#bittersweetart

[bittersweetartgallery]

Program H23SG

Oil on canvas

30x40cm

2023

Sergiu Grapa

[bittersweetartspace]

Barbara Kroll

[bonewhistler]

Cartoony feral midshot w/ soft shading for Astraeus_Derg on discord of their dragon; Astraeus. Thank you for commissioning, I greatly appreciate it!

I wanted to give the illusion they had a bioluminescent glow with their markings (the client said they’re meant to appear as if they’re glowing anyway). The coloring was a bit of a challenge but I’m glad I stuck with the idea anyhow.

Art: @b1ttercherry

Character(s): Astraeus_Derg

Like what you see? Consider commissioning me by clicking here!

[nakedcows]

Cult Leader Aemond x Reader

So I listened to "Cult Leader" by King Mala and I couldn't help but think of this and i really need this out of my head so.

p.s I haven't written fanfiction for a minute so I'm a bit rusty

picture belongs to @bittersweetarts

It was another insufferable day at Y/N's diner job that barely covered her bills. It was a shit job with coworkers that she had to constantly pick up the slack for, perverted creeps that came in to flip up the skirt of her uniform asking how much she charges for an hour, and drunks that would stumble in ordering food before vomiting and promptly passing out in the booths. Despite the incessant constant work it was decent compared to the seedy backrooms and under the table handies that came with most jobs in Flea Bottom. There weren't many jobs like hers in her unfortunate hometown and she was always grateful she was able to snatch this one up before the late fees on rent and empty fridge made her too desperate.

Y/n had just trudged in from the back door after dragging out a leaking trash bag to the dumpster while her coworker had a smoke outside. After washing her hands Y/n turned only to stumble back a bit as pair of blue robes loomed in front of the counter. The blue robes have been appearing wherever Y/n goes lately. On her walks to work, her occasional trips to the grocery store, and most often during her shifts. But this was new, the blue robes have never approached her they've always just stood next to the entrance waiting and watching sometimes for hours. The blue robes were apart of a religious zealous group. While religious freaks preaching about end of times and eternal punishment weren't uncommon in Flea Bottom, the blue robes had a different method for their gospel. While the rest of the missionaries in Flea Bottom tend to sing endless praises or tell bone chilling stories about their gods to turn sinners, the blue robes were secretive of their god only true followers were permitted the privilege of knowing who they found worthy of worship.

Blue robes travel in pairs wearing dark blue robes with lace sleeves and veils shrouding their faces offering handmade invitations to people they've watched. The owner of the diner has tried to force them out plenty of times when they loiter in the diner. He used to threaten to beat them bloody every time they showed up, but they must of known he was a cowardly man who liked to play the role of a stronger one. Because no matter how loud he shouted or what weapon he brought out to wave in their faces they stood dutifully never moving an inch. It seems today however the blue robes have observed enough as they pull their veils over the top of their heads in unison revealing a man and woman with wide smiles each of them missing their right eye.

"Hello dear sapphire," they said in unison "Father wishes to welcome you home," with each of them holding a corner they hand Y/n a green letter with an indigo seal.

"I'm sorry...what?" Y/n asked

"Father requested for us to help him find his gem," said the woman. "We've told him of you and he is pleased," said the man "And now he wishes for you to come home," they finished together never dropping their smiles.

"Sorry umm, but i don-,"

"This invitation is special," they said. "He wishes to meet you personally it's a gracious offer," they started to sound desperate their smiles beginning to twitch a bit. Y/n looks between the two of them trying to keep a friendly smile as her breathing becomes a bit frantic.

"That's...kind of him, but I'll have say no," Y/n said giving the two an awkward smile. The man and woman begin to shake their once jovial faces begin to twist into that of dread.

"Please please just see Him once? Just come to see Him one time" the woman begged. Y/n eyebrows knit together glancing between the two as their now frightful eyes fill with tears.

"I don-''

"Please don't say no He's expecting you to come you have to come!" the man shouted. They both began to shove the invitation into Y/n's face their tearful eyes staring into hers frantically.

"Alright," Y/n says slowly reaching out and taking the invitation. "Tell your...father that I'll come just this once," the man and woman instantly return to their bright expressions.

