#probably rambled more than I needed to with this but oh well 😂

[haenglixie]

Pass the happy! 💌 When you get this, reply with 5 things that make you happy and send this to 10 more people! 🥰🥰🥰

Hiiiii Sun my darling angel 🥰🥰🥰🥰 thank you for thinking of me I appreciate u I love you 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Okay five things that make me happy:

1. Music! And more specifically and recently, kpop. It’s definitely filled a void I didn’t know I had in my life and I’m discovering so many new groups/artists all the time and it’s just so fun and it does make me so so happy 🥰

2. Reading! 💕 I’ve been so much better at reading more books the last few years and I’ve discovered a few great authors too 🥰 and they’re always so good at helping me escape reality and that’s definitely essential rn.

3. TV shows! These are always guaranteed to bring me happiness especially all my comfort shows. I’ve also currently gotten back into anime after not watching any for several years so that’s been fun and occupying my time 🥰 also very new to Kdramas and I love those too!

4. Games! Love playing various games so much especially cosy games on my switch! I’ve only had my Xbox a couple of years so I don’t have many games on that yet. Typically I’ll always wait for sales before buying any cause im a very casual game player tbh. But they still make me happy 💜

5. And last but not least my kitties 🥰🥰🥰🥰 they make me the most happiest in the world 💕💕💕💕

[blupengu]

Y’all is Hollow Knight hard or do I just suck because oh my god??

[acourtofquestions]

Empire of Storms Part 1 thoughts, theories & a VERY VERY long post of rambling:

(+ this title as a spoiler warning; heads up to my fellow fans & first time readers (esp. those semi-tagged in this post), I address a lot of Part 1 & possibly up to Chapter 52 of EoS;-) I am ALSO on my first read just finishing said 52 so no spoilers for me past that as I go through Fireheart as well plz, & thx!

I will also be posting a far shorter better edited version of this post next :-)

Oh good gods this book is going to destroy me in the best way possible😅😅🤦‍♀️😭😁😬😆🤣🙃❤️‍🔥🖤🫶

Long writing/reading (I HAVE LOTS OF THOUGHTS & FEELINGS & NEED TO SCREAM IN WIVERN FANGIRL NONSENSE! So, this post will probably jump around quite a bit between chapters, thoughts, theories, reactions, & randomness; read/skim at your own rambling risk😅 also in advance for missed autocorrects I TRIED😂) “round up” for Part 1 of EoS. & yes I have been reading a LOT (whilst VERY busy😂😭), so this blog’s posts are in desperate need of a catch up & will probably only grow more hectic as alas, my library & brain demand to know what happens next NOW😂. You have been warned this post & blog is about to be more incoherent than usual! — And as I said this post is LONG (If your thinking I’m kidding; legit I think this is 20 something pages long; consider it here for historical purposes… & I had a VERY long drive with no books😂)

— NOW —

The organization of parts is interesting, we go from Nightfall, to The Fire-Bringer, to Fireheart. It feels like a full circle from night to day; from learning to being, and showing Aelin’s claim (not from Elena, not from her powers, but from her). The heart of Terrasen, the fire for the world (esp. against the Valg). … It’s also scaring the heck out of me with her self-sacrificial tendencies & the VERY intense vibe (from the first few chapters this story advances into a “final chapter vibe” yet it’s only the first few; it’s reminding me of Deathly Hallows almost? — which is esp. confusing CAUSE I STILL HAVE 3 BOOKS LEFT… and we’re already this intense😬😅soooo MAAS PLEASE DON’T YOUR DARE HURT A HAIR ON ANY OF THEM!!) P.S. for this note; it’s also making my shipping fuel go from 180 to infinity cause she’s his Fireheart🥹 (If only “worried over liking the ship” HoF first read me could see me now😂 @ goddess-aelin 🫶YOU WERE SO RIGHT👏). And generally it’s just been cool to see how the entire story & series has shifted so much (yet kept its heart ;-) !

