#ariah writes

[wiltking]

crying howling shivering shaking

[xen-xiv]

What's on her mind

Still adjusting to adventurer life, Xen finds she has some troubles speaking with other women.

The second fic I've written! This takes place entirely in very early ARR, ending around the point where the starting city quests converge. Was interesting actually writing alongside canon dialogue this time.

Once again featuring @frogliftcertified's OC Nova and @goblin-gal-pal's OC Ariah (by name this time)

"Go now, my child, and shine thy Light on all creation."

Xen opened her eyes. She was back in Seasong Grotto. I guess I blacked out... Oh hells. Finding her body sitting up as she willed it, she sighed in relief. Okay, I'm still me. That's good.

"Awake again, are we?"

It was the pretty white-haired Miqo'te woman. She was investigating the corpse of a gobbue. The same one the two of them had just killed after it charged them, enraged. She was dazzlin'... Her conjury was dazzlin'.

"Aha." The other woman spoke again. Xen walked over to see what she'd found. A knife that was stuck in the beast's back. It wasn't one of Xen's. The conjurer surmised it belonged to a pirate, who intentionally enraged the gobbue and set it after them. Xen couldn't help but stare as she explained. The other miqo'te's teal eyes were shining even down in the grotto.

"In any event, you seem much recovered from your sudden...affliction." After the gobbue was felled Xen had noticed a crystal on the ground. The moment she picked it up she was overcome by a strange vision. "I confess, I was rather taken aback when you collapsed at the very moment of our victory. Mayhap a surfeit of aether... ?"

Mayhap she's so pretty I couldn't help but faint. Xen chuckled to herself. It was likely the crystal that caused it. "Mayhap you were so pretty I couldn't help but faint. I saw a queer dream while-" Xen slapped a hand over her mouth in shock. Eyes wide, she looked to the other woman, who simply smiled.

"How flattering. Let me guess, you're going to call me the 'woman of your dreams' next?" She let out a soft laugh.

"N-no! It, uh. Was more like a vision. There were meteors, and I heard a voice from this towerin' crystal..."

_____

"After I told her of the vision, she asked me to bring the knife to Staelwyrn and warn him of the pirates, then she left." Xen sighed as she finished her story, leaning back into the sofa.

"Well, doesn't sound like she rejected you or anythin'. You may still have a shot, Xen." Redna smiled consolingly, placing hand on the Miqo'te's shoulder.

The two of them were in the hrothgar woman's apartment in The Sultana's Breath. Redna's time as the Black Shark on the Bloodsands had been going well, but still being a ways off from a new ship, she needed somewhere to live for the time being. Xen had been asked to deliver a message in Ul'Dah and stopped by the Goblet to visit Redna, as well as ask for help with her troubles.

"That's not what I meant, captain." Despite Redna's old ship being gone Xen couldn't help but call her that. "I ran into Y'shtola on a few other occasions since then, and each time we spoke I found myself commentin' on her looks again." Xen buried her face in her hands as she recalled her embarrassment.

"And what did she say to you those times?"

"She just... laughed and made a joke each time."

Redna chuckled. "Then I ain't seein' the problem here, Xen."

"The problem is that I hadn't *meant* to say those things at all!"  Xen shot up from her seat, her frustration apparent. "I certainly thought them... She was quite pretty..." They shook their head, as if to clear away extra thoughts. "See? Ever since the incident at the grotto this keeps happenin'. I'll try to say one thing, but once the words leave my lips I'll have spoken whatever else was on my mind instead." She let out a sigh. "It's like I've been cursed or somethin'."

Redna just smiled. "You sure you're not just nervous and misspeakin'? Sounds like you've really fallen for this gal."

"It hasn't just happened with Y'shtola, though."

_____

"Welcome to Limsa Lominsa's ever-churnin' underbelly, where the thieves shed their skin an' become rogues."

Xen's first proper job for the Rogue's Guild had gone rather well, all things considered. Jacke had tasked them with recovering a stolen object, and upon returning to the guild the crew who'd taken it were kind enough to walk in after, having followed Xen back. This was far from as problem, as the code the rogues upheld dictated that those who stole from other crews needed to be punished.

Jacke and Underfoot handled themselves well, but Xen's focus was all on another rogue. A red-haired Miqo'te, who was the first to fell one of the pirates. The man had barely drawn his axe before she'd laid him out.

She was absolutely stunnin'... Her technique was incredible too. Xen watched as the other rogue and Underfoot carried the pirate captain out of the guild. Jacke left the man unconscious and tasked the two of them with stringing him up for the Yellowjackets.

"An' that's a job well done, lass." Jacke approached her with the job's pay. "Any questions 'fore ye head out?"

Xen was curious about something the pirate captain mentioned, the "Upright Thieves," so they opened their mouth to ask.

"Yeah, when will I learn moves like what that stunnin' other rogue did?"

The entire guild went silent. Xen could've heard her own heart beating if it hadn't stopped the moment she processed both what she had said, and the sound of the door opening behind her as she said it.

Slowly she turned her head, and there at the threshold was said stunning rogue, who it seemed needed to get more rope. The smile on her face made it clear she'd heard everything even before she spoke up. "Ye ought to work on stayin' quiet an' out o' notice 'fore ye try any fancier tricks."

The room erupted in laughter. Xen wished she really could just vanish then and there. The red-headed rogue collected her rope, and gave Xen a wink and wave before leaving again.

_____

"And I bet Jacke thought it was hilarious pairin' me up with V'kebbe on my next job." Xen was back on the sofa, head in her hands once more.

"And how'd that job go?" Redna was up preparing drinks for the two of them.