"Thank you sapphire Father will be pleased," they say together before pulling their veils over their faces in unison and leaving. Y/n paused as she looks down at the letter. What the hell just happened? Y/n gathers herself and opens the letter.

"My dearest Sapphire, I have been looking for you and wish for you to attend a special dinner with me. I have left you a present in your apartment please wear it for me tonight my gem, Your dearest love ~A"

At the bottom of the letter there was the time of the dinner, an address, and money for transport.

"In my apartment? They've been following me home too?" How Y/n has never even seen them on her street before and she always double checks behind her on her way home. How'd they even get inside she always triple checks all three locks so no one breaks in. There's no way they've actually been in her apartment right? When Y/n finally arrived at home all of her locks were still in place and when she walked inside her apartment everything looked completely untouched not one thing out of place except for a velvety indigo box with blue roses on her bed. Attached to the box was a note reading "For my dearest sapphire." Inside was an elaborate emerald green dress with split sleeves and a layered skirt. The sleeves were lined with lace and the skirt had intricate golden flowers embroidered on the hem and bodice. Y/n stomach was turning. They had gotten inside how did they get inside? Should she move? Where would she even go? Even if she had the money to move would they just follow her there too?

"Just one night," Y/n breathed. "One night shake his hand give a smile and leave. I can do that just one night."

The address took Y/n into the city of Kings Landing. She had been saving up to move here, but she didn't dare dream she would actually have the opportunity to even visit. Dreaming for things out of reach was dangerous in Flea Bottom. Hoping for more than one was born to usually lead to trusting the wrong people to take advantage of your desperation. Y/n arrived at the location it was a towering fortress bigger than a cathedral. Y/n went up to the giant armed blue robes standing guard almost tripping on her dress invitation on hand.

"Hi I'm Y/n I got a invited today to meet with the uh Father?" she said holding up her invitation while doing her best to apear tall and confident.

"Welcome to the Red Keep Sapphire," the guards said in unison. They open the gates and lead Y/n deep into the Keep. Passing through long hallways and twisting stairs till they reached double doors. Inside was a luxurious room with hardwood floors. The room was lit with candles and decorated furniture fit for royalty, but what caught Y/n's eye the most was the man standing in the middle of the room. He was a tall man with a domineering presence and a sapphire for a left eye. He wore black well fitted trousers and what looked like black ceremonial robes. The robes had intricate blue embroidery on the sleeves and collar.

"Hello my dear Sapphire," he said walking up and embracing Y/n. Y/n's body became rigid as she awkwardly returned his hug before pulling away.

"Hi um...thank you for inviting me," Y/n said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"It's lovely to see you again my dear. I've missed you," he said. Y/n backed up a bit at that.

"What do mean? This is the first time we've met," Y/n said. His smile slowly began to fall only to quickly returned as he grabbed Y/n's wrist and lead her to a small locked box. It was a simple brown wooden box hidden under a part of the floor carefully wrapped in velvet cloth. The box had magnolias engraved into the front Y/n's favorite flower.

"Don't worry my dear I know just what you need to help you remember," He reached into the sleeve of his robes and pulled out a small key to unlocked the box. He gently cradled the box and gingerly opened it. Reaching in he pulled out a small piece of sapphire and handed it to Y/n.

"Do you remember now dear sapphire?" Y/n stared at the jewel. Why did it look so familiar. The sapphire was crudely cut into a strange shape like a crooked tear drop. Where had she seen this before? Y/n rotated the rock before she perked up snatching the matching half out of her pocket. She fit the two pieces together forming a heart.

"Aemond?" Y/n said with an endearing smile meeting his eye. Despite her realization she could still hardly recognize her childhood friend. Aemond had grown out of his curly hair that he use to demand Y/n detangle while he read to her. He was even missing his adorable freckles that got darker when they napped together in the sun.

"My gods Aemond!" Y/n said throwing her arms around him. Aemond put his arms around her waist holding Y/n tightly leaning into the crook of her neck like he used to.

"What are you doing here? This is a weird place to reconnect. We could have met at a restaurant or something you didn't have to rent a room from the blue robes to peak my interest," Y/n said smiling up at him. Aemond chuckled.