So, Generally speaking: I’ve loved the first half of Nightfall & The Fire-Bringer (As I’ve loved the series). From the pace & many perspectives, to the plot twists & Easter egg style hints, and the writing with straight-up foreshadowing & full-circle series arcs (many of which have had big moments interwoven & reaching peak within this book). There has been some great character development (many beautiful lines/moments) a lot of raw emotion (crying, laughing, and all of the above), & entertaining interactions as my favorite piece of this book has been all these stories finally crossing paths (& within that developing relationships, friendships, families, courts, enemies, allies, etc.) for the “New World” that’s coming.

Nightfall:

“Elena sent up a final prayer on a pillar of smoke rising from the valley floor that the unborn, faraway scions of this night, heirs to a burden that would doom or save Erilea, would forgive her for what she was about to do.”

Elena I don’t know if I can forgive you for what you’re about to do😅😅 the plan here is long coming, as Lysandras “theory” further confirms:

"The more it seems like this was all planned, laid out long ago. Erawan had decades before Aelin was born to strike decades during which no one with her powers, or Dorian's powers, existed to challenge him. Yet, as fate or fortune would have it, he moves now. At a time when a Fire-Bringer walks the earth." It was all horrifying, impossible, but—so much of their lives defied logic or normalcy. The shifter next to him proved that. "Morath is unleashing its horrors," Lysandra said. "Maeve stirs across the sea. Two goddesses walk hand in hand with Aelin. More than that, Mala and Deanna have watched over her the entirety of her life. But perhaps it wasn't watching. Perhaps it was ... shaping. So they might one day unleash her, too. And I wonder if the gods have weighed the costs of that storm. And deemed the casualties worth it."

& previous lines on “all the players in the unfinished game” (I’m getting S&B Ruin & Rising vibes (for those of you Grishaverse fans; which btw one of these days I need a whole post about parallels & these two series, cause just the stag and lord of the north alone. I AM INTRIGUED & do love both fandoms ;-) + I think the crows would fit so well & it would be wonderfully & utterly chaotic🤣).

So, my general concern is this theory & warning everyone keeps giving Aelin about “the price”; from Rolfe’s tattoo map & warning question: “"That was the price of my power. What shall yours be, Aelin Galathynius?" She didn't reply to him before storming out. Though Deanna's voice had echoed in her mind. The Queen Who Was Promised.” To clever Elide’s question: “Was that the price for the humans they'd once been-magic that was somehow immune to what flowed naturally in this world? Or had the choice been taken from them, as surely as their souls had been stolen, too?” to crucial warnings like Brannon: “We burn not just within our magic, but also in our very souls. For better or worse.” & the danger continuing to grow like that of the FULL Deanna scene:

“And she said to him, in a voice that was deep and hollow, young and old, "Every key has a lock. Tell the Queen Who Was Promised to retrieve it soon, for all the allies in the world shall make no difference if she does not wield the Lock, if she does not put those keys back with it. Tell her flame and iron, together bound.”

