#esen;;reply

[ash-and-starlight]

Hey! I wanted to ask if you can recommend any websites or something similar that are helpful in learning how to draw various ethnicities especially when it comes to facial features? I would really like to get better at drawing people from all corners of the world and do so respectfully, but it seems the only websites I've found in terms of photo ref are like Pinterest and show little variation in people's features, are "model" pictures, or are heavily filtered... Others are just obviously AI.

What I'm looking for are just photos of ordinary people with all sorts of features, of all sorts of ages etc if you know what I mean?

I have some practice in this area, but not nearly as much as I would like to.

I'm asking you because I really love your art for fandoms like the radiant emperor, blue eye samurai and ATLA and the way you draw the characters. Your art style is beautiful and your taste in media amazing 😌

Maybe you or your followers can help? :)

Hi!! Right off the bat there are two sites i think could fit with what you're looking for, one is the Humanae project by the photographer Angèlica Dass

and the other is the gallery of Jimmy Nelson's portraits, his website is genuinely so amazing to explore

if you're looking for something like this i think that looking into the work of potrait/travel/street photographers is the way to go. If someone knows & wants to point out more resources feel free to add them here i'd love to see it too 👀

[astrarche-x]

hellooo welcome to the spring hunt AU pt. 2!!

Baoxiang is away in Khanbaliq and Esen discovers that his brother's absence causes more problems than it solves. Meanwhile Ouyang is determined to seize his fate despite his failure at the spring hunt...

Ouyang/Esen, T, currently 4 k words

[disruptedlogic]

closed starter @loftycries || esen & james .

a night out is exactly what esen needed after her work week. she felt like she hadn’t had one moment to herself to breathe or think especially since one of her last missions had been broadcasted all over social media. she had definitely tried to keep out of the public eye after that. it was already embarrassing enough to be on a mission for that reason. regardless of all of that, she was looking forward to a date night with james. she felt like she had barely seen him the last couple of days and she was itching to see him again.

in her opinion, dinner couldn’t have gone better. they had opted to go to a chinese place not far from her apartment and the food had been delicious. after a few drinks and way too much food it was finally time to leave to make the walk back to her home. she was in no rush to put her coat and hat on once they stood up to protect her from the chilly night air.

“do you want to go back to my place after this?” she asked as they were heading out of the restaurant. “we can watch a movie or something. i don’t have work in the morning.”

[disruptedlogic]

Esen won't lie and say she's not taken aback by his words or change in demeanor. She knows all too well how something changes in you when you nearly die, but a monster? A monster seemed like a harsh way to describe how much he changed. The man sitting before her reminds her so much of the man she had agreed to spend the rest of her life with and not a monster. What had changed so much that he believed that to be true? He was such a gentle soul who she was trying to protect from herself this whole time. Was she to blame for even more than she thought? He deserved so much better than this.

“I don’t believe that you've changed that much, Harvey, that you're some cold, heartless version of yourself. No matter how you try to convince me of that.” She's worried that he's not listening to what she's saying, but she wants him to understand her perspective. She needs him to see where she's coming from and how none of this was on him. She wanted him to blame her at least for his unhappiness or, better yet, hate her as she hated herself for how things went down.

She’s at a loss for words once again. What is she supposed to say to that? As hard as she tries to deny it, deep down, she knows that it's the truth. With a heavy heart and a lump in her throat, she feels the familiar pain of heartbreak as her heart shatters into a million little pieces once again. Despite her best efforts to hold it together, the overwhelming flood of emotions threatens to consume her as she struggles to come to terms with what she knows is the painful reality. She never got the ending she wanted with him. Nonetheless, there's nothing either can do to fix it.

“I’m sorry.”

Esen is unsure of what to say. She feels that an apology is necessary.

Harvey thought this was one of those circumstances if you love something let them go and if it comes back it was meant to be. But this wasnt that scenerio at all. Instead it felt like meeting a stranger.

Eight years, 2921 days, 70,126 hours. Harvey groaned and bit his lip as hard as he could. Stop rationalizing stop calculating this isn't fair to her. It was more than an investment it was an endeavor of love and maybe even a promise forever if whatever had happened. But now his brain is telling him he failed but his heart is starting to belive it too.

Maybe it's a dream, maybe nothing else is real

There was an unreadable look. Would be easy to say he died but that was being too much of a diva. That's what he was wasn't he. A diva, a mess, that joke villian Rubix. That's what one forum said. There was No Harvey Kwon, the boy whose life ended tragically on a jeopardy tour. That Harvey died that day and being Rubix was almost conforting to the sickest extent of the word. A security blanket maybe.

