#for the crown elthian

[ajbrooks-writes]

Character Intro: Elthian

Role: Protagonist WIP: Blood Ties Trilogy (high fantasy, adventure, romance) Appears in: For The Crown (book one), For The King, For The Country WIP Intro for For The Crown - link

Basics:

Age: 29 Nickname/title: El (to close friends), Sir, Your Highness, My Lord, My Prince, Crown Prince Elthian Species: shapeshifter (african lion) Home: Royal (Versillian) Castle, above Cossalier City, West Mantha Profession: Crown Prince, High Chancellor Identifies as: male, straight (he/him) Family: King Parthian, Prince Orrian (half-brother), Queen Lilanna (step-mother) Relationships before trilogy: No known long term relationships. Relationships during For The Crown: Ryvaeryn (love interest and confidant), Joal (best friend), Orrian (brother), Parthian (father), Kalen (friend) Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Excerpt from an early scene:

The darkness was cool. Soft, lazy clouds floated past a half moon over the trees, swallowing the rest of the cares of my human life; those I had left behind, and those yet to face me.

I waited by the maze entrance, though Joal had gone south for a moment, and sensed my friend before he returned through the trees.

‘Ready?’ his voice appeared in my mind as clearly as if he had stood beside me. A pair of bright eyes appeared in the underbrush, the rest of him melding with the blackness. Communicating through thought made our adventures much easier, and our conversations private.

‘To give you an advantage?’ I responded. ‘Of course.’ The cloud passed, and a large, dark wolf stopped in front of me, turning to the east. Our domain.

‘Confidence will always be your downfall, El.’ After the day I’d had, Joal’s words hit like a punch in the stomach, and I took a moment to recompose.

‘I suppose we will see who is right.’ I extended my claws into the earth and arched my back, turning to our path as well. ‘Whenever you’re—’

Joal launched himself into the underbrush, cutting through tight spaces he knew I wouldn’t fit.

‘Ready,’ he called back.

‘Good luck.’ I shook my head, waited a few moments, then crouched low and sprung after him, following his trail once he found the one I could run along.

‘You’ll need it.’  He sped up after his words, but I extended my lion’s stride and quickly fell in step with him.

Entrance:

Elthian enters the story at Cossalier’s marina, interrupted by the commotion of a young woman being pulled by city guards toward a navy ship to be deported, which he intervenes to prevent. Having grown up with the expectations of the crown, and the same compassionate temperament as his late mother, he wants more than anything to do right by his people. This on-the-ground approach directly conflicts with his father’s authoritarian rule. Elthian refuses to compromise his ideals, and that stubbornness won’t always be forgiven.

Journey:

After a decade of pushing boundaries with his father, overruling the guards again is the last straw for Elthian, and the King gives him an ultimatum. The certainty of his inheriting the crown is removed, he must choose between compromising his values for the throne, or compromise his authority for his values. With no younger siblings or cousins, Elthian has no knowledge where the crown will go, or what that will mean for the country he has pledged to serve.

Relationships:

At first comfortable in his environment, the first installment sees Elthian’s relationships with family and friends change. His connection with Ryvaeryn starts as curiosity, developing into friendship, then so much more. He remains close to his best friend, Joal, and older brother, Orrian. His admiration of his father, however, immediately struggles as Parthian reduces his authority and threatens his future.

As his relationship with Ryn strengthens, the rest of Elthian’s support network begins to crumble. Secrets are discovered that open old wounds, straining his relationships with everyone he trusted most. His pursuit of further understanding risks the antagonists’ being revealed, but as the belief he is safe in his own home is challenged, he doesn’t stand alone.

Writing Elthian:

Elthian is true to his upbringing. He has control over his body language, and verbal and facial expression, but his internal monologue has some delightfully sarcastic undertones. El doesn’t get angry but does get dramatic with those he trusts. He keeps to himself what would be better confided, convinces himself the ‘correct’ thing is actually what he wants to do, and loses himself to long reflections. Writing him is like writing an approaching storm. I will pile on pressure and torment till he breaks, and we will see the man he is under that decorum.

--

Links to: Character intro - Ryvaeryn Character Intro - Joal

(Taglist below the cut)

Blood Ties tag list:  @whisperswritings @stand-inthe-rain @fantasy-shadows @halrose @romanticatheart-posts @hopefulmoonobject @angelolytle @albarnesauthor @fantasy-penman @ofinscriptions @jynecca @jc-shay @venomouspen @k-nazario @raenawrites @the-starlight-chills @crazycoffeemermaid @ardawyn @bookish-actor @waterfallofinkandpages @the-writister @thewriteblrarchives @kryskakikomi @theredscreech @ardawyn @jcckwrites @kryskakikomi @hiding-between-words @thewordsinthesky-andstars @mc-hill @the-orangeauthor​

(If you would like to be added to or removed from this list, please let me know!)

