#but shes a mage!! who likes fire!!! and is just so lovable and wants to make sure everyone is happy and cared for ok

[sylkana]

I know you said the other day that you wanted to talk about your OCs but weren't sure which or if people would be interested! I am interested in all of them but I'd love to know more about Laindes: how did they meet the inquisitor, what is their relationship like, how do the rest of the companions get along with Laindes? Or anything else you wanna share! I love OCs in general, but it's always super interesting to learn about the non-protag OCs people fit into the world!

awww!! thank you for asking about my soft marshmallow baby :')

ok so the idea i'm going with now is that laindes just wants to help, she's tired of war and wants to help those in need and most importantly, help get everything sorted out. so she just takes off one day, leaving her older sister and father, and travels to haven to join the inquisition. of course it doesn't sit well with her sister, who makes sure to visit and try to drag her back, only to be persuaded to stay (and i'm thinking their father joins them eventually too).

now as for her and cery's relationship.... she's one of two people (including vivienne) that cery can even stand when she first meets them. there's an age gap between them, laindes is 19 and cery is 32, so cery is kind of..... unintentionally motherly towards her?? so she and laindes' sister (i'm debating names right now lol) take turns making sure nobody hurts the giant marshmallow's feelings bc otherwise 🔪

she also tends to get along fairly well with the other companions, but she's closest to sera, cole, solas and dorian. she has a big fat crush on sera so she's silently pining for her affections. she is intrigued by cole's very existence and finds somewhat of a kindred spirit in him bc they both just want to help. solas is like this well of knowledge to her so she talks his ear off about any and everything she can. and dorian?? they totally started a two person book club and they spend much of their free time together just taking solace in each other's company and they share tidbits from the books they're currently reading and maybe dorian even teaches her a few magic tricks she didn't pick up over the years, and of course shares his knowledge of time magic with her.

so overall she is friend shaped and loves them all dearly ❤️

[fictionissocialinquiry]

FISI’s Favourite Zutara Fics

A lil late for ZFAW’s Saturday prompt, sorry about that! Haven’t had any internet over the weekend. But better late than never!

I’m not gonna lie… a lot of these are angsty af. But I promise you they’re not gratuitous angst! They’re well written, beautiful stories that will make you feel like a better person for having read them. These are my favourite all time fics, ones I’ve read more than once and will continue to read (even though I’m taking a week break from fandom and fic).

 Multi-Chaptered Fics

The Sparrowkeet Series by audreyii_fic

To be honest, this story’s summary doesn’t do it justice so I ain’t including it. Originally a one shot, Sparrowkeet is headcanon for me now. Move over canon, this is where it’s at. Audreyii_fic’s characterisation, world building, and writing is exquisite. It’s incredible. She manages to channel the same fun and whimsical energy from the show while allowing the characters to grow and develop to places I wish they had actually been taken.

This one is a fandom Must Read and one I return to regularly.

 Clothe Me in Seasons, Dress Me in Snow by sadladybug

It is not the memorial she deserves, nor the one she would want. But it can't be helped. He owns no property in the other nations, and he needed to keep her close. Closer than she was in life, anyway.

Zuko's reflections on a life lived and a life that could have been.

This is one of the best written fics I’ve ever read. It’s tragic and deep and will hurt you in all the tender places but you would be doing yourself a favour if you read this. There’s a real bittersweet feeling to it and the love between them is just… urg, visceral.

 Lovable by LadyCharity

Zuko knew that he could not save Azula. He could only try to forgive her. Fittingly enough, those two were one in the same.

I love stories that make Zutara their centerpiece but every now but then a story like this comes along. A story where their relationship builds almost incidentally because the plot and character development straight up hijack your emotions. I got so invested in this story. Zuko is amazingly well characterised and his complicated thoughts and feelings around his father and Azula are incredibly well written!

 One Shots

Lunar Ephemerality by @formerlygoldilocks (goldilocks23)

After multiple failed attempts on his life and years of self-set expectations, Fire Lord Zuko is a shell of the man he used to be. But Katara won't turn her back on those who need her.

I really didn’t expect this to hit as hard as it did. This straight up snuck up on me, fly-kicked my feelings, and by the end I had written an 800 word comment that was too big for AO3 and I had to contact the author directly to send it to her. Awkward. I couldn’t help myself. The side to Katara we see here is so good, her empathy and love for her friends are one of the things I love seeing most in AtLA fanfic. I’m a sucker for Zuko having complete breakdowns and having to piece himself back together too. So sue me. I like it when they suffer a lil bit. The writing is absurdly good and I will be keeping an eye out for any new stories by goldilocks23!

 31 Minutes by @ifyouwereamelodymeg

It's quite astounding, really, how quickly she's learned to translate him. They've spent a grand total of zero time together outside of training, and he's hardly big on chat so she knows next to nothing about his life.

But she knows him, probably better than she knows anyone at the moment – with every tap of his fingers, every crook of his lips, every turn in his voice, he just...

He makes sense to her. It's weird.

I’m a sucker for fic writers playing with style to make the story pop and boyo does this fic deliver. This is one of the rare times that I’ve been dumbstruck at the end of a story— I just couldn’t accept the ending. Because I’m a sucker for pain, (and this story will bring The Pain) I loved it. The ease of Zuko and Katara’s growing relationship in this bowls you over, it’s absolutely beautiful and you find yourself nodding along emphatically when Zuko calls himself an idiot for waiting… “Life’s short, kids, live each moment as though it could be your last,” says this fic as it pulls my heart out and dropkicks it off a cliff.

 i count to five (and life passes by) by @markedmage

Five heartbeats.

I still haven’t forgiven Mage for this one. I think it’s the best thing she’s written to date! I mean, tragic and painful and heart-rending but holy shit is it powerful <3

 The Lake of the Dismal Swamp by @thewhiitelotus

Spook af. Spook (horror) is real hard to do well but thewhiitelotus is coming for your goosebumps and those shivers down your spine. She has a way of balancing beautiful, evocative imagery with action (in this and other stories of her) that just keeps you reading!

 Calloused by @rideboldlyride

Iroh hadn’t been able to watch. The pure horror of a man - a father- burning their child for a slight infraction... He couldn’t do anything to stop it, but he will stop his brother from destroying entirely the kind boy he knew Zuko could be.

This is a painfully underappreciated fic for how great the characterisation is. I know we in the zutara fandom tend to not read stories that aren’t Zuko/Katara centric as often but do yourself the favour of reading this (or listening to it: RideBoldlyRide has done us the gift of recording a podfic for this and it’s stupidly *good*). This story is Iroh confronting Ozai just after he burns Zuko’s face and it kicks.

 four days and three nights by @hinaoyamas (lettersfromnowhere)

Zuko discovers firsthand that nothing is more fleeting than happiness, or more enduring than memory.

Do you like reading stories with a distant, omniscient narrator? The kind that read like a myth from the ancient world? Welp, hit the hyperlink, friend, cause this one’s for you. Not only is the writing exquisite but the characterisation and painful inevitability of the plot is grade A.

 For the Fire Nation by tullyblue12

He falls in love with her for his country before he falls in love with her for himself. A Zuko/Katara AU that explores how love and duty aren’t always mutually exclusive.

There are about 40,000 exquisite lines in this story but here is just one of my favourites: “He falls in love with her for his country first. That’s what his people never understand.” This fic says a lot with so few words, which is something I really look up to! In 2,800 words, tullyblue12 does what some 100,000k fics cant: They make you feel.

 Guide Me Home by Rashaka

To sleep, perchance to dream. Katara and Zuko find a friendship they never expected in a place that seemed impossible.

This is a one shot I will forever wish for a continuation of. The setup is just… so juicy. There’s a real sorrowful innocence to this story that the unique short, dialogue only scenes really punch home. I know some people don’t like dialogue only fics but when done well like in this one, it leaves you with the impression of something deeper than a 1,185 word fic has any right to! 

 Other Favourites!

Hopeless by tullyblue12 — Kids grow up fast when a cruel world awaits them. In times of hopelessness, Katara and Zuko grow together. In times of separation, they hope to see each other again.

Speechless by goldilocks23 — Zuko has a medical condition. Or: Zuko speaks in haiku at inappropriate times.

Don’t Follow Me Down by eleventy7 — Katara is the dread queen of the underworld, ruler of the dead, destined to reign her cold kingdom alone. Until a sun god catches her eye. A Hades/Persephone retelling with incredible writing.

I Don't Speak Meow Language by @botherkupo (Boogum) — In which Zuko adopts a cat and Katara just wonders what spirits she pissed off to deserve this fate.

I have the privilege of being friends with some of these authors (they know who they are) and am in near daily awe and gratitude for the works of free fiction they provide us, the fandom. And not just any old stories: Guys... Really good ones!! Can I ask that if you go check out these fics, can you just drop a kudos or a comment their way? If you’re feeling shy just copy and paste this into the comments box anonymously: “WOW! Loved this! Thank you so much for writing it!”

I know it would mean the world to this talented bunch <3

[icewitcher]

who are your favorite top ten black clover characters & ships? talk about them!

The question at one millions dollars. I was waiting for it. It’s gonna to be a wild ride because I know who are my ten favourite characters but I don’t know where to place them in my list.

Let’s start with the two characters that share the first place in my heart, it’s literally a tie between these two:

Asta and Finral.

The two soft bois that didn’t deserve half the things that happened to them. What else I can say ? I love them so much that I wrote an AU just for them where they interact much more. And the way Asta support his senpai or how Finral told to Asta to trust him and the loud boy replies “Sorry but I already trust you !” I f that isn’t bromance then I wonder what it is. If only they could interact more... I just hope ending 11 of Black Clover didn’t lie to us and that Finral will have some importance for a) the episodes (need to catch up the few episodes I miss because apparently we’re going to approach some demon/devil’s lore before Spade’s arc) or b) will play a role in the chapters which is help Yuno or Asta to beat the crap out of the Dark Triad in the fight. Or else why would he be in an ending about Asta, sang by Asta’s japanese voice ?

Yami Sukehiro

After two members of the Black Bulls, it’s their captain. The character that knows how to be a good and lovable shounen protagonist. That man is so powerful so badass that he made his way in everyone’s heart even in the heart of a the captain of the Blue Rose knight. Charlotte go get your man before he dies !!!! Or Jack go get your man and marry him so @tanahashistotties can be happy ! (But I won’t ever interrupt Yami if he’s in the toilet, I value my life and want to live until I’m old.)

Zenon Zogratis

Also know as Bone Man, Zenon Zogratis is probably the villain of the arc that I can’t wait to see more in action. Each time he fought (more like he did a massacre) he was only at 55%. And the anime is solding him very well, appears for just a few seconds in two openings and fans are already waiting for him. But I guess @sharkologydesign arts and @houseofspades headcanons/scenario is what really make me fall for this man. Continue the good job fellows zenon’s fans !

The Fire Vermillion’s siblings and one (1) Flower Vermillion

The Vermillion’s family is clearly the best family that I have the pleasure to meet and see in action (Kirsch Vermillion ? I don’t know him). Each time one of them is on screen, you know you’re gonna to have a good time whether it’s through Leopold rivalry with Yuno and Asta, Mimosa’s crush for Asta that push her and his cousin to surpass their limits or the elder Vermillion siblings, captains of the Crimson Lion Kings Mereoleona and Fuegoleon playing the tutors/masters for the Black Bulls (Tabata give me more information on Mereo and Acier relation, I just want to see how Noelle’s mom was a good mom ! *crying*)

Noelle Silva

Can be resume in seven words.... BEST CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF THE SERIES SO FAR !!! I stand one (1) water mage and tsundere princess and it’s her !!! But it’s also because of her tsundere acts that she is in nine in my top, I’m starting to find it annoying because she really doesn’t need to put this act anymore with her squad or with anyone. However at the same time, I understand why she act like this and I’m ready to gun blazing Silva’s house if I need to just for fucking destroying Solid’s face, Nebra and Nozel won’t escape my wrath.