Xen sat back up. "Jacke set us to recover some muskets stolen from the Yellowjackets. Managed to pull it off fine. The Stray did actually give me a lesson on proper stealth. She said somethin' about offerin' 'private lessons on fancier tricks' after the job was done. Sure she got a good laugh from that... What?"

Redna had let out a loud sigh and was shaking her head. "I don't think she- Nevermind." Redna made her way back to the sofa, handing Xen a glass of water and taking a drink of her own ale. "I'm still not seein' why you think this is a problem. Tellin' women you fancy that you fancy them doesn't sound like a curse to me."

"But there's a time and place for that, and this curse doesn't seem to care."

_____

"I am Kan-E-Senna, Elder Seedseer of Gridania, and leader of the Order of the Twin Adder, our nation's Grand Company."

Oh no, she's gorgeous... Xen was on a mission given by Limsa Lominsa's leader that took her to the other city-states, and Gridania was her first stop. She was tried to put on the most professional air she could. This was an important job and she certianly didn't want to cause any problems.

Xen was enchanted by the grace the Elder Seedseer carried herself with. She almost looked like royalty. "I understand you bear a message from the Admiral." Admiral Merlwyb wished to hold a memorial for those lost at the battle of Carteneau 5 years ago.

"Yes your gorgeousness, I have it right here." Xen's entire body froze as she reached into her bag. She imagined if the Gridanians didn't have her executed on the spot then Admiral Merlwyb would as soon she landed back in Limsa.

But instead she was able to relax when she heard the Elder Seedseer laugh. "Is that a part of Merlwyb's message? If so you may inform the Admiral that if she wishes to compliment my looks she may do so in person, as she is already very well aware."

"N-no! Apologies, Elder Seedseer. The Admiral's message is here." Xen calmed herself and handed the letter to the smiling Padjal.

The seedseer smiled as she read the letter. "A rememberance service for the fallen of Carteneau... The Admiral and I are of like mind, then. I myself just tasked an adventurer with delivering the same message to the other Alliance leaders. You and she must have just missed one another."

_____

"And when I met General Aldynn I ended up askin' about that other adventurer without meanin' to. She must have gone to Limsa first, 'cause my message was the first he'd recieved. I guess I'm just lucky he wasn't another beautiful woman."

Redna chuckled. "Even if he was I doubt he would've taken offense to anythin' you said. The Elder Seedseer didn't either."

"But they could have!" Xen stood up again, scratching at her hair in frustration. "I was supposed to be on an important mission for the Admiral but I could've caused an... an international incident or somethin'!"

Redna stood up and put a hand on Xen's shoulder. "But you didn't. You delivered the Admiral's messages well. If anythin' you've given the Alliance leaders a good story to tell each other. If that's the worst that's happened then I think you're much more worried about this 'curse' that you ought to be."

"....." Xen tensed up. She refused to make eye contact with Redna.

"Was that not the worst? What else could have happened since then?"

_____

After delivering the Admiral's second letter, Xen had a few bells to wait in Ul'dah before the next airship back to Limsa Lominsa. This was a perfect chance to visit her old captain. They'd exhanged letters since Xen made it to Eorzea, and Redna had written about her home in the Goblet. Xen stopped by the housing ward's markets to find a gift. She'd asked the locals what sort of bait works best for local fishing holes, and on their recommendation bought some fresh caddisfly larvae. Redna would likely already have a stock of them, but she'd never say no to more.

Jar of larvae in hand, Xen started on her way to the Sultana's Breath, but stopped when she heard a familiar voice from the baker's stall.

"One slice of strawberry shortcake." She'd heard these exact words in that voice many times before. "And quickly, I've got papers to grade."

Xen turned to confirm what she already knew. There at the baker's stall was Nova Dubois, the woman who'd taught Xen thaumaturgy and helped her transition back before the Calamity.

She's alive.... And she still looks great. The last time they'd spoken Nova told Xen she was going to be fighting at Carteneau. Xen had left Eorzea before the Battle had started, and she never knew what became of the other woman until now.

"You're in luck professor, we've got one slice left." Xen knew sweets like cake were one of the few things that actually made Nova happy. The older Miqo'te paid the baker and smiled at her treat before she noticed Xen approaching her.

"Professor Dubois!" Xen smiled and waved.

"It's great to see you again you're still really hot." Xen froze in fear, mouth still open, as she realized what she'd just said.

Nova's jaw had dropped. "Rahks?"

"I-it's Xen now! Oh gods." Xen held her hands up in panic. "I'm sorr-"

She was interrupted by the sound of shattering glass. In her panic Xen had forgotten the jar of fishing bait she was holding. It crashed to the ground, sending the larvae within flying. Xen watched in what felt like slow motion as one of those larvae, in a perfect arc, sailed through the air to land directly on the slice of cake Nova was holding.

Nova's jaw somehow dropped even further. Xen could feel tears forming in their eyes. "I-I'm so s-sorry... I-I'll pay you b-back..." Xen shakily reached into their gil pouch. They'd have just enough left for the airship ticket, but not for more bait.

Still holding back tears, she held the money out to Nova. The professor was still frozen in shock, so Xen grabbed her free hand and placed the gil in her palm.

"I-it was nice seein' you again..." Xen slowly turned away and began her walk to the apartment complex, letting the tears flow once she was far enough away.

Nova finally blinked. She stared at her former student walking away, then at the gil in her hand, and lastly at the caddisfly larva resting on her cake.

The larva stared back.

When Xen heard the familiar sound of a Fire spell being cast she took off running. Not taking a second to look back, she rounded the first corner and took to the shadows, Hiding as V'kebbe had taught her not long ago.

I can't keep doin' this. There's got to be somethin' I can do about this curse... Maybe the captain can help...