[ownworldresident]

Having fun on Illustrator. This is dedicated to my MCs Elthian and Ryvaeryn, equipped with a quote direct from two chapters I haven’t rewritten yet. I love these guys!

“I Promise.”

Tagging some people: @dc-writes @angelolytle @tawny-lion-writing@annieslibrary @b-works-074 @bookenders @caz-writes @imaghostwriter@leicawri @collapsedkaleidoscope @katonahottinroof @pen-in-hand@srjacksin @minusfractions @candy687 @1-2-butter-my-shoe@quilloftheclouds @mvcreates @marlettwrites discord buds xxx

@hopefulmoonobject @mfackenthal @romanticatheart-posts @umccall71@speedyoperarascalparty @leelee10898 @riseandshinelittleblossom @blackcoffee85

[ownworldresident]

It's like... I created a character I love... but I know I'm not enough for him...

(That isn't a self esteem thing I just mean we're too similar, which is amusing, we wouldn't compliment each other like he and Ryn do)

y'all ever be in love with your own OCs

[auburnlaughter]

The Tale of Elthian

There was a man, a gallant man

Who from the mountains came,

A strong man and a handsome one

And Elthian was his name.

Upon his brow the sun did shine

And cloudless were his eyes,

For one could see in their clear depths

The color of the skies.

He came with sword and banner bright

And bore with him a shield.

Upon it was a dancing moon

And spear that he would wield.

He came down to the palace

And went to meet the king.

Bold Elthian, he bowed so low

And kissed the royal ring.

“Good sire,” said he, in ringing tones.

“I’ve heard much of your home

And if you’ll grant me leave to stay

I’ll choose it for my own.”

A feast was held to welcome him

And all was warm and bright.

Then as the moon began to rise

Stepped a maid into the night.

Her skin was pale, her eyes were green,

Her hair a raven’s black

And as she stared at Elthian

He could not but stare back.

Earnest Carla, fair and true,

Whose family it is told

Had for a shield and banner bright

A laughing sun of gold.

So laughing sun met dancing moon,

But who’s to say was who

And as the music played that night

They made a pledge those two.

As day would pass and night would go

They would stand side by side

For the sun and moon, united were

By love that never died.

A month, no more, he courted her,

Til her father gave her hand,

And trumpets called the nobles all

To at their wedding stand.

He in silks of dawn-touched sky

And she in lace of night,

Before the union of the shields--

A most astounding sight.

Vows were said, the promise sealed,

They each gave ring for ring

And hardly in one year’s bright time

A son was born to sing.

Carnelian, whose skin was tan

With hair a chestnut brown

And who twas said by prophesiers

Was born to bear a crown.

For four long years they dwelled in peace

In moon’s dark or in day

Until the black-heart Zakheral

Stole their precious son away.

No more was seen Carnelian

No more was heard his song

And soon the land was gripped by war

As right was turned to wrong.

The king rode out to meet this foe

With a thousand score of men,

But only he and eighty more

Rode through the gates again.

Cried Zakheral, the dark-born one

“You’ll fall and you will die.

I’ll take this land all for my own.”

It made the free to cry.

That they might be the vassals of

A man so cruel and cold

Struck terror in the hearts of all

From fearful ones to bold.

Then cried the king “Oh Elthian,

Come join us in our fight.

I fear without your aid and strength

We’ll fall to his dark might.”

So Elthian took up the arms

Of his proud houses twain.

And Carla felt strange sorrow

That they’d not meet again.

“Oh if you don’t return to me,

If I see you nevermore,

Then alone shall I be parted from

All those whom I adore.”

Her husband spoke with soothing words

And dried away her tears.

Reminded her of all they’d shared,

Brought calm where there were fears.

“Oh if I don’t return to you

I know you’ll grieve full sore,

But, beloved, please have faith that I

Will return to you once more.”

And so they shared a final kiss,

A final swift embrace,

And as her husband rode to war

Tears poured down Carla’s face.

So warrior bold joined tired king

And they rode away once more

To battle deadly Zakheral;

To put an end to war.

The day was new, the grass was green,

When they came upon his keep.

The sadness that was in the air

Would have made cold stone to weep.

Cried Elthian to Zakheral

“Come out and meet your fate.”

But Zakheral just sneered at him

“You’ve come to me too late.”

Them commenced a battle fierce

For all the world to see

And fighting ill for Zakheral

Were men as cruel as he.

They fought for neither light nor land,

But only for their greed

And so they fell to honest swords,

No more to evil seed.

Then out rode deadly Zakheral,

Rode out to face his foe,

And with one mighty, sword-struck blow

He laid the good king low.

