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weepinwriter · 1 year ago

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Road to Heaven is an 18+ Dystopian fic which takes inspiration from popular media like the “Shatter Me” series and “Hunger Games”. It may contain distressing content like major injury to the characters, character deaths, blood, gore, body horror, amnesia and optional sexual content. More specific warnings will be given at the beginning of each chapter.

You are inmate No. 1441, incarcerated in Tartarus, the most notorious prison on the continent. You find yourself imprisoned for a crime that you do not remember committing, leaving you in a state of uncertainty about your own identity and purpose. The first memory you have is awakening to the sensation of a gun being shoved into your mouth.

Within the grim confines of Tartarus, you have been branded as the most dangerous criminal, feared yet hated by both fellow inmates and prison authorities alike. It becomes clear to you that in order to survive and unravel the enigma of your past, escape from this formidable penitentiary is imperative. However, achieving freedom will not be an easy feat, as you must navigate treacherous encounters with some of the most malevolent criminals known to humanity. In your quest for freedom, you find yourself entangled in complex relationships with three significant individuals. Firstly, your cellmate, whose icy demeanor suggests a deep-seated disdain for your very existence. Secondly, your best friend within the prison walls, whose seemingly excessive friendliness may harbor ulterior motives. Lastly, there is the warden, whose overtly amicable nature masks a peculiar familiarity with your past. As you navigate the perilous labyrinth of Tartarus, your ultimate objective is twofold: to survive amidst the most notorious criminals and uncover the truth about your forgotten past. In a world where danger lurks at every corner, you must tread carefully, for the path to redemption and self-discovery is riddled with uncertainty and perilous choices.

Fully customize your MC. Choose your pronouns, sexuality, appearance and more. Take control of your interactions with the characters and experience the world of Elysium City through a personalized scope.

Romance one of the 7 RO’s, and if you are charming enough, fall in love with any two of them. The four possible poly routes available are: The Cellmate and The Friend, The Warden and The Master, The Protector and The Master, The Cellmate and The Rebel

Struggle against the evil that wants you dead and uncover secrets about yourself

Accept your identity as an Esper and rediscover your powers, or completely reject them

Master your ability of Conscious Manipulation and perhaps learn a few things about yourself unexpectedly

Choose to make allies within Tartarus or antagonize them. Your choices have consequences

Lead a dying rebellion against the Hightable or join them as an equal

There are a total 7 romance options, each with their own personality and a story along with dark secrets for you to uncover

Survive

1. The Cellmate [f/m] | Enemies to Lovers

Subject Name : Twenty

A palpable enigma surrounds the inexplicable disdain they harbor towards you, leaving you to ponder if your past misdeeds have sowed the seeds of their ire. Your questions remain unanswered, rarely do they grace you with a response, and when they do, it arrives veiled in hateful glares and a tapestry of venomous words. The origins of their animosity remain shrouded in silence, with fellow inmates mirroring their reticence. Only when they are complaining about the prison's wretched conditions and the Warden's despotic rule do they momentarily shed their icy facade, revealing hints of vulnerability and human emotion. When they do smile, albeit rarely, it is a fleeting moment of breathtaking beauty. If only you could find the courage to tell them that.

[ Number 1579 is an S rank Arcane Tendency Esper with the Cryokinesis ability. They are under Libra’s Jurisdiction, and thus only follow orders coming directly from them. ]

Other Tropes : Emotional Scars, Nobody thinks it’ll actually work, Hate Sex

2. The Warden? [m] | ???

Subject Name : Nikita

There is an uncanny familiarity surrounding him, leaving you torn between the unsettling grip of dread and the elusive allure of desire. He claims to know you personally. Apparently the two of you were close friends before The Incident. Yet, when you press for details, he skillfully redirects the conversation before your emotions can catch up. "The past is but a fleeting shadow," he says, "no need to talk about something that can't be changed. Besides, you wouldn't remember anything." Evidently your memories had been erased. The question of who hangs heavy in the air, but his response remains enigmatic, offering only a mirthless smile.

[ Nikita is the Warden of Tartarus, the Reformation Asylum in Sector 10, 8th District. He is under Scorpio's jurisdiction. ]

Other Tropes : Slowburn, Betrayal, Puppy play

3. The Friend [f/m] | Friends to Lovers

Subject Name : Victor (m.) | Vanessa (f.)

A compassionate and devoted companion, V. shines as a beacon of light in the desolate depths of this grim abyss that became your world. From the moment you opened your eyes, they extended a helping hand, guiding you through the labyrinthine complexities of Tartarus and easing your transition into this unfamiliar realm. Unfazed by the venomous whispers that tarnish your reputation, they remain steadfastly by your side, unwavering in their loyalty. Their warm smiles and whimsical wordplay serve as a balm, mending your wounded spirit after every bitter clash with Twenty. How fortunate you are to be blessed with such an illuminating presence, brightening the shadows that consume your existence.

[ Number 1339 is an A rank Catalyst Tendency Esper with the Illusion Manipulation ability. They are under Scorpio’s Jurisdiction. ]

Other Tropes : Partners in crime, First Love, Good people get good sex, Slight yandere

4. The Count/Countless [f/m] | Forbidden Romance (relationship history can be friends with benefits)

Subject Name : Emir (m.) | Evara(f.)

A remarkable visionary and an exceptional entrepreneur, E. stands as an unrivaled figure in the illustrious realm of Elysium City. Holding the distinction of being the youngest Grandmaster in history and amassing unparalleled wealth, they reign as the CEO of the renowned Quinn Industries. E. is adorned with numerous titles within the esteemed echelons of society, serving as an icon of inspiration and a beacon of hope, while simultaneously arousing envy in the hearts of many. An arrogant and proud individual, their ugliness is conveniently covered by their astonishing fortune, combined with innate brilliance, seems almost mystical, as if destined for greatness from their very birth. Within Elysium City's grand social tapestry, few possess the persuasive prowess to sway the decisions of the Hightable itself, yet E. stands tall even among this select few. As an eligible bachelor, their daily inundation of love letters and marriage proposals is a testament to their allure. And yet, amidst all this splendor, it is you who has found a place of interest in their extraordinary life.

[ E. is a part of The Senate and thus does not fall under any District's jurisdiction. ]

Other Tropes : Belated love epiphany, Billionaire, Power play, Daddy/Mommy kink

5. The Master [f] | Forbidden Romance

Subject Name : Leo

In her calculated pursuit, you find yourself ensnared. Your allure captivates her discerning gaze, for you possess what she desires most. You are the coveted object of her desires. In this strategic game, you are but a pawn, a possession within her calculated grasp. Yet, curiously she maintains a measured distance. Her reason? She eloquently articulates, “Witnessing the growth of one's possession is a fascinating phenomenon.”

[ Leo is the Master of {DATA REDACTED}. They are the Ruler of the 5th District. ]

Other Tropes : Secret Identity, Second Chance, Blood play, Begging

6. The Protector [m] | Bodyguard Romance

Subject Name : Caesar

A battle-hardened soldier, Caesar bears the scars of a lifetime spent serving the FAE and the city. With an intimacy unparalleled, he has danced with mortality on numerous occasions, making death a companion rather than an adversary. Yet, behind that facade of strength, Caesar is a fractured soul, haunted by insecurities and a self-destructive nature. His journey, filled with shattered dreams and the weight of his daughter's aspirations, has brought him to the edge of despair. The immortality he once embraced now feels like a curse, a harbinger of misfortune that has become synonymous with his presence. In his eyes, he sees himself as not a protector but a bearer of ill fate. However, the stars, in an unexpected alignment, have granted him a final purpose: to protect you. Beneath the intimidating exterior lies a gentle giant, yet one plagued by a profound sense of self-loathing. He grapples with the belief that his very existence is a catalyst for tragedy, a vortex that draws calamity toward him and those he holds dear. Intrigued by this complex guardian, you see the duality within Caesar — an attentive and understanding individual burdened by the weight of his own perceived malevolence. As you navigate through the intricate layers of his psyche, perhaps you could help him ease his suffering, even by a little.