But when Esen returns how couldn't Harvey's feeling not.He didn't know about Cerb or anything about Esen's endeavors. Why should he, if she wanted to come back she would have. But the few minutes before Esen recognized him he couldn't help but feel that small bit of jealousy. To have some normalcy what he wouldn't do.

You could tell me what to say, you could tell me where to go But I doubt that I would care, and my heart would never know

Even as Esen was talking, Harvey took in the information and nodded slowly. Why couldn't he understand that Harvey was good. Maybe because it was fading out of him. Harvey wondered now how Esen went from to the one to the stranger. She looked the same and talked the same. But if someone told it was an illusion with out her esenscence than he would belive that. It sucks that the truth was ambigious and she wasn't lambasting him. Is this what he got for being vulnerable.

Am I hurting, am I sad? Should I stay or should I go? I've forgotten how to tell, did I ever even know?

There was silence. It just was so easy to turn it off how he felt. Harvey had an readable expression. If it was to end it shouldn't be like this....should it. There was confusion on his face followed by a bitter laugh, not usual of him.

All the people that I see, they will never understand

"I do understand now." Harvey confessed. "When you almost die...." There was an almost unreadable look on his face, probably realizing he was talking about himself. The truth can be so freeing and so ugly. "Because I'm practically a monster now." Harvey said. There was a brief apologetic look before his eyes turned a colder green color,

"Statiscally we ran our course, Esen."

[nineveh-uk]

replying to a pressing question about how to rate General Ouyang on the eunuch measuring scale: i'd give him 10 points for complexity, 8 points for style (on account of that mirror armour), 9 points for fuckability (would be 10 but -1 for his hostile attitute), 6 points for scheming and hmmm... 5 points for loyalty? and i don't know what bixia is. 😔

thoughts and discussions? <3

@astrarche-x. addressed this important point in relation to the eunuch scoring system.

Thank you for asking, it is a very important question. I agree on complexity, style, and fuckability as long as "it's theoretical because he'll kill you" doesn't count against him. Given WBX's ranking in the who bangs best list, I feel this is only fair.

I am a bit stuck on scheming and loyalty. I suppose he does scheme, and gets quite far and is committed to it, but also relies on outside help. Loyalty - well he's very loyal by nature. I kind of want to give him 10, but sort of in a different "it's complicated" colour.

Bixia (biixiaaaa!!!!) is an honorific for emperors, basically functioning equivalent to "your majesty". Palace scenes in cdramas often involved one or more eunuchs and / or ministers shouting it loudly in pleading tones. Ouyang definitely gets a zero. He gets minus a million. He would get that even if he lived and Zhu won or in a wild AU where Esen became emperor.

[thestoriesthatweweave]

Another tiny snippet of my Ouyang-centric time-travel au wip. Set very shortly after the first one, once again under the cut because it contains spoilers for up to chapter 7 of the main fic.

The first thing he noticed, upon reaching her tent, was the horse tied up to a post next to it.  When Old Luo had said Zhu had stolen a horse, Ouyang had assumed he’d meant one of the ill-fed nags that populated Anfeng, not an actual Mongol warhorse. Feeling an odd kind of hunger, he walked closer to examine it. He was a gelding, and not as wonderful as the mare Esen had gifted him in his previous life, but still a better horse than any Ouyang had even managed to get close to in years. He extended his hand, and rubbed his soft nose, very gently. “Hello,” he whispered, “Where did you come from?” 

“Are you trying to steal this monk’s horse?” said a familiar voice, very close to his shoulder.

“Yes,” Ouyang said, without turning around, “that’s why I’m standing right in front of your tent petting him.” 

“You should know,” Zhu said, “that they put thieves’ heads on walls here. Just for your information.” 

“How lucky that you’re a monk,” Ouyang replied, “and so will show mercy to this sinner.” 

“You must not have met many monks, if you think us merciful.” It was impossible to read her emotions from the tone of her voice. There was amusement in it, and it obscured anything else, like silt in a pond.

“I’ve met a few,” Ouyang said, and finally turned to face her. It had been odd to see her when she’d been a child, so much smaller and softer than he’d remembered her. It was odder still to see her now, when the features were the same as in his memories, and the shadows behind her eyes so much lighter. Her hands hung limply at her sides, both of them, because he’d never cut one off. He felt his lips stretch. He said, quiet enough that only she would hear, in the scant space between them, “Long time no see, Little Sister.” 

[paintedscales]

014.1 Bayarmaa

Taking place a day after the attack, Bayarmaa returns to the site of where the Sagahl Iloh was in order to help salvage anything that was left behind, as well as find survivors that may have otherwise been left for dead.

This chapter deals with death and loss.