_____

The captain was having a coughing fit from trying to hold back her laughter. Xen sighed and handed her what was left of their water. Redna took a sip and cleared her throat. "Sorry. Somethin' got caught in my throat." Xen just frowned silently as Redna handed the cup back. If she spoke up she'd just call Redna out on that lie. "That's certainly a mess, but really it could've been worse, Xen."

"How could it be worse? It was terrible! I made a complete fool of myself, and I'm sure professor Dubois hates me now. I doubt I can show my face around here again." Xen buried her face in her hands and sunk back into the sofa.

"Commotions like that happen all the time around here. The whole ward's full of adventurers and the like, something else'll happen in a week and no one will remember today." Xen felt Redna's hand on her shoulder once again. "And your professor ain't gonna hate you for somethin' like that. If you're that worried I can talk to her. She lives around here too, right? I'll invite her out for some fishin' and a chat."

Xen relaxed and gave Redna a smile. "Thanks, captain."

"As for this 'curse' of yours, I really don't think it's all bad." The hrothgar held her hand up to stop Xen, whose mouth was already open to protest. "Do you remember when you asked me to join up on the 'fisker? I could tell you had a lot on your mind but all you told me was your name and that it was like to change. But over time you opened up more, and you seemed real happy." Redna turned away from Xen and frowned. "I know what happened on that island was tough to deal with. But today you seemed much more like you were back on the ship that you have since then. All I'm sayin' is if somethin's on your mind, it's worth talkin' about, Xen."

"Captain..." Xen still hadn't told their former captain about what had happened to them during that time. About the other Xen who had lived her life. She wanted to, but could never find the right words. Even now her head was full of thoughts and she didn't know where to start.

Wait... Maybe I don't have to know where to start. Xen opened her mouth, and with it attempted to speak a few simple words.

"Meow meow meow."

Redna looked surprised, and titled her head. "What do you mean, 'that wasn't you'?" She'd understood.

Xen smiled and began to explain.

.....

"I see... Then that's one more we lost that day."  Redna closed her eye.

"I don't know. I haven't heard from Xen since then but it doesn't feel like they're *gone* entirely... It's hard to explain." Xen thought to herself for a moment. "There was a place they were, and it doesn't feel empty."

Redna's eye opened as she looked to Xen. "You don't think this 'curse' of yours is them talkin', do you?"

Xen shook her head. "I heard their thoughts seperate from my own that whole time. I'm positive these are mine." She let out a laugh. "Besides, there were times we stopped at port and they talked to some really pretty women, but it was like they didn't even notice."

Redna laughed as well. "Never seemed like they had an interest in others like that. Surprised me when they talked about that beautiful lass they saw in Limsa." She smiled to Xen. "But that bein' your story instead makes more sense."

Xen blushed and laughed. "Yeah..." Their thoughts drifted back to the adventurer she'd seen that day five years ago. "Wonder if she's still around somewhere. Would be nice if I saw her again, but what're the odds of that happenin'?"

.....

The odds were high enough, it seemed.

Xen and Redna had said their goodbyes after noticing the time, and Xen spent the last of her gil on the airship back to Limsa Lominsa. She needed to make more money, and luckily Jacke had a new job for her. Unable to afford the aetheryte or even chocobo porter fees, they set out on foot through La Noscea. On the way they heard the sounds of fighting, and went to investigate.

And there she was. It had been almost five years but the auri woman looked exactly like Xen remembered her. Soft green skin, shining purple eyes, and a beautiful smile.

She was wielding an arcanist's tome, and from the look of the dead ladybug on the ground and the splash of its guts on the woman that she had been using it to beat the beasts to death rather than casting spells.

Humming a song to herself, she noticed Xen staring and smiled. Xen's heart skipped a beat. She waved to the other woman and walked up to her. She wasn't going to run away again.

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." The arcanist's eyes widened. "Sorry! I meant to say. Uh. I don't know what I meant to say." Xen laughed. "Hi. I'm Xen. Xen Fiskie."

The other woman laughed. It was one of the prettiest sounds Xen had heard. With a smile she responded "You're quite the charmer. Ariah Kasteel."

"Ariah... That's such a pretty name. I mean- Uh." Xen felt their face going flush. "You're an arcanist?"

Ariah laughed again. "Very smooth. I only just started!" She smiled and held up her tome. "They gave me this book and asked me to slay some beasts out here. I think I did well."

"They sent you out without teachin' you any spells?" Xen spoke with concern, and after a moment of thought Ariah nodded. "I didn't expect that guild to be so tough on new members."

"I know, right?" Every laugh Ariah let out made Xen fall for her more. "This is my first time in Limsa Lominsa. I was asked to deliver some messages from Gridania." She opened her tome and began to flip through the pages. Some were stuck together wity various viscera. "Turned out my message wasn't particularly needed here, so I took a look around the city before leaving for Ul'dah. The arcanists' guild looked interesting, so I stopped in."

"Your first- Wait!" Xen interrupted herself as she had a realization. "You're the adventurer the Elder Seedseer had deliverin' messages about the memorial?"

Ariah looked back to Xen, surprised. "Yes, how did- Oh!" She let out a laugh. "Admiral Merlwyb said she'd done the same thing. Were you the one she sent?"

Xen nodded and laughed. "That was me. Small world, I guess."

"Small world indeed." Ariah smiled. "I assume you've made your deliveries already?"

"That's right. Just got back a bit ago. Oh hells. I forgot, I'd picked up a new job already. I oughta get goin'."

"Alright. I should report to Thubyrgeim before the next airship leaves." The auri woman held her hand out. "It was nice to meet you, Xen."

Xen smiled and took her hand. Even through bug guts her skin felt as soft as it looked. "Yeah, it was really nice."

Ariah grinned as they shook hands. "I hope when we next meet I will still be the most beautiful woman you've ever seen." She gave Xen a playful wink.