[ Caesar is a registered S rank Endura Tendency Esper with the Regeneration ability. He comes under Leo’s jurisdiction. ]

Other Tropes : Beauty and the Beast, Single parent, Stop calling me daddy

7. The Rebel [f/m] | Enemies to Lovers

Subject Name : Gael (m.) | Gwendolyn (f.)

You betrayed them. Or perhaps it's the other way around? You do not remember. The trust you once held dear has been shattered, and now you must face the price for your misguided beliefs. Like a fool enchanted by deceit, you must bear the weight of your choices. Remember this lesson, for betrayal's toll is a heavy one to pay. Proceed with caution, lest you become ensnared in the web of your own treachery.

[ There is no known information on this individual. Extreme caution is recommended. ]

Other Tropes : Amnesia, Revenge, Redemption, Breathe play

Links

[ DEMO ]

[ PINTEREST ]

[ THE DISTRICTS ]

[ THE HIGHTABLE ]

All asks and reposts are welcome 😁!

#current wip #interactive fiction #if game #interactive game #hosted games #twine game #interactive novel #dystopia #if intro #thriller #road to heaven if #upcoming if #twine wip #no demo

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omen-of-ice · 10 months ago

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DEMO || FAQ || PINTEREST

The North has been all that you’ve known your whole life— residing within its icy landscape as part of House Eirlys; Wardens of the North. You’ve never thought you’d one day leave to head south to Vela’thian— the kingdom of the elvhen— much less that you’d head there due to your betrothal with the king himself.

What will await you once you arrive? Is everything as it seems? Or is there something more brewing beneath the surface of the seemingly pristine nation?

Will you find your way back home? Or will you find something, or someone, worth staying for?

Let’s see how your story unfolds…

❄️ Play as the youngest heir to House Eirlys that’s been arranged to be married to the Elven King. Explore the wondrous world of Arlatha and the great elven nation of Vela’thian and its capital Ilyransari! You’ll meet a variety of characters, uncover plots (varying levels of angst), and potentially find love along the way! This game is rated 18+ for depictions of explicit language, alcohol consumption, potential sexual content, violence/blood, and death.

❄️ Customizable MC: name, gender, appearance, sexuality, hobbies, and some skills. (You can choose to not be attracted to men and tell Daeron, the king, this, don’t worry.)

❄️ Bond with your Lycana— a winged wolf that’ll stay with you until death. Customizable: name, gender, and fur color.

❄️ Explore Ilyransari and learn more about the fantastical world of Arlatha!

❄️ Meet a variety of characters— from reclusive dwarves to hotheaded goblins— that’ll bring unique experiences throughout your story.

❄️ Learn more about your own shrouded past and how you came to be where you are now. Will the truth finally set you free?

❄️ Keep in contact with your older brother— Kaladin. He’ll want to know how you’re doing.

❄️ Romance one of characters from your potential betrothed himself— the Elven King— to an orc commander that takes everything a bit too literally or a creature from the depths of the Vesperion Sea. Or maybe someone else will catch your eye.

❄️ Remember, above all else, to have fun!

Daeron [M] — The King — High Elf

The Elven King himself, a man known far and wide for his prowess in battle and resilience in the face of almost insurmountable odds. You’re not sure why he chose you to be his betrothed— after all he must have received hundreds of requests over the years— but you were instructed to not look a gift horse in the mouth; not when an ally like him would help your family and people immeasurably. With a hardened exterior, from years of battle and sacrifice, Daeron isn’t someone that’s easily accessible in the emotional sense, but you can’t help but notice how his eyes begin to soften every time you enter the room. Will something real begin to grow between you?

Daeron stands at around 6’3” (190.5 cm) with a warm beige complexion. Raven black hair falls across his forehead in gentle curls, a delicately crafted crown always situated atop them. His golden eyes, that seem to rival the sun in brilliance, are filled with a cunning intelligence; he has a toned physique, still holding a lithe quality that all elvhen seem to possess.

Larak [M] — The Commander — Orc

Seeing an Orc within Vela’thian is like seeing a starless night; it happens, but it doesn’t make it any less of an odd occurrence. Not after centuries of war between the Elven Nation and the Infernal Plains. Larak, however, seems to have taken his position in stride, ignoring all the looks he receives without a backward glance. After all, what is an orc to do without his clan? Especially one that was well on his way to becoming a chieftain of his own? Will you give him a reason to stay?

Larak stands at around 7’2” (218.44 cm) with a green complexion. Dark auburn locks are shaved on either side of his head, while the rest is kept in a long ponytail that falls down his back. He’s a hulking mass of muscle and brute strength— his most prominent feature, barring his sharp canines, being the twin scars running down his chest that pairs well with the one through his left eyebrow.

Calypso [F] — The Wanderer — Siren

The Vesperion Sea is an anomaly to most within Arlatha; for a creature from its watery depths to appear means one of two things. 1.) Something bad is about to happen. or 2.) It’s a pilgrimage of sorts that a few depth-striders take up every other decade. Meeting Calypso it’s easy to tell which one she is; her general amazement at the world around her being something that’d warm even the most hardened of hearts. With a desire to learn, and an aptitude to do so, she tries to take everything in stride, observing Vela’thian, and it’s inhabitants, with an ardent fervor that would be quite off putting in any other circumstance. Will you uncover things together?

Calypso stands at around 5’1” (154.94 cm) with a dark brown complexion— iridescent blue scales intercepting the expanse of it across her forearms, collarbone, and sparsely across her legs. The sea green of her gaze complements the deep royal blue of her hair beautifully— the voluminous curls falling down to just beneath her shoulders. She has an hourglass figure.

Shanaera [F] — The Spymaster — Dark Fae

The Royal Spymaster within Vela’thian, Shanaera is the longtime friend, and closest advisor, to Daeron. There isn’t much information about the early life of Shanaera— something she’s gone to great lengths to keep that way— and she’s rarely seen enough by the general populace to get a concrete opinion on. Keeping to the shadows, only appearing in court once in a blue moon, and with walls of ice surrounding her, it’s unsurprising why she has the reputation she does. A woman that’s just as deadly with her words as she is with any blade or poison— getting on her bad side isn’t a smart idea… But is it even possible to get on her good one?

Shanaera stands at around 5’11” (180.34 cm) with a sun-kissed complexion. Locks reminiscent of woven sunlight falls down to her hips in a cascade of gentle waves and soft curls— the strands bringing out the luminescent quality of her amethyst colored gaze. Grand wings of iridescent black are situated on her back, giving her elegantly slender body a broader appearance.

Fáelán [M/F] — The Best Friend — Wildling

You met Fáelán when you were ten years old during a winter ride with your family— something you had done dozens of times before— coming across their slight form underneath a snow drift, after your horse almost trampled them, wasn’t something you had been anticipating, but they haven’t left your side ever since. Not even when they had been offered an escort back to the village deep within The Thaeg; an ancient forest that covers over half of The North. You were best friends from that day onward— one never seen without the other. After all of that, should you truly be all that surprised when your self-appointed guard decides to come along to Vela’thian?