Nero|Secre Swallowtail 

I love Secre because without her the little bastard that Zagred is would have won and it wouldn’t have been something pleasant.... I’m joking she isn’t only that ! Her whole relation with Lumiel... it’s heartbreaking how they can’t be reunited even after 500 years but the fact she was there from the beginning, saw everything Asta did... It’s sae to say she is basically us, watch Asta growing up as a magic knight, thinking he would be only her tool to fight Zagred but after so much time pass with him and the rest of the Bulls she truly believe in him and trust him.

Special mention: Yuno Grinberryall

Yuno is included because of his rivalry with Asta but because of the chapter of this week (that I read yesterday in his RAW version even if I don’t understand what has been clearly said) and the chapter of last week. I didn’t like his big talk because it felt out of character for him even if he took a massive RIP on his face  (something I have been waiting for and I thank Zenon every time I think about it) and that it was necessary to give him confidence but to say the Golden Dawn is the best ? Rethink dude ! Without giving any spoilers for the chapter of this week, what happen in this chapter is the reason Secre took Yuno’s place in my top 10 BC characters or else it would have been someone else, probably Zagred or Licht. 

As for the ships I won’t enter in details but here’s my top 10 favourite (crack)ships (Except for the top 5, I don’t know in which place I should put them)

AstaxMimosa

AstaxLucifero (my crackship that I will support and I have no regret.)

YamixCharlotte

FinralxVanessa

FuegoleonxNozel

MereoleonaxJulius

YunoxNoelle (I found the idea of this ship very interesting)

RillxCharmy

TetiaxLicht (I’m so sad but at the same time happy for them. The reason ? The chapter of this week.)

GauchexGrey

[k7l4d4]

Midnight Striga: Fairy Tail/Owl House Cross Fic Episode 4 Part 2

Here is another piece of Midnight Striga! Everybody Clap Your Hands!!

‘Life,’ Luz mused, ‘is utterly random.’ She slowly turned her latest find over in her hands. An Archive Terminal, a portable link to the information distribution magic system known as Archive. How Eda got her hands on it, Luz didn’t know, but it was an amazing boon for sure. Somehow, the device had full connection, accessing the open source information of Archive; admittedly, this should’ve been impossible in a normal Terminal, which meant she probably had a black-market unit.

Luz smirked. This wasn’t the first time she had handled illegally modified gear, and it probably wouldn’t be the last; the real issue was keeping this thing in good shape. Black-Chapter Magic Items, tools that had been deliberately modified to make illegal operations easier, were typically made to break down easily once they served their purpose or if they became separated from their owners. In the end, she was fairly sure that wouldn’t be a problem, and she just got one of the best teaching aids she could possibly get in her current situation.

Her face shifted into suspicion. On second thought, it shouldn’t be possible for her to have gotten this in her current situation. Luz’s luck had been odd ever since she’d arrived on the Isles, and strange coincidences were starting to pile up, including the appearance of this Terminal. Still, there wasn’t much she could do about the odd goings on around this place, and she couldn’t afford to turn away something this useful, shady circumstances or not.

“LUZ!” King’s voice rang out, jarring Luz from her thoughts. Taking quick stock of her supplies for when she went in for work, Luz sighed, preparing to face the lovable tyrant-wannabe.

“King, whatever this is better be important, please.” Luz groaned, making her way through the door, stuffing the Terminal into the pocket of her jacket. “I really don’t think Eda will be too happy about you interrupting her-” She cut off, eyes widening at the sight before her. Boscha, the bratty girl who had tried, and failed, to give her grief on her first outing into Bonesburough, witnessed her showdown against that creep Adegast, and newly minted Devil Slayer, was currently sitting on the couch, King pacing next to her, looking incredibly uncomfortable. “-Sleep.” Luz numbly finished.

“Oh, so you live here.” Boscha said blandly. Luz suppressed a shudder, the girl was far worse off than she had feared; it was like she had no life in her at all, as if she had nothing other than a desire to keep going. Or maybe she was misinterpreting this? Either way, it was creepy. Boscha slowly pulled herself to her feet, rolling her neck. “Sorry you’ve got to see me like this.” She said, gesturing at her attire. It was only then that Luz realized that the girl’s clothing was coated in holes and damaged patches, some areas even having the frayed look of burned fabric, yet also damp. Oddly enough, or maybe not if Luz’s suspicions were correct, Boscha herself looked completely fine, if not a bit drenched by the now raging rainstorm outside.

“Yeah,” Luz drawled. “Funny how things like this just happen, you know?” She plopped herself down in the nearby chair, gazing at the potentially dangerous girl in front of her. “So, I hate to be rude for once, but why are you here, exactly?”

Boscha gave a slight lift to her shoulder, a faint blush to her face. “I was practicing in the woods, trying to get myself back to normal, when I spotted the clouds forming.” She looked down at her clothes, a slightly perplexed look on her face. “I was prepared to track down a cave or something after I realized I had no way of getting to shelter in time, when I spotted this place.” She gestured to the house surrounding them, both tuning out Hooty’s preening from outside at the attention. “And I rushed for the barrier, hoping I could get through. I was willing to beg for shelter if I needed to, but…” she looked down at her hands, sliding them over her face in mystified wonder. “The rain caught up to me.” She gave Luz a critical look. “How, exactly, am I not a boiled up husk right now? Just what exactly did you do to me?” She finished, a hint of genuine emotion entering her voice; fear. 

“You mean besides saving your life?” Luz asked dryly. Her face shifted into a look of consideration. “To be honest, I’m not sure how much I can tell you.” She held up a hand, holding off any protests. “But that’s mostly because this isn’t a usual situation by any means. Usually implanting a Lacrima will just grant you a boost to whatever magic the Lacrima is based off of. End of story, close the book and all that.” Her eyes snapped to Boscha, a serious look on her face. “However. This isn’t the usual circumstance for something like this, especially not the type of Lacrima you got implanted into you.”

Boscha made a confused noise. “You keep using that word, Lacrima. What even is that?”

Luz snorted. “It’s the proper term for that magic crystal you snagged that night I fought Adegast. Or, more accurately, it’s the proper term for crystals like it; raw magic condensed into the form of a crystal, and chock-full to the brim with power.” A worried grin stretched across Luz’s face. “If I’m being honest, the fact that you have that thing stuck inside you now is honestly pretty terrifying, but it was either that or let you die, not to mention the fact you’d have taken the school with you.”

Boscha slowly nodded, processing the information. “Okay, so that thing was pure magic. What kind?” She folded her arms over her chest. “I’d like to think that I have a right to know just what was messing with my head.” She left out her worry about it happening again.

“Heh, fair enough.” Luz agreed. Her hand idly reached for one of the spare sheets of paper she had left lying around, gripping it. “But first, you hungry?”

The question surprised Boscha, but she nodded, not wanting to pass up free food if it was being offered. Of course, she expected it to be actual food, not… a rolled up piece of paper that had been set on fire.

She turned to Luz. “Are you serious?”

“Uh huh!” Luz glibly stated.

“There is no way I’m going-” Boscha started, only to cut off as a heady scent filled her nose. She slowly turned back to the offered paper, nose twitching. “Going to…” She trailed off, eyes glazing, a line of drool starting to dribble down from her mouth. With a blank look in her eyes, Boscha’s jaw widened… and clamped down on the flame. 

With a blissful sigh, she contentedly chewed on the flame, and there was no mistaking she was eating FIRE, seeing as she hadn’t even touched the paper the flame was holding onto. As she chewed, a rich, earthy flavor, like the best vegetable soup she’d ever tasted, filled her mouth. As she slowly swallowed the flame, a look of bliss, the kind that only came from good food, crossed her face… only to switch to dumbfounded shock as she started to process her own actions.

Turning a baffled look to Luz, who was grinning like the cat that got the canary, Boscha tentatively asked. “Did I just eat fire?” At Luz’s slow, grinning nod, Boscha gave a groan, cupping her face in her hands. “What did that thing do to me?”

Luz’s grin faded. “Well, for starters, it turned you into a Devil Slayer, the Flame Devil Slayer from what I can tell.” As Boscha whipped her head up in shock, Luz continued. “Basically, Slayers are mages whose magic is specifically designed to combat and harm specific forms of beings that are ordinarily beyond the abilities of Human Mages to combat.” She leveled a look of warning towards Boscha, who became still under the intense stare. “As a Slayer, you are stronger, faster, more durable, and have an instinctive bond with the element or concept your magic manifests as, and can absorb sources of your element to replenish your magic and as a substitute for food.”

Luz crossed her arms, and leaned back. She just had to wait and see how the girl was going to respond to what had just been dropped on her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed King walking off, grumbling about not being able to concentrate. Aw well, his loss.

Boscha stood in place, utterly still. If what the human was saying was true, it basically meant her goal had just been radically changed. Before, she was just trying to get herself to a point where she didn’t have to worry about losing it and killing someone, and gaining control of her magic again was the first step to that. But now, what was the point? The way the human said it, she was basically a Demon-Killing weapon. People could never be safe around her entirely, not here, not in the Demon Realms, and certainly not on the Boiling Isles.

Whether this human realized it or not, her actions had irrevocably changed Boscha’s future. Boscha grit her teeth, temper rising from the cool numbness that clouded her mind so easily ever since that fight she had at the school. Why. Why was this happening? Was she really so awful that something like this was necessary!? As her thoughts started to spiral, Boscha’s fists sparked into flames.

“What kind of crap is this?” She muttered, drawing a confused look from her host, the human cocking her head in bewilderment. “First, I lost control and put a bunch of people in the healer’s offices, then I burned Skara, and now I gained some kind of crazy Human Magic that’s totally wrecked my control!?” 

Her voice was growing hysterical, a frantic edge filling it. “By the Titan, I get it, I’m garbage, a worthless nobody who thought she was bigger than she was, but why is this happening?” She collapsed back into her seat, energy draining out of her, her emotions pouring out in a haze of angry tears. “What am I going to do with myself now?” She looked at her hands, the memories of each and every demon she had brutalized over that four day haze coming to the forefront.

A clinking sound drew her attention. She looked up, seeing the human, Luz. She had set a glass of water in front of her. “So, are you done with your little pity party?” Luz asked, giving Boscha a look of sardonic amusement.

Boscha’s temper flared. “What was that?” She bit out.

“You. Having a pity party.” Luz bluntly stated. “Because that’s basically what’s going on.”

Boscha shot to her feet, flames bursting in her hands. “You have no idea what I’ve been going through! I’ve lost almost everything! My friends, my social life, my world view… EVERYTHING!!” She shouted.

“Yadda yadda yadda, I’m in pain and want to take it out on someone.” Luz deadpanned. “Got it.” With a furious shout, Boscha lashed out with her flames, blood red light flaring, only for Luz to catch her arm and lock it to the side, any showing the slightest hints of strain. She raised an eyebrow. “Cute.” Lightly pushing Boscha back into her seat, Luz got in close. “You aren’t the only person who’s got issues in the world, you know? The way you feel is totally valid of course, but acting as if you’ve got nothing left helps no one, especially yourself.”

Boscha snorted. “What could you possibly know about what I’m going through?” She slammed a hand down on the table. “I hurt people, I hurt my best friend! And to make it all just a little bit worse, it turned out I was going to explode, and the only thing that could prevent it ended up costing me my magical ability. I have to learn everything from scratch now!!” She turned slightly teary eyes towards Luz. “How could you possibly understand what’s happening to me?”