Xen's face went red. She tried to speak but found herself stuttering. Watching as Ariah giggled at her panic, Xen was positive she'd fallen for the other woman completely.

Ariah waved and turned back to head to the city, singing a cheerful tune to herself. Xen watched her leave and smiled.

Maybe this curse really ain't so bad after all.

[omgkalyppso]

12, 22 and 25 for the end of year asks 🎉

Thank you for the ask!

12.Talk about a new friend you made this year

Two long-time mutuals were new friends this year! I made fanart of @razrogue's oc in february (asked permission first) and that kicked off some conversations, and I invited @boghermit to a digital dnd game that was supposed to be a "one shot" that I thought would run 3 sessions in april but we're on like session 10+.

Idk that I have any completely new friends. Have some mutuals I've been talking with more lately, and perhaps next year we'll be no-filter enough to be friends, lmao.

22.Favorite place you visited this year?

I went to my late grandparents' mother's cottage twice this summer. It's a little over two hours up the river. I made a goo/gle d/oc of some photos from one of the visits that mutuals could ask to see if you like. I shared it with some of you already.

25.Did you create any characters (in games, art, or writing) this year? Describe one

Several. And more, counting the dnd npc's I made up in role as DM. I'll restrict myself to three per media.

In world of warcraft I created and max-levelled more than my usual amount of pc's / oc's during the mists of pandaria remix event. Two of my favorites were a couple of nightborne elves, a rogue named Draughr (I decided this is his code name), and a warlock named Akumyssra. They're divorced with three kids. They were together all during the time Suramar was bubbled and sequestered from the rest of the world, and resentful of one another. I hadn't decided between them which was the parent who nearly sold a child to servitude because of the mana sickness / addiction / arcwine situation, but it was what was irreparable in the circumstances. Their children don't know and it is this unknowing which would allow them to fix things between them in the future Maybe. I also enjoyed crack shipping Draughr and Mudmug, which would further splinter his relationship with Akumyssra either because he was the one who fucked up fatherhood and is now having at least casual relationships or because she is the one who fucked up motherhood and not only are the children technically in the custody of an elf whose name they might not know for years, but he is also having such a good / easy time of it while she can't do anything but suffer for the sake of her magic.

I also started thinking of a daughter for my oc Borgakh and Lor'themar Theron. I was caught up in the tragedy of their romance for ages - and enjoying it - until they gave him a canon wife in Thalyssra. So now, instead, their relationship suffered after the battle for lordaeron, started getting better during battle for azeroth, Borgakh discovered she was pregnant just barely before going through with the ritual to go to Shadowlands, and I hate that they get married around the same time as Lor'themar's canon marriage, I wish it could happen at another time, but it's fine, whatever, and now they have this two year old daughter around the start of the war within.

I spliced some orc, elf and dracthyr sprites together to come up with a what-if concept to help me picture her as a babe and child.

I hadn't settled on a name. Here's the short list: Rok'aria (aria pronounced like the musical movement), Anravenna, Kel'diel, Kel'ariah (ariah pronounced like Karliah), Marzul, Arzula.

.

I came up with my dungeon meshi oc this year. Aelfwin.

Their backstory is up in the air because I don't know how dungeons work or how I'll feel about the story once I've finished the anime / once I crack and read the manga.

At this time, my two floating story ideas for them are: 1) post-canon in a large monstrous form, Alfie tunnels into the eponymous dungeon, from a different dungeon. 2) au where Alfie joins the party around the same time as Senshi.

.

In bg3 I have a few fun oc's that made their fic debuts this year!

Blbxrl - a Fimbrul Devil loyal to Mephistopheles in Raphael's service

Yakrayat - a Rakshasa Demon imprisoned in Avernus, presumably by Haruman in service to the Archdevil Zariel

^ Both featured in A Hopeless Dove.

Upton O'Goode has been conceptualized since at least 2023, but they finally had a little cameo in Upon The Hill.

[caelwynn]

I'm still physically wiped out and my head's too fuzzy to do 'real' writing/revisions on my story, but I'm just coherent enough that I want to chitter-chatter about my fic.

So in the course of working on Choices, one of the things I've spent an inordinate amount of time on is figuring out the 'cohorts' for the valleyfolk. What I mean by 'cohorts' are the groups of people who are in a similar age-range to one another and then further subdivided into 'natives' (aka 'people who grew up together in the valley') and 'transplants.' After all, one of the things I'm trying to accomplish is interweaving three large expansion mods with the base game and coming up with a cohesive whole, and that means knowing who from the various mods have known each other basically forever.

Under the cut, I break down who's in what cohort. I may or may not later flesh out my thinking about why I plopped certain people into certain groups, mostly because when I started to do so with this list, the post grew disgustingly (more) bloated. If I do, I'll probably do a separate post for each cohort. After all, this is the site for rambling about this sort of random stuff, right? 😅 (Edit: that's exactly how I spent my afternoon. You can find my thoughts on each cohort here: Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, Gen 4, Gen 5.)

If you squint just right, these could be considered spoilers for SVE/Ridgeside/East Scarp.

I divided the population of the valley into five different cohorts/generations. Ages are based on how old they are/would be during the course of Choices. They are also in order of eldest down to youngest. I have actual ages recorded for most of the characters, but it cluttered up this list waaay too much.