Fáelán stands at around 5’8” (172.72 cm) with a light gray complexion. Strands of hair, the color of which reminds you of freshly fallen snow, fall down to just beneath their shoulders in messy waves— usually kept in a intricate braid— pairs well with the deep crimson of their gaze. Their toned body is a far-cry from the scrawny individual they had been when you first met them— an intricate tattoo making a home on their right arm.

Valerian [M/F] — The Exiled Heir — Draconian

Tales of the land across the Vesperion Sea tell of the grand opulence of Edras— home of the draconian; dragon-kin. Valerian isn’t exactly who you’re expecting when imagining the royal family of Edras, but at the same time they seem to fit right in. With a smile that never reaches their eyes fully, a voice that never has to raise to be heard, and a presence that could command a legion, they bring a slew of questions and very little answers. Why were they cast out? Why are they in Vela’thian? And why do they seem to always find themself in your company? Will you be able to uncover any of these answers?

Valerian stands at around 6’6” (198.12 cm) with a fair complexion. Crystalline blue eyes seemingly burn with a fiery intensity— despite their icy coldness— which brings out the argent quality of their silver locks; M!Valerian keeping them down to his shoulders and F!Valerian keeping hers to her mid-back.

#omen of ice #interactive fiction #interactive novel #interact if #no demo #high fantasy #dashingdon #hosted games #choice of games

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azrielslittleslut · 21 days ago

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"The Lost Queen" - Chapter 12

Azriel x Fem!Reader

Summary: A magical incident causes Azriel to unexpectedly tumble through a portal into modern-day Earth. Confused and injured, he is discovered by a compassionate human woman with a hidden past. She takes care of him and helps him discover the complexities of the modern world, completely unaware of who she truly is. Meanwhile, Azriel struggles with his conflicting desires: his duty to the Night Court and his growing love for the woman who saved him.

Their journey unfolds amidst ancient prophecies and the looming threat in Prythian. As they uncover the truth about forces conspiring against them, they must confront their deepest fears and make choices that will change their lives and the world forever.

Warnings: language, fluff, slight suggestiveness, violence, death (not mc), blood

Word Count: 6.2k

series masterlist

a/n: azriel in a flower crown... that's it. that's the post.

Enjoy!

You didn’t know what to expect flying would be like. You had been on one of those rides at the state fair, the one that had you strapped into a harness, suspending you in midair by a single cable. The moment you pulled the latch, you’d plummet toward the ground, only to be swung skyward by that taut line. You’d also been on a plane before, so you wondered if flying with Azriel might feel similar- smooth, graceful, perhaps even calming.

You couldn’t have been more wrong.

Your squeal ripped through the night air as Azriel dipped low, his wings spread wide to catch with wind, the sudden drop making your stomach flip. The sensation wasn’t like anything you’d imagined- it was wild, exhilarating, and completely untamed. You could feel the sharp bite of the wind against your cheeks, your heart pounding in your chest as the ground rushed closer, only for Azriel to rise again. He held you tightly against him, and you could feel the warmth of his body radiating through the coat you had donned earlier.

Azriel caught an updraft, his wings carrying the two of you high above the city. Below, you could see the lights of Velaris shimmering, the river winding through the city, reflecting the soft glow of lanterns. You could barely make out the couples strolling, the faint hum of laughter and conversation. You could even hear the distant strains of music floating up, weaving through the air like a gentle lullaby.

The stars above sparkled like diamonds among the inky black sky, more brilliant than any you had ever seen.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” you admitted to Azriel, your eyes wide as you took it all in. “The stars are so… bright.”

Azriel chuckled, his wings flapping to keep the two of you steady. “Well, it is the Night Court. The stars are kind of our signature.” His tone was light, but there was a soft reverence in it, a quiet pride for the place he called home.

You craned your neck up to look at him, completely captivated by the sight of Azriel in his element. His shadows were still swarming his body and wings, seemingly content to enjoy a flight with their master. His face was softer than you’d ever seen it, open and at ease- so different from the stoic, unreadable mask he usually wore. The stars reflected in his hazel eyes, and a gentle smile tugged at his lips as he gazed down at his city.

Back in your world, Azriel had stood out like a sore thumb. You had thought that it was because of his size, as massive as he is, but it was more than that. It was simply that he truly didn’t belong there. He belonged here, in this beautiful place full of darkness and shadows and stars.

Mama Laveau had said that you weren’t born in your world, and now that you were here, you felt a calling, as if the very core of your existence belonged here. The wind, the stars, the soft hum of magic in the air- it all felt strangely familiar, like you were finding pieces of yourself you hadn’t even realized were missing.

Was this the world you belonged in? Was Prythian your home?

“I can see why you missed this.” Your voice was so quiet you worried that it was drowned out by the wind.

Az pulled you closer, his strong arms tightening around you like iron. “Do you trust me?” he asked, his deep voice low. It sent a skitter of excitement down your spine, causing goosebumps to break out on your skin.

“Infinitely,” you replied.

You immediately regretted your words. Azriel, with a mischievous smile on his face, wrapped his wings around you, the wings he was supposed to use for flying, and the two of you plummeted toward the ground.

“Azzy!” you screamed as the wind whipped around you, but most of it was blocked by his wings. “I swear to God if you drop me-“ But your threat was cut off by the wild excitement surging through your veins.

Even as you could see the ground get closer and closer, you couldn’t deny the thrill of it. Deep down, you could feel the call of the wind and the sky. You remembered that fleeting feeling of freedom, as those wings had ripped from your back at your parents’ house. You recalled the dreams, the ones in which you were flying across a snowy mountain range, the voices of the people below chanting.

Rise up, rise up, rise up.

You gasped as Azriel snapped his wings wide, holding you close as you glided over the tops of the buildings below. You clung to him as he landed on the cobblestones, his feet so light that you barely felt the impact of his landing.

“I told you I wouldn’t drop you, love,” he murmured, his arms still tight around you.

“Well, you didn’t have to scare the shit out of me,” you grumbled as he set you down on your feet, his hands on your shoulders to keep you steady. “Do you think- do you think I will be able to fly? Since I have wings?”

Azriel’s eyes were wide as he glanced at your back, noting the current lack of wings. “If you can summon them again, I don’t see why not.” He ran a hand through his black hair, pushing the soft curls off his forehead. “You would have to learn, of course.”

You nodded in defeat, your shoulders sagging. “Yeah, you’re right. Maybe we should focus on Operation Defeat Evil Queen first.” You turned around, trying to keep Az from seeing the sadness on your face, but a warm hand on your shoulder stopped you.

“If you want to learn how to fly,” he said, “I can teach you. It would be my… honor to teach you.”

You couldn’t stop the smile that bloomed on your face. “Thank you for the offer, Azzy,” you said, turning back around to face him. “If all of this… madness is dealt with, you can teach me.”

Azriel pulled you in close, his lips pressed to your hair. “Not if, love. When.”

You breathed in his scent, letting it calm your nerves. He was right, of course. Being negative about the current situation wouldn’t help anything.

“So,” you said, stepping back and turning around to look at the city. “This is Velaris. The one from Serena’s painting.”

Looking at the city now, you could see why Azriel was so shocked at the painting. It was almost like Serena came here, took a picture of it, and went back and painted it exactly like the photo. You could see the same buildings made from white marble, sandstone, and red stone. You could see and smell the river, flowing through the heart of the city like liquid sapphires.

Azriel grasped your hand in his, his scars rough against your skin. You made a mental note to ask him again what on Earth had caused such damage to his flesh. “This is Velaris,” he agreed. “Also called the City of Starlight.”

The name from Serena’s painting. “When we were at Café du Monde, you said that Rhys had sacrificed a lot to keep this place safe.” The sound of laughter and children playing innocently in the streets echoed along the walls of the buildings. “What did you mean?”