"I didn't rent a room my dear. This is our home and I've finally made it perfect for you stay," Aemond said stroking Y/n's face as he began to smirk.

"Stay why would I- what do you mean stay?" Y/n said pulling away from Aemond.

"This is your new home my sapphire exactly as I promised we would have last time we saw each other," Aemond said passionately. He grabbed both halves of the sapphire and held one piece to his heart and placed the other to Y/n's hand before pushing it to hers as well just as they did all those years ago when they first promised themselves to eachother.

"Don't you remember our perfectly beautiful home filled with devotion, happiness, and children to love?" Aemond said leaning his forehead into Y/n's. Y/n's body becomes stiff as she tries to lean away.

"Aemond that was a long time ago. I mean we were children when we made that promise," Y/n said laughing awkwardly.

''I know my love and I've kept our sapphire with me everyday since then to keep you in my heart and remind me of that promise," Aemond said.

"Aemond please that's very kind of you, but you can't just appear out of nowhere after years and expect me to live with you," Y/n said fully backing away from Aemond. Aemond's jaw began to clench as he stared into Y/n. His brows knit together and his breath becomes more uneven. Before he could express his grievances Aemond was interrupted by a horn sounding off. His face relaxes a bit.

"Perhaps my dear sapphire you must see the fruit of my labors to fully embrace the home I've built for us," Aemond says. He the turns to a near by chest and pulls out two intricate headdresses. The one he places on his head was black with a large sapphire in the top of it. The headdress had thick black spikes that sat slightly behind his head like sun rays with smaller sapphires along the base of them.

"Come my dear we must dress properly for the occasion," Aemond said as he walked up to Y/n gingerly placing the other headdress on her head. Y/n's head piece was similar however hers had small emeralds connecting thinner golden spikes that were a bit more curved connected by a forehead piece with a big emerald in its center.

"What occasion?" Y/n asked

"The return of the Mother," Aemond said with a smirk leading Y/n out of the room through a hidden door in the wall. Aemond and Y/n walked through dark passages lit with only candle light until they reached a large door. Aemond looked back at Y/n his smirk growing as he opened the large door to reveal a sea of a congregation all of them prostrated before the alter they now stood on. Y/n gasped she didn't know that there were this many blue robes she hadn't realized how far their reach had gone no one did. The sanctuary was filled wall to wall with blue robes all without veils every last one missing their right eye. When they saw Aemond and Y/n they all immediately stood to their feet their faces filling with an endless joy as they all desperately scrambled as close to the alter as physically possible.

"Aemond what is all of this?" Y/n whispered. Her face was contorted with anxiety and her breathing becoming quick.

"These are our loving children as promised my sapphire. They've worked hard and have stayed loyal to build the perfect home for their Mother," Aemond said with a wide grin. Aemond put his arm around Y/n's waist and led her to the front of the alter. The closer they got to the edge the more blue robes leaned in to see her.

"My sweet children," Aemond said loudly. "I promised you a Mother. One that is loving, one that is gentle, one that will make you whole. I promised you that if you prayed for Her. Worked hard for Her. If you bled for Her that She would come home. That She would bless us all and fill us with Her light. And She has returned home," Aemond said stepping a bit to the side and pushing Y/n more to the front. The blue robes began to rouse with excitement, but Aemond cuts their celebrations short.

"However my loves though She has seen your loyalty seen your devotion She does not believe that it is enough and wishes to abandon you once more," Aemond said. Y/n curtly turned to Aemond face full of a mix of distress and confusion. The crowd erupts with sounds of agony. Some collapse others weep openly they all look to Y/n.

"No Mother you can't leave you have to protect us!"

"Please Mother don't leave us! You can't!"

"Father promised he promised you would stay!"

"I promise to work hard until I bleed for you Mother please stay!"

"Yes Mother we'll bleed for you we swear it!"