(OG) - Base Game, (SVE) - Stardew Valley Expanded, (R) - Ridgeside, (ES) - East Scarp

Gen 1 (Aged 60+) Natives

Maive (R)

Richard (R)

Gil (OG)

Evelyn (OG)

Linus (OG)

Willy (OG)

Lenny (R)

Gen 1 (Aged 60+) Transplants

George (OG)

Mr. Aguar (R)

Sonny (R)

Mrs. Olsen (Emily and Haley's mother) (OG-ish)

Lola (R)

Freddie (R)

Gen 2 (Ages 40-60) Natives

(56-60)

Lewis (OG)

Vivienne (ES)

Jessie (ES)

Mr. Olsen (Emily and Haley's father) (OG-ish)

Lily-Anne (ES)

Ezekiel (R)

Clement (ES)

(50-55)

Helen (R)

Marlon (OG)

Daisy (Adventurer's Guild Expanded)

Mark (ES) (Sterling's father, unnamed in mod)

Jess (ES) (Henry's father, unnamed in mod)

Pierre (OG)

Alecto (Stand Alone)

Robin (OG)

(46-50)

Marnie (OG)

Gunther (OG)

Susan (SVE)

Kimpoi (R)

(40-45)

Kent (OG)

Bert (R)

Olga (R)

Lorenzo (R)

Caroline (OG)

Gen 2 (Ages 40-60) Transplants

(56-60)

Rasmodius (OG)

Carmen (R)

(51-55)

Pam (OG)

Andy (SVE)

Jodi (OG)

Demetrius (OG)

(46-50)

Olivia (SVE)

Pika (R)

Malaya (R)

(40-45)

Naomi (R)

Gen 3 (Ages 25-39) Natives

(31-36)

Tristan (ES)

Clint (OG)

Shane (OG)

Henry (ES)

Sterling (ES)

Mona (OG/ES?)

Jacob [He turns 31 during the fic] (ES)

(25-30)

Mateo (ES)

Jasper (ES)

Kenneth (R)

Emily (OG)

Sandy (OG)

Anton (R)

Maria (R)

Paula (R)

Gloria (ES)

Zayne (R)

Kiarra (R)

Sophia (SVE)

Gen 3 (Ages 25-39) Transplants

(31-39)

Harvey (OG)

Shanice (R)

Callie

Mia (ES)

Elliott (OG)

Leah (OG)

Bryle (R)

(25-30)

Philip (R)

June (R)

Kataryna (ES)

Jeric (R)

Aideen (ES)

Rosa (ES)

Flor (R)

Irene (R)

Gen 4 (Ages 18-24) Natives

Penny (OG)

Sebastian (OG)

Alissa (R)

Abigail (OG)

Shiro (R)

Corine (R)

Sam (OG)

Ysabelle (R)

Alex (OG)

Haley (OG)

Lexi (ES)

Blair (R)

Gen 4 (Ages 18-24) Transplants

Victor (SVE)

Maddie (R)

Faye (R)

Juliet (ES)

Sean (R)

Gen 5 (Ages 5-17)

Maru (OG)

Oliver (ES)

Ariah (R)

Trinnie (R)

Keahi (R)

Eloise (ES)

Louie (R)

Vincent (OG)

Jas (OG)

Yuuma (R)

Lavril (ES)

Gen 5 (Haven't decided ages yet)

Leo (OG)

Morgan (SVE)

Bliss (R)

Pipo (R)

Undreya (R)

Yeah, I know there are characters missing (especially from East Scarp, as I have difficulty keeping track of all the individual NPC mods, and SVE), but there it is. I wonder if this is actually interesting to anyone other than me. Oh well. 😅

[jovianjournal]

March 2024

Should i just do one big post for novels and comics at the same time? Anyway, here's the novels i read in march, mostly SFF plus one romcom

Uprooted -- Naomi Novik, French translation by Benjamin Kuntzer

A young woman is sent to the local wizard's tower as a yearly tribute (or something like that) where she learns magic and try to discover why the forest is being weird. Very long and frankly a little boring, i had pretty high expectations and i was a bit disappointed. At first it seemed right up my alley, there were some blue beard, dark fantasy vibes... that kind of went nowhere tbh. most of the characters are extremely annoying (although i did like Agniezka as a protagonist! and her friend Kasia. it could have been gay... it should have been gay!!) and the plot felt stretched out for no reason. But i did enjoy the old folk tale aesthetic, the magic system based around rhymes was beautiful.

*

A Study in Drowning -- Ava Reid

A college student is sent to a crumbling mansion by the sea for an architecture project, alongside her academic rival, mystery ensues. The vibes were perfect, the rising sea, the damp air, the raging storm, water everywhere. I have one complain tho: I spent the Whole Goddamn Book SCREAMING at the characters "why aren't you checking this One Thing???" and as soon as they did check this one thing the mystery was resolved. so that was a little annoying.

Overall I really liked this book, i'd recommend it if you're into Dark Academia, A House as A Character, and metaphors about sexist and sexual violence. Also the writing is really pretty! i want to read other books by this author.

*

The Mars House -- Natasha Pulley

disclaimer: i love Natasha Pulley So. Much. she is probably my fav author currently, and i am very aware that she tends to always write the same book, but listen : i am autistic and i like knowing what im getting into and knowing that im going to like a story before investing the time in it.

That Being Said, i have two and a half pages of notes in my journal that boil down to "i didn't like this book as much as i hoped :/". This is a sci-fi story about immigration and xenophobia where one of the main character is a martian right-wing politician and also there's some Gender Stuff in martian society that felt a little terfy? (which is weird bc basically in this book Martian society has Abolished Gender). I still adored this book! i'd wholeheartedly recommend it! the writing is spectacular, i loved the characters, the worldbuilding is super interesting, there's fun tragic irony where you know what's going on while the characters don't, there's fricking Mammoths. Read it, and then read The Watchmaker of FIligree Street, and then read the Kingdoms, and then read all of her other books.

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Ariah -- B. R. Sanders

I don't know how to describe this book. A 400-page character study about a Pretty Annoying Guy? I think i picked it up bc i was looking for books with polyam relationships and that's why i powered all the way through it. I actually don't remember much about the plot. It's a high fantasy story, the main character has mind powers he has trouble controlling, he's kind of a dick to his lovers, every time something important happens the narration completely glosses over it. Reading over my notes, i did like the last part of the story, and the happy end felt deserved. don't have much more to say.