Luz sighed, knowing this wasn’t going to be pretty. Working her sleeve up, she showed her upper arm to Boscha, who reeled back, prompting a bitter grin from Luz. The sight of the scarred tissue running from her shoulder to her elbow was certainly stomach turning to look at. “I am intimately familiar with losing control of your magic, and the type of injuries, physical and emotional, that can cause.” Once she was sure Boscha had gotten as good a luck as she needed, Luz rolled her sleeve down, placing both hands on the sides of her face, staring at the girl. 

“You are still alive.” She said simply. “Is this a massive change for you, something that you had no control over? Absolutely. But you are still alive, and that means you can change it. You may never get back what you lost, but you can make a new life for yourself, forge new connections and new bonds with others. You have to start over with your magic? Fine, so you have to start from scratch. That just means you can relearn it, and maybe learn something new.” She gently placed Boscha’s shaking hands between her own. “I said before that I would be willing to help you with making the world make sense again. That offer is still on the table. Just let me help you, okay?”

That fateful confrontation with Skara flashed through Boscha’s mind again. Tears pricked at her eyes. “You're right.” She slowly nodded. “I can’t give up just because I got some news I wasn’t expecting. This is a setback, not the end of the world.” She slapped her cheeks. “Gah, I can’t believe I let myself get stuck in my head like that! So embarrassing.”

Luz chuckled. “Hey, it could be worse.”

“How so?” Boscha dryly asked, still reeling from how much her moods had shifted over this conversation.

“You could’ve said all that in public.” Luz grinned impishly.

Boscha blinked, before paling. “Yeah, that would’ve been way worse.” While she didn’t care about social standing and jockeying as much anymore, she still had enough self-respect and pride not to be indifferent to public embarrassment.

Luz stood, stretching herself out. “Well, now that we’ve got that bit of awkwardness out of the way, do you have any more questions?” 

“Just two.” Boscha replied, holding up two fingers in response. “Firstly, how did I manage not to get burned by the rain, and secondly, do you think you could help me get my magic under control?” She said her second request with a note of desperation. She really wanted this issue with her control to be done with.

“To the first, as a Flame-Element Slayer, the amount of heat needed to hurt you is so much more than the heat in the rain that it basically instantly cools on contact. No more issues with Boiling Rain for you, right?” Luz grinned at Boscha’s look of relish at the thought of not having to worry about one of the Isles’ most common and annoying forms of weather, before her smile gained a slightly sadistic edge. “And to the second, sure! Of course I can train you. No problem at  all.” She chuckled. Boscha had the feeling she may be in danger at that moment.

[somegirlsnerdywords2]

Anime i’ve Watched

That begin with a D (Part 1)!

Yep this is how i’m going to bring over all the anime and manga i’ve watched and posted about on the old blog. It’s not so detailed but it will have to do. Anything new I watch or read from this point on will have their own posts.

Dance with Devils:

Genres: reverse harem, demons, supernatural, romance, vampire, shoujo

Synopsis: Ritsuka Tachibana has always been a good student, so she is completely shocked when she is suddenly summoned by the student council. Even more, they seem to think of Ritsuka as a troublemaker. Led by the handsome Rem Kaginuki, the student council—also consisting of Urie Sogami, Shiki Natsumizaka and Mage Nanashiro—tries to question her, but it soon becomes clear that they have ulterior motives.However, this is only the beginning. When her mother gets kidnapped, her life is turned upside down, and Ritsuka gets drawn into a world of vampires and devils. Both groups are searching for the "Grimoire," a forbidden item allowing its owner to rule the world. The return of her brother Lindo from overseas gives her hope, but even he appears to be hiding something. In a world filled with secrets, Ritsuka questions whom she can trust in this dark musical tale, while the handsome and dangerous members of the student council compete for her attention.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 8/10

Finished airing in 2015 with a total of 12 episodes. 

My Thoughts: One of the better animes in the reverse harem genre. Little bit of fantasy, drama, romance. This one was actually a musical... or at the very least had a notable amount of musical numbers throughout the series. I do love me a good musical. To be fair this anime had some big issues, though if you’re just looking for a bit of halfway decent reverse harem fun this should suit you just fine!

Darling in the FranXX:

Genres: action, drama, mecha, romance, sci-fi

Synopsis:  In the distant future, humanity has been driven to near-extinction by giant beasts known as Klaxosaurs, forcing the surviving humans to take refuge in massive fortress cities called Plantations. Children raised here are trained to pilot giant mechas known as FranXX—the only weapons known to be effective against the Klaxosaurs—in boy-girl pairs. Bred for the sole purpose of piloting these machines, these children know nothing of the outside world and are only able to prove their existence by defending their race.

Hiro, an aspiring FranXX pilot, has lost his motivation and self-confidence after failing an aptitude test. Skipping out on his class' graduation ceremony, Hiro retreats to a forest lake, where he encounters a mysterious girl with two horns growing out of her head. She introduces herself by her codename Zero Two, which is known to belong to an infamous FranXX pilot known as the "Partner Killer." Before Hiro can digest the encounter, the Plantation is rocked by a sudden Klaxosaur attack. Zero Two engages the creature in her FranXX, but it is heavily damaged in the skirmish and crashes near Hiro. Finding her partner dead, Zero Two invites Hiro to pilot the mecha with her, and the duo easily defeats the Klaxosaur in the ensuing fight. With a new partner by his side, Hiro has been given a chance at redemption for his past failures, but at what cost? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 6/10

Finished airing in 2018 with a total of 24 episodes. 

My Thoughts: Ohhhh how I wanted to love this one. After Kill la Kill I have the highest of hopes for anything Trigger releases but unfortunately they tend to fall short of my expectations... such a shame. The art, animation and themes were fantastic but that’s about where the good times end in all honesty. I will never forgot just HOW they operate the mechs.... those images will forever be burned into my memories.... so thanks for that I guess?? This series had it’s moments and wasn’t a complete dumpster fire but overall it just wasn’t anywhere near the masterpiece I hoped it would be. The disappointment factor probably took a few points off in the end. 

Deadman Wonderland:

Genres: action, sci-fi, shounen, horror

Synopsis: It looked like it would be a normal day for Ganta Igarashi and his classmates—they were preparing to go on a class field trip to a certain prison amusement park called Deadman Wonderland, where the convicts perform dangerous acts for the onlookers' amusement. However, Ganta's life is quickly turned upside down when his whole class gets massacred by a mysterious man in red. Framed for the incident and sentenced to death, Ganta is sent to the very jail he was supposed to visit.But Ganta's nightmare is only just beginning.The young protagonist is thrown into a world of sadistic inmates and enigmatic powers, to live in constant fear of the lethal collar placed around his neck that is slowed only by winning in the prison's deathly games. Ganta must bet his life to survive in a ruthless place where it isn't always easy to tell friend from foe, all while trying to find the mysterious "Red Man" and clear his name, in Deadman Wonderland.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 6/10

Finished airing in 2011 with a total of 12 episodes. 

My Thoughts: Just go check out the completed manga is you’re interested in this series and watch the anime for more content. Pretty cool premise with decent art and music but is incomplete and very unlikely to receive another season.

Death Note:

Genres: mystery, police, psychological, supernatural, thriller, shounen

Synopsis: A shinigami, as a god of death, can kill any person—provided they see their victim's face and write their victim's name in a notebook called a Death Note. One day, Ryuk, bored by the shinigami lifestyle and interested in seeing how a human would use a Death Note, drops one into the human realm. High school student and prodigy Light Yagami stumbles upon the Death Note and—since he deplores the state of the world—tests the deadly notebook by writing a criminal's name in it. When the criminal dies immediately following his experiment with the Death Note, Light is greatly surprised and quickly recognizes how devastating the power that has fallen into his hands could be. With this divine capability, Light decides to extinguish all criminals in order to build a new world where crime does not exist and people worship him as a god. Police, however, quickly discover that a serial killer is targeting criminals and, consequently, try to apprehend the culprit. To do this, the Japanese investigators count on the assistance of the best detective in the world: a young and eccentric man known only by the name of L. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 9/10

Finished airing in 2007 with a total of 37 episodes. 

My Thoughts: If you’re an anime fan and haven’t at least heard of Death Note you may have been living under a rock. Or maybe the only reason you know this title is because of that dumpster fire of a live action western remake... if so I am so so sorry. Strong beginning with an alright end. A great psychological series overall though. Unique and iconic. 

Death Parade: 

Genres: game, mystery, psychological, drama, thriller

Synopsis:  After death, there is no heaven or hell, only a bar that stands between reincarnation and oblivion. There the attendant will, one after another, challenge pairs of the recently deceased to a random game in which their fate of either ascending into reincarnation or falling into the void will be wagered. Whether it's bowling, darts, air hockey, or anything in between, each person's true nature will be revealed in a ghastly parade of death and memories, dancing to the whims of the bar's master. Welcome to Quindecim, where Decim, arbiter of the afterlife, awaits! Death Parade expands upon the original one-shot intended to train young animators. It follows yet more people receiving judgment—until a strange, black-haired guest causes Decim to begin questioning his own rulings. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 9/10

Finished airing in 2015 with a total of 12 episodes. 

My Thoughts: Now this was an interesting one! Here we have the concept of death in game form. Each episode a new player is introduced and our leading pair takes them through their chosen game. Morality, mystery and a dynamic leading pair are what drive this character driven series. You’re sure to experience a wide range of emotions while watching this anime and the opening theme was pretty good as well. Why not give it a go if it sounds like your kind of thing!?

Denki-gai no Honya-san:

Genres: comedy, seinen, slice of life

Synopsis:  Umio is a shy kid who just started his part time job at a manga store smack dab in the middle of the city. But his lifestyle isn't as glamorous as the neon lights that illuminate the city. Umio's closest friends are his co-workers who are all unique characters, to say the least, and although they're nice people, they have their quirks. They are a tight knit group of friends, have nicknames for each other and spend their weekends inside, sheltered from the extravagant scene happening on the outside. (Source: MU)

My Rating: 10/10

Finished airing in 2014 with a total of 12 episodes. 

My Thoughts: Something light after this unusually heavy themed list. A lovable cast of characters drive this situational comedy and it’s an abosulte joy to watch each and every one of the antics they manage to get up to. A great series to bang out on a day when you aren’t feeling so great and need a little something to lighten your mood. You’re unlikely to find any deep life lessons here but it’s sure to tickle your funny bone. 

Devilman: Crybaby:

Genres: action, demons, horror, supernatural, ONA

Synopsis:  Devils cannot take form without a living host. However, if the will of an individual is strong enough, they can overcome the demon and make its power their own, becoming a Devilman. Weak and unassuming, Akira Fudou has always had a bleeding heart. So when his childhood friend Ryou Asuka asks for his help in uncovering devils, Akira accepts without hesitation. However, to Akira's surprise, the place they go to is Sabbath: an immoral party of debauchery and degeneracy. Amidst bloodshed and death, demons possess the partiers, turning their bodies into grotesque monsters, and begin wreaking havoc. In a reckless attempt to save his best friend, Akira unwittingly merges with the devil Amon and becomes a Devilman, gaining the power to defeat the remaining demons. Though it grants him great power, this new partnership awakens an insatiable and primeval part of Akira. Having the body of a devil but the same crybaby heart, Akira works alongside Ryou, destroying those that harm humanity and his loved ones. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 4/10

A 10 episode ONA that finished airing in 2018

My Thoughts: And we’re back at it with the dark stuff... I was not a fan. The art.animation had some real cool moments as did the music but it was just a bit much in my opinion. Rushed and nonsensical with characters I couldn’t care less about. Gratuitous violence and nudity. To be fair there are plenty who enjoyed this anime, unfortunately for all of you I was not one of them.

[thewritingstar]

Gruvia and Nalu double date

Ooooooh I like it!!!! Here ya go!!