Word Count: 1,214

Steppe by Steppe Chapter List

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The following morning after the Jhungid had attacked the Saghal Iloh and stole away some of their members, Bayarmaa had returned to the site, looking for anyone that may have still been alive as well as anything that was left after the attack. She called out, accompanied by other members of the Sagahl that had also managed to flee the clutches of the Jhungid. They rummaged through debris and lopsided ger that still remained. At least the canvasses that made up the walls of the ger could be salvaged.

“Bayarmaa… you need to come see this,” one of the Sagahl spoke. His brow was set in a mixture of sadness and anger. Looking at him curiously, Bayarmaa walked over.

“What is it, Bultger?” Bayarmaa asked, her face falling to worry.

Bultger shook his head, casting his gaze to the ground. Pursing his lips, he reached out and placed a hand on Bayarmaa’s shoulder. After a moment, he finally said, “... I’m sorry. Just… do what you must when you see him.”

Bayarmaa’s heart dropped and her eyes widened hearing that. She did not want to think of what his words meant.

Pushing Bultger’s hand from her, Bayarmaa rushed forward. She remembered the sights of this place. Her eyes darted around frantically, trying to pick up anything that might have been of note to her. Up the hill and down the crest, that was where Nomin trained with--

“Esen… ESENAIJ!” Bayarmaa shrieked, her eyes burning with tears and she tore down the hill when she saw his body. Falling to her hands and knees next to her brother’s body, she ripped the arrows from his back and ignored the smell of death that was already starting to emit from him. Turning him over, she looked at his face and pushed his hair from his eyes, her bottom lip quivering as she knelt beside him and pulled his body into her arms.

Esenaij’s body and scales were cold to the touch, and his eyes were clouded over, indicating Nhaama’s embrace. Pulling her lips back in an uncontrollable grimace as she cried, Bayarmaa reached up and ran her hands over his eyes, closing them for him -- to make him look as if he were simply sleeping rather than dead.

“No… no, no, no, no, no, no, NO!” Bayarmaa repeated, sobbing loudly as she clutched her cold brother’s body to her. She clenched her eyes shut, choked sobs causing her shoulders to shake and heave as tears streamed down her face and fell into her brother’s hair and on his face. She raised a hand, running it through Esenaij’s mussed tresses while she mourned.

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“Don’t you and Esenaij have a mama and papa, Bayarmaa?” Nomin asked, looking up from one of her drawings. Bayarmaa had only given a sad smile to the question before she shook her head.

“Esenaij and I are… our only family…” Bayarmaa slowly replied. However, she perked up as she looked at Nomin. Reaching out and ruffling her hair with a bit of a smirk, she continued, “but you’re our family now, too, little sister. What do you think about that?”

“Should I call you ma--”

“No,” Bayarmaa interrupted the question immediately with a bit of a forced smile to hide the annoyance.

“Then big sister!” Nomin happily said. “And Esenaij can be my big brother! Yay! I like having a brother and sister!”

“Eugh, what did you tell her this time?” Esenaij’s voice rang out as he pushed open the door to the ger; it seemed he caught the very tail end of Nomin’s exclamation. He had an unimpressed look on his face as he put the basket of freshly harvested lily flowers and bulbs on the ground.

“Oh, nothing of consequence. I hope you like having another little sister,” Bayarmaa replied, chuckling deviously to herself and winking at Nomin. While Nomin giggled to herself, Esenaij could only look between the girls, the horses trotting in his head as he slowly put the meaning together.

Then, his expression puckered a bit as he furrowed his brow.

“What!? No, no, no!” Esenaij replied after it finally clicked, pointing between both Bayarmaa and Nomin with each ‘no’.

“It’s too late, you’re my big brother!” Nomin replied, grinning.

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Bayarmaa held Esenaij for a while, even when her tears had stopped falling. She sat there, eyes staring at nothing, her chest feeling void and broken, and her fingers now simply clutching Esenaij’s hair. Bayarmaa’s throat was sore, her nose was stuffed, and her eyes were swollen.

But who cared about any of that…?

Not Bayarmaa.

The last part of her family had been stripped from her, all Bayarmaa could do now was just say goodbye in her own way.

No…

Perhaps that was not true. There was still a family member out there. She may not have been of their blood, but ever since Esenaij brought Nomin into their lives, Bayarmaa had always loved her like a younger sibling. She knew that Esenaij did as well, even if he did not show it well.

Nomin was nowhere to be found.

‘Did she escape?’

“Did you save her?” Bayarmaa quietly rasped, hiccuping with another tired sob. “I’m sure you did… everything you could have to save her…. You always cared for her… ever since you found her.”

A hand came into contact with Bayarmaa’s shoulder, causing her to flinch and slowly look up. It was Bultger as well as two other Sagahl. One was Jajiradai, one of Nomin’s friends, the other was Maral -- one of the Sagahl who had been with the group to look for her family as well.

“We… should prepare his body to return to the star…” Bultger gently said.