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Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake -- Alexis Hall

Alexis Hall is another one of my comfort authors, im slowly getting through their bibliography. this one was okay! it's a great british bake off fan fiction, it was fun (but not as good as the Stucky fanfic). good banter, tropey plot. averages to and okay book.

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

"You are Amethyne..."

I decided to start writing little stories about Ridgeside Village too, because why not? This one is about conversation between Madame Maive and my OC Farmer Julian. ⚠️ Warning: domestic violence and angst

_________________________________________

"I must say, I'm very pleased with how you're doing with the farm. You have even exceeded all my expectations, and you never cease to amaze me so far."

Maive and Julian stood on the cliff near the cable car station, watching the horizon as the sun set behind the distant mountains, painting the clouds and the whole land with gold, orange, and bright red colors. In early fall, such a sunset creates a truly stunning and mesmerizing view, a dream for any photographer.

Sonny stood not far from them, also keeping his eyes on the magnificent view, on the beauty that Yoba had bestowed. He dared not interfere with the conversation between the Madame and the young farmer, for he felt it was something very personal. But still he looks at Maive for a moment, like a faithful dog, waiting for her to call him and take orders.

"Thank you, Mai- Madame", Julian quickly corrected himself, remembering how the head of the Amethyne family doesn't tolerate being addressed informally. He was usually shy when he was praised by someone (even though there was much to be praised for), believing that his actions and rich harvest spoke louder than words. And still, Maive's praise was very flattered, for it was hard to surprise noble madame.

Her own offspring can't accomplish that...

"Your hard work has helped in the development of not only Pelican Town, but also Ridgeside Village, and I am deeply happy that you are trying for the benefit of not only yourself, but others as well." The old madam spoke again.

"I want to thank you for that, farmer. On behalf of myself and the entire Amethyne family." Maive looked straight into Julian's multicolored eyes as she said the last phrase, with proud, as if he were her own child for having succeeded in exams.

Julian was slightly taken aback by such a frank admission, and only smiled broadly and sincerely, bowing slightly to Madame. This answer satisfied Maive quite well. "His parents have raised the boy to be a gentleman. Good to know", Maive thought with some relief.

"Between you and me, I'm amazed at how much patience you have with me. A lot of people I talk to usually think I'm callous when I'm not afraid to be honest about them. I thank you for that patience, for all of us."

They were both silent again for a moment, returning to contemplating the beautiful sunset. The rustle of leaves underfoot, the gentle cool breeze, and the smell of mushrooms-Julian loves autumn with all his heart, but after Maive's words, he couldn't concentrate on the scenery any longer. Memories come rushing into his head...

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

It seemed that Aria's crying was never ending and would soon escalate into a more loud, hysterical cry. "Gra- Grandmother..." "Ariah... You're Amethyne, now act like it!"

"Grandmother, stop! Don't say that about our family!" "How. Dare you?!" A loud slap was heard in the huge hall of the manor, and after a second, a shocked Zayne covered his cheek with his hand, feeling his skin reddening and burning. "So many children and grandchildren, and not a single worthy candidate! You are pathetic, all of you." Compared to Maive's cold words, the slap didn't hurt her grandson that much anymore.

"Don't even think about it, Louie! Your last exams had a score of less than 90%, and that's something I won't encourage. You will stay home to study", Louie shifted his gaze from his older brother to his grandmother, and he tilted his head, saying a little more quietly: "Yes, Grandmother. I'm sorry..."

"Living under constant pressure is unbearable." "I miss my parents and my brother so much..." "Ms. Ariah is very stressed today." "I'm such a coward." "Can we ever break this our family curse?! "Your father is just selfish, arrogant - "Mother, stop it!" *Sniff* *Hic* Grandmother...

"You're an Amethyne, now act like it!"

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

Julian took a deep inhale and exhale. The picture of the most famous family in the entire Republic was a very contradictory one. And yet it was these people-the ever-cranky Louie, the ever-busy Ariah, the ever-workaholic Irine and Sonny, the ever-impatient Maive, the ever-condemning Zayne, who was always judging himself for being a coward-they were the very people who had become his first friends in Ridgeside Village.

Grandpa and Grandma wouldn't be friends with bad people. And can you call a person exceptionally bad? It's much easier to look at the world as black and white. Except the world is all shades of gray.

Patience. This world need patience.

"Your grandparents were my best friends. They were there for me in joy and in sorrow", Maive once again raised her voice, catching Julian's attention. Her face expressed an unaccustomed sadness, it was rare for anyone to catch her like this, beyond her usual impassive expression, anger or annoyance.

It was as if the noble old lady could read minds, for she guessed what Julian was thinking. Even after everything, he gave her family a chance to get to know them better.

Just like his grandparents gave her a chance when she was young.

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

"Maive, explain yourself! Our servants saw you in the arms of those two peasants! Do you think that's how a young lady of your status should behave?"

"Mother!", Maeve was surprised at how defiant her voice sounded, "They are my friends!"

"Friends? Your "friends" are always walking around in dirty, filthy clothes like pigs, poking their noses into other people's business and hanging out with those strange men with swords! And you cal them your friends?"

"Don't you DARE say that about them!" Maive immediately regretted her raised tone when her mother quickly walked up to her and gave her a loud and painful slap.

"How dare you speak to me like that?! To your own mother! I put so much effort into protecting you, keeping you safe. I do everything for you. And this is how you thank me?!", Her voice was already breaking into hysterical notes, but she immediately quieted her fervor as her daughter fell to her knees and began to sob quietly, holding her right cheek with her snow-white hand.