I’m also gonna tag: @sobatsu @i-write-fanfics-to-procrastinate @moeruhoshi @ship-ambrosia since all of them were very nice with their comments today :) (besides @sobatsu whose a thot but we still love her)

——

Double dates were suppose to be fun. They were meant for two couples to share the night and talk as friends. It was a time to catch up and have a good time.

Unfortunately for Lucy and Juvia, this double date was a disaster.

At first it was fine as they took their seats at a nice restaurant that they hadn’t blown up yet.

They ordered their drinks and Lucy and Juvia talked about the new member of the Redfox family and how Lucy got an offer as a writer for a magazine.

It was going well except for the dragon and ice mages who were glaring holes in each other’s faces as their arms were sling over their girlfriends. It wasn’t noticeable at first but when the drinks arrived, Natsu placed a kiss on the back of Lucy’s hand.

She smiled and Natsu smirked, which made the ice mages blood boil. Juvia then received a kiss on the cheek and the smug look then went to Gray.

The competition for who was a better boyfriend had started and the girl werent having it.

The food arrived and the girls tried to ignore all the sweet and subtle advances until Natsu knocked over Juvias wine glass and the red liquid splashed onto her new blue dress.

“Oh shit Juvia I’m so sorry.”

“That’s alright Natsu, it was an accident.”

“Don’t worry babe I’ll buy you a new one since this dumbass doesn’t know how to eat properly.”

“Gray-sama it’s alright, Juvia will go clean up real fast.”

“I’ll come with you.” Lucy said and she shit her boyfriend a harsh glare as she could tell Juvia was highly upset. I mean the dress was expensive and she was excited to finally purchase something big for herself.

“Those boys.” Lucy tolled her eyes as she leaned against the sink in the bathroom as Juvia brought a paper towel to her dress. “I’m really sorry Juvia.”

“It’s alright Lucy. It’s just a dress.”

“Here. Open gate of the Madien, Virgo!” Lucy held up her key and in a golden flash, the lovable spirit was bowing.

“Hello Princess, hello Juvia.” She smiled but then saw the wine stain. “Allow me to assist.”

“Oh thank you Virgo!” Juvia gushed as she saw the new dress on her body. “Let’s get back to dinner.”

The two girls walked back to their table, the smiles on their faces from their conversation dropped when they saw what was happening.

“Oh so you think you’re better Popsicle Boy?” Roared the fire mage. His fist was lit up with a bright flame and he was standing on their now ruined table.

“I know I’m better Flame Brain.” Gray yelled back as he conjured up a ice spell.

The restaurant guests were all huddled in their tables and the wait staff was trying not to get hit with magic.

“NATSU DRAGNEEL AND GRAY FULLBUSTER! WHAT IN MAVIS ARE YOU DOING?!” The shout came from Lucy as she pulled her magic whip out and slammed it in between the brawl.

Cowering in fear, the fire mage put out his bright flame and looked at his fuming girlfriend. Gray laughed but then stopped as his gaze met with a pissed off water mage.

“Gray-sama you have five seconds to get outside or Juvia will water lock you.” It was an empty threat but her deadly gaze made him rush out side as Natsu followed.

The girls apologized an left the restaurant completely embarrassed as their boyfriends waited outside for their fate.

“Well it was nice while it lasted.” Lucy spoke to Juvia and she received a smile from the water mage.

“Juvia thinks it should only be girls next time. Levy and Erza would want to join.”

“Oh girls night definitely. See you tomorrow!” Lucy said and then grabbed the arm of her boyfriend. “You on the other hand, you’re in trouble.”

Juvia giggled at the couple then went towards her own boyfriend. “Would Gray-sama like to explain why date night was ruined?” She asked and tapped her foot.

“Well for starters he said he was a better boyfriend than me which we both know is a lie so I had to defend my honor.”

“How daring.” Juvia rolled her eyes but held his hand. “Although Juvia agrees, she never got to finish her meal and is still hungry.”

“Well I know of another meal you can have.” He winked.

“You don’t get anything after that scene.” She raised her eyebrows at him and he scoffed.

“No fair. What if I get us a pizza? How about then?”

Juvia thought about it then nodded. “I’m still upset but ok. Also no more double date since you two can’t behave.”

“Fine by me.”

———

I hope you liked it. I wrote the rest of this on my break at work 😂😂

[broomballkraken]

Title: Twilight

Fandom: Fire Emblem Awakening

Pairing: Libra/Tharja

Word count: 1381

Summary: Libra never really put much thought into where he wanted his life to eventually end up, but now, as he stood next to the love of his life in the light of the twilight sky, he realized that he was exactly where he wanted to be.

“Goodnight, children. Sleep well.”

“Aww, not yet!”

“Yeah, we’re not sleepy!”

Libra chuckled softly as he gazed around the room at the six children pouting at him from their beds. His eyes flicked briefly to the window, where the sun was just disappearing under the horizon.

“Now, now, getting enough sleep is important to your health, and will help you all grow up big and strong.” Libra said, and he barely resisted the urge to smile when one girl shook her head and stubbornly crossed her arms over her chest.

“Oh please, Libra! Please tell us a story first!” she said, and the other children nodded excitedly.

“A story! A story!” the other children chimed in, and another girl crawled across her bed to the end, looking at Libra with wide eyes.

“Tell us how you and miss Tharja fell in love!” she said, and the other children gasped excitedly and beamed at Libra, who just shook his head.

“I promise to tell you a story, but it will have to wait until tomorrow night. It is far too late now.” Libra said, and the children groaned with disappointment. Libra chuckled and went to the door as the children blew out the candles on their nightstands. “May the gods grant you all a good night’s sleep.” Libra stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him, a content smile crossing his face as he walked down the hallway.

Libra used to have a bleak outlook on the future. He had thought that he would have been stuck in the clergy for the rest of his years living a lie. He had never dreamed that he would be running an orphanage, giving homeless and abandoned children a chance to grow up in a loving and stable home. And he most certainly did not think he would be doing so with the love of his life.

Stepping out into the brisk night, Libra paused just outside the door of the orphanage to admire the view. Tharja was standing at the bottom of the stairs, gazing out at the beautiful twilight sky. Her ebony hair looked almost purple as it reflected the light of the moon and retreating light of the sun simultaneously, and Libra was amazed that her beauty could still give him pause and leave him completely breathless.

“Hey, Libra, are you going to stand there gawking at me all night?”

Libra was pulled from his thoughts as he looked at Tharja, who was smirking at him over her shoulder, but he did not fail to notice the look of admiration in her eyes. He chuckled and descended the stairs to stand at her side.

“I am sorry, my dear. I fear you will always find a way to captivate me with your beauty, no matter how hard I try to resist. Although, I really do not try hard at all.” Libra said, his hand finding hers and their fingers immediately entwined.

“You always find the most nauseatingly sweet things to say, don’t you?” Tharja said, her cheeks flushing as she averted her gaze bashfully. Libra smiled fondly and reached up with his free hand, cupping her cheek as he gazed deep into her eyes.

“Do you not like it?”

“I-I didn’t say that.” Tharja quickly protested, her eyes locking on his as she frowned, “I just thought you’d have run out of that kind of stuff to say by now.” Libra laughed as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, placing a chaste kiss on her forehead.

“On the contrary, dear Tharja, I could never run out of things to say to express how much I adore you.” Libra said, his voice dropping to a whisper as he lovingly caressed her face with the back of his hand. Tharja rolled her eyes and let a rare giggle slip out. She reached up and snaked her arms around his neck, pulling him closer so that their noses touched.

“Yeah, well, I’d prefer to just show you how much I adore you.” she said, and Libra raised an eyebrow, his face being the one to flush with color this time.

“Oh?” he said, and Tharja just smirked and closed the distance between them, her lips pressing firmly against his. He smiled and moved a hand to the back of her neck, tilting her head up so that he could deepen the kiss. Gods, he was a lucky man. He had always thought that Naga was playing some kind of trick on him, when he, a man of the cloth, found himself falling head over heels in love with a Plegian dark mage, but now he realized that Naga was only leading him right where he belonged in life.

Libra’s eyes snapped open when the sound of loud giggling and a chorus of ‘awws’ hit his ears, and Tharja immediately pulled away from him, her face turning as red as a tomato. Libra smiled and looked back at the front of the orphanage, where six little heads were poked out from behind the front door, ear-to-ear smiles on each of their faces.

“Children, you are supposed to be in bed.” Libra scolded halfheartedly, and they just giggled and shook their heads.

“We told you, we’re not sleepy!” a girl said, tilting her head, “You need to tell us that story now that we’ve seen you being lovey-dovey!” The other children loudly voiced their agreement, and Tharja raised her eyebrow at Libra in confusion.

“What story?” she asked, and Libra just chuckled and shrugged.

“They wanted to know our story, my dear. Our love story.” Libra said, and Tharja sputtered and covered her face.

“Oh gods, how embarrassing…” she mumbled, and the children giggled. One red-headed girl ran out from behind the door and ran up to Tharja, smiling brightly as she took her hand.

“Miss Tharja! We want to know how you and Libra fell in love! Won’t you tell us, please oh please!” she said, blinking owlishly as she started up at Tharja. Libra watched as Tharja tried to feign annoyance by huffing and turning her head away, but he caught the smile that she was trying to hide.

“I could just hex you all so that you’ll go right to sleep.” Tharja said, shrugging nonchalantly. Instead of scaring the kids like she had probably intended, the rest of the children squealed in delight and rushed out the door, surrounding her excitedly.

“Oh! Miss Tharja! Can you hex me so that I can fly! I think it would be so cool to be like a bird!”

“No! Hex me so that I talk to animals!”

“Turn me into a frog!”

“T-That’s not how hexes work!” Tharja tried to say over the children’s chattering, but they ignored her as they continued to make their outlandish requests. Libra couldn’t help himself as he burst out laughing so hard that tears started running down his cheeks.

“It’s a bit late for hexes, children.” Libra said when he composed himself. “Let us just go back inside and tell you that story you all want to hear so badly.”

“Yay!” the children yelled, and they scrambled back inside, eager to hear the story of how their caretakers fell in love with each other. Tharja watched them run off, and she sighed as she rubbed her hands over her face.

“They absolutely adore you, my dear.” Libra said, taking her hand in his as they walked up to the door. Tharja did not hide her smile this time, and Libra swore it got more beautiful every time he saw it.

“Yeah, I know. I never really spent much time around children before, you know? It’s a little strange. Didn’t think someone like me would really be popular with the little runts.” Tharja said, and Libra shook his head.

“You are more lovable and endearing than you think, my dear. I am not the only one who knows this.” Libra said, leaning down to place a kiss on her cheek. Tharja chuckled and rolled her eyes, stepping through the doorway.

“C’mon, loverboy, let’s not keep them waiting.”

Libra smiled and nodded as he followed her, making a mental note to pray extra long to Naga tonight for blessing him with this wonderful life he lived.

[poweredbycoffeeandwine]

12 Days of Christmas (6/12)

Took a day off for Christmas yesterday, hope your day was just how you wanted it (whether you celebrate or not ;-) ), and here’s to wishing those of you that celebrate Kwanzaa a happy first day!

 The lovely @katebishoped asked for wrapping presents, and gave me the choice of pairings in the DA fandom. I hope you enjoy this little mess featuring Mercedes and Anders. Sorry for the bit of angst, my angry girl can help but being this way.

***

Paper and Twine, Gifts and Regrets - Mercedes Hawke x Anders - Dragon Age Canon Verse - Angsty beast - 1092 words

***

Brown paper, baskets of twine, boughs of holly and pine, all lay in neat stacks on the large table in the library. Her mother was out on a social call, Bodhan and Sandal off to the market, so Mercedes occupied her time wrapping gifts. Something about it soothed her, the sound the paper produced as it was being cut, smoothing out wrinkles, the finished product looking elegant, that she could create something beautiful with hands so used to destruction.