Then Elthian a great cry voiced

And charged to help the king

And as bright spear struck cursed sword,

The hills with sound did ring.

They fought and fought across the field

Until they both bled pale.

Then Elthian, he struck the blow

To end the cruel man’s tale,

But Elthian was wounded sore,

And now had time to rue

That he’d not see his love again,

For blood it did flow true.

The king with weary steps arose

And went to his warrior’s side,

But by the time he reached him

Noble Elthian had died.

The news was born to Carla

Who knew it in her heart,

And cried out to the blood-stained world

That had torn their love apart.

“Nevermore to see the sun,

Nor golden ray of sky,

Nor hear the birds so sweetly sing;

On the battlefield you lie.

Brave Elthian, my favored one,

You fought just as you must,

And fell for country, lord, and love

To lie here in the dust.

Let all to grieve your parting sore,

Join sorrows hand in hand,

That all the world may know by this

A light has left the land.

Time will come and time will go

And you’ll wait in your grave

Until another brave shall come

And your land they will save.”

Then Carla’s face grew pale and wan,

And by his side she lay.

Before the sun had set that night,

Her life had ebbed away.

They buried them together

In a tomb of marble bright

And all the noble mourners

Cried long into the night.

No more was seen bold Elthian,

Nor Carla, nor their son.

But none forgot the bitter grief

Of what Zakheral had done.

Some wander in the mountains

And seek the home of he

That proved to be a warrior bold

And to their freedom key.

But ne’er his home was seen or found

No trace of hearth or town

And so the tale of Elthian

Through time is handed down.

Oh ne’er forget the gallant man

Who from the mountains came,

A strong man and a handsome one,

For Elthian was his name.

[ajbrooks-writes]

which character’s name do you like the most?

This question is from this writer ask game :)

This is rough because I love all my characters and the names I lovingly sculpted for them.

If I absolutely must choose one it will be very first name to be confirmed in For The Crown, my main man:

Elthian

His name is as steadfast and soft as he is. It feels good to say and looks great in print. Can be shortened to El with his friends.

My other main character, who took weeks to name, is my close second favourite, my leading lady:

Ryvaeryn

People pronounce it differently, I pronounce almost as riv/air/rin. I wanted her to have a long name, but it can be shortened to Ryn among friends.

Thanks for the ask! Xx

[ajbrooks-writes]

WIP Re-Intro: For The Crown

Book One of the Blood Ties trilogy

Heyo! Exactly what it says on the tin. A new and improved For The Crown with special edition features and up-to-date info! Also now with an official trilogy title: Blood Ties. Incredibly accurate.

Book One: For The Crown

Two young shapeshifters uncover generations of blood crimes as they attempt to change their own destiny. Masquerading amidst power plays and fickle allys, the prince and the pretender learn the meaning of family in a tale of love, loss, and the cost of challenging the stars.

Elthian and Ryvaeryn are from very different worlds, tied together by a bloody past. They are each given a single chance to attain their goals, but to do so must navigate a court full of lies, a country full of secrets, and a foe determined to keep both in the past.

Basics

Stage: Complete Structural Overhaul Review

Estimated Length: 135k

Genre: New Adult high fantasy

Themes: found family, adventure, self-discovery, romance, challenging status quo, challenging destiny.

More info

Orphaned as an infant and raised by humans on the continent, Ryn has never known another shapeshifter. A bookbinder by trade, she masquerades as a scholar and runs to the island country of Mantha, where she meets our team, and her resolve is tested when she is discovered and has a choice: go home to safety or join the court and risk it all.

Growing up in the castle with his father, brother and best friend, Elthian has known he would be king since he was a child. A planner by passion, Elthian’s progressive ideas clash with his father’s traditional values, placing them increasingly at odds. When his father threatens to change his successor, Elthian must choose between sacrificing the crown for his values and work, or sacrificing his values for the crown and power.

Ryvaeryn and Elthian’s journeys intertwine as they work towards their goals. Among the trials of their individual paths, they realise their growing friendship might be more than that. Now they must weigh their loyalties and, when discovered, understand that one false step could tear them apart forever.

Read on to learn about some of the characters and the next two books! Also cool graphics.

Welcome to part two!

Characters

Protagonist. Age 29, lion shapeshifter. Idealistic, compassionate, creative, naive. Elthian has a rocky past, but has landed on his feet with a father he idolises, an older half-brother he loves unconditionally, and a best friend he could not do without. His brother’s protection has left him naive to their father’s nature, but kept him from losing that idealism and compassion their father is so blatantly missing. Elthian’s biggest struggle is his own self-doubt, but his brother’s line “There are some things in this world you just can’t change.” kickstarts his determination to do exactly that. I love my son, but not make it easy.