She is the one, she has to get the lock, and she will have to pay the price for both (her ancestors & the darkness created in centuries of Erawan); one that will be heavy (one Elena failed to do; and I somewhat worry is because while she did sacrifice herself, her friends, her people, her kingdom, even letting Brannon fall to ruin (Brannon; the only one who ever successfully sealed it, because he sacrificed her mother, his love, “My mother died to forge that Lock!”) she did not let Gavriel “that which she most loved” fall; she tried to do it alone & was left with no option but to leave it to someone else; another era, another heir); now Aelin carries every thread, plot, battle aligning; the power she wields & sheer force of it, the weight of her crown & every choice it comes with, the price it will demand (the one she has spent a lifetime running from; “my crown is just another set of shackles”; the one Mala may have been shaping her to be able to make even through experiencing tragedy & turbulence in decisions over & over again). The warning in every choice; including the person she loves most (Rowan’s fear of “The people you love are just weapons used against you.”) “This thing between them, the force of it, could devour the world.” Her terror in that; struggling to allow them to go for the front lines while she survives, no longer alone & no longer able to take it all on, but struggling to let them in on the “master plan”. Struggling because even as she does, it weighs on them too: “Aelin was trembling, a hand on her friend-face so white and drawn that any harsh words he'd reserved for her were unnecessary. His queen knew the cost. It had taken her so damn long to trust any of them to do anything. If Aedion roared at her now, even if he still yearned to ... Aelin might never delegate again. Because if Lysandra hadn't been in the water when things had gone so, so badly…” And they do see it; the on-growing burden on Aelin’s shoulders & how she’s carrying the weight of it; both as a queen (despite her current lack of crown) another long-coming plot; as spoken by Chaol: “There she was, that queen looking out at him, a hint of the ruler she was becoming. And it knocked the breath out of him, because it made him feel so strangely young-when she now seemed so old.” And turning her desperate & weary; heavier slowly: “Since Rowan had gone, since word of Rifthold's fall had arrived, Aelin had been half present. Distant.” line after line “She'd grown quieter the farther north they'd traveled. Perhaps weeks on the road had sapped her.” They fear for her “And he wondered if Aelin was somehow watching the archipelago, and the seas, and the skies, as if she might never see them again.” for the price of such powers “We have yet to see the full extent of Erowan’s darkness. And I think we have yet to see the full extent of Aelin’s fire.” & They try to help “After tonight, depending on what the lords reported he'd try to find her a quiet place to rest for a day or two before they made the last leg of the trek to Orynth.” desperate to stop it “"She's not some unwitting pawn." He'd defy the gods, find a way to slaughter them, if they threatened Aelin, if they deemed these lands a worthy sacrifice to defeat the Dark King.” to protect her “Rowan at her right, Aedion at her left, Lysandra at her back; nothing and no one would get to their queen.” all the while they know they cannot as Rowan’s line painfully says: “This was war. These lands would endure far worse in the coming days and months. His queen, no matter how he tried to shield her, would endure far worse.” (Also the key word endure, frequently used for the “lost children of Terrasen” as I call their grouping). To even Aelin’s own words “She was a liar, and a murderer, and a thief, and Aelin had a feeling she'd be called much worse by the end of this war.”

This is where I fear Nightfall will come to rise in Fire-Heart:

I say all of this to say I get concerned when Maas feels the need to start a book with such warning; in both the price, and person paying it… Aelin is too much like Elena… Celaena has lost too much to lose anyone else (“And she would not add another name of her beloved dead to her flesh.” — “"We'll get her back, Aelin." "I can't bury another friend." "You won't."”)… and carrying it so heavily I worry she may overpay her share on their behalf’s. And between that & the many conflicting & star aligning forces of Rowaelin I worry the conflicts may grow; originally it was him not feeling “enough” for her because he’s a Prince not a King, he has no money no land no army (thankfully we are done with that piece because he can give her everything🥹 of his heart and that’s all she needs). We have the inevitable Maeve’s vendetta. We have my growing fear with the Carranam bond getting drained; like it almost did with Deanna. And the quotes all warning that their world may lead to another being destroyed, one or the other; “This thing between them, the force of it, could devour the world. And if they picked it, picked them, it might very well cause the end of it.”

… and though this isn’t due to Nightfall I am just concerned (I try to avoid spoilers (and continue to do so); but I already know it’s got a cliffhanger) and I have read enough Maas books (and just fandoms in general) to fear the 1-2 punch of “THEY’RE ALL GONNA DIE😱 — PSYCH😜 THEY ARE ALL FINE😅 — JUST KIDDING EVERYONE YOU LOVE IS DEAD!☠️” + the amount of possible brainwashing between Valg, Wyrdstones, and now gods… I’m just nervous (& still not 100% sure someone isn’t already secretly possessed).