Prior to the deep roads expedition, the Hawke family hadn’t ever been rich, not in monetary means. Santinalia had been about love, ironically something she lacked these days. Mother was distant and Carver, the lovable brat, was with the Wardens and anyone’s guess where. Unknown whereabouts be damned, she still asked Sandal to enchant a pendant for him, something to keep him safe now that she couldn’t. Not that he couldn’t watch over himself, she only wished she’d been able to provide more comforts for him before…

She shook her head, sorrow threatening to take over once again. She’d been slipping into sadness, or letting rage take over, more frequently of late. She knew she shouldn’t let those emotions take control, not safe in a mage, came her father’s voice in the back of her mind soothing and kind, but it couldn’t be helped. Despite her prickly demeanor, she hated being alone.

She sensed him before she saw him, his magical aura, the feelings of rejuvenation he cast in a wide arc, Anders’ steps echoing on the stair. He held a few odd packages, some wrapped haphazardly. His eyes questioned hers before continuing up the landing, “What’s going on here? Looks like you bought out the entire market?”

Mercedes looked around, for the first time realizing she may have gone overboard with the gifts, “I’m just wrapping a few gifts.”

“This isn’t a few, this is obscene.”

“Shut up,” she smirked, pulling another gift in front of her, measuring out paper to hide its’ contents, “or I’ll give all of your presents away.”

“You should,” he eyed the piles of gifts already wrapped, and all that was left, “I am sure we could find someone more deserving.”

She glared at him, tugging the string too tight, upset that Anders continued to believe himself unworthy of what she was trying to give him, “What do you have there?” changing the subject seemed like a better plan than allowing themselves to have another battle of who was less worthy, both too used to little.

“Um...” he shrugged, his shoulders looking slightly embarrassed, “I was going to ask for help.” He looked around at the sheer number of presents she still had left to do herself. “I’m not very good at this.”

She gave him a half smile, and nodded her head to the left, “Of course I’ll help. Just set that all down over there.”

“Thank you, Hawke. I have been working on these for hours now,” he lifted three packages and wrinkled his nose at them in disgust.

“Well, take those out and I’ll re-wrap them.”

“No. You can help with these,” he grinned, “but these here are for you. You can’t peek.”

“Fine,” she laughed, “do me a favor and get us some hot tea. The stuff Bodahn poured me before he went out is likely cold by now.”

“I’d say,” Anders chuckled, “it’s near dinner time at this point.”

“What!” she jumped in surprise, looking out the window. It was true, night had fallen, stars beginning to show themselves in the sky.

He came up behind her squeezing her shoulders, “Take a seat, Mercedes. You clearly need a break. I’ll be back with the tea.”

Hawke moved over to the window taking in Kirkwall at night. She should have been finished with the gifts hours ago. She should be out, clearing the streets, keeping thugs from praying on people preoccupied with their holiday festivities. She wondered where her mother was, if she was safe. Perhaps she should venture out, at least check to see that she made it home.

“Here, I know what you’re thinking,” Anders handed her a mug, holding his own, “your mother is in the kitchen with Bodhan discussing her day. You don’t have to be anywhere.”

She frowned at just how predictable she was, maybe Anders just knew her, but it was still unsettling, “Fine, you win.”

“Don’t look at it like that,” he grinned then moved to a chair by the fireplace, “consider it an opportunity.”

“For?” she said as she followed him, picking a chair across from him.

“Rest.”

“Mmmm,” she sipped her tea, debating if she should continue to allow him to take control of the situation. Sometimes she was just too Maker damned difficult. She stared at the fire, flames dancing, licking at the walls of the fireplace, contained destruction looking for release.

“What do I do?”

“Pardon?”

“How do I send Santinalia gifts to Carver?” She looked harder at the fire, searching for answers that weren’t there. “He needs something to remind him, to let him know that I am still thinking of him, will always think of him. That he isn’t alone.”

She startled as Anders touched her, he’d moved to kneel in front of her hair, both of his hands wrapped around both hers and her cup, “Mercedes, don’t do this to yourself.”

“Do what? Dwell? Remember that I’m the one who forced my brother into the order of secretive warriors, one you fought hard to escape?”

“Yes. That.” He took the cup from her hands and set it aside, “Don’t take the decision away from Carver. I know he wouldn’t want that.” He cupped her chin in one hand and brushed the other through her hair, “As much as you hate him not being here, he needed something that was his. A way to prove he was capable. I never wanted that life, wasn’t suited to it, but Carver he is a hero. Just like his big sister. That’s how they grow Hawkes I hear.”

She grimaced, wiped at the tears threatening to fall, and gave him a weak smile, “Anything else?”

“Yes,” he kissed her forehead quickly before he could change his mind, “let’s get back to work on these gifts. I bet if you show me what to do, I could pick it up quickly.”

Her laughter was watery but genuine, “OK.” She would have to think on his words, but she knew he was likely right. Anders usually was, but damned if she would tell him that.

[anonforlackofabettername]

Sleepover ask: Re the Dragon Prince. I've seen lots of people who seem to think that Claudia is going to be the Azula of the series - others think she'll be the Zuko. What are your thoughts? Related, do you agree with the large part of the fandom which thinks that dark magic is evil/corrupting, or the smaller part that thinks it's not that black and white?

My only fandom interaction is memes and fanart so I'm pretty removed from any theories that are floating around. I have no clue what the fandom is saying and if what I'm saying matches up with something that's already been said. That goes for both parts of your ask, though I’ll get to the dark magic stuff later. Part of me isn't even sure what you mean by the Azula of the series or the Zuko since I’m missing that meta. The way I'm choosing to interpret it, is that by Azula you mean a character who is frighteningly competent, a direct antagonist to the main heroes, and is the lesser shadow of the main antagonist that nevertheless hangs over the main heroes more often and arguably does more damage. I'm choosing to interpret it that by Zuko you mean a character who is slightly incompetent, spends the majority of the early parts of the story as a direct antagonist and the shadow hanging over the heads of the main heroes, but by the end of the story undergoes a redemption arc and joins the main heroes, eventually turning on the main antagonist and without whom the main heroes would not be able to win in the end. 

(This is fucking long so I’m adding a read more)

That being said, I don't think Claudia fits either of these. Neither does Soren. I think they maybe might fit Zuko's role, but that's a bit of a stretch. And I'm gonna say why. Claudia despite being a lovable goof in personality is frighteningly competent when it comes to magic. However magic in this universe comes with a lot of complications and components. Thus we don't get to see her expertise as often as we saw it with Zuko and Azula's firebending. Also a thing to keep in mind is that Claudia and Soren are friends with Ezran and Callum. Soren has been told to kill the princes, true, same with Claudia being told to bring back the egg, but they both care for the boys in a way that Zuko and Azula couldn't because to them the avatar was a nameless figure. These people grew up together. They share relationships. Callum even has a crush on Claudia. Its not like the foe yay sexual tension of Katara/Zuko. These people up to the start of the series lived with each other and saw each other every day. Soren was training Callum and was captain of Harrow's guard. There is a familiarity that you can't ignore and which I think will be a major conflict for Soren specifically, when we finally get to that confrontation and he has to either kill them or let them go. Right now they are supposed to be on a mission to bring the princes home which is the exact opposite of both Zuko and Azula's missions to kill Aang. However, that being said, they are on a mission to kill Reyna. Soren and Claudia showing up is a threat because they are a) trying to stop the princes from returning the egg, and b) they're likely to try and kill Reyna in the process.

However, the main heroes don't even know that Soren and Claudia are trying to find them. Aside from running from their Aunt and the run in with Crow, they don't know who is following them and what will happen if they get found. So its not like in Avatar where every couple of episodes they had to bolt out of wherever the adventure of the week was because Zuko showed up and was hunting them. They're mostly trying to get the egg, now a baby dragon, back to the border and his mother as soon as possible.

And again you have to take the world itself into account. Within the world, elves are the bad guys to humans. They kicked humans out of Xadia. They've killed hundreds in the war. They literally assassinated Harrow, though it is unclear if Ezran and Callum have realized their dad is dead. In fact Callum was convinced that Reyna drank blood, thats how much elves are the boogeymen of the human kingdoms. Now we know that’s not true and the elves were justified for parts of it, and both sides are equally guilty.  If you want to compare the show to Avatar so much, then think of it this way. The human kingdoms are the fire nation, the elves the Earth Kingdom, and Ezran and Callum have just realized how shitty their people have been to the rest of the world. In this case, that makes Ezran and Callum Zuko in the middle of his redemption arc, when he’s working through his shit while traveling the earth kingdom to get to Ba Sing Se, and Soren and Claudia are Azula towards the end of that arc when she's like ‘help me kill the avatar and I'll make sure our dick of a dad lets you come home.’ Only in this case killing the avatar is returning the egg. Its not a great metaphor, and its been a while since I've watched avatar, but that's the feeling I get overall. Its Zuko realizing that the Fire Nation has done some fucked up shit and feeling helpless to fix it because he’s just an exiled prince.

I’ve gotten very off topic at this point. Um, I think going back to the Zuko or Azula thing, I think it depends. It depends on what happens when they finally catch up with the boys. If Claudia is Zuko, she’ll see Zym with the boys, recognize it as a sentient creature that deserves life and to be reunited with his mother and help the boys. If she’s Azula she’ll see Zym as a threat to Katolis that could one day rival Thunder and decide he needs killing. And of course there’s always other options, those are just two potential outcomes and they don’t even include Soren and what he decides to do about what his dad told him to do.

Your other question was about dark magic.  I don't know if dark magic is inherently corrupting. If it is, I think we’ll definitely see evidence within the show. In general when it comes to fiction magic is magic, no matter its source. Sometimes sources are inherently evil while others are inherently good but for the most part its meh and magic just is and how people use it makes it good or evil. However, in this case, you can't ignore where dark magic comes from. It doesn't come from negative thoughts and feelings like the dark side of the force. It doesn't come from shadows or darkness like half a dozen different magic systems.

Dark magic in TDP comes from the direct exploitation of creatures with inherent magic. To use dark magic you need a plant or creature with inherent magic that the mage then twists and exploits to do what they want. To find the Moonshadow elves Viren used a moth. For the switching spell Virin used the two-headed snake. Claudia crushed a bug to create fire at Harrow’s funeral. Nothing about dark magic is innate, nothing about it is natural, and in fact it comes from exploiting natural creatures and resources. You are using the life force of a living being and generally its dead afterwards.

This isn’t important for things like plants or bugs or whatever. Yeah Claudia killed a bug and used its life to summon fire. Whatever, who here hasn’t killed bugs before? It starts to matter however when you’ve got people like Ezran who can talk to animals and understand what they’re saying. I’m sure being a glowtoad there’s a spell that Claudia could cast using Bait. That’s not okay since Bait is a pet as well as a living creature but if it happened to another glowtoad I doubt anyone would care. But since Ezran can talk to the animals, he does care because he knows the animals are not consenting. It also starts to matter when you have magical creatures that are sapient and intelligent enough to put their foot down and say I will not let you exploit me like this.

So I don’t know if dark magic is inherently corrupting, but the idea of using creatures is an inherently dehumanizing and corrupting one. To dark mages, these animals, and even the elves and dragons and any other magical creatures that we haven’t met yet, are less than human and exploitable. To Virin and Claudia the egg wasn’t a baby, it wasn’t a person, the egg was a weapon. Because to them dragons, magical creatures, and the like are tools and weapons. This has got some serious race implications because the last time we thought of an entire class of people as tools we had slavery and it was legal.  