The blue robes claw at each other climbing and crawling on top of each other to get just that much closer to Y/n. The ones closest to the alter began to reach for Y/n. Some of them grabbing and pulling at her skirts to keep her from leaving. Y/n stares into to crowd gazing into all of the distraught faces filled with tears all of them begging screaming for her to not leave them behind. Y/n made eye contact with a young woman who looked to be slightly younger than herself. She was heavily sobbing and shaking clinging desperately to the front of her skirt as if she would drop dead were she to let go. Her eye was heavy she looked as if she had been awake for days. She had that same face Y/n saw in the mirror everyday. The look of someone in their prime being used up until there was nothing left begging for someone anyone to save them from the constant agony they've been forced to endure for daring to be born in the wrong place

"Please Mother don't leave!" she hiccuped. "I've tried so hard to make sure you'd come home please Mother I need you!" Y/n felt as though a boulder was dropped into her chest. Her head began to feel as though it was filled with static. Her eyes began to brim with tears. It became hard to focus to even think properly. Her thoughts would string together only to unravel into nothing. The young woman attached to the front of her dress began to crumple to the ground as everyone stirred into a frenzy someone had tried to climb on top of her in an attempt to reach Y/n. Y/n reached out as quickly as she could and embraced the girl squeezing her tightly to her body holding the back of her head delicately. The congregation fell silent instantly all of them frozen as they stared at Y/n. Y/n breathed heavily gazing over the crowd. Over her new children.

"You have done well," Y/n called out.

"I-I will stay with you my children. Please please don't cry," Y/n said her voice starting to break. "I will stay I will protect you so please don't be scared...don't cry," Y/n said. She began so stroke the young girls head as the girl now silently cried in the crook of her neck

"Thank you Mother thank you," the girl said pulling back to look Y/n in the eyes with a relieved smile before returning to her spot in front of the alter. The rest of the crowd quickly went from teary eyed to jovial. Faces once wet with tears of anguish are now reassured with the promise that their Mother will stay with them. Aemond walked to the front of the alter next to Y/n and places his arm around her waist. He puts his hand to Y/n's face and uses his thumb to wipe away her tears just starting to fall. He then leaned gently against her face and kissed her cheek before he addresses his congregation once more.

"Our family is now whole my children. Your Mother has come home for you as promised let us rejoice!" Aemond said. The sanctuary filled with cheers and singing celebrating the return of Mother. Y/n looked around the room at her new children in disbelief and awe with. Aemond smirked proudly leaning over to whisper in her ear.

"Welcome home my dearest sapphire."

Sooo that's all I have for now. I had a ton of fun writing this i forgot how much i enjoyed writing fics!! If you enjoyed it please let me know and don't forget to reblog and like. idk If I'll add more to this or if anyone would be interested in more of this so let me know i guess

[bittersweetarts]

Fanfic Recommendations ✴ by bittersweetarts (Volume I)

Fandoms: Harry Potter (Books), House of the Dragon (TV), The Bear (TV), Criminal Minds (TV)

As much as I like writing fanfiction, I love reading it even more! I enjoy a beautifully-written story as much as anyone does, and recommend the following for those looking for a wonderful read that will make you feel like you're in another world –

dirty old town – Regulus Black x OC

Author: WizardGod

Status: Complete - AO3 Page

One of my favourite stories that I have ever read.

Set during the Marauders Era, the plot follows a young woman named Finn Lynch, who lives a reserved life in rural Ireland, until her uncle, Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, asks her temporarily house a war defector from a Wizarding World she is not part of.

Word Count: 286,984

Tropes: Slow Burn, Mild Enemies-to-Lovers, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Mutual Pining, Hurt/Comfort, Found Family

Thy Wicked Torment – Fred Weasley x OC

Author: this_pendent_world

Status: Complete - AO3 Page

You know it's a good fanfic when the writing actually makes you feel like you're in Hogwarts, and this story is impeccable!

Set during the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the story follows a young Slytherin named Evangeline Parkinson Rothchild, and the trouble she ends up finding herself in as she becomes involved with Fred Weasley, Gryffindor's resident troublemaker.

Word Count: 218,347

Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Slow Burn, Angst, Found Family

Where the Gold Meets the Green – Aemond Targaryen x OC

Author: vhagarapologist

Status: WIP - AO3 Page

Well-written House of the Dragon fanfiction with romance, political intrigue and minimal Targ-cest?? Say less. This is a fairly recent-read and is still being regularly updated, but I am really enjoying it and look forward to reading new chapters when they come out.