Bayarmaa could only silently nod, sniffling as she slowly got up and gently laid Esenaij back down on the ground. Her hands trembled as she reached out to remove pieces of jewellery from him and other decorative pieces that were on his deel. Tradition… so as not to give temptation for Esenaij’s soul to linger on the mortal plane and go fully to the Dusk Mother’s embrace.

After removing only a handful of items, Bayarmaa then shook her head violently and got up, staggering back while clutching the necklace and bracelets in her hand. All of this made it all the more real that her brother was gone. She held them close, tears threatening to stain her cheeks once more as her throat tightened in upon itself.

“I-I’m sorry, I cannot…” Bayarmaa said, her voice small and cracking. “Please… take care of him for me. I cannot gaze upon him so…”

“... I shall do what I can…” Bultger replied, he then looked at both Jajiradai and Maral. “Go with Bayarmaa. Tell the others to prepare burial wraps and to come help.”

Silence lingered before Bultger addressed Bayarmaa who now had her back to him and Esenaij’s body; “... did you want to choose the site of where he shall return to the star?”

“I don’t need to…” Bayarmaa replied, looking down. “We… Esenaij and I spoke about this in the past. He would return to the star where our parents did. Among the singing stones of the Ceol Aen. Just as I hope I will be when Nhaama deems it time I am to meet her embrace.”

[disruptedlogic]

“oh, of course.” she can’t help the small blush that forms on her own cheeks. a big part of her wants to be selfish and ask him what he’s been up to all of these years. last time they had met she was in a serious relationship but still was very much attracted to him. now she was alone in the big city and fate was somewhat on her side again with james. she hopes at least but neither of them seem to be in the right shape to talk about those heavy subjects right now.

“nothing to worry about, james?” she asks incredulously. she quickly reaches out to help stabilize him and the furrow of her brows quickly returns. “you got yourself caught in the middle of a bar fight? maybe we should go back to my apartment. it’s not far from here and you look like you need to lay down.” she gives him a sad smile and a nod at his last statement. “i know. i feel the same way but let’s get out of the cold and we can catch up that way.”

" aw, thank you, ” he replies. he's visibly flattered at the compliment, though perhaps one cannot blame him. he did admit to finding esen attractive once, years ago—even if life had taken them in different directions—and the fact that he is hiding his injuries is making it difficult to hide anything else. is it an appropriate time to ask if she's still dating that... grad student, was it ? most likely not. but it has been years...

JAMES realizes that he hasn't done enough to hide his injuries when esen manages to point them out. with the acknowledgment that he does not seem alright, his pain returns twofold, and he feels his legs start to buckle underneath him. " nothing to worry about. just got myself in the middle of a bar fight... i was trying to stop them, i promise. " in reality, he got hit in the chest with some pavement, courtesy of agent granite. he regains his balance, ignoring the spots in his vision. pasting on his best winning smile, he continues, " this isn't quite how i imagined our reunion to go, if i'm being honest. "

[lunarcovehq]

Don’t Dream It’s Over - THE PAIRINGS

There's a battle ahead. Many battles are lost. But you'll never see the end of the road while you're traveling with me… Hey now, hey now. Don't dream it's over.

Below is a breakdown of all of the nightmares characters now find themselves in written out in the form of a prompt. We hope that these pairings can be a way you can write with someone you may not have otherwise and, as we mentioned below, you can still feel free to continue all of your previous threads. These nightmare threads are designed to help build muse and connections, but you can still continue to write out any previous threads you may have had before this.

NIGHTMARE #1: HAUNTED BY YOU

Trigger Warnings: Death tw, Murder tw

Players: Paloma ( @lunadefresa ) & Azra ( @moonsongchorus ) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Esen ( @esendemirtas )

Prompt: Esen, Paloma and Azra all open their eyes to find themselves standing within the Styx Passage Cemetery. There is mist all around them and, as Paloma and Azra call out to each other, Azra realizes she can no longer speak to her husband. His ghost is no where to be found and she seems to have lost contact with him. Devastated and confused, they find their way to Esen who is distracted by her brother who is standing before her, very much alive. Rather than being a vampire, Esen is once again 'a witch' who appears to have found a way to bring her brother back to life using dark magic. Only her brother didn't want to come back. He's furious at Esen for forcing him to return to the land of the living and even more so for being the one responsible for killing him to begin with.

Help is on the way: We recommend for you to write out two rounds of replies before a fae will enter the nightmare to help instruct you on how to get out. Your fae is Dilan Selvi ( @moonsongchorus ). When Dilan enters the dreamscape, they will be able to tell you that you are, in fact, trapped in a dream. Nothing you are experiencing is real. But, the only way out is to face your fear and overcome your nightmare. Azra will need to accept a reality in which her husband is dead. Esen will need to face the guilt she has for her brother's death and Paloma will need to confront how her humanity makes her feel helpless and how she can't always help her friends. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (more information on this to come - please notify an admin when you have gotten to this stage).

