Maruca have been the right decision?- but Vespera looks like she's been slapped. "I am bringing you to see Lord Brant!" she hisses. The walk is silent, Maruca fighting back hot tears because she won't cry over a traitor like Biana, especially not in front of Vespera, especially not in front of Brant. Once they arrive, she stays silent as Vespera explains the situation.

"It seems to me that you are short one force captain," Brant says finally.

"Yes, my lord, but we should have Biana back shortly, despite that one's failure-"

"No. We won't waste any more time on aer. Appoint this girl instead."

The first thing that comes out of her mouth for a long time is a near inaudible "I-"

"Rise, force captain Maruca."

Maruca is still frustratingly on aer mind as Horsey sweeps into the throne room of Havenfield. Queen Edaline, midway through lecturing Sophie about inviting Neverseen soldiers into the kingdom, cuts herself off. "Wha- Ae-Ra?"

"That's what Fitz and I were trying to tell you!" Sophie says. They smile at aer.

Ae can't quite return it, knowing the people here might not be quite so excited about Ae-Ra if they knew it was Biana holding the sword. Still, Edaline's warm smile seems more welcoming than Vespera's icy stares, so this isn't the most terrifying authority figure ae's ever had to approach. "Your majesty," ae says, "I've come to pledge myself to the Black Swan, but you should know that..." aer voice trails off, and ae lets the facade slip to reveal Biana. "I know the Neverseen does horrible things, and that's why I left them. I want to fight, if you'll let me."

Queen Edaline considers aer for a long, terrifying moment. Then finally, she says "Rise, Ae-Ra. Protector of Eternalia."