The story follows Leona Lannister, the only surviving child of Tyland Lannister, during the Dance of the Dragons, as she navigates life in King's Landing and catches the eye of two Targaryen princes.

Current Word Count: 67,148

Tropes: Slow Burn, Enemies-to-Lovers, Angst, Toxic Relationship

The Fool and the Dragon – Aemond Targaryen x OC

Author: prince_aemond_targaryen / @prince-aemond-targaryen

Status: WIP (Almost Complete) - AO3 Page

The first Aemond Targaryen story that I adored (written before the episodes with him as an adult aired) - back when Season 1 was airing, I would re-read the chapters between the weekly episode premieres to tide me over; it's just that good.

Faune Follard, the valued lady-in-waiting of Princess Helaena Targaryen, navigates life in King's Landing whilst enduring the ire of the One-Eyed Prince.

Current Word Count: 99,899

Tropes: Slow Burn, Angst, Mild Enemies-to-Lovers, Toxic Relationship

How Can You Mend a Broken Heart – Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto x Reader

Author: justfantasy

Status: WIP - AO3 Page

Finding good Carmy fanfiction is akin to searching for water in a drought, and I do really wish there was more! This is my favourite one, but sadly there aren't many chapters and it hasn't been updated in a while.

Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a man of few words, has a one night stand which turns into something more.

Current Word Count: 11,345

Tropes: Friends-to-Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Mutual Pining

The Keeping of Words – Spencer Reid x OC

Author: BryWrites

Status: Complete First Version on Fanfiction.Net + WIP Second Version Re-Write on AO3

I read this story originally when it started being published seven years ago, and I was obsessed!

The story follows an aspiring human rights lawyer, Bianca Brown, as she is asked to assist on a BAU case and ends up finding herself intertwined with a member of the BAU, an elusive man named Dr. Spencer Reid.

Word Count: 264,402 (FFN) / 202,439 (AO3)

Tropes: Hurt/Comfort, Second Chances, Slow Burn

This list is not very long, but like said, these are stories that I really enjoy and feel passionate about. Evidently I prefer self-insert fanfiction, but I do read anything and everything. If you have a recommendation (for any fandom and any pairing), feel free to share in the comments!

I also write fanfiction myself, and my masterlist is linked below incase you'd like to give any story a read.

– Masterlist ✴ by bittersweetarts

Until next time, Happy Holidays!

PS. I still don't know how to respond to comments on posts (as this is a secondary blog), but I read and appreciate them all! If you ever want a direct response from me, you can private message me or send a question in my ask inbox.

[arcielee]

Interview With a Writer

This is a self-indulgent series where I reach out to the talented writers who have completed stories that seeped into my heart and soul and live there, rent free. I just want to share their brilliance with the rest of Tumblr. ♥

Its continuation is solely based on if these talented beings are willing to answer my silly questions or not.

Dividers are by @saradika

Part 1 -  Little Lamb by bittersweetarts

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Part 2 - Love is a Downfall by Ezran

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Part 3 - North to the Future by inthedayswhenlandswerefew

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Part 4 - The Intern by f4ll-for-you

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Part 5 - Deep River Run Quiet by Ezran (part 2 ♥)

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Part 6 - Down in Flames by Sapphire-Writes

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Part 7 - The Seamstress & The Sailor by assortedseaglass

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Part 8 - Within a Wing Beat by annikin-annotates

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Part 9 - Winterwood by lonnson

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Part 10 - A Good Man by itbmojojoejo

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Part 11 - Now I’m Covered in You by inthedayswhenlandswerefew

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Part 12 - Golden and Silver, my new colors by jacevelaryonswife

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Part 13 -  My Heart Belongs to Daddy by humanpurposes

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Part 14 -  looks like something blooming by theromanticegoist

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Part 15 - Comet Donati by inthedayswhenlandswerefew

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Part 16 - the summer islands by fairysluna

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Part 17 - A Refined Taste by theoneeyedprince

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Part 18 - The Commune by adragonprinceswhore