"Maive..." The mother's heart clenched at the sight of what she had done to her own blood. But her gaze quickly changed, and she uttered a phrase that had haunted all members of the Amethyne family for generations. Like a curse, like an executioner's axe cleaving the air, making the walls of the old mansion tremble every time:

"Y o u a r e A m e t h y n e, s o a c t l i k e i t !"

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

Following the young farmer's example, Maive also slowly took a deep breath in and out. Her whole life was a lifetime of service for her family, of striving for excellence and sacrificing so much for success, including her own happiness and mental health. The endless darkness of the golden cage of Amethyne, into which rays of light break through only occasionally, allowing them to feel free for a moment.

That ever-annoying farmer and his girlfriend became the very light in Maive's life. Just like their grandson became a ray of light for her and her descendants.

The Madame carefully, on her high heels, stepped closer to Julian, gently took his face and kissed him on the forehead. Poor Julian was, to say at least, shocked - he did not expect this from someone like Maive, how she looked at him tenderly, as his own mother looked at Julian...

"All the wealth of our family is not enough to thank you for all that you and your family have done for all of us", Julian could have sworn that when Maive pulled away from him, Madame's wrinkled eyes showed sparkling drops, like the purest diamond, that were about to run down her face.

[greekfamily]

Our request rules

The person that requests something must Put the name of the person they want to answer the request

We all do Greek Gods, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Marvel, and Norse Gods

We all will write LGBTQ+ (no smut for 16 or 17 year olds), Crossover, Character x Character, Character x Reader (see pinned post for names and ages)

OC rules= they are the kids of the main relationship that you chose

TYPES OF WRITING EACH ONE DOES

Neo, Xan, Iris, Bethany, Elias, Medea Short stories no smut

Zedhyrx(Nyx), Athena, Timon, Maia, Kora, Ariah Short stories with smut, Incorrect Quotes, HC, AU, OC

Luren, Nico, Nathaniel, Jenn, Ares Incorrect Quotes, HC, AU, OC

Kassi, Zephyr, Eris, Peter, Ana, Lea Mood boards, Quotes, HC, AU, OC

[alcinaslittlemaid]

HELLOOOOOO!! I write too here’s my Wattpad!! This is a short smut story about momma rissa Weems

And this is my oc story about Janet lee Oliver- a character I created for RE8

[madelineariah]

2023/April 6th - Introduction

My name is Madeline Ariah. I am a transgirl, age 29, and this is – well – I suppose it’s the story of how my life fell into darkness.

For the longest time, things have been… difficult. Granted, I would say it’s that way for a lot of people right now. I’m sure that all of us are harboring the same fears about our lives and the same questions: “Am I making the right choices to live the most fulfilled life?” “Am I able to leave the world at least a little better than I found it?” “How will history look back upon my actions?” “Am I good or bad?” “Do I deserve the opportunities I have been given, or do I deserve the calamities which have befallen me?”

“...Do I deserve to exist?”

There are a lot of times where I find myself questioning these things. I can’t help but feel like many of the things that have happened to me were the result of some karmic action – punishment for not making the correct choices at various stages of my life, until I was left with the person that I am in the present day.

I don’t exactly love myself. I don’t feel as though I have any talents of note. I don’t feel as though I contribute a thing to society. It hurts a lot when I look at myself through that lens. It was never for a lack of trying; all my life, I have tried my best to be ambitious. I have attempted to push myself through college on three separate occasions. I took jobs that pushed me out of my comfort zone time and time again. More recently, I have taken to writing research projects in my spare time.

So, I am trying. I am trying. I am trying…

I remember when I was younger, there was a statistic that over 40% of transgender individuals – two out of every five – would seek to end their own lives. I can say that I have come close more times than I can count. Yet I am almost thirty years old, and somehow, I am still here. I don’t even understand how or why.

All I know is I want things to get better. In spite of everything, I still want to seek out some sliver of happiness. I want to believe happiness is possible for me.

I think I plan to use this blog to talk about what happened. In the event that something does happen to me, I just want someone out there to know I lived a life. I am tired of feeling like a ghost. I am tired of feeling like I shouldn’t exist.

That said, I don’t really know what I am doing – for lack of a better word. I’ve tried Tumblr a few times before, but I’ve never quite understood how it works. I don’t really understand how to get my voice out there, so this will all be trial and error. Please be patient with me as I figure things out, okay?

Thank you. I appreciate you.

– Madeline Ariah

[wiltking]

I think tumblr might have swallowed the original ask I sent you when i finished Ariah, but it's been a bit more than a month now and I'm still thinking about that book

The way it explored different types of romance and relationships just blew my mind

oh shoot it must have! and i know what you mean, its been *checks watch* 8 months for me and it still swirls around my brain soup from time to time. absolute gem, nothing else like it experience. so happy to hear it affected you too!!

[shortmomma1993]

Ariah: *writing down stuff* pomni wedding is something mommys would love. I tell mommy hoppy so she can make the stuff for me. You just work on jokes. Want dress or pant suit? Mommy will make whichever. *looks at her*

((Poor pomni. Ariah will not budget though. Lmao))

Ariah: *runs up to Pomni with a card in her hand* Pomni!! Pomni!! *trips and falls face first but gets back up and keeps tunning* Pomni!!

are you- yeah she's most likely okay- uhm, yes, Ariah-?