Protagonist. Age 26, tiger shapeshifter. Impulsive, defensive, determined, kind. Safe in seclusion with her long term girlfriend, Ryn gives it up to journey to Mantha and find others like her. She is quick to defend herself and slow to reason, and so desperately wants to know who she is and where she came from that she will risk everything to find answers. This is made difficult when she becomes to target of assassination. See her right eye pictures above? That may or may not emerge intact . I love her, and I forge her fortitude in fire.

Secondary. Age 30, wolf shapeshifter. Quiet, perceptive, loyal. Joal spent half his childhood as a crown ward, becoming Elthian’s best and most loyal friend. His official role is Royal Historian and Heritage Law Consultant, and he lives at the castle. He is the first to realise Ryn isn’t a scholar. Joal isn’t ‘in touch’ with his emotions, which quickly creates a rift between him and Ryn. Joal has the largest role in Blood Ties after Ryn and Elthian.

Secondary. Age 32, human. Optimistic, intuitive, honourable. Kalen is the ultimate best friend. He is a great hugger, great listener, and gentle soul. He left the army  to pursue music, specifically the flute. Kalen is aro-ace, and his and Skye’s QPR is the most precious and pure dynamic I have ever seen. He becomes close friends with Ryn, we call him K, and I would die for him.

Tertiary. Age 35, lion shapeshifter. Discerning, protective, adventurous. Orrian paints himself as rebellious and unreliable, allowing him to pursue his interests in peace, and as a bonus giving his father frequent headaches. Orrian runs a shelter for homeless or orphaned boys and young men, mostly shapeshifters, and basically has a dozen adopted sons. He is also investigating his father, whom he loathes. Orrian has a much larger role in the next two books.

Tertiary. Age 21, crane shapeshifter. Shy, observant, attentive. Skye is very close with Kalen, and Ryn first meets her in a courtyard where Skye is playing violin. She struggles with anxiety and  PTSD, and attempts to create a support network in this book, which unfortunately backfires. Skye’s role will change a lot over the trilogy as she develops and grows and discovers her strength.

Tertiary. Age 24. human. Sarcastic, charming, realist. Corri meets Ryn early in town, and they become friends quickly. She loves to have a good time, and encourages Ryn to do the same. If the cellars are stocked, right? Corri has a brief, secret fling with Joal in this book. She also frequently makes time to spend with the children at the castle - much better company than nobles.

Tertiary. Age 64, lion shapeshifter. Assertive, determined, commanding. Parthian rules with iron, currently with his third wife. He pushed Orrian to abdicate, and has spent the last decades grooming Elthian to be a more worthy successor. Parthian is struggling under the weight of (subjectively) poor past choices. His sons take more from him than they’d like.

Side. Age 34, human. Calming, authentic, passionate. Lowe and Ryn were together for three years, and lived together for most of that. She knows Ryn’s aspirations, fears and hopes and supports her move to Mantha. Lowe will have a larger role in the next two books, but will crop up a few times in this one, too.

Side. Age 9, shapeshifter. Shy, curious, adventurous. Pab is an orphan, and has lived at the castle her entire life. She is friends with Corri, and becomes a loyal friend of Ryn’s after a vandalism mishap. Pab will climb literally anything. She scales two storeys of old stone to break into Ryn’s room. Ryn and Pab’s bond strengthens over the trilogy, and we learn more about her family later on.

--

The World:

For The Crown takes place primarily in Mantha, an island country about the size of France. It has several smaller ilsands scattered around it., and across a strait is a mainland spanning an area close to that of Russia, which is where Ryn is from. Skye and Joal are from the North and South islands around Mantha respectively..During this book, the court travels around the country to various estates, under the guise of a ‘royal tour’, in which Parthian speaks to the leaders and the people and try to assure them that the monarchy has their best interest’s at heart. It gives Elthian the opportunity to find the progressive among them, and Ryn the opprtunity to explore different libraries and estates, including a ruined city, searching for answers.

Mantha is a feudal society originally settled by shapeshifters, which Parthian encourages, because they are easier to control. The continent, all humans, is meanwhile approaching an early industrial age; they have a direct democracy, with all the people having a voice. Mantha works with alchemy, whereas the continent works with technology. They have minimal overlap, but for trade and transport, things like air travel crosses their cultures.

This means I can have steampunk airships flying over my feudal farmland. The dream.

If you would like to know anything else about their culture, feel free to shoot an ask my way!