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Part 19 - Fires of Harrenhal by toms-cherry-trees

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Part 20 -  10 Things I Hate About You by  fan-goddess

arcie’s masterlist

[the-painted-lady]

bittersweetart:

Rejoice by Annie Stegg

bittersweetart:

Rejoice by Annie Stegg

[wildunit]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Woo Woo (@wildunit)

My fav @zhu #palmofmyhand #mashupvideo #fanvideo #bestmusic #zhu #diplo #lazergyals #majorlazer #neonlights #bittersweetart #guitarsolo #lifted #neonlights #newfilm #bfff #dazed100 #dazedandconfused #nylon #bestartists

[thenewnio]

Colorful town by Bittersweetart-11

[practicefortheheart]

bittersweetart replied to your post “Just home in time for HUNGER GAMES EUROPE STYLE”

LET'S GO! May the odds be ever in your favour, Nina!

thank you! XD

[bittersweetartgallery]

Prototype GB24

Acrylic and ink on paper

42x30cm

2024

Sergiu Grapa

[bittersweetartspace]

Tata Fernandez

[bonewhistler]

Feral chibi w/ advanced shading commission for KambriaKreations on discord of their warriors character. Thank you for commissioning, I greatly appreciate it!

I now got another backlog set up to where I can now do another week of daily posts.

Art: @b1ttercherry

Character(s): KambriaKreations

Like what you see? Consider commissioning me by clicking here!

[bittersweetarts]

Masterlist ✴ by bittersweetarts

Fandoms: House of the Dragon (TV), The Bear (TV), The Boys (TV)

Little Lamb  –  Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Summary: As a maiden of a noble house, it is your duty to wed well. But how will you manage to, with a curious and possessive Prince in the picture?

Status: Complete

Spotify Playlist – AO3 Page

Chapter 1: The Summer Solstice Festival

Chapter 2: Jealousy

Chapter 3: Dead of Night

Chapter 4: Morning Sins

Chapter 5: Family Line

Chapter 6: To Be Alone

Chapter 7: Homecoming

Chapter 8: Yearning

Chapter 9: The Tempest

Chapter 10: Solemn Oaths

Chapter 11: Cherry Wine

Chapter 12: Tenderness

Chapter 13: Bound By Blood

Chapter 14: Mercy

Chapter 15: Absolution

BTS Interview by @arcielee

The Great War - Aemond Targaryen x OC , Aegon Targaryen x OC

Summary: A war is brewing, but only some know this – Camyla Peake, daughter of Lord Unwin Peake, is sent King’s Landing to wed the Hand of the King. It is a shame though, that she garners the attention of his grandsons instead.

Status: Work in progress

Spotify Playlist - AO3 Page

Chapter 1: The Flowering 

Author’s Note: This story is currently on hiatus

Shades of Cool - Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto x OC

Summary: Carmy Berzatto never considered himself to be lonely, just frequently alone. His neighbor however, makes him think otherwise.

Status: Work in progress

Spotify Playlist - AO3 Page

Chapter 1: Strangers

Chapter 2: French Toast

How to Disappear - Soldier Boy (The Boys) x OC

Summary: Eden Reid can't help her curiosity, and Soldier Boy can't help but take advantage of that curiosity.

Status: Work in progress - AO3 Page

Chapter 1: An Act of Kindness

Chapter 2: Sweet

Chapter 3: Out of the Woods

Chapter 4: Talk

[arcielee]

Interview With a Writer

This is a tentative series idea I had to reach out to writers whose completed stories I just absolutely fell in love with and just want to share with the rest of Tumblr. ♥ Its continuation is solely based if these talented beings are willing to answer my questions or not.

Name: bittersweetarts

Story: Little Lamb // ao3

Paring: Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Rating/Warning: Explicit, sexual themes, misogynistic behaviour (borderline sexist) depictions of violence and death.

So, when did you start writing? 

I started writing during primary school, like a lot of people do. Funny enough, my first completed short story was essentially a fanfic about my classmates during a natural disaster (which is so embarrassing I know), and the worst part is that I did show it to my closest friends at the time. Thankfully, I wrote it by hand and only have the memory of it as a keepsake, so no one can ever read it now.