NIGHTMARE #2: WHO LET THE WOLVES OUT

Trigger Warnings: Death tw, Murder tw, Blood tw

Players: Safiye ( @moonglowmagic ) & Shay ( @selcnophile) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Kitty ( @pitymisskitty )

Prompt: Kitty, Shay and Safiye all open their eyes to find themselves standing on the Town Green in the dead of night. Kitty is in her full wolf-form in the center of the grassy knoll surrounded by a number of towns people all dead. Blood stains her fur. Kitty is stuck as a wolf and on the attack, while Shay and Safiye, two werewolves who are also not part of the pack, are left to make a choice. Either they can transform to save themselves or stay a human and die at Kitty's hands.

Help is on the way: We recommend for you to write out two rounds of replies before a fae will enter the nightmare to help instruct you on how to get out. Your fae is Billie Fitz ( @swimmingwiththefitzes ). When Billie enters the dreamscape, they will be able to tell you that you are, in fact, trapped in a dream. Nothing you are experiencing is real. But, the only way out is to face your fear and overcome your nightmare. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (more information on this to come).

NIGHTMARE #3: HAPPY DEATH DAY

Trigger Warnings: Death tw, Murder tw, Blood tw, Violence tw

Players: Frankie (@lunadefresa), Nico (@nicocastillo) & Ben ( @readbentweenthelines ) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Bri ( @cantfightmoonlight )

Prompt: Bri, Frankie, Nico and Ben all open their eyes to find themselves back at the Ren Faire. Only the Ren Faire they find themselves in is a deserted and twisted version of their own imagination. As they wander around the empty fairgrounds, they can't seem to find another person in sight and, yet, as Bri turns on her heels an axe seems to fling through the air, penetrating deep into her back. Rather than being a vampire, Bri quickly realizes that in this nightmare she is all too human. The others rush to Bri's side in an attempt to save her only for Bri to die and the nightmare to reset. Now Bri opens her eyes and spins around to face Nico who has just stabbed her with a lance. Next, Frankie pulls Bri out of the way of the lance only to inadvertently push her down the well. The cycle will repeat again and again Happy Death Day style. Bri is always human. Sometimes, she's being hunted by a mysterious force, sometimes she's dying final destination style. While other times it is Frankie, Nico and Ben who are accidentally killing her. But, one way or another, they have to watch her die repeatedly unable to stop it or save her.

Help is on the way: We recommend for you to write out two rounds of replies before a fae will enter the nightmare to help instruct you on how to get out. Your fae is Rangi Hira ( @faerietothe-otherside ). When Rangi enters the dreamscape, they will be able to tell you that you are, in fact, trapped in a dream. Nothing you are experiencing is real. But, the only way out is to face your fear and overcome your nightmare. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (more information on this to come).

NIGHTMARE #4: THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE

Trigger Warnings: Fire tw, Death tw, Murder tw

Players: Chai( @cantfightmoonlight ) & Reese ( @crescentcrowd ) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Efe ( @firefighterxefe )

Prompt: Efe opens his eyes to find himself standing in front of a burning Magnolia Inn. The firefighter rushes into attempt to save Chai who he can hear calling out to Reese from outside. Chai is trapped in a room in the Inn. Meanwhile located in the lobby is a distraught Reese whose trying to stop the fire having the knowledge that she was the one to start it, but is unable to reverse the damage she's already caused.

Help is on the way: We recommend for you to write out two rounds of replies before a fae will enter the nightmare to help instruct you on how to get out. Your fae is Anna Donnelly ( @moonsongchorus ). When Anna enters the dreamscape, they will be able to tell you that you are, in fact, trapped in a dream. Nothing you are experiencing is real. But, the only way out is to face your fear and overcome your nightmare. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (

more information on this to come).

NIGHTMARE #5: THE GAME SHOW

Trigger Warnings: Death tw, Murder tw

Players: Meena ( @cantfightmoonlight finds herself trapped in a nightmare crafted for Kadir ( @moonsongchorus ) being orchestrated by Theo ( @theodorexmoore )

Prompt: Kadir opens his eyes to find himself standing in an empty Pendulum Playhouse with Theo up on the stage. Behind Theo are two doors with two names engraved on them. One says 'Meena' and the other says 'James'. Theo acting as a Game Show Host will present Kadir with two options- Kadir can choose to save James and regain his mortality. He will be human again and they can live out their days together. Or Kadir can choose to remain a vampire and save Meena. But, if he chooses to save James, Meena will die and vice a versa. The choice is his.