Rest of the trilogy:

For The King

After the bittersweet end to For The Crown, Ryn and Elthian try to recover the trust of the Manthan people as Elthian begins a shaky rule. But when the new king is kidnapped, it’s up to Ryn, Orrian, Kalen and Joal to race across the continent to save him, finding help from old friends along the way. Meanwhile, in a deep underground prison, Elthian meets new allies and foes as his captors attempt to break him, and he plans a daring escape or three. For The King is significantly darker, and ready to be drafted. You can read this wip intro here.

For The Country

Following a narrow escape, Ryn, Elthian, their new allies and remaining friends journey back to Mantha only to discover it has been overrun! With Elthian’s confidence shattered and Ryn struggling to stay afloat, For The Country has them and their team racing to rally their people against an approaching enemy while they battle fire, uprising, discord and disease. In the conclusion of this epic fantasy, everyone comes together for the battle that will decide Mantha’s future.

Final comments:

Can’t believe I managed, finally, to finish this intro.

I’m going to try and participate more in wip and OC related things, and post more about my story when life allows. I hope you enjoyed it, congrats on getting to the end, and have a great day!

--

For The Crown tag list:

 @trigwrites @jessicacaseyauthor @mfackenthal @mushwrites @b-works-074  @gardeningourmet @apocalyvse @jcckwrites @writingisdivinetorture  @purpleshadows1989 @thatwritergirlsblog @betwixtofficial @pen-in-hand @whynotwriting @bookish-actor @sunlight-and-starskies @jcckwrites @half-explored @watermelons-writings @purpleshadows1989 @crazycoffeemermaid​ @summerflowers

Blood Ties taglist:

@whisperswritings @stand-inthe-rain @fantasy-shadows @halrose @romanticatheart-posts @hopefulmoonobject @angelolytle @albarnesauthor @fantasy-penman @ofinscriptions @jynecca @venomouspen @k-nazario​ @raenawrites @s-n-o-w-p-i-e-r-c-e-r​ @the-starlight-chills​ @crazycoffeemermaid​ @ardawyn​ @bookish-actor​ @waterfallofinkandpages​ @the-writister​ @thewriteblrarchives​

(if you would like to be added or removed from the Blood Ties tag list, please let me know. Also if I’ve missed anyone I’m really sorry, could you let me know please thank youx)

[ajbrooks-writes]

There aren't too many romantic relationships in my cast but I will ship my MCs Elthian and Ryvaeryn aka ElRyn :) they are a complicated pair, but at their cores just crave that connection that neither experienced as a child. Once they get over themselves they'll be inseparable!

My other, lesser known favourite ship is Orrian and the healer who saves his life. Contrary to Orrian's 'playboy' exterior he really is a lost boy in need of genuine care and someone to tell him that he's good enough. They don't get together until the end of the trilogy, only meeting a few times, but she sees something in him, she grounds him. Their romance is not even a subplot but it's so precious.

What’s your favorite ship among your characters? Who are they?

[ajbrooks-writes]

Blood Ties MCs: Songs

For anyone seeking clarification...

My son

My daughter

At their core in For The Crown.

Full WIP playlist:

Blood Ties taglist: @stand-inthe-rain @romanticatheart-posts @fantasy-shadows @albarnesauthor @fantasy-penman @ofinscriptions @jynecca @jc-shay @venomouspen @k-nazario @the-starlight-chills ​ @crazycoffeemermaid ​ @ardawyn ​ @bookish-actor ​ @waterfallofinkandpages ​ @the-writister @kryskakikomi @theredscreech @ardawyn @jcckwrites  @kryskakikomi @brookswriting @merielxwritings

(as always, if you would like to be added or removed please let me know!)

[ajbrooks-writes]

Time for some character stuff...

My son flirting:

Elthian: hey sorry I'm early...

Ryn: ?? We didn't agree to meet?

Elthian: I brought you food.

Ryn: That's uh... nice.

Elthian: sorry for being so emotional last night.

Ryn: I actually didn't notice tbh.

My daughter flirting:

Ryn: hi! It's after midnight, I'm kinda drunk, drenched, disheveled, and knocking on the wall next to your door room door thing.

Elthian: what are you... what? *helps her inside*

Ryn: *sobering* I saw you almost kiss someone else. That's not really okay. You belong to me.

Elthian: We haven't had this discussion...

Ryn: I know. I had it with myself. Can I kiss you now?

As you can see, they are both experts.

[ajbrooks-writes]

Last night I had a dream about how much my MCs love each other. I have the biggest warm fuzzies.

[ownworldresident]

@pen-in-hand This is incredible! Thank you! My beautiful shapeshifter MCs brought to life. I am so excited to put more up.

This is an excerpt near the start of the book, Elthian and Ryvaeryn's first dance.

If anyone would like to be added to the tag list for For The Crown, please let me know!

For the Crown

by @ajbrooks-writes​

Ryvaeryn look around briefly at the reception before taking my hand.