Where did the plot for Little Lamb come from? (Was it a daydream on repeat in your mind, fan vid, etc.)

I have always been the type of person to obsess over fictional characters, but when House of the Dragon episodes started coming out, I didn't obsess over anyone, which caught me off guard (I started watching GoT when the first season premiered, and though I was too young for it, I was obsessed).

But I was interested in the history of the Targaryens so I decided to read Fire & Blood, and the moment that we were introduced to Aemond's character, it was game over for me. I became obsessed, but at the time (September 2022), there were practically no stories, and I felt like I had read them all.

This is when the plot of the first chapter began marinating in my mind and, one evening, I was not feeling great mentally and just drafted the first chapter to feel better. I didn't plan to post it, as I never had before, but decided to on a whim. From then on, I really only continued the story due to the amazing response from the community! The rest of the plot's inspiration essentially came from an accumulation of all the books, fanfics, and stories I have read.

Was there anything in specific that inspired your Reader portrayal?

I had never written in second person prior to Little Lamb, and had only done so to not have to actually create an original character as that takes more effort (like coming up with their backstory, how they fit into George R. R. Martin's world, etc). I didn't intend on publishing the first chapter, let alone finishing the story, so to begin with, I wrote a very plain character/reader that any person could relate to. However, as I continued writing the story, this was less possible, so I tried to create a character that felt real and tangible, with the virtues and flaws of a real person.

Do you feel your Reader compliments Aemond well?

I hope that the Reader in Little Lamb compliments Aemond well (or at least my interpretation of Aemond), but that really is up to the person reading the story!

Explain your interpretation of Aemond Targaryen. What drives him? Why is he the way he is in Little Lamb?

The way I characterise Aemond is more so based on Fire & Blood rather than the TV series, as I had read the book first before he was introduced in the HotD. Aemond reminds me a lot of Anakin Skywalker (from Star Wars) and Paul Atreides (from Dune) in that he possesses the qualities of a Byronic hero – he is a generally good person haunted by his past. In my opinion, Aemond's main motivation is to protect those he considers family, as he understood that no one would protect them otherwise, and he learned this lesson in a brutal way when he lost his eye as a child and had no one on his side except his mother.

Was there another character (OC or canon) in your story you enjoyed portraying? (And why?)

I didn’t explore other characters too much as Little Lamb is not very long (its word count is only about sixty thousand), but I did really enjoy writing Daeron Targaryen into the story whenever it felt appropriate. The show-runners in HotD decided to not include him Season 1, which saddened me because I loved him in Fire & Blood, but I do think that he will be included in the next season. I am not going to mention anything about his character (as it would probably be a spoiler since he hasn’t been introduced in the TV series yet), but in case anyone is not aware of him, Daeron is Viserys and Alicent’s youngest son, and he ends up becoming an important (and bad ass) character in the Dance of the Dragons. I really enjoyed writing about him because there is so little about him, both in canon and in fanfiction, and I have a massive soft spot for him.

Do you think you would do a sequel?

I thought about it, due to how positive the response to Little Lamb was, but decided against it as I think that story had reached its natural end. Due to the nature of the story (as it is a second person narrative with an ambiguous reader), I feel like expanding the story would make it convoluted, and I did write it randomly one evening, so it has many plot holes which I cannot patch up.

However, I did start a new HotD story, with an OC, and that story is incredibly more fleshed out and thought through, so that is what I am working on currently. Unfortunately, progress on it has been slower, but I hope to be able to regularly post chapter updates on it soon.

Do you have a personal favorite story you'd like to share?

Definitely! I am a reader more so than a writer, and my favourite story is The Fool and the Dragon by @prince-aemond-targaryen​ – it is a beautiful story, written in such emotive language and a plot that is so absorbing, and I have re-read it multiple times now! I began reading it when the first chapter was published on AO3, and her updates were what brightened up my days back then. By far my favourite Aemond fanfic, but I am on Tumblr and AO3 most evenings reading fanfiction, and love most of the ones I come across.

[ethereal-evidence]

bittersweetart:

Into the Depths by Patrick Reilly