To use dark magic, you have to be in this mindset that people are tools to be exploited. I have no idea what dark magic using an elf’s life force or a dragon’s life force would look like. I’m sure its possible, and I’m sure I wouldn’t like the result. There is a reason the elves took one look at dark magic and said ‘not today satan’ and decided it was a severe enough crime to exile the entire human race from Xadia. They were not about to let themselves be used. There is a reason the elves are the boogeymen of Katolis and the rest of the human kingdoms and part of that is they’re the enemy and part of that is if they are monsters, if they aren’t human, then no one will care what abuses happen to them.

So no, I don’t think using dark magic is inherently corrupting. I don’t think the magic itself corrupts. However I do think that to use dark magic, one must look at the world through a corrupted lens. You must be okay with harming living creatures to accomplish what you want, and you must be okay exploiting others. Anyone who believes in the intelligence and personhood of all creatures and then uses dark magic is either ignorant or a hypocrite. When it comes to Claudia, I think she’s partially a hypocrite and partially doesn’t see how what she’s doing is harmful and wrong. She sees only the potential of dark magic, and hasn’t yet realized what she’s harming to get her way.

[nyandiquil]

OC SHIT BOIIII

Ok so im a piece of shit so here is a list of my oc’s

Ok so the characters are in like a weird ass medieval setting and the main group is made up on 9 people

Ryouki is the prince that decided against royalty and chose to be a soldier instead, he's the main boi, doesnt want the stress of royalty because he feels like hes undeserving of it and like he cant live up to peoples expectations, he became a soldier to counteract this and better himself. He cares waaaaaaaaay too much for his friends and disregards his own wellbeing often, he's quite an idiot because of this in retrospect and gets made fun of by everyone else in the party for this but he doesnt care at all as long as theyre all happy. His weapon of choice is what seems like a basic longsword but can manipulate fire through enchantments

Crima is Ryoukis best friend and is similar to him in many ways, but Crima is a lot more level headed, he is also the spawn of a human man and a shapeshifting dragon woman along with his younger sister

Layru is almost a mother figure to the group and is the designated black mage whos crazy good at archery, she generally favours ice magic but still incorporates a mix into her arsenal. She’s dealt with Crima and Ryouki the longest out of anyone and has kind of been desensitised to their crap but still puts them in their place if they’re being insufferable.

Jeanne is incredibly smart but also powerful, he is the white mage of the group and studied it purely to cure the sick in the outskirts of town as well as his sick mother, plus he has a cool ass giant axe. Often he is the one who lays out strategies and battle plans as he knows everyones skills and personality like the back of his damn hand

Charle was trained alongside Ryouki when they were just starting out as soldiers, they were ahead of the class by miles and formed a two man team. While she was initially resentful towards Ryouki because she felt he was getting special treatment she warms up to him and the two work great together. Also shes dating Layru, their relationships like my favourite thing because of how they work off each other, Charle’s kind of awkward but Layru is confident so they have a cute dynamic and Charle is taller than Layru

Vaugh came into the scene from a backwater rural city and uses two hookswords, he has a very tough exterior and can come off as rude quite often but becomes great friends with Ryouki and Crima joining in on their stupid ass jokes

Mao is a princess from another country that quickly bonded with Ryouki due to mutual struggles, Mao’s are a lot worse though because she is seen as a tourist attraction back in her country and hates the image that people force onto her, she uses a shortsword to fight things and becomes super close to Robin

Robin is a thief that the group comes across on their travels who kind of forces herself onto them and demands that they let her tag along, she’s the oldest of the group and uses a spear. She starts off as conniving and closed off, making up a fake backstory to tell the group but her walls kind of break later on due to certain events and she becomes a lot more trusting. Robins one of my favourite characters because she has this air of lovable asshole to her personality that i find really fun

Ilya is the last one to join and uses twin swords that project clones of herself, if it sounds stupid it is, its a weapon from dynasty warriors. She’s a figure from Robins past, they were both poor kids and Robin took it upon herself to help her out and kind of mother her, shes the youngest of the group by like a couple of years, plus she kind of has a friendship with Vaugh

[rubixa-seraph]

Fire Emblem Fates ‘Get to Know Me’ Meme

I know I haven’t been really active on here lately since I’ve been so busy on work days that I just end up taking a break from almost everything during my off days, but I’m pleased to be tagged by @persorene

Hoshido or Nohr- I have a fondness for both due to mixed cultural heritage, but Nohr wins out because I like darker colours. Saizo or Kaze- Both are very loyal people with good intentions at heart, but Kaze wins out for me. He has a bit of a playful side, too, which is cute. Raijinto or Fujin Yumi- Augh, I’m much more of a lightning fan if we’re talking about elements, but the bow is my preferred weapon of choice in things like Legend of Zelda or Monster Hunter (technically a bowgun) so I will choose the Fujin Yumi! Classic or Casual- I can beat the game on classic, but I’ve discovered it would take me longer. Time is something I don’t have an abundance of, so I would rather try to enjoy the game at ease. Great Knight or Paladin- I literally can’t think of a reason for me to choose one over the other. Both are really good classes! Kaden or Keaton- I can’t see myself getting along with Keaton’s sense of beauty or hygiene, so Kaden for me, even though he’s a little odd, too. Magic or Strength- Magic all the way. The ability to cast both long range and close range is a plus, and I’m not very strong in person, so I prefer magic even in the game. Xander or Ryoma- The European regality is a presence I’m more fond of, so Xander. Ryoma has his lovable features, too, though! Marrying for stats or for support conversations- I lean more towards chemistry of the interaction kind, but the “genetics” aspect can be important. For instance, I find Xander and Mozu to be an adorable couple, but he’s not bad with Charlotte and the idea of two strong-willed and physically strong people as a couple is also pleasing. But that’s why I ship a lot of different things. Niles or Rhajat- I feel that as a person, Niles can be reasoned with and is someone I can deal with more easily than Rhajat. Glass Cannon or Iron Defence- I prefer a decent balance, though in a game where you have a spread of units instead of fighting as one character, I like having a glass canon or two and then some defensive units for protecting them. Though, usually my formula of high health and strong offense does the trick, and if I can grind levels, I’m unstoppable. Sakura or Elise- …neither are my preferred kinds of characters, especially in a female, but I would choose Elise over Sakura. Elise speaks her mind and is forthcoming even if she’s childish, but Sakura is a bit too shy for my liking. Pavise or Aegis- for a mage (my preferred kind of attack) Aegis would be useful, because most units cannot counter me if in the right distance, unless they have a throwing weapon that’s physical. Other mages are usually a problem, so I would prefer the later. Dark Mage or Diviner- Dark Mage. I’m more of a fan of tomes. First Gen Characters or Second Gen Characters- Ah…I feel that the second gen characters are what makes the love between first gen characters all the sweeter, so I would like to say that I thank their existence in canon! Brynhildr or Siegfried- tough choice, because the Siegfried is a badass sword that also has a long range “magical beam” attack, which is awesome! But I like magic…so Brynhildr as a tome calls to me. However, I’ve never been one for “earth” or “plant” aesthetics, so Siegfried has my vote on this one. Kamui or Corrin- Corrin, because it fits better with the Nohrian/European aesthetic. Speed Run or Support Grind- Speed run first, support grind later. But admittingly I tend to lean towards the later. Sol or Luna- I don’t have a big preference for either, but Luna has been one I’ve seen more often because I rarely bothered to level up the units who learn sol until later into the game. Defense or Resistance- This greatly depends on what kind of unit I am, but supposing I have Aegis to worry less about magic and bows, then I should bolster Defenses for the ‘just in case.’ My first husband was/will be: Jakob; as a character, he has a long way of development to go outside of what is shown in the game, but I felt like his devotion couldn’t be ignored. And time spent with each other is not something to be ignored. My first wife was/will be: In my first playthrough, it was Azura. I can’t say I really liked her that much though. Given a second playthrough, I can’t say I really like many of the supports between male Corrin and the females, but I would choose Flora for the sheer irony of the fact that she will never have Jakob, and it’s fun to imagine that Corrin saw her focus on Jakob for all those years and was sad that she didn’t look at him the same way. My favorite child character is: Dwyer is just the BEST. I level very well with the ‘I can do that but I’m too tired or I just plain out don’t want to’ attitude, but that doesn’t mean we would throw responsibility away. Also, considering the environment he was left to grow up in, he turned out damn okay. He clearly has an eye for quality, and cares about the people around him, even though that sometimes exhausts him. I feel that he’s the kind of character I could sit down with and just have a nice cup of tea with; no conversation needed. Just peace, quiet, and tea. My current mu’s hair color is: dark red. While I am very proud of my own hair (which is the most lovely shade of satin black) I find the rich blood-reds just as appealing.

I tag: um, I’m not sure if the tiny amount of mutuals I have who like FE would care for memes…but I’ll see if they are interested. @writeanddrawthis

[wielderofsiegfried-blog]

Supportive X3

[  FIRE EMBLEM – SKILL THEMED ASKS!  ] 

Supportive – Who did you S-rank and why?

Well my dumbass self forgot to put the way on my S-Ranks, so I will do that! 

Awakening: 

Stahl - I didn’t know anyone, and my friend Neo told me to pick Stahl since he was an early unit to get and he was a nice guy. I love Stahl to bits, he’s such a sweet heart and I really don’t like the hate he gets because he is just ‘nice’…What’s wrong with being genuinely nice??? 

Chrom - I wanted to know why both Meg and Neo married him, and tried it out…It wasn’t my cup of tea as I see him as a best friend, but I can see why he is popular spouse! 

Lon’qu - Ahhh my Lonkie~ I loved him instantly when we were first introduced to him, and I knew who would be my husband in my second play through because it was hell on earth in my first play through…So many times I died, but yes I married him because he’s so adorable and so blunt LOL! I’m sorry I love him so much.

Gaius - Ah yes, my little shit haha. I accidentally killed him in my first play through, and I was dead set to get him, thank fuck I got him before Chrom killed him again, and I was so done with him on how he joined the shepherds, but none the less found him entertaining. When I married him to Sumia I was super curious of the support with the avatar, and gave it a shot. I used the avatar I married Chrom to, and married him…Oh my lord this guy is just a dork, and I love him too, no matter how many times I’m done with him. 

Olivia - Ahhh my waifu~!

Owain - My first child unit marriage! I was too impatient for Fates, and decided to marry him in Awakening…He is such a sweetie pie oh my god! I love him to bits also, he is a dork, but also genuine with his feelings! 

Fates:  

Asugi - I need to be a familiar face in Birthright, and when I decided to marry Gaius they announced Grey in Japan, so I was like ‘I know who I am marrying in Birthright!’. I don’t care what people say, I love his teenage voice, and he is still the lovable dork, though I have to be more like a mom than a wife at times. When I’m married to someone else in Birthright or Revelation, he’s out a lot and wants to visit me a lot lol. 

Xander - I didn’t know who to marry in Conquest, and my friend Neo suggested him to me because the personality I gave to my avatar is “mom of the army”, and since Xander is “dad of the army” it made sense! Xander is a protective man of his wife holy shit he just straight up murders enemies that harm my avatar and whenever I say ‘really Xander?’ he yells ‘FOR THE GLORY OF NOHR!’…Ask Neo ( @golden-eyed-servant ) and Meg ( @vallablooded ), they have heard him when we do phone calls! 

Ryoma - it made sense to marry the lobster prince too? Jokes aside, he had Chrom’s voice and I felt bad I had to leave him for a thief that liked sweets, so now I have a lobster husband hehehe.

Leo - I mean…He is such a dork and I wanted to give him love, so I married him. Forrest has dark teal hair and fucking works it. Magic family ftw. 

Takumi - Pineapple is so cute omgggg, especially when he’s your husband! He has more cheerleaders in his ‘team Takumi!’ now haha. The poor baby needs the love. 