“I would love to.” she said, and I smiled, admiring the cuts and holds of her gown as I led her towards the dance floor.

“I am glad that you didn’t hesitate.” I took up a starting position, and guided her to stand in front of me. The hand that rested on her waist was hot, and I breathed in deeply to centre myself again. She smelt so good, too, and even with her eyes dulled they were mesmerizing.

“What do you mean?” Ryvaeryn frowned at me, and looking at her seemed to dull the entire room around us.

“I mean before you realised that you haven’t danced this before.” I glanced up at the musicians, and as Ryvaeryn followed my gaze they started up again. This was one of my favourite dances, and I was teasing a little because it was also the one that Kalen had played on the airship. It sounded different with a five piece group.

“Is that so,” she lifted an eyebrow at me and gripped my shoulder a little tighter, “I think you need to worry less about me. I’ll be alright.” a wide smile crossed her lips and I realised she must have recognised the rune. Ryvaeryn wasn’t much shorter than I was, which was different to most women I had danced with before, and the change was excellent.

“Oh, I never underestimate you, tigress.” I winked at her and she stifled a laugh as I led with a step forward and she followed. Back, forward, back, side… I lifted my hand and she spun under them, all while keeping a good eye on our surroundsings, making sure that we were not going to be too close to anything, so that Ryvaeryn could make the most of this. I caught my father’s eye as we danced.

Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t pleased.

template by me, requests open.

[ajbrooks-writes]

I want a slow burn but my OCs are literally animals and won't fucking listen to me.

[ajbrooks-writes]

Character Intro: Ryvaeryn

Role: Protagonist WIP: Blood Ties Trilogy (high fantasy, adventure, romance) Appears in: For The Crown (book one), For The King, For The Country WIP Intro for For The Crown - link

Basics:

Age: 26 Nickname/alias: Ryn, ‘Lady Ryvaeryn’ Species: shapeshifter (bengal tiger) Home: Fiska’s Crossing, southern Terrana. (population 57) Profession: bookbinder (apprentice), masquerades at court as Lady Ryvaeryn of Merrana (a fictional estate) Identifies as: female, bisexual (she/her) Family: none known Relationships before trilogy: Lowe, long term girlfriend Relationships during For The Crown: Elthian (love interest and confidant), Kalen (best friend), Corri (close friend), Skye (friend), Pab (mentee) Alignment: Chaotic Good

Excerpt from opening scene:

The ship jolted and I stumbled back, barely gripping the port window frame in time. My throat tightened. Sure crashes were few and far between, but there were precedents. I had more important things to discover than how loudly I could scream.

“First time?” The man asked, unaffected by the sudden movement. I nodded. Casting a wary glance out the window again, I watched the city slide out of sight, replaced by an endless oceanic horizon as the airship began to angle toward the base.

“Don’t worry,” he flashed a smile, “they’ll help you prepare for landing, and the guards at the base are very friendly to newcomers.”

I stiffened, swallowing hard. With my best attempt at casual interest, I asked, “are there a lot of guards at the base?”

He turned his head to me and his eyes flashed gold. I blinked, was that the rising light outside? I pulled back my mind regardless, my best impression of someone who could guard their thoughts.

“Several, but they’ll mostly be checking the supplies coming through,” he gestured to the piles of assorted goods, “so you won’t have any trouble once you get to your seat.”

“Oh.” I bit my lip, then remembered my plan and cleared my throat. “Thanks for the warning.”

“Of course.”

Silence fell between us, and I felt the slow descent shudder up my legs and churn my stomach. I clutched at it. That sensation was not natural, and I’d rather climb every tree in my forest before feeling this again.

Entrance:

Ryn enters the story in an airship cargo hold, after stowing away there in order to reach Mantha, the main setting, where she can discover more about her family. Having lost both parents at ago one, and raised by her human grandparents until their deaths when she was 15, she doesn’t know where her family is from, but has recently discovered a book that indicates there may be answers in Mantha’s library. She has come with a half-baked plan and a burning determination to find answers.

Journey:

When she is denied access to the Cossalier City Library on grounds she is not Manthan, she looks for other ways in. She breaks into the castle library, then the city library, being caught both times, and finally is given the choice to pretend to be a noble and join the court, or go home. With assistance from a new friend, she manages the former, and when the court takes off on a tour of Mantha, she joins them, knowing that any mis-step will mean her ejection from the country, or worse.

Relationships:

Over the first installment, Ryn meets the fixtures at the court. She forms a companionable relationship with Elthian, each finding the other’s company refreshing, and this slowly transitions into more than friendship. She also becomes close to Kalen, Skye, and Corri, and develops a strong distrust of Joal, Elthian’s best friend.