Help is not on the way: With Theo being in this nightmare and being the one to help orchestrate all of the nightmares with Kyle, no fae will be able to enter or help Kadir or Meena. The dream will not end until Kadir makes a choice.

NIGHTMARE #6: THE WITCH HUNT

Players: Nesrim ( @conjvred ), Poppy ( @moonglowmagic ), Alyssa (@moonglowmagic) & Linden ( @linden-reed ) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Briar ( @briarreed )

Prompt: Briar finds herself in the Poison Room having to leave the Coven Headquarters after she is surrounded by angry witches. She, in this dream, is the Supreme instead of Poppy. She won the trials and now has to cope with how she is failing as a leader and everyone in the coven hates her/wants her overthrown. Poppy, Alyssa and Linden rush to Briar's side in an attempt to help the youngest of the family only to realize that no one seems to want Poppy as the Supreme either, being happy that she is no longer their leader. The entire coven has turned on the Reeds wanting to chase them out of town. Meanwhile, Nesrim has once again lost the trials of Supreme. The ancestors refuse to acknowledge her despite everyone in the Coven wanting her as leader instead.

Help is not on the way: Currently all of the fae are preoccupied with other dreams at the moment. You'll have to wait until a fae has managed to free all of the individuals of their assigned nightmare to come and help you. But, in the meantime, you will have the chance to free yourself by coming to terms with your fears. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (more information on this to come).

NIGHTMARE #7: HIGHWAY TO HELL

Trigger Warnings: Car Crash tw, Death tw, Murder tw, Amnesia tw, Suicide tw

Players: Rohan ( @rohanxpersaudx ), Ken ( @kenxmatsui ) & Kotaro ( @xbigxbadxmatsuix ) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Jonah ( @jonahxrivas )

Prompt: Jonah and Rohan decide to get out of town. The pair are in a car together speeding towards the town border. Jonah, despite knowing he'll lose his memories, has decided to leave Lunar Cove with Rohan who promised to live a human life with him, only Rohan isn't ready to give up his magic just yet. As they speed over the town border, a wolf darts out of nowhere and the car ends up spinning off the road, having collided with the wolf in the process. Rohan pulls himself out of the car to find Jonah laying out in the road, barely hanging on. The wolf they hit was Kotaro Matsui, Ken's brother. Ken, witnessing the crash, speeds over. Rohan now has the choice- they can perform dark magic and save either Kotaro or Jonah's life, but in doing so, death will come and claim the life of Ken. Who will Rohan chose to save- his boyfriend, his best friend, or his best friend's brother?

Help is on the way: We recommend for you to write out two rounds of replies before a fae will enter the nightmare to help instruct you on how to get out. Your fae is Leyla Selvi ( @cantfightmoonlight ). When Leyla enters the dreamscape, they will be able to tell you that you are, in fact, trapped in a dream. Nothing you are experiencing is real. But, the only way out is to face your fear and overcome your nightmare. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (more information on this to come).

NIGHTMARE #8: ON THIN ICE

Trigger Warnings: Drowning tw, Death tw, Murder tw, Freezing to Death tw, Violence tw, Blood tw, Loss of Body Autonomy tw

Players: J.C. ( @icexpackxjc ), Mateo ( @moonsongchorusi ) & Julian ( @julianrchandlerx ) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Carmen ( @moonglowmagic )

Prompt: Carmen opens her eyes just as an arrow shoots out of the crossbow she is holding across the lake that J.C. is currently skating on. The arrow tears through J.C.'s ankle bringing him down onto the ice. Mateo and Julian both run out onto the Ice after J.C. in an attempt to help, only when Mateo steps out onto the ice, the ice around him breaks open and Mateo finds himself trapped under the ice in the freezing water. J.C. and Julian now are left to try to save Mateo, only there is a catch. Carmen's body has snapped into hunter mode. She has no control over what she is doing and has no choice but to hunt down J.C. and Julian as they try to rescue Mateo.

Help is not on the way: Currently all of the fae are preoccupied with other dreams at the moment. You'll have to wait until a fae has managed to free all of the individuals of their assigned nightmare to come and help you. But, in the meantime, you will have the chance to free yourself by coming to tears with your fears. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (more information on this to come).

NIGHTMARE #9: POWER OVER ME

Trigger Warnings: Rapid Aging tw, Loosing Teeth tw, Hair loss tw, Death tw

Players: Ralph ( @rxmiddlemasx ), Jasmine (@cantfightmoonlight), Devrim ( @lunadefresa ) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Aaliyah ( @akiss-from-a-rose )

Prompt: Aaliyah opens her eyes as Ralph is siphoning away her vampirism. Aaliyah is now human and is rapidly aging. Her teeth begin to fall out and her outer appearance is quickly beginning to reflect her own age. Meanwhile, Ralph has discovered that Ralph, in the dream, can siphon away not just magic, but people's abilities turning them human with one touch. Ralph proceeds to siphon Jasmine, absorbing her abilities and magic as well. Only, Devrim's life is tied to Jasmine's with magic, so as Ralph begins to siphon Jasmine, Devrim begins to die. The power and dark magic quickly become too much for Ralph to handle. Ralph's own powers begin to go haywire and start to tear him apart from the inside out.