Silas - I mean I married Stahl, so of course I married Silas. Of course I can tell the differences between the two, and Sofie is a sweetpea omg.

Odin - DARK MAGE FAMILY FTW! 

Saizo - Yeah I am also Asugi’s mom muwahaha! Jokes aside, Saizo is my favorite kind of male character, so of course I had to marry him…He’s incredibly ticklish fufufu.

Camilla - In all honesty, she fit for my male avatar’s personality which is why I married her, not because of her design, but she sure isn’t shy to talk to talk about things with my male avatar…I am so sorry Gil lol.

[wowheadquarters]

Family Reunion, no murders allowed

For a lovable anon. The title says it all: The reunite with their (known) close family. The reunion can go any way it wants to, but no killing each other.

Anduin & Ghost Varian & Ghost Tiffin: Andun took a deep breath and yelled the hell out of his parents for dying and letting him do everything and leaving him alone. Then the hugged. A lot. And cried. A lot. And then the all kept saying how much sorry they are.

Magni & Muradin & Brann & Moira Brann was super excited to see his niece. Magni was not excited to see his daughter. Muradin was glad he has both brothers with him once again. Moira was not happy to see her father, so she spent all the time with Brann, nobody really minded it. After a few kegs of good ale the exchange of killer-thoughts looks stopped. After some more kegs, they all even managed a nice and not awkward conversation.

Falstad & Kurdan

Kurdan: Ya know, we both having the Wildhammer in name doesn’t make us brothers or family. Not at all. Falstad: Look, I had to make up something, otherwise I’d be at the very bottom of this list and I am not gonna get pushed away once again! Kurdan: That is so nice to know ya care so much about me. Falstad: Oh c’mon. Ya are like a bro to me. I’m gonna call ya bro until you cheer up a little. Kurdan: ... Falstad: Some brew, bro? Kurdan: ...Bro.

Tyrande & Malfurion & Shandris For a while Malfurion wondered why is Shandris there. Tyrande had to remind him, that Shandris Feathermoon is, more or less, her adoptive daughter. Malfurion felt so bad for being such a sucky dad, that he made up some druid-dad jokes and then they all went to Moonland. Like a Disneyland but for elves.

Velen & Rakeesh It is actually and a good idea to have this no-murders rule here. I mean, Rakeesh had been turned into a demon, and Velen is more of a pragmatical leader than a feeling father. They spent the time each sitting in a different corner, complaining loudly.

Genn & Mia & Tess & Ghost Liam Liam found himself buried in hugs and tears. Seems that everyone was happy to see him. Lia then asked Tess, if she finally proposed to Anduin. Tess kicked him. Siblings...

Thrall & Aggra & Alternate Durotan & Alternate Draka

Durotan: Why exactly are we here? Aggra: It’s family bonding time. Draka: He meant why are we here with you? Thrall: Aggra... No. This is... this is not a good idea. Aggra: Someone has to tell them. Thrall: No. I don’t think so. Durotan: Tell us what? What are you keeping from us, greenskin? Thrall: I really don’t think- Aggra: Go’el “Thrall” of the Frostwolf clan, son of Durotan, son of Garad! Stop being such a whiny piece of meat and- Durotan: Son of WHO?! (awkward silence intermezzo) Durotan: Alright. Fine. So you are my... Something like m alternate son in potentio? Why didn’t you tell me in the first place? Thrall: If a strange greenskinned Orc turned at a shore near to our home with our Farseer, some wounded refugees and strange adventurous folks and told you he is our son from the future that is never going to happen, I bet you would pretty much dump him in the nearest snowpile...

Spirit of Vol'jin & Spirit of Sen’jin & Yenniku Some nice fires, some good tea, smoking some herbs, later comparing their skull collection. Not much talking. Turns out that Yenniku turned out after his father and his grandfather. Some of you might ask why isn’t Yenniku dead. He was killed and his soul freed. Well... Yeah, he, Sen’jin, and Vol’jin are a lot alike. Deatcheaters...

Ghost Garrosh & Ghost Grommash & Spirit of Golka Grom tried to make up for being a miserable father and mate. He got punched in face. From both Garrosh and Golka. Then Golka learned what did Garrosh do within the Horde and punched is son too. However, Grom was so proud of his son... But when he wanted to express it, he got punched once more! Talk about dysfunctional family...

Baine & Ghost Cairne & Spirit of Tamaala

Ghost Cairne: Okay, we ma be happy to see each other later, but now I would like to sort something out. Tamaala, my dearest, why are you a spirit but I am a ghost? Spirit of Tamaala: Elementary, my dear Cairne. If you are leaning more towards the life of a warrior in our life, you become a ghost in your death. However, those who seek more the paths of spirituality, elements, and the nature come back as spirits. Baine: What about mages? Spirit of Tamaala: If mages ever return back, the are usually undead anyway. Baine: ... Baine: C’mon! I am waiting for Kel’thuzad to pop out from somewhere. He wouldn’t miss an opportunity like this. Ghost Cairne: He isn’t, because he can’t. He ain’t part of our family. Thanks the Mother Earth.

Sylvanas & Alleria & Vereesa Vereesa and Sylvanas got into a pretty heated argument. Alleria tried to calm them down, just for her sisters to shout at her to get lost. She got super offended by that. Elven sisters with good relationship aren’t just meant to be, especially when one is dead, one was lost for years and the last spends most of her time with mages and talks like an especially annoying encyclopedia.

Gallywix & Luzik & Lisa They tried to kill each other. That is a Goblin family wa to show how much they care about each other, and also keeps them from overpopulating, because they breed like rats. This wa only the smartest Goblins survive and pass their smart genes. Lisa then tried to tempt her husband and son into piracy life.

Taedal & Luxien

Taedal: So... Hi, sis! Luxien: Hello. You still leading that little rebellion of yours? Taedal: Yeah. Yeah. You know how it is. It isn’t a hobby for five minutes. And what are you up to? Still bothering yourself with magic and alchemy? Luxien: Mmmm... Yes. But you were right, undeath has no future. Taedal: And what are you working on now? Luxien: Oh, I am actually experimenting with the Void and the Twisting Nether. Voidwalkers are boring. I am trying to get... Something more exciting out of it. Voidfire was m first success. Taedal: Nice. Neat. Keep me updated, you know I am always interested in your work. Now... If you excuse me... I think I have a prophet friend I need to call. Taedal: (Speaks into his holo-mobilephone) Velen? Velen are you there? STOP EXORCISING ME THERE IS AN EMERGENCY!

Mekkatorque & Aysa & Lor’themar & Ji The started a club called Forever Melone And Not Really Having Their Past Explored And Explained In Lore. And then they held a drinking contest. And yes, it was Lor’themar’s idea.

[dazzledbybooks]

“Prepare for a snow-frosted, blood-drenched fairy tale where the monsters steal your heart and love ends up being the nightmare.” - Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself. A prince in danger must decide who to trust. A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings. Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war. In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, their three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light. Wicked Saints is the thrilling start to Emily A. Duncan’s devastatingly Gothic Something Dark and Holy trilogy. “This book destroyed me and I adored it.”- Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval Early Reviews: “Prepare for a snow frosted, blood drenched fairy tale where the monsters steal your heart and love ends up being the nightmare. Utterly absorbing.” - Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen "Full of blood and monsters and magic—this book destroyed me and I adored it. Emily is a wicked storyteller, she’s not afraid to hurt her characters or her readers. If you’ve ever fallen in love with a villain you will fall hard for this book." - Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval "This is the novel of dark theology and eldritch blood-magic that I’ve been waiting for all my life. It’s got a world at once brutal and beautiful, filled with characters who are wounded, lovable, and ferocious enough to break your heart. A shattering, utterly satisfying read." - Rosamund Hodge, author of Cruel Beauty and Bright Smoke, Cold Fire “Wicked Saints is a lush, brutal, compelling fantasy that is dark, deep, and bloody—absolutely riveting! With a boy who is both man and monster, mysterious saints with uncertain motives, and a girl filled with holy magic who is just beginning to understand the full reaches of her power, this gothic jewel of a story will sink its visceral iron claws into you, never letting go until you’ve turned the last page. And truthfully, not even then -the explosive ending will haunt you for days! ” - Robin LaFevers, New York Times bestselling author of the His Fair Assassin trilogy “Dark, bloody, and monstrously romantic. This is the villain love interest that we've all been waiting for.” - Margaret Rogerson, New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens  "Seductively dark and enchanting, Wicked Saints is a trance you won’t want to wake from. Duncan has skillfully erected a world like no other, complete with provocative magic, sinister creatures, and a plot that keeps you guessing. This spellbinding YA fantasy will bewitch readers to the very last page." - Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep  Excerpt: N A D4E Z H D A L A P T E V A Horz stole the stars and the heavens out from underneath Myesta’s control, and for that she has never forgiven him. For where can the moons rest if not the heavens? —Codex of the Divine, 5:26 “It’s certainly not my fault you chose a child who sleeps so deeply. If she dies it will very much be your fault, not mine.” Startled by bickering gods was not Nadya’s preferred method of being woken up. She rolled to her feet in the dark, moving automatically. It took her eyes a few sec- onds to catch up with the rest of her body. Shut up! It wasn’t wise to tell the gods to shut up, but it was too late now. A feeling of amused disdain flowed through her, but neither of the gods spoke again. She realized it was Horz, the god of the heavens and the stars, who had woken her. He had a tendency to be obnoxious but generally left Nadya alone, as a rule. Usually only a single god communed with their chosen cleric. There once had been a cleric named Kseniya Mirokhina who was gifted with unnatural marksmanship by Devonya, the goddess of the hunt. And Veceslav had chosen a cleric of his own, long ago, but their name was lost to history, and he re- fused to talk about them. The recorded histories never spoke of clerics who could hear more than one god. That Nadya com- muned with the entire pantheon was a rarity the priests who trained her could not explain. There was a chance older, more primordial gods existed, ones that had long since given up watch of the world and left it in the care of the others. But no one knew for sure. Of the twenty known gods, however, carvings and paintings depicted their human forms, though no one knew what they actually looked like. No cleric throughout history had ever looked upon the faces of the gods. No saint, nor priest. Each had their own power and magic they could bestow upon Nadya, and while some were forthcoming, others were not. She had never spoken to the goddess of the moons, My- esta. She wasn’t even sure what manner of power the goddess would give, if she so chose. And though she could commune with many gods, it was im- possible to forget just who had chosen her for this fate: Mar- zenya, the goddess of death and magic, who expected complete dedication. Indistinct voices murmured in the dark. She and Anna had found a secluded place within a copse of thick pine trees to set up their tent, but it no longer felt safe. Nadya slid a voryen from underneath her bedroll and nudged Anna awake. She moved to the mouth of the tent, grasping at her beads, a prayer already forming on her lips, smoky symbols trailing from her mouth. She could see the blurry impressions of fig- ures in the darkness, far off in the distance. It was hard to judge the number, two? Five? Ten? Her heart sped at the possibility that a company of Tranavians were already on her trail. Anna drew up beside her. Nadya’s grip on her voryen tight- ened, but she kept still. If they hadn’t seen their tent yet, she could keep them from noticing it entirely. But Anna’s hand clasped her forearm. “Wait,” she whispered, her breath frosting out before her in the cold. She pointed to a dark spot just off to the side of the group. Nadya pressed her thumb against Bozidarka’s bead and her eyesight sharpened until she could see as clearly as if it were day. It took effort to shove aside the immediate, paralyzing fear as her suspicions were confirmed and Tranavian uniforms be- came clear. It wasn’t a full company. In fact, they looked rather ragged. Perhaps they had split off and lost their way. More interesting, though, was the boy with a crossbow si- lently aiming into the heart of the group. “We can get away before they notice,” Anna said. Nadya almost agreed, almost slipped her voryen back into its sheath, but just then, the boy fired and the trees erupted into chaos. Nadya wasn’t willing to use an innocent’s life as a distraction for her own cowardice. Not again. Even as Anna protested, Nadya let a prayer form fully in her mind, hand clutching at Horz’s bead on her necklace and its constellation of stars. Symbols fell from her lips like glow- ing glimmers of smoke and every star in the sky winked out. Well, that was more extreme than I intended, Nadya thought with a wince. I should’ve known better than to ask Horz for any- thing. She could hear cursing as the world plunged into darkness. Anna sighed in exasperation beside her. “Just stay back,” she hissed as she moved confidently through the dark. “Nadya . . .” Anna’s groan was soft. It took more focus to send a third prayer to Bozetjeh. It was hard to catch Bozetjeh on a good day; the god of speed was notoriously slow to answer prayers. But she managed to snag his attention and received a spell allowing her to move as fast as the vicious Kalyazin wind. Her initial count had been wrong; there were six Tranavians now scattering into the forest. The boy dropped his crossbow with a bewildered look up into the sky, startling when Nadya touched his shoulder. There was no way he could see in this darkness, but she could. When he whirled, a curved sword in his hand, Nadya sidestepped. His swing went wide and she shoved him in the direction of a fleeing Tranavian, anticipating their collision. “Find the rest,” Marzenya hissed. “Kill them all.” Complete and total dedication. She caught up to one of the figures, stabbing her voryen into his skull just underneath his ear. Not so difficult this time, she thought. But the knowledge was a distant thing. Blood sprayed, splattering a second Tranavian, who cried out in alarm. Before the second man could figure out what had happened to his companion, she lashed out her heel, catching him squarely on the jaw and knocking him off his feet. She slit his throat. Three more. They couldn’t have moved far. Nadya took up Bozidarka’s bead again. The goddess of vision revealed where the last Tranavians were located. The boy with the sword had managed to kill two in the dark. Nadya couldn’t actually see the last one, just felt him nearby, very much alive. Something slammed into Nadya’s back and suddenly the chilling bite of a blade was pressed against her throat. The boy appeared in front of her, his crossbow back in his hands, thank- fully not pointed at Nadya. It was clear he could only barely see her. He wasn’t Kalyazi, but Akolan. A fair number of Akolans had taken advantage of the war between their neighbors, hiring out their swords for profit on both sides. They were known for favoring Tranavia simply because of the warmer climate. It was rare to find a creature of the desert willingly stumbling through Kalyazin’s snow. He spoke a fluid string of words she didn’t understand. His posture was languid, as if he hadn’t nearly been torn to pieces by blood mages. The blade against Nadya’s throat pressed harder. A colder voice responded to him, the foreign language scratched uncomfortably at her ears. Nadya only knew the three primary languages of Kalyazin and passing Tranavian. If she wasn’t going to be able to com- municate with them . . . The boy said something else and Nadya heard the girl sigh before she felt the blade slip away. “What’s a little Kalyazi as- sassin doing out in the middle of the mountains?” he asked, switching to perfect Kalyazi. Nadya was very aware of the boy’s friend at her back. “I could ask the same of you.” She shifted Bozidarka’s spell, sharpening her vision further. The boy had skin like molten bronze and long hair with gold chains threaded through his loose curls. He grinned. Buy Link: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/wicked-saints/ About the Author: EMILY A. DUNCAN works as a youth services librarian. She received a Master’s degree in library science from Kent State University, which mostly taught her how to find obscure Slavic folklore texts through interlibrary loan systems. When not reading or writing, she enjoys playing copious amounts of video games and dungeons and dragons. Wicked Saints is her first book. She lives in Ohio. Website: https://eaduncan.com/ Twitter: @glitzandshadows Instagram: @glitzandshadows Tumblr: https://ift.tt/2K0iS2l