The more she becomes embedded in the court, the more she becomes a suspect to the antagonist. Her identity, relationship with Elthian, and the lies that got her there make her a target, and in addition to discovering her identity, she must dodge their attempts to end her, and control her own deep seated rage, borne of generations of injustice to her family.

Writing Ryvaeryn:

I knew writing Ryn would be fun, but I didn’t think it would be this fun. She is funny, naturally kind, easily distracted, wonderfully impulsive and embodies chaos. She acts on half-baked plans often, is defiant, determined, and reckless confident enough to throw herself into a situation she knows nothing about. Ryn is a reasonably good liar, and her sheer will makes her a force to be reckoned with.

--

Links to: Character Intro - Elthian (MC) Character Intro - Joal

(Taglist below the cut)

Blood Ties tag list:  @whisperswritings @stand-inthe-rain @fantasy-shadows @halrose @romanticatheart-posts @hopefulmoonobject @angelolytle @albarnesauthor @fantasy-penman @ofinscriptions @jynecca @jc-shay @venomouspen @k-nazario @raenawrites @the-starlight-chills @crazycoffeemermaid @ardawyn @bookish-actor @waterfallofinkandpages @the-writister @thewriteblrarchives @kryskakikomi @theredscreech @ardawyn @jcckwrites @kryskakikomi​ @hiding-between-words @thewordsinthesky-andstars

(If you would like to be added to or removed from this list, please let me know!)

[ajbrooks-writes]

Character Intro: Joal

Role: Secondary - not a POV character

WIP: Blood Ties Trilogy (high fantasy, adventure, romance)

WIP Intro for For The Crown - link 

Basics:

Age: 30 Nickname/title: N/A Species: shapeshifter (dire wolf) Home: Versillian (Royal) Castle, above Cossalier City, West Mantha Profession: Royal Historian and Heritage Law Consultant Identifies as: male, straight (he/him) Family: Joany (twin sister, does not appear) Relationships before trilogy: previous long term relationship, alluded to. Relationships during For The Crown: Elthian (best friend), Orrian (friend), Ryn (begins as friend but is shunned by)

Excerpt from Chapter Five:

“Didn’t expect to see you back.” A too-familiar voice travelled from the back of the library and I froze. But I wasn’t sneaking in, my clothes reminded me, and I turned to the man I had seen several nights easier. Kind of lanky, minimal formality in his clothes, and a mess of dark hair above deep set eyes. The ‘haunted’ expression Corri had described wasn’t entirely exaggerated.

“Guess you were wrong there.” The words rolled a lot easier than I expected. He glanced at my outfit.

“Came through the front door this time?”

“I did.”

“Nice disguise.” He raised a dark eyebrow.

“I… It’s not a disguise…” I stammered. He lifted his hands.

“Relax, I’m not going to tell anyone. They’re so gods damn protective of this place.” He glanced around the silent room, then levelled his gaze on me again. “I’m impressed.”

“You said this was your library.” His mention of ‘them’ seemed out of place, as did the relaxed attire. He shrugged.

“In a way. Not many take advantage of the beauty of it.” He sighed, stepping a little closer and extending an arm. “I’m Joal.”

I held out my arm hesitantly, cool relief flowing through me when he gripped my forearm. He released me and hooked his thumbs in his belt again.

“I thought you were going to kiss my hand.” I smiled.

“Ha. Nobles like to do that. I’m a historian, I work here, no title elsewise.”

Entrance:

Joal enters the story first when he comes to Elthian’s room to drag him out for a run. He and El are each other’s oldest friends, and Joal is insistent that Elthian, like himself, doesn’t burn out. After a very difficult childhood, Joal and his sister came to the castle at age 12 as crown wards. Joany left as soon as she could, but Joal remained, trained, and is now employed there.

Journey:

After a lifetime of misfortune, Joal values the bonds he does have, and remains innately generous. He cares deeply for those he loves, and the secrets he must keep oppress him greatly. Carefree personalities (such as Kalen) irritate him because never in his life has he had that. His challenge now is to resist his demons, and the descent into antagonism they threaten.

Relationships:

Joal’s closest relationship is with Elthian, who knows more about his past than anyone, but he also enjoys time with Orrian. During the book he enjoys a short fling with Corri as a distraction, and has some respect for Skye, though he avoids Kalen. He strives to remain above water as his world begins to collapse again.

He enters as Elthian’s friend, but he also forms a tenuous friendship with Ryn, keeping her secret and helping her navigate the library. This friendship quickly crumbles as Ryn forms a distrust of him. Elthian becomes too distracted for time together, and Joal discovers and keeps more secrets of his own. Aside from El and Ryn, Joal has the largest impact on the plot over For The Crown.