MY DO NOT KILL LIST IS GETTING TOO LONG: From ASTERIN (scared me half to death SARAH) & Manon + 13 (obvi💁‍♀️), Abraxos & Fleetfoot & Evangeline (had to break my “no Google” rule to assure the latter twos safety *phew*), Aelin & Rowan (DON’T YOU EVEN DARE), Lysandra, Aedion, Dorian (HE’S BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH; STOP HURTING HIM), Elide (just let her be happy & home & make Marion proud dammit), Chaol (he’s not even here & I’m still a little mad BUT STILL) & Yrene (she hasn’t even fully come in yet & I don’t care I love her already) + Nesryn who babe, you know I love you, but I need more history & perspective to trust you fully (you seem cool, but I’m worried the lack of knowledge about you means your gonna lie or die, & it’s just too soon after Sorscha), Emrys (your safe in Mistward; STAY THERE), Sam (beloved, you’re still on this list; even though I know how it ended, & really do LOVE Rowaelin, I just still miss you; & want a Multiverse of happy endings for EVERYONE).

— HOWEVER —

I hope Fire-Heart will bring:

More Manorian; and let’s be honest ALL the ships (+ it could get realll literal with the set-up right now😂 the ships are LITERALLY sailing🤣) of course I CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH ROWAELIN (though Fire-Bringer was great 🥵 THEY FINALLY SAID I LOVE YOU🥹👏) & I am SO HERE FOR Lysandra & Aedion! … also what’s up with Elide & Lorcan? (Her last name + his first name TOO SIMILAR😂)

More interactions in general between all the characters from ships, to friendships, to even enemies (who often also become friends😂) honestly might be my fav part about this book so far; seeing it all line up & crossover; (from aforementioned Elide & Lorcan), (to previous & hopefully again soon) Manon & Aelin, the FULL team with THE THIRTEEN (Asterin & our crew would be absolute chaos & I would love every second of it), Sorrel too! AND VESTA! Petrah Blueblood (I find her VERY interesting as a character), Elide & the “lost children of Terrassen” finally meeting; maybe some more Ren & Bane updates (cause I wonder about them & what their up to) to Abraxos & Fleetfoot (PLEASE I NEED THIS… just don’t eat eachother😅😂) & yes I do STILL miss Evangeline & Fleetfoot; though I am happy they are safe; while the fire trick was cool it was SO not sustainable, & I do trust Murtaugh… and these full circles; Ansel’s (presumed) reintroduction & the TAB throw-backs/crossovers (plus NOW Crochans?). —

Exploring things of the sort; what is the other side of the “Crochan’s tale”, what is Elide’s true bloodline, how does the new Mala knowledge effect Aelin & Dorian?

Who are the Cadre (& learning more of their history; both with Aedion & Gavriel (that blood oath better not pass to children), Lorcan (Elide is already helping there thankfully) the other twin because I already stan Fenrys, and really Rowan because who are they really? Despite the “blood oath” reasoning they spent centuries together there has to be more to it). I want to get to know the twins & their whole Yin & Yang balance; also what is Fenrys power? (why does Rowan let him go after Aelin in the water instead, he must be pretty dang powerful & more so than Rowan to be her best option in his eyes)! What other histories does Rowan have (are the “witches” one of them)? What else is Maeve (I will never trust her) hiding?

Why is Erowan this way (who really killed Aelin’s parents)? Are we POSITIVE the Ilken aren’t the creatures Elide saw in the basement (wow that sounds extra ominous😂)?

Will Chaol show up (how is his team & the southern allies coming along)?

What is the limitation to Lysandra’s powers (can they find a way to trick the Terrasen flower into “blooming”)?

Is their further crossover between these series (ACOTAR & CC)?

Explain further how certain things work such as mates (Rowan has two? Celaena/Aelin too maybe? & what that means for others)… And just a lil’ fluff (Rowan & Fleetfoot, the team all together, shenanigans & some side plots for funsies) maybe?…

I theorize Fire-Heart will:

Confirm Rowaelin as mates (they practically have already but I want to hear the words). Plus plenty more of them just being them (their every moment is so detailed & precious). Maybe even some more moments with Prince of Doranelle vibes ;-)

Show that there are multiple Carranams (possibly a dyad between Aelin & Dorian. Rowan & Aelin being the mates balance; making Aelin & Dorian the “friendship / rulers / fates” balance). & Without a limit to their power; the danger of over-draining others (Deanna causing Rowan to feel “thunder steal his magic” is CONCERNING & Dorian’s magic is hungry for it).