http://www.dazzledbybooks.com/2019/04/wickedsaintsblogtour.html

[amylanchester]

PitchWars #PimpMyBio

Hi, I’m Amy.

This is my first ever PitchWars, and I’m hyped af.

About My Manuscript

Title: More Fierce Than Fire (title comes from here)

Genre: YA Contemporary Fantasy

Word Count: 75,000

Comps: The Young Elites by Marie Lu, The Story of Owen by E. K. Johnston

Sixteen-year-old Abigail Hunter, the best healer in Grady Hospital’s Magical Trauma Ward, has a secret. Ten years ago, Abby wished her mother dead on the worst possible day—the day dragons awoke and brought magical powers to everyone in the world. Abby's angry wish became the powerful spell that ended her mother's life. 

Abby has devoted her life to healing magic to atone for the sins of her past. Though she’s still afraid of losing control, she has become increasingly aware of the threat the dragons pose and frustrated that she is helpless to do anything about it. Hoping to develop the skills required to protect others, she joins a new United Nations-sponsored program which promises to give her the chance to work directly with the dragons and their victims. Training with some of the best young mages in the world, she prepares for the war to come.

And the war is coming. When a group of unregistered mages leads the dragons in a deadly attack on American cities, Abby must decide if she’s ready to join the fight against them, or if she’ll be stuck reliving the mistakes of her past forever. 

A Note About Diversity

Diversity is extremely important to me in my writing. Most of the characters in my book other than my MC are POC and/or LGBTQ. I did not feel that I had the skill or experience to write a first-person perspective for a POC/LGBTQ character, so I didn’t. However, I have been fortunate to grow up in an extremely diverse place, so I’ve included a number of POC/LGBTQ characters (loosely) based on real people. I feel that authentic, thoughtful representation is important in all forms of media and am hoping to find a mentor who feels the same.

MS Pinterest Board

Novel Aesthetic (Quotes & More on My Instagram)

About Me

Let’s start this the way you did back in pre-school. My name is Amy Lanchester, and I’m twenty-eight years old. My favorite color is pink (and has been since long before millennial pink became a thing #ILikedItBeforeItWasCool). More Fierce Than Fire is my first novel. 

I’m “from Atlanta” in the way that most people who say they are “from Atlanta” are “from Atlanta,” in that I actually grew up about thirty minutes away and only moved to the city as an adult. I set my book here because I feel that entirely too many books are set in NYC, London, or Chicago.

I’ve been funemployed for the past year.

I started my first “real job” before I’d even finished my master’s degree, and after working there for three years, I decided I wanted to do a few things before I’m too old/settled. So I’ve traveled Europe:

ALL

OVER

EUROPE

and the western United States:

ALL

OVER

THE 

WILD

WEST

and I finally achieved a life goal in writing this book. I highly recommend taking a “gap year” to anyone who is able.

I live with my boyfriend and our beautiful asshole of a cat, Bret. We found him about two years ago at a local McDonald’s hanging out near the drive-thru. We went back the next day and lured him out with bits of hamburger, and he’s been our lovable jerk of a pet ever since. 

Why You Should Mentor Me

- I am really, really serious about this. I’ve devoted an insane amount of time, energy, and research on this project in the past year and fully intend to see it through all the way. I love and believe in my work. 

- I am crazy meticulous. I come from a STEM background, and I use the tools I learned there in my work. I’m a firm believer in spreadsheets, outlines, automation, and using technology to the fullest. I am a grammar nut who googles everything she isn’t sure about and spends hours nerding out reading style guides and grammar blogs.

- I take criticism well. I’m a fairly self-critical person who is realistic about her flaws and shortcomings. Though I love my work, I know it is far from perfect, and I am greatly looking forward to receiving a thoughtful critique. You won’t hurt my feelings. I want my work to be the best it can be, and I know that takes knowledge and experience I don’t have.

Writing History

I had the idea for my MS in May 2016. It was inspired by this tumblr post which made its way to reddit (a site I love and hate and spend entirely too much time on):

I decided I could write that book, and so I did. I wrote a prologue that I cut and part of the first chapter on a train from Warsaw to Berlin in September. I made an outline when I got back home in October, and I wrote the rest of the book during NaNoWriMo 2016. I did finish my 50,000 words in November, but the book wasn’t done. I had a completed (terrible) first draft of about 55,000 words by the first week of December. 

My first draft was mostly just dialogue and action. I discovered that I hate writing description as much as I hate reading it. So my next several drafts mostly involved adding description to scenes, and it took forever. I cut several scenes and characters entirely during this process and added a few more scenes and characters, bringing my final word count to 75,000 words. My current draft contains very little from the original NaNoWriMo draft, and believe me, that’s for the best.

Writing Style

I am definitely a planner. I would have gotten nowhere without my outline or character spreadsheet. However, most of my character’s personalities came out through writing their dialogue. I used dialogue (that I went back and cut because it was boring and redundant) to solve plot problems and work out motivations in scenes. If I ever got stuck, I just started writing a conversation between my characters, and it solved basically all of my problems. 

How I Write 

I started writing in Scrivener, a program I’d gotten for free when I worked at the Apple Store back in 2010. It helped me a lot with organizing scenes and research. I transitioned to Google Docs after a save file got corrupted and I spent an evening panicking that I’d lost everything (I hadn’t, thank God). Google Docs sucks for long documents, but it saves to the cloud every few seconds, so I suffered through it.

I write at night almost exclusively. My best creative work comes after midnight, and usually once I’m already in bed.

I dread having to get back on a normal schedule because the night owl life is best for my writing.

Favorite Writing Resources

- Excel/Google Sheets

- Grammar Girl

- Chicago Manual of Style (I’m too poor to actually own this, but I use their FAQs and this hyphenation table all the time.)

- Hemingway Editor

- Grammarly

- ProWritingAid

Upcoming Projects Preview

I have so many ideas. I think of new project ideas every day, and I constantly struggle not to get distracted by my newest, shiniest concept. Here are a couple of things I’ve started planning:

- Shakespeare’s plays retold in a combined setting like into the Woods or Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chronicles. A central, overarching series plot with individual volumes devoted to some of the plots of the original plays. I’ll be combining side characters from one show with main characters from another.

- A space opera/sci-fi series centered on a girl who rescues an alien from a hostile species at war with Earth’s space empires. The aliens have superior technology and are annihilating the space colonies, but we can’t communicate with them. My MC and her android nanny devise a method for rudimentary communication and are captured by government forces who have ulterior motives.

Stuff I Like

Books

- Harry Potter, obviously. Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite. I spent years convincing myself I was a Gryffindor like Hermione, my hero, but I’m really a Ravenclaw.

- The Young Elites by Marie Lu

- Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E. K. Johnston

- A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

- Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

- Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

- 1984 by George Orwell

- Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

TV Shows

I freaking love TV. 

I’m convinced that if Ray Bradbury had lived in the Golden Age of Television that we’re living through, he would never have written Fahrenheit 451.

A short list of shows I love: Futurama, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Parks and Recreation, BoJack Horseman, Game of Thrones, The Handmaid’s Tale, Breaking Bad, The Wire, Jessica Jones, Broadchurch, Steven Universe, Stranger Things, You’re the Worst, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Musicals 

I love Broadway so much. 

I’ve been in (school productions of) Once on This Island, Les Miserables, Into the Woods, and Dreamgirls. Other shows I love include Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, The Last Five Years, Aida, Phantom of the Opera, Evita, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, and West Side Story.

Cosplay 

I picked up cosplay a few years back. I didn’t own a sewing machine, didn’t know how to sew, and had limited crafting experience. I taught myself using books, online tutorials, and YouTube videos. Some of my projects:

Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones

Chell from Portal

Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter

Elsa from Frozen

Joy from Inside Out

Eleven from Stranger Things

That was entirely too long, and I’m sorry.

If you read this far, you’re probably my soulmate. Please send me a message on Twitter and let me know. :)