Help is on the way: We recommend for you to write out two rounds of replies before a fae will enter the nightmare to help instruct you on how to get out. Your fae is Bea Ramos ( @crescentcrowd ). When Bea enters the dreamscape, they will be able to tell you that you are, in fact, trapped in a dream. Nothing you are experiencing is real. But, the only way out is to face your fear and overcome your nightmare. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (more information on this to come).

NIGHTMARE #10: YOU'LL NEVER BE SATISFIED

Players: Ronnie ( @itsronniebish) & Caleb (@cantfightmoonlight) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Bexley ( @illputabexonyou ) being orchestrated by Kyle ( @kylexkanex)

Prompt: Bexley and Ronnie wake up to find themselves in a perfect day. They both realize they've been cured and have gotten their humanity back. Everyone in Lunar Cove now loves and adores them. Ronnie is rich and famous, while Bexley is beloved by all and has finally found the family she so desires. Only their dream quickly begins to go south. The cure they've both taken from Caleb over at Micah Labs is beginning to wear off for just the two of them, but no one else in town. Now they are the only 'monsters' in a town filled with humans and everyone is turning on them, with Kyle being the orchestrator of the nightmare and the band leader who turns the rest of the town against them.

Help is not on the way: With Kyle being in this nightmare, no fae will be able to enter or help Bexley, Caleb or Ronnie. The dream will not end until the town has fully turned against them and Bexley and Ronnie have turned against Caleb.

NIGHTMARE #11: FREE FALLING

Trigger Warnings: Death tw, Murder tw, Violence tw, Amnesia tw

Players: Mason (@masonxmahir) & Kari ( @conjvred) find themselves trapped in a nightmare crafted for Priya ( @selcnophile)

Prompt: Priya and Mason are running through the woods. Their feet carry them forwards as they head towards the cliffs overlooking the Cove. They're coming towards a dead end, but there is no turning back. They are currently being hunted by a version of Kari who has no recollection of them. Kari believes she is still a hunter and that Mason and Priya are too dangerous to let live. Priya and Mason come to a speeding halt just as the edge of the cliffs come into sight. But, the bottom of Mason's shoes have lost all of their traction and they slip forwards. Priya grabs onto Mason as they dangle over the side of the cliffs. Now, Priya is left with an impossible choice- she can let go of Mason and save herself or she can save Mason just as Kari's arrow heads straight towards her chest. The choice is hers.

Help is on the way: We recommend for you to write out two rounds of replies before a fae will enter the nightmare to help instruct you on how to get out. Your fae is Kui James ( @thelatekuijames). When Kui enters the dreamscape, they will be able to tell you that you are, in fact, trapped in a dream. Nothing you are experiencing is real. But, the only way out is to face your fear and overcome your nightmare. Some of your characters will not be able to overcome their fears and that is perfectly alright, but if one of you is able to face your fear and get out, you will be able to pull someone else out of the nightmare (more information on this to come).

[ash-and-starlight]

Hello Ash.

I just finished She Who Became the Sun and I’m crying. Dying. Dead. Deceased. Thank you for jumpstarting the ripping out, stepping on, roasting, and eating of my heart that has just transpired.

Aside from the obvious Zhu and Ouyang, what’s your favorite character parallel in the first book?

HIII thank you THANK YOU im so happy the propaganda got you too <33 and HMM much to think about!! I will say that it's been a couple of years (I think?) since I read swbts so the details are fuzzy but one of my fave parallels are between Ouyang and Baoxiang, especially for how strong they become in hwdtw too. They are both seen as lesser and not conforming to the "male" mongol ideal, ouyang because he's a eunuch, wbx because he's not a warrior. They both go against their roles in a very explicit and performative way: ouyang by becoming a war machine and truly embodying the masculinity of a mongol warrior despite his inability to truly ever being considered one bc of his mutilation, wbx by refusing to become a warrior and acting super feminine (genuinely don't remember how much of it is genuine and how much is out of sheer spite but id say at some point the lines got blurred for him too. the guy has Problems.) Something something "femininity" being forced on someone vs being choosen and its Consequences. They hate each other. they're scheming together. they're scheming against each other. they loved Esen. they had to kill him. being gay is a curse. being gay is a game and i am winning. they fucked each other in a parallel reality. and most importantly they're twinks. this does not even begin to cover how insane their dynamic truly is.