A muscle ticked in Azriel’s jaw, and his eyes darkened with anger. “Do you remember at breakfast, when Rhys and Feyre were talking about the female?” He seemed unable to say her name.

You nodded, your feet moving as Az started to pull you gently down the street. “Yes. Amarantha.”

Azriel flinched. Whoever that female was… she must have done some horrible things. “She once considered herself the High Queen of Prythian. Five hundred years ago, there was a war between humans and faeries. At the time, they lived together, but some of the faeries, particularly some of the High Lords, kept human slaves. She was a General on the enemy side, the one in favor of slaves.”

The blood rushed from your face. You didn’t want to think of what it was like for the humans who were enslaved to beings as powerful as the Fae. “Did you fight in the war?” you asked, your voice small.

Az nodded once. “Not on the battlefields like Rhys and Cassian, but I had my own part to play.” His voice was dark, and you could tell he would speak no further on what he did during the war. “The war ended when a treaty was made between the mortal and faeries. It was so bloody on both sides that everyone agreed to sign it to end it all. After it was signed, Amarantha killed her own slaves instead of freeing them.”

You shivered as his words washed over you. “That’s… horrible.” Perhaps horrible was not a good enough word, but there were not any words to describe how awful that was.

Azriel continued on, lost in the story as the two of you walked, “One hundred years ago, she returned here as an emissary to Hybern, a country west of here. She managed to charm the High Lords with trade talks, but her real goal was to take Prythian as her own.” His expression darkened further, his gaze going near vacant as he recalled the past. “A little over fifty years ago, she threw a party, and all of the High Lords were in attendance. Rhys was there alone, so he had no choice but to bow to her when she took all of their powers as hers.”

You weren’t particularly fond of Rhys, but you couldn’t imagine what that must have been like for him. You had sensed the power radiating off him. This Amarantha must have been a real force to deal with if she was able to steal power like that. “What did he do then?”

Azriel ground his teeth, rage glittering in his eyes. “He made sure she didn’t know about this city,” was all he said.

Biting your lip, you looked down at the ground. “Was she the queen Nesta mentioned?” you asked, recalling the conversation at breakfast.

Surprisingly, Azriel huffed a laugh. “No,” he said. “That was a different one.”

Damn. What’s up with this place and evil queens?

You took a deep breath to calm your frazzled nerves. “What happened to her? Amarantha?”

“She was killed.” Az’s voice was as hard as stone buildings around.

So, she wasn’t the queen that Elain had mentioned. “Nesta said that a lot has happened in the last few years. Is that all of it?” You glanced up at him, noting how the wind had moved the hair away from his face. The lights from the city softened the hard angles of his face, and you had to fight the urge to run a finger along his jaw, his cheekbone.

“Part of it,” he said, meeting your gaze. Some of the light had come back into his eyes, and a small smile graced his full lips. “Are you sure you want to hear the rest of the story? I don’t want to ruin the mood.”

You stepped closer to him, happy to feel his body against yours. “I think I need to know these things, Azzy,” you said with a smile. “You know, since I live here now.”

You listened as Azriel talked, loving the sound of his deep voice. He spoke of Hybern and the Cauldron, pausing momentarily to explain how the Cauldron controls the life and fates of the people here. He talked about the battles, the wins and losses, his rescue of Elain, and the death of the King of Hybern. His voice dropped as he talked about Rhys sacrificing himself to restore the Cauldron, only to be brought back to life by the other High Lords. He explained how although the war was over, there were still remnants of it. People were still healing and grieving, while some were unhappy that it happened in the first place.

Once Azriel finished with the story, you were silent, content to listen to the sound of the river running close by. This world has truly been through a lot in the last few years. People had died, and Az and his family had been in the middle of it. Now, there was another evil force at work, and your heart broke at the thought of them being plunged into another conflict.

“Do you think there will be another war?” you asked once you had regained control of your thoughts. “With everything going on, it seems kind of inevitable.”

Azriel sighed, his wings drooping slightly. “I sure fucking hope not,” he groaned, his eyes on the city around him. “We will do whatever it takes to avoid another one.”

The two of you were silent after that, content to walk through Velaris. The night was chilly, but it seemed warmer here in the heart of the city. Children laughed as they chased each other, while families were gathered around the various shops lining the street.

There were bookstores, flower shops, and art galleries. You even spotted shops full of different weapons. Through the windows, you could see swords and knives, daggers and maces. Did Azriel know how to use any of those?

You remembered him asking if a dagger had fallen with him through the portal, and he had been visibly upset when you had told him it hadn’t. He didn’t know this, but you had even gone back to the bayou as he had slept that night, pulling back the weeds, searching through the water for it. With no luck, you had wandered back inside, your mind forgetting about it until now.

But Azriel still wore the sheath at his thigh, no doubt the home to his lost dagger, as if he expected it to suddenly return to him.

You smiled faintly as you listened to the music from earlier- louder now- and you could see a street performer playing a fiddle, the sharp notes floating through the air.

The moment was serene, so unlike the pace of the last few days. You hated to be the one to ruin it, but you still needed more answers.

“Azzy,” you murmured, turning your body to face him fully. “You still owe me an explanation.”

Azriel’s lips pursed, his attention pulled away from the laughing children as he looked at you. “I know,” he responded. “I’m assuming you’re talking about Serena seeing you in her dreams.”

You crossed your arms and nodded, waiting patiently for his explanation.

“I cannot express to you how sorry I am for that.” He took a step forward, gently cupping your face in his callused palms. “The only reason I can give you is that I was afraid to tell you.”

“Afraid of what?”

Az closed his eyes, and you saw the dark circles under them, a sign that he hadn’t been resting like he should. “Afraid of my feelings for you. I told you, at the ball, that when I’m with you I want to forget what I am, where I come from. I saw how simple your life was, and I envied it. But I also didn’t want to ruin that for you by telling you about the dreams and visions. I wanted to protect you. You see what is happening here, and I didn’t want to pull you in the middle of this. It was a bad call on my part, and a selfish one. I pray to the Mother that you can find it in your heart to forgive me for my stupidity, Y/N.”

As Azriel opened his eyes, you saw the sadness and guilt there. He truly was sorry. You tried to think if the roles had been reversed. Would you have hid the truth from him? Would you have done whatever possible to keep him safe and happy?

Yes, you decided. You would have done the same.

“Azriel,” you murmured, reaching your hand up to run a finger across his cheek. His skin was so soft. “I do forgive you. I forgave you the moment I saw you trying to protect me at my parents’ house. But you should know that I was afraid of my feelings for you, too. I was afraid of what I would face when you left, especially once I learned that something dark was happening here.” You paused for a moment, your eyes scanning his, hoping he could see the sincerity of your words through your expression. "We don’t have to be afraid anymore. We’re here now. Together. That’s all I care about.”

Azriel let out a breath, his body trembling as he pulled you against him. His lips met yours, and this kiss was nothing like earlier at the River House. This kiss was like the one at the ball, full of passion and tongue and teeth.

You leaned into him, groaning into his mouth as his tongue flicked against your bottom lip. The world went topsy-turvy as his tongue slid against yours, his hands running up and down your body, gripping your waist, gently cupping your breasts. You didn’t care that you were in the middle of the street in a crowded city. Your mind couldn’t focus on the fact that children were around, no doubt watching this unfold before their innocent eyes.

There was a feeling in your chest, a strange one, pulling you to him, filling your senses with Azriel and only Azriel. The strange sensation was enough to bring you back to reality. Slowly, you pulled away, slightly breathless as you said, “I need you to promise me something, Azzy.”