[serosbby]

Pet Names For You !! (BK, TS, IM)

𝙱𝚊𝚔𝚞𝚐𝚘 𝙺𝚊𝚝𝚜𝚞𝚔𝚒

It’s usually something cheesy that everyone gets called

“Baby” “Babe”

I hope and PRAY he never calls anyone ‘mamas’

“Honey”

“Darling”

I also think he’s into things that have to deal with your physical appearance

Like for poc it would vary because of all the different skin tones

Those kind of pet names are cringy to me but they are still kinda cute lol

“Teddy Bear”

“Baby Girl”

He also calls you things like ‘dumbass’

Or appearance insults like ‘shitty hair’ or ‘raccoon eyes’

Bonus: your contact name is probably “Dumbass 🙄🧡” or “Teddy Bear 🧸🧡”

𝚃𝚘𝚍𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚔𝚒 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚘

Honestly speaking he’s just as simple as Baku

He doesn’t really care since he likes little nicknames of your name instead

For example: Eijiro- Ei, Momo- Yaomomo, etc.

Otherwise he might just call you stuff like

“Honey”

“Princess”

“Love”

“Sweety”

He’s very sweet so please call him baby 🥺

Bonus: your contact name is probably “Baby ❤️” or “N/n 🥰”

𝙸𝚣𝚞𝚔𝚞 𝙼𝚒𝚍𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚢𝚊

Anything cliche or cute or both

“Angel”

“My little cinnamon roll”

He switches between them more than he switches his shoes

“Cutie”

“Baby Bear”

“Puppy”

“Love Bug”

He likes to make up silly ones too lol

“Mommy”

Bonus: your contact name is probably “LOML 🥰💚” or “Puppy 🐶🥺🤎”

[astrxealis]

did u see this yet 👀 (idk i heard u werent feeling well so... maybe i can help 🙃🙃 if the link doesnt work just ignore me)

AAAAAAA ARIAH 😭😭💞💗💝💕 i saw it a bit ago but haven't had the time to read it yet but i just did rn and ☹💘 tyvm love, genuinely, it rlly did make me smile TvT i do feel quite better now tbh !!!!! fr, ty ty

[ghostly-march]

also here from me to you >.<

(by @.badlydrawngenshin !)

asdfkjhfglkj i love them so much /gen

this is for you uwu <3 /p

[american-duchess]

Finally felt inspired to write for the first time in a long time! Heres a unedited sneak peek of the long and angst-filled Raleigh x MC fic I plan to release sometime within the next week or so...

[earako]

Ilonthreta revamped

Also thanks to Theo for giving me this idea

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“Ma’am, may I ask what, exactly, you’re staring at?” The woman stared up at Ishra’s form and stammered a bit before quickly scurrying off, glancing over her shoulder as she retreated from the party. Ariah shrugged off her behaviour, mumbling under her breath before continuing to walk with Ishra and her father through the market place, a basket hanging from her father's arm. A pathway is cleared for them as they move from vendor to vendor, each person gazing fearfully up at Ishra. The staring does nothing to help Ariah’s annoyance.

“ Mind your own damn business people, geez.”

“Now Ariah, I highly doubt your father approves of you grumbling like that.”

“Thank you, Ishra.”

“Ugggghhhh,” Ariah whined, letting her head fall back, pulling out the groan for as long as she can manage. A scaly tail lightly bumped the back of her head in admonishment, her father hid a snicker behind his hand.

“Daaaad.”

“Sorry Ariah, but you should know better than to act up around Ishra.”

“An unruly child, this one, honestly Syd, how did you ever manage her?”

Ariah rolled her eyes at them and chose to glare at the people staring up at Ishra. The dragon took notice of this and clicked her tongue, tail heading to rap her upside the head once more.

“What did we just say about behaviour?”

“Ishra!”

“Hey, let’s not make a scene now. We’re almost done our shopping anyways. Think you can hold out for a few more minutes, Ariah? And Ishra, it’s understandable that people are staring at you, it’s not every day a dragon accompanies a father and daughter to the market place.”

“I still think they should mind their own business,” Ariah grumbled arms crossed tightly over her chest. A young boy about to approach her quickly shrunk back at her aggressive posture. Ariah closed her eyes for a moment and inhaled sharply through her nose. Her father said only a few more minutes, she can hold out until then-

The sound of armour clanging spiked Ariah’s irritation to her limit. She whirled around to face the knight's guard surrounding her and her family. She clenches her jaw, taking another steadying breath.

“What. In the name of Adeve. Are you doing?” She hissed through her teeth, leaning into her father's hand on her shoulder. Syd pushed his daughter behind him and faced the guards.

“Can we help you, sir knights?”

“Sir, you do realize-”

“Pardon my interruption but all I’m seeing is the so-called “righteous” knight’s order aiming spears at my partner. Now if you please.”

A knight dropped a spear, another let out a gasp, others gaped at Syd and some looked on in concern. The captain of the knight's order stepped forward and levelled Syd with a worried expression. He bent down a bit to be closer to Syd's level. Syd stepped back in response, Ishra flashing a warning over his shoulder. The captain straightens up and clears his throat.

“Sir, I believe you should come with us. Your daughter as well.”

“And what reason do you have for my arrest?”

“Well you see, your...partner, are you certain no spell has been cast upon you?”

Now it was Syd’s turn to roll his eyes. He crossed his arms and stared down at the man, the basket hanging off of him would have ruined the effect, but the dragon looming over him effectively kept the captain quiet.

“I know I may not look like it but I know damn well when I am being charmed or when magic is being used to alter my senses. I have served in the knight's order mind you, in fact, you lot would have likely been in training during my time."

“Sir-”

“If you’ll excuse us sir knights," Ishra cut in, Ariah's irritation rubbing off on her, "my family and I are rather tired and would very much like to return home to rest. I think that’s enough shopping for today, Syd.”

“I agree. Let’s go, Ariah.”

Ariah was more than happy to finally leave the crowded market place. When the knights tried to stop them Ishra swiftly arched a flame above their heads. The knights immediately stopped.

As they watched the family left, one knight mumbled to himself, “ A human and a dragon....huh...”

And Ariah suddenly felt the urge to punch someone.