Writing Joal:

Though not a POV character, Joal interacts with both Elthian and Ryn, often in completely different contexts. It is amazing to see how differently he acts with different people. Whereas he is guarded around Ryn, seeing her as an equal, he is open and honest with Elthian. And when those interactions overlap, or there are others present, he is different still. Joal is funny, loyal, enjoys trash talk banter and calls out bullshit. I love him.

--

Links to: Character Intro - Elthian (MC) Character Intro - Ryvaeryn (MC)

(Taglist below the cut)

Blood Ties tag list:  @whisperswritings @stand-inthe-rain​ @fantasy-shadows @halrose @romanticatheart-posts @angelolytle @albarnesauthor @fantasy-penman @ofinscriptions @jynecca @jc-shay @venomouspen @k-nazario @the-starlight-chills @crazycoffeemermaid @ardawyn @bookish-actor @waterfallofinkandpages @the-writister @thewriteblrarchives @theredscreech @ardawyn @jcckwrites @kryskakikomi @hiding-between-words @thewordsinthesky-andstars

(If you would like to be added to or removed from this list, please let me know!)

[ownworldresident]

*melts* omgosh thank you so much!! And Elthian is I reckon my favourite character (not that I have favourites I love them all!)

All hail the Crown Prince

For @ownworldresident for her Character Elthian. Enjoy! 😊

It was extremely fun to pull off, so thanks for requesting! And I oh my goodness, He sounds so amazing. Your work in general is amazing. (Go follow her!)

.

((This is unrelated to the Competition!))

[ajbrooks-writes]

Find the Word

I was tagged by the wonderful @letswritestories101 to find the words: Fall, Dance, Run, Light - which I’ll be doing for my main wip For The Crown.

Fall

Eventually I found my way back to Joal and a break from the crowd. As glamorous as the balls might seem, they were difficult to enjoy when everyone wanted your time. I reached for a glass of wine on the way.

“You look ready to fall asleep.” Joal murmured to the crowd before turning to me. “Bit early for that, isn’t it?”

“Funny.” I sighed, then turned to watch the proceedings, part of me searching for that lilac dress. “She seems to have left.”

“It would appear so.” Joal smirked. “Why, did you ask her to dance?”

“I did.” I kept my eyes on the ballroom, though saw my friend out the corner of my eye, watching me as he sipped his drink. He didn’t respond, but I saw his subtle smile. After a few minutes I cleared my throat and added, “it was the polite thing to do.”

Dance

My turn to look confused. Again. Elthian cocked his head as if seeing me for the first time. He seemed to debate his words and I was happy to let him, tuning into the buoyant music of a new melody and not as awkward as I thought I would be. Perhaps it was the alcohol.

“Prince Elthian,” called yet another voice. We turned together to see an older man approaching, finery decidedly less fancy, with determination in his moustache. The man bowed to Elthian, who inclined his head with a smile, then looked at me again.

“I have a few people to speak with, so I must leave you.” He bowed, and I tried to think whether I was meant to bow back or not. Before he turned away, he asked, “would you save me the next dance?”

Run

Orrian nodded as I spoke, then sipped his drink before giving an answer. “If that’s what you truly want, then I’m not standing in your way. But considering you came to speak to me I’d say you know that’s bullshit just as much as I do.”

As that dropped heavy on my shoulders, I realised how easily I had been accepting this. Or how much it hadn’t hit me. I lifted my barely touched glass, then set it down again.

“Maybe,” I said quietly, swilling my drink. “Maybe I should have considered this more before I came here.”

My brother snorted. “And resolved to run away? I’m glad you came.” He leant forward and clapped a hand on my shoulder, his voice growing more serious as he held my full attention. “You’ll pull through, El. It’s what you do. And no matter what you decide, I’ll support you. Understood?”

Light

Corri opened her eyes slowly, a smile spreading across her face. “There are always ways to get what you want, Ryvaeryn,” she said with a wink, “but honestly the City Library’s collection is a bit lacking. The king hoards the good stuff at the royal castle.”

The castle. “Is… their library open to the public?”

“Ha!” she snorted, turning away and waving a hand to get the barkeeper’s attention. “Barkeep!” she called, “another round for me and my new friend, and a spit meal each on top.”

I stared at her, cheeks a little flushed though I wasn’t sure if that was the ale, and she seemed to pre-emp my question.

“That one’s on me, you’re too interesting to let go just yet.” The light glinted against her glasses as she turned back, shining above a white smile.

Thanks again for tagging me! I’ll be tagging

@theredscreech @hiding-between-words @the-orangeauthor @mc-hill @charleewritesabook @nonbinarywritxer @keen2meecha @leave-her-a-tome @childrenoflight-darkness-nothing

With the words: weapon, slow, great, hold