Azriel’s lips were red and swollen, his cheeks flushed. He looked so heartbreakingly beautiful like this. “Anything.” His voice was husky with desire as he spoke, sending a fresh wave of heat to your core.

Damn. This male has one hell of a bedroom voice.

“No more secrets between us,” you said, willing your desire-filled mind to clear. “If we want this to work, you have to tell me everything.”

Azriel smiled softly, his fingers drawing lazy circles on your back. “Deal,” he said. “No more secrets.”

You smiled triumphantly, reaching up a hand to push a curl of hair off his brow. “Good. Since that is settled, can we enjoy our evening now?”

Azriel took you by the hand, pulling you once again down the lively street. “Nothing would make me happier.”

You turned your attention back to Velaris, a smile forming on your face as you watched the scene before you. More musicians had joined the lone street performer. Some of them had flutes and lyres, while others had drums and tambourines. You saw a young male strumming a harp, and a female playing an accordion. They were playing an upbeat melody, the sound warm and vibrant. It reminded you of the Cajun parties back home.

Your body started moving of its own accord, and you took a step forward to dance, but you stopped as a group of children raced by. They were dancing in a circle and laughing, their tiny hands holding flowers and vines. As they danced to the beat, they would pass the flowers down, reminiscent of an assembly line.

“What are they doing?” you asked Azriel, giggling as you watched the children play and dance.

Azriel’s breath was hot against your neck as he spoke. “Making flower crowns,” he murmured, his lips close enough that you could hear him over the music. “The children here have done it for centuries. They weave the crown, and once it’s done, the oldest child in the circle will give it to a young, beautiful maiden. The young maiden will then place it on the head of her lover, a sign that no matter what happens, their love will overcome even the worst of trials.”

You smiled at the innocence of it. “What if the young maiden doesn’t have a lover? How does the child know?”

He wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling your back flush against his chest. You leaned your head against him, content to watch as the children continued weaving and dancing. “Here in Prythian, children are special. A gift from the Mother herself.” You felt him place his chin on the top of your head. “Perhaps they can hear things from her that we can’t.”

You turned your head to ask him what things the children could sense, but the crescendo of the music stopped you. The circle of children broke apart, all of them forming a line at the center of the street. A small child on the far left of the line stepped forward. He was young, wearing simple brown trousers and a white tunic. He had pale brown hair, and you could see the tiny points of his ears as he turned his head. In his hands, he held a flower crown, made of red roses, lilies, and daisies, all weaved together by dark green vines. The crown shimmered slightly, reminding you of the glimmering stars above.

The boy walked to a taller young female at the center of the line. She was wearing a plain red dress, and her dark red hair was pulled back into a simple braid. He silently presented the crown to her, and she nodded her head once in thanks as she took the crown in her small hands.

The young female raised her head, her emerald green eyes scanning the crowd of onlookers. You looked as well, searching for who the young girl would choose as the maiden for tonight’s festivities.

Azriel’s arms tightened around you in a way that slightly frightened you. Looking back at him, you asked, “What is it? Is something wrong?”

But his face was soft, despite the iron grip he had on your body. “Look,” he murmured, nodding his head to the center of the street.

You looked, a gasp escaping your lips as you saw the young female standing directly in front of you. This close, you could see the light dusting of freckles on her pale skin, as well as the dimples on her cheeks as she smiled at you. “This is for you, miss,” she said in her soft voice, raising the crown up to you. “The Mother smiles down on you tonight, our young maiden.”

Your heart leaped in your chest, pounding so hard you wondered if you would have a heart attack right then and there. “I’m not-“ you started, but you were unable to finish the sentence.

Up until three days ago, you hadn’t even lived here. How could you, of all people, be the maiden?

“Take it, Y/N,” Azriel murmured, and you could hear the awe in his voice. “It’s not wise to argue with the children.”

With trembling hands, you took the crown from the girl, the green vines pressing into your fingers. The girl smiled brightly and skipped back to the line of other children. They quickly formed another circle, once again dancing and laughing as the musicians began to play their joyful tune.

Azriel dropped his arms as you stepped out of his grasp, turning around to face him. You smiled as you raised the crown up and placed it on his head, the shimmering flowers bright against his inky black hair. His shadows swirled around the crown, forming their own crown of shadows above him.

“A crown for my lover,” you murmured, letting your fingers run down the side of his face as you dropped your hand. Azriel’s eyes fluttered closed, his lips parting slightly. “It seems the Mother has smiled down on us tonight, Azzy.”

You had never been a religious person, and you didn’t understand the religion of Prythian, but something sparked in your chest at the sight of Azriel wearing this crown. You wanted to laugh at the sight of this dark, shadow-wreathed male wearing something so bright and innocent.

“This isn’t how I expected the night to go,” he muttered. He raised a hand and lightly touched the crown on his head. He wrinkled his nose as he felt the silky roses beneath his fingertip. “How ridiculous do I look?”

You giggled, moving forward to wrap your arms around his slim waist. You tipped your head up and pressed a kiss to his jaw, your lips brushing against the stubble growing there. “Not ridiculous at all. You look as handsome as ever.”

Az raised a brow, his lips quirking in a goofy, almost boyish smile. “Handsome, huh?” he teased, his eyes shining with amusement. “I didn’t know I needed to wear a flower crown for you to admit you think I’m handsome.”

You reached down and pinched his ass, earning a quiet yelp from him. “Stop being difficult, Azriel,” you warned, but your tone was playful.

Suddenly, you felt a small tug on your coat, pulling your attention away from Azriel. The young female who had given you the crown stood behind you, that innocent smile still on her face. She beckoned you forward with a hand. “Come on,” she said, her braid swaying as he turned her head.

“There is one part of the ceremony I didn’t tell you about,” Azriel murmured, leaning down to smile at the girl. “The last part of it, anyway.”

You already had a feeling of where this was going, but you asked anyway, “And what part would that be?”

“After the young maiden places the crown on her lover, the two of them have to join the circle and dance with the children,” he responded, his voice like a lover’s caress on your skin. “They have to dance, and the lover has to keep the crown on their head for the rest of the night.”

“Or what?” Your voice was barely a whisper, your eyes on the children as they jumped and spun to the music.

Azriel nipped at your ear. “If the crown falls off, it’s considered a bad omen. A sign that bad things are coming for the couple that could tear them apart.”

The gravity of his words was overpowered by the sound of the lovely music and the laughing children. You glanced over your shoulder and offered Az a wink. “Then you better keep that crown on your head, Azzy.”

You took Azriel’s hand in yours, and together you let the young girl pull you into the circle of dancers. The music was wilder now, more infectious, the rhythm pulsing through your veins. Your heart raced in time with the beat as you moved in unison with the children, laughter spilling from their lips as they spun around.

You followed their lead, twirling in circles with your arms raised high, the world around becoming a blur of color and sound. The laughter of the children was contagious, and you found yourself swept up in the moment, spinning and dancing with abandon, the beat of the drums washing over your body.

Azriel’s hand stayed firm in yours, his usual stoic demeanor slipping away as he smiled, caught in the carefree chaos of the music. You couldn’t help but giggle at the sight of him next to the small children. He looked so massive, all dark and shadowy, save for the glowing crown of flowers on his head.

As the music slowed and the dancing ended, Azriel pulled you close, his chest heaving against yours. Sweat had gathered on his forehead, making his hair stick to his brown skin. “There is one thing I still need to tell you,” he said breathlessly. His eyes were almost wild as he looked at you, scanning your every expression. “I wanted to wait, afraid that I would scare you off. But we promised no more secrets.”

You twined your hands in his hair, careful of the crown. “What is it, Azriel? You can tell me anything.”

A shadow flickered across his face, his hazel eyes full of anxiety. He took a deep breath to calm himself. “You’re my mate, Y/N.”