[disruptedlogic]

she wishes that she was more curious to find out what this gala was really for. to explore and find out whatever secrets this laboratory was keeping from everyone, but her intentions for being here tonight are good. she wants to have fun with her friends and have a great evening but it’s not looking to turn out that way. hanbin looks like he wants to be here even less than she does right now and that was saying something. all she could do now was make the most of a bad situation. at least the dress she had chosen was a great distraction for hersel. however, the curls she had spent hours were going to lose all their volume if she wouldn’t stop nervously pulling at them.

unsurprisingly the bar started to quickly fill up as they got there. she kept close to him as he ordered their drinks and her gaze fell to the mass of disguised people around her. there was something so unsettling but beauteous when it came to masquerade events. she rolls her eyes with a fond smile while accepting the shot. “i think we’re both equally allowed to be just as upset about tonight. let’s just be thankful there’s an open bar and endless food to help us through it.” she lets out a small laugh before taking the shot with a wince. “shall we do one more before we join in on the festivities?”

coming to this gala was more of a means to satiate his curiosity, and remain suspicious of what was happening beyond the opening of a laboratory dedicated to studying eos. none of this was meant to be fun, perhaps why he didn't care to put in more than the basic level of effort to dress up for this thing. a black mask and the absence of a tie were practically the only changes in his usual appearance.

hanbin needs some form of a drink, the bar the first thing he sees and the first place he plans to spend his first few minutes at. there's a hidden discomfort, his lifelong disdain of eos and what they stood for making his skin crawl having to bear a place like this. shots. plain old liquor to do the trick. "take that. i'm supposed to be the one looking miserable between the two of us," he lets out, sliding a shot glass in front of her before downing his own, the sting of the bitter liquid the only thing keeping him from feeling somewhat comfortable.

[astrarche-x]

i kinda see why Baoxiang was frothing at the mouth with jealousy over Esen bc the amount of times in this book where Ouyang goes ''oh no i'm so unworthy and terrible'' (either for conspiracy reasons or for flirting reasons. or both) and Esen replies ''noo that's so untrue you're the best, most competent person in the world. i believe in you'' is HUGE. now imagine witnessing that for 90% of your life. Baoxiang my guy i get you now

[riotavarez]

"Flattery will get you everywhere." She remarked, looking him up and down, almost sizing him up. He seemed the kind to have an easy smile for everyone. "Pleasure's all mine." She replied. "If it makes you feel better, I'll order some really expensive whiskey." Esen offered with a cheeky smirk. Flicking her eyes down to her brother's watch, she hummed slightly to herself. "Let's get out of here." Picking up her drawing she headed towards the door, expecting Ben to follow her.

"Well, I certainly can't argue with your talent," Ben said. "Though I would never go so far as to call you an ass." He smiled with a level of ease and confidence that came naturally to him these days. "Lovely to meet you, Esen." He considered her words carefully. "That almost doesn't sound fair, I think this is worth far more than a drink. But, I would be fool to turn down a drink for your work and your company. So, it's a deal."

[ash-and-starlight]

i ALSO in fact got she who became the sun for christmas and cannot wait to read it and enjoy your fanart even more... also anon is so understandable abt the kind round faced guy. is he single

wahhgdhdhgs thank youuu i’m so happy to hear this i hope you enjoy it and the horrible blorbos a lot!! lnfaofndbbs well he has. three (?) wives. but i wouldn’t worry about that. he has also a deranged twink who kills anything that moves in a 20 meter radius :/ that might be a problem :/ still would tho

[disruptedlogic]

“just got back,” esen replied, sleepily. it was the first time in a long time she hadn’t needed to use her abilities to take someone down but now she just felt exhausted. esen wasn’t usually the biggest fan of going out alone especially since her abilities usually meant she was better as back up. briefly scanning the room she thought she could find momentary relief in a comfy looking chair and turned her attention to the other lady.

@ cerberus headquarters | Open to all agents

Successful, however, several items of note were missing from the scene.

Amelia rolled her eyes as she dropped the tablet carelessly onto the coffee table. The latest mission report still lit up across the screen. They were implying someone took things, which wouldn't annoy her if it wasn't her that took those things. It was sloppy on her part, she'd be stealing things for nearly five decades and could count the amount of times she had been caught on one hand with three fingers spare.

She let out a soft sigh as she sat on the arm of a chair, only now noticing the other person in the room. It was late so she hadn't exactly expected anyone. Another sloppy move, she needed to be better.

"About to head out on patrol or just got back?" she questioned, look up towards the other person.

[backupexorcist-blog]

     local esen finally leaves his room to go apologise to zuki for trying to murder her.