The sound of the children and the fading music were drowned out as your brain processed his words. Mate. You were his mate.

You remembered Nesta’s words about mates. A soul-bond, she had said. Like a pull or a tug, connecting you to them. It all made sense now. That feeling in your chest when you looked at Azriel, that constant need to be around him and to taste him and to smell him.

Mate. He was your mate.

Even back in your world, you had felt a connection to him, though it had been dull compared to now. Perhaps that was why he showed up at your door, of all places. Maybe he was the reason you were here. He was yours and you were his, and suddenly, all of the nonsense of the world started to make total sense.

You didn’t know what to say, and Azriel seemed to pick up on this. “I know that’s a lot to process,” he said, his voice thick with worry. “I don’t expect you to accept me right now, and it’s okay if you don’t want to accept me at all. I just wanted you to know. I can be a lot to handle, and I’m fucked up beyond imagination, so-“

You broke off his rambling with a searing kiss, your lips conveying what your mind could not. You ran your hands over his broad shoulders, easing the tense muscles there, pleading with him to understand that you would love to be his mate. Azriel groaned as your tongue met his, his hands moving up to gently cup your cheeks, his thumbs brushing across your cheekbone.

You pulled away, your eyes full of tears. “I-“You opened your mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. I choose you, you wanted to say. I love you. You took a deep breath, deciding it was best to force the words out anyway. Your lips parted, the confessions of your heart on the tip of your tongue-

The world exploded into darkness. Children screamed. People cried out in terror. The soothing music cut off abruptly, leaving only an eerie echo of the melody that had moments ago filled the air with warmth and joy. Now, it was swallowed by the void, replaced with a deafening silence that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

Azriel’s arms were around you in an instant, pulling you tight against him as the world seemed to shatter around you. His movements were swift as he brought you both to the ground. In one fluid motion, he rolled over you, his wings flaring out slightly, his body acting as a shield against whatever lurked in the darkness.

Your eyes darted frantically across his face, your breath coming in quick, ragged bursts. “Azriel,” you managed to gasp, panic thick in your throat. “What is happening?” It wasn’t just panic you were feeling- it was fear. Deep, gut-wrenching fear that clawed at your insides, making it hard to breathe.

Azriel’s eyes went unfocused for a moment, his jaw going slack as if he were lost in deep thought. Then his voice came, low and barely audible. “Velaris is under attack,” he murmured, his gaze now darting over the chaos unraveling all around. Disbelief clouded his features as he said, “That’s impossible. The wards-“

But before he could finish, the sounds of blood splattering and bodies hitting the ground with sickening thuds reached your ears. Panic surged as you watched people-children- fall, their cries cutting through the night. You caught a flash of red hair tied in a braid swaying as the body hit the ground.

The head rolled to the side, the pale face splattered with blood, and you were met with the lifeless emerald stare of the young girl.

You screamed, your shrill cry echoing in the silence.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you watched, the healer within you screaming to rush to their aid. Your hands twitched at your sides, aching to help the injured, to stop the bleeding and save those you could.

You might not be human, and you might be in a world far away from the one you were raised in, but you were a nurse, through and through. Helping people was woven into your very being. Every fiber in your body urged you to run to ease the suffering around you, but Azriel’s body kept you pinned.

“Azriel,” you screamed, not caring that his ear was currently next to your lips. “Let me up! I can help them!”

Then, as if they heard your pleas, Azriel’s shadows- the ones that had become such a comforting presence to you- exploded into the darkness with a ferocity that made your breath catch. They surged outward like angry snakes, dark tendrils writhing and snapping like serpents poised to strike. They didn’t hesitate; they filled the streets, coiling around the screaming children and families, forming an impenetrable fortress around them.

You turned your head to the side, your eyes catching on a pair of black boots walking through the darkness. They were shiny, so shiny you could see your reflection in them as the person got closer. Moving your eyes up, you saw black leather pants on muscled thighs. A shiny metal chest plate that looked like armor, filled with those strange runes you remembered from your dreams, tight around an unmistakably masculine chest. Through the darkness, you saw dark hair and wings.

Cassian? You remembered the male from breakfast, the one who had looked at you with brotherly affection.

Your heart skipped, hope rising- but it faltered just as quickly. As the male got closer, you saw his ears, rounded and full of gold rings- piercings, you realized. His nose also had a golden hoop, shining despite the darkness around him. But those eyes, those dark, soulless eyes that held nothing but cold evil, and that smile. That sinister grin that had been haunting your dreams for the last three days.

Mathias.

“Azriel,” you breathed, slapping him roughly on the shoulder to get his attention. “Look.”

Azriel’s head snapped to the right, his eyes landing on Mathias. His beautiful face twisted into a snarl, his eyes going black with rage. “You.”

His voice was a low growl as he pushed himself off the ground, his hand going to the empty sheath at his thigh. He bared his teeth as his fingers found nothing but air, his expression turning as cold as ice.

Mathias chuckled. “You’re nothing without your little knife, are you, bastard?” He raised his hand, and now you could see the massive sword there, the silver gleaming in the darkness. “So sorry to crash your evening. Such a nice little party you were having.”

Azriel lunged at Mathias, siphons blazing, his body moving so fast he was nothing but a blur. His wings flared, and his shadows darted out, their smoky tendrils mere inches away from Mathias.

But Mathias only rolled his eyes. With a simple flick of his hand, he sent out a wave of darkness so black, it gobbled up all the remaining light. You could feel the wrongness of it, the scent of rot and decay filling your nose as you fought the urge to gag.

The power hit Azriel square in the chest, sending him flying back into a building lining the street. His wings crunched behind him, his siphons winked out, the blue light swallowed whole by Mathias’s dark power. He roared in pain as his body hit the brick with the full force of whatever magic Mathias wielded.

“Like I said,” Mathias crooned. “You’re nothing at all.” He quickly sheathed his sword, his attention now locked on you.

You trembled as you felt the weight of the lifeless gaze slither along your body.

He moved closer to you, so close now that you could smell his scent of death. You scrambled away, your mind racing, your fingers digging into the stones beneath you. But your gaze was locked on Azriel’s crumpled body against the wall. Get up! Please get up! you wanted to scream, but the words caught in your throat as a hand wrapped around your neck, cutting off your airway.

Mathias snapped his fingers, a cruel, satisfied smile on his face as a black obsidian collar materialized in his hand. Without hesitation, he snapped the collar around your neck, latching it closed with a single flick of his fingers. It was cold on your skin, so cold you felt like it was burning. You wanted to scream, to cry, to make sure Azriel knew you loved him-

The world around went silent. The flame that had been living inside of you died out as if a massive gust of wind had filled your body and blown it to ash. Numbness washed over you, heavy and oppressive, turning your limbs sluggish and your thoughts foggy. It felt as if your very soul had been dimmed, swallowed whole by the darkness around Velaris.

Mathias leaned closer, his breath hot and rancid against your neck, his voice dripping with sadistic satisfaction as he whispered, “Gotcha.”

The last thing you saw before the world splintered away was the flower crown on Azriel’s head falling to the ground, the once-shimmering petals now stained red with his blood.

a/n pt. 2: well, he told her. i hope you guys didn't think i was gonna make this easy... *evil laughter*

tag list: @starofanotherworld @lilah-asteria @melmo567

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#azriel #acotar #azriel shadowsinger #a court of thorns and roses #dee writes #acotar fanfiction #azriel spymaster #azriel fanfic #azriel x reader #azriel acotar #azriel smut #azriel angst #azriel fluff #acotar fanfic #sjm books #sjmaas

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lifeonmarz-blog · 4 months ago

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Intro to AstroCartography

a method of locational astrology, by which specific geographic locations are associated with expected differences in personal life circumstances.

(Astro-car-tography) is one of my favorite branches of astrology. Different places affect people differently. Rather it be a different city, state or country. Astrocartography shows places that are the best fit for you around the world that suite different focuses in your life. Career, Love, Friendship, Structure, More recognition, Healing past wounds, Finding your path, More spontaneous experiences, A faster pace life, A slower pace life, whatever your looking to experience more of. There's a place that would make it the easiest.

There are 4 different 'types' of lines

-ASC; how your personality expresses itself to others, what others see when they look at you

-DC; experiences you'll have in personal one on one relationships

-IC; how your home and personal life will be affected

-MC; how you assert yourself into the world especially career wise, this is your public image

What energy the planets represent

-Sun; Center of attention, Developing sense of self

-Moon; Emotions, Triggers, Family

-Mercury; Communication, Friendship

-Venus; Romance, Friendship, Luxury

-Mars; Activity, Accidents, Forcefulness, Ambition

-Saturn; Structure, Patience, Stability, Building

-Jupiter; Luck, General abundance, Education/Learning

-Uranus; Spontaneous experiences, New things, Quick actions

-Pluto; Uncovering truths, Restructuring, Learning

Honorary mentions

-Chiron; Wounds, Triggers

-Northnode; Life purpose

Examples

-Mercury on the dc you would meet alot of people that show interest in having conversations with you. This is an easy place to network and make friends with like minded people.

-I grew up on a mars asc line and ive had to fight for what i want and believe in a lot. It felt like having to always prove my worth. I was in 6 car accidents (only 2 were major). My body was always a topic of conversation. I had insecurities around weight. I started a business on this line. I was known for being an entrepreneur. I think for men it would be smoother depending on aspects in the natal chart ofc but for women we operate more in our masculine energy on a mars line. Going to make things happen instead of opportunities coming to us. That starts to feel draining.

-You could find a long term relationship and have improved finances on a venus line.

-My Sun mc and northnode mc lines go through Paris, France. I think i would experience community and uncover a new level of confidence.

Have you heard of relocation astrology?

#astrocartography #relocation #venus astrology #astrology #astrology101 #12th house #8th house #astrologyfacts #astrologyzone #astrologychart #astro observations #pluto aspects #astronomy #astro notes #astro blog #astrology placements #astro community #astronotes #pluto astrology

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writingwithfolklore · 11 months ago

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Following a Trail of Clues

Lots of plots have at least some aspect of figuring out a mystery or uncovering some hidden truth. While it may not be a traditional murder mystery, writing a plot that revolves around the gathering of information and uncovering of clues can be written using a lot of the same techniques.

1. You should probably plan it

If you’re strictly a pantser, give it a shot, but I have never been able to pants mysteries like this. I would recommend planning it from the beginning and saving yourself a lot of time and headaches trying to piece it together later.

2. Start with the beginning and end

When planning a mystery, I start with the beginning, and then skip to the point that they uncover the truth or figure it out and work backwards to fill out the middle. What is the last hint they need to uncover the full truth, then, what leads to that hint, rinse and repeat until we get back to that beginning you created.

For example, say the MC is trying to find their missing friend. The last point would be ‘they find their friend’, so that’s where we begin. Maybe right before that, they’re told the location, to get their location, they’ve kidnapped one of the bad guys who knows it, to get to him, they need to break into the evil lair, to find the lair, they need to spy on the organization, and so on.

3. Diversify the hints

I talk about this a bit in my post about written elements (here), but essentially, you’ll want to diversify how your characters get their hints. It will seem cheap if they find everything they need to know on conveniently spaced notes or journal entries (unless you can really justify that), or it’s all told to them by someone who happens to know it all (such as the ‘wise man’ trope).

Maybe they find the last clue written down, but the one before was told to them from a key character, and the one before was puzzled out through a riddle, etc. etc. Here are some places to find clues:

Someone else knows something

This could be either an ally or an enemy. Family members, friends they weren’t aware of, a hidden partner, seemingly a stranger who knows more than they’re letting on. If they are an ally, there should be a reason they haven’t come forward yet, or justification for why their testimony is where it is in a story. Maybe they are somewhat accidentally guilty in the mystery, maybe they are afraid to be involved, maybe they aren’t aware anything has happened at all.

If they’re an enemy, maybe your protagonists need to corner them, best them in a battle, talk to them away from their boss, kidnap them, etc. Consider why this person would betray their ‘side’ to provide a clue to the protagonists.

Journal entries, notes, letters, ledgers, or otherwise written down

Physical evidence—footprints, pieces of clothing left behind, an object, photos, drawings

Biological evidence--fingerprints, DNA, hair, etc. If your character already has access to the equipment for this, great! If not, consider how they could find this out.

A prophetic dream or vision (use in cases in which it would make sense for your character to have this, obviously)

A riddle, poem, or song, if you can justify it.

An educated guess (for small jumps)

Timing—if they can figure out a timeline, they may be able to figure out something else

Something is missing or off place. That’s odd, character always leaves their book on the bedside table, so why isn’t it there?

Any other ways to get hints or clues to your characters?

#writing #creative writing #writers #screenwriting #writing community #writing inspiration #books #filmmaking #writing advice #hints #clues #following a trail of clues #writing mystery #mystery #detective

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ryolightswan · 1 year ago

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Omg I never posted abt it here but Ive been actively writing a fic for Liar! and Ch3 came out yesterday!! Y'all shud read it 😩 screw the app going down, we make silly AUs happen

#liar! uncover the truth #liar uncover the truth #ryolight-san #archive of our own #azusa kurono #sotaro shiga #itaru yuikawa #liar uncover the truth mc #haruichi mamiya #kazumi kagami #idk bro its the whole cast crying #fanfic #shudve posted it here sooner man

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crematedcow · 1 year ago

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She couldn't simply surrender what had been the very essence of her life, the one thing that no one was supposed to have the power to take away from her. Her freedom? Nobody was acutally free. Her love? She could find a way to cope with it. Her child? A heart-wrenching sacrifice, but she could endure it. Yet, this vital part of her, this very core of her being – she would never allow anyone to snatch it away.

And that marked the tale of a parasite.

Of a Patron and Its Chains is a 18+ interactive fiction in a fantasy and steampunk setting inspired by the worlds of The Witcher Series and Fullmetal Alchemist. You are a seasoned hunter tasked with tracking and eliminating dangerous supernatural threats. However, your story takes a turn when you decide to become also a pactbearer.

In this realm where the intricate dance of magic and technology creates a canvas of possibilities, one could easily envision an idyllic existence.

The ability to traverse into other realities, though often at a steep cost, promised rapid advancement that could border on madness. Yet, amid these innovations and developments, lurking dangers remained ever-present. The very act of opening portals to other realms could inadvertently usher in creatures not meant for this world, seamlessly intertwining them with reality.

It was a world where the choice was to either be the hunter or the hunted, and most succumbed to the latter fate. However, your father instilled a different path in you. As a hunter of those creatures, he ensured you absorbed all the survival knowledge you needed before eventually got wrongfully accused and executed, a tragic turning point that reshaped your plans. Rather than simply following in his footsteps to become a hunter, you decided to become a pactbearer.

Summoning a Patron, a legend from diverse worlds and realities, your mission was to unite with fellow pactbearers. Together, you would confront an encroaching evil, all while seeking the fulfillment of a cherished wish granted by a god. Yet, even with the support of numerous companions and your trusted Patron, each victory over a monstrous foe revealed a looming threat waiting just beyond the horizon...

You are the hero... right?

This is an 18+ interactive fiction that is being written on Twine.

be a hunter that kills monsters or embroils into unwanted drama

fully customizable mc from appearance, pronouns and personality

several sidequests to develop your skills as a hunter (includes: Possession, Witches, Ancient Beasts and more)

a beastiarium with further information to every creature you meet on the way

the big world of Vestria & Co. with a lot of lore that you can all uncover - or not!

a cryptic voice inside your head that occasionally breaks the fourth wall

meet the other pactbearers and their patrons and decide what relationship you want to have with them

choose what animal-form your patron is going to have

a total of six companions (including your patron) who will be with you a majority of your journey

all of them are romancable, plus a hidden romance option for those who can be patient

lots of parental issues!

figure out the truth of your world, or fail to do so - there is no right or wrong

and a... cow?

CONTENT WARNINGS: depicitons of death, violence, mental illness, gore (in the territory of body horror), animal cruetly and death, abuse, pornographic content, strong language

More might follow

DEMO TBA

CURRENT WORD COUNT: 21000+

but nothing demo ready yet

The RO's include:

✸ Cú Chulainn (M/F)

In ancient tomes and tales, Chulainn stood as a formidable legend — an indomitable hero whose laughter echoed in the face of enemies and even death itself. They reveled in the thrill of combat, never yielding without a proper battle. Yet, such was the image you held dear until the moment you summoned them into your realm, making them your esteemed Patron. The being before you shattered the illusion you once cherished. No longer did they exude the vigor of a warrior; instead, bitterness clung to their spirit, entwined with a profound disdain for the world and all its inhabitants. Longing for the solace of death they once fervently evaded, Chulainn relinquished their ardor for combat, dismissing it as a hollow pursuit devoid of significance. As a consequence, their role as your Patron proved less than… helpful. Nevertheless, a flicker of optimism lingers within the depths of their desolate heart. Perhaps, against all odds, you possess the power to reignite the flames of purpose within them, offering a renewed sense of hope and the chance for a remarkable new beginning.

✸ Lysander/Lysandra (M/F)

Within the illustrious court of the High Queen, there exists a figure of great repute: Lys, a distinguished servant renowned for their unparalleled ability to fulfill any given task. Their name has become synonymous with perfectionism, as they consistently meet and surpass the lofty expectations placed upon them. The mere mention of their name evokes awe and respect throughout the courtly corridors. Alas, despite their esteemed standing, Lys remains a figure of divisive sentiment. Whispers and murmurs abound among their colleagues, swirling in a ceaseless cycle of gossip. Tales of their rigid and occasionally insolent demeanor dominate these conversations, yet there is another facet that elicits both awe and envy in equal measure. Lys possesses an unparalleled loyalty to the High Queen, a level of devotion that others find almost unattainable. Yet, the reality surpasses the worst of these rumors. Lys' nature transcends the bounds of mere unpleasantness, particularly in their interactions with you. Adding fuel to the fire, they perceive you as a sort of rival, amplifying the tensions between you. One can only wonder if it is merely a facade in an attempt to hide their weakness or the reality of their identity.

✸ Holographic Entity "Holly" (F)

Holly, the Patron of Lys, assumes the guise of a long-haired housecat, but her true essence hails as a revolutionary from a distant reality, a realm of unparalleled advancement far beyond the scope of Vestria. For Holly, her presence in this foreign world feels akin to embarking on an elaborate holiday excursion plucked from the very pages of historical books she once heard of. Her insatiable curiosity serves as the driving force behind her existence, propelling her to seek new experiences and infusing every interaction with a buoyant energy that suggests no challenge is insurmountable. Unafraid to vocalize her thoughts and opinions, Holly fearlessly shares her insights, even when they clash with those of her companion, Lys, particularly when the subject of her candid musings centers around you. Or at least, that is the impression you choose to hold. Her unabashed honesty may lead some to believe that she is a simple, unassuming creature. However, the more time spent with Holly reveals that there is much more to her than meets the eye. After all, one cannot lead a revolution based solely on a smile and an unfiltered mouth.

✸ Elli Agilulf (M)

The Blessed Ones, the esteemed right and left hand of the Night Church, are figures known to all who have ventured beyond the confines of ignorance. Cloaked in an aura of mystery, their veiled faces lend an air of both authority and enigma. Among their ranks is Elli, who strives to embody the idealized image of a Blessed One. He adheres to a code of silence, speaking only when necessary and responding with a detached aloofness. True to form, he carries himself with an air of subtle intimidation. However, beneath his carefully crafted facade, Elli is easily rattled by even the slightest inconvenience or a quick-witted remark, his frustration and anger palpable despite his hidden face. He is short-tempered and stubborn, a nature that clashes with the expectations of his position. As a Blessed One, he is expected to be a mindless automaton, devoid of thoughts or personal desires, but Elli's mind is a swirling vortex of thoughts and emotions, overflowing with complexity. Perhaps it is this contradiction, this clash between his true nature and the expectations placed upon him, that makes Elli an actual enigma. You do feel yourself challenged when he decides that you are a criminal to-become.

✸ Irydion (F)

Irydion holds a perspective that challenges the notion of victory being achieved simply through diplomatic agreements and signed papers. To her, a war is not truly won until she has exacted revenge to those she deems responsible for the suffering inflicted upon her country. As a member of the militia, she is fueled by a desire to fight, her hands trembling with the power of her magic, ready to unleash it upon her enemies on the frontline. While others may perceive an undisturbed silence on the battlefield as a sign of these so called peacetimes, Irydion remains vigilant, recognizing it as a deceptive tactic used by the enemy to lure her into dropping her guard. Too bad she is always a step ahead of those who seek to harm her people! Her selfless dedication to protecting and caring for her fellow countrymen is unwavering, even if it means being seen as misguided or paranoid by those who don't fully understand her. Irydion's allies may acknowledge her kind-hearted nature, but they also recognize her single-minded determination and unwavering belief in the necessity of fighting back against an enemy that is just a shadow. Irydion does not care for these rumors, knowing that regardless of how many may stand against her, they will eventually come to understand the truth of her cause. She remains steadfast, believing that time will prove her right in the end. After all, you believe her… right?

✸ "Junius" (M)

Even as Irydion's patron, the line between their roles blurs, with Junius' approach to her and other humans carrying an arrogantly nonchalant air. His actions, delivered with ease and naturalness, ridicule or charm one without noticing. With a mere lazy wink or a mockish bow, he effortlessly asserts a sense of superiority, deliberately refraining from putting genuine meaning or depth in his antics. Maintaining an elusive detachment, he keeps others at arm's length, preventing them from ever truly getting close to him. Despite his mysterious past, he carries himself as if the weight of secrets hold little significance to who he is. Junius' personality dances on the edge of daring, akin to playing with fire, drawing allure and enticement from the very act itself. He fearlessly indulges in flirting with married women and engaging in challenges with those of higher social standing, defying conventional norms and embracing a provocative existence. There lies a subtle irony in his guise — a wolf rather than a lion — his pride speaking for another form. And even in conversation, he adeptly maintains the facade, never allowing his act to waver, leaving you to question whether it is indeed a carefully crafted performance or indeed the reality of his character.

???

If it wasn't the work of gods, maybe it was fate that brought you together.

And several other characters you meet on your way across the country; other pactbearers and their patrons, tragic lovers, a noisy priest, ill-ridden villages (there is only two but it's weird it happened twice), two twin-rulers who don't seem to get along, a talking book, and more.

#twine if #twine game #twine wip #interactive novel #if game #twine #wip #i was kind of forced to post this #interactive fiction #oapaic #im not a native english speaker pls be nice #of a patron and its chains

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