Confirm that Aelin can use shadowfire, moonfire, & power without limit. Explore her other gifts such as water & healing. Possibly introduce her as a powerful enough wielder to use all the forms (as briefly referenced as a possibility among others before).

Confirm Lysandra & Aedion as mates or at least a couple. (Also use it to explore Aedion’s history & introduce the Bane or at least their set-up).

Bring back the Mycenians since Lysandra & Aelin’s masterplan worked (THE DRAGON THEORY WAS RIGHT)!

Set sail on Manorian in a way that is explanatory/foreshadowing. (Possibly tap into Dorian’s immortality? & power exploration explanations. And go into Manon’s ability to forge a new alliance of peace between MANY groups; not because I’m suggesting the sexist “get married” nonsense so many are giving Aelin, literally just that she could speak on behalf of many groups & since Darrow has brought diplomatic debates into this war it could be an asset).

Introduce Ansel, and perhaps loop back to the Red Desert (unless the Silent Assassins have disappeared). Showing all of Celaena as we see all of Aelin (letting Rowan know even more of her, healing those wounds as he & her family fully accept her; hopefully doing the same thing for them; going through more history). & Similarly with Rowan; possibly saving the Cadre’s lives through it (or at least stopping Lorcans “execution”).

Tie in the spider silk, between Abraxos’s wings (Manon’s “stealing”), & Aelin’s Red Desert history deals. If not in this book than KoA.

Explain Maeve’s obsession with Aelin & vendetta against the family.

Aelin reclaiming her crown by having the heart of her people (we’ve seen “the future”, there is a woman with hair like moonlight; I think this is Manon. The people chant for her, she is their Queen and that is her court; including the witch).

I think Aelin (like Manon & the other golden eyed 13) are Valg proof. She has the golden eye ring of the Ashryver eyes… in that case maybe Aedion too?? (Hopefully🥺… I mean why else would history write a poem about it?) … While I’m at it let’s make Lysandra’s shifting immune too (protect all my bb’s)!😂

Reveal the Wyrdstone Elide carries as THE Lock (between her last name having the word lock😂 or “loch” I guess, the magic not being immediately recognized as a Wyrdkey by Lorcan, & Kaltain’s promise/importance with an explanation for the “living gate” term). Then when she reaches them so does the thread of fate (once again).

Go to Ellywe & both heal/break my soul (all this travel has made it inevitable; though it is cool to see more of the continents of this fictional world etc.)!🙃

Not something I truly believe but one I wonder on; is there a relation between either Rowan & Manon (history or hair color related😂) or Aelin & Manon (some sort of blood relation; the gold eyes & power levels?).

Not theories but things I think need to happen ASAP: STOP WEARING THE WYRDKEY as a necklace AELIN I DON’T care if it’s a “family heirloom” IT’S A BAD IDEA (have you not seen Harry Potter? — sry for another reference, but seriously DON’T WEAR HORCRUX LOCKETS folks)! Tell Elide the full truth; Celaena = Aelin (at least Lorcan is getting close). Commit to immortality (I’m looking at you Aelin & Aedion; esp. Aelin… ROWAN NEEDS THIS; the only time I will ever encourage a woman to “settle”😂)! Address the very long list of “things for later/back burner” because I can’t keep track😂 & they are all WAY too important😅, dangerous😬, and THE LIST IS LONG SO HURRY UP Y’ALL😁!!!

— NOW ONTO THE “ACTUALLY” READ “BIG PORTION😂 —

The Fire-Bringer:

A lot of reactions have random posts; per usual many of the opinions change with hindsight, but I like being able to look back & enjoy it for the first time so (while I do try to give an update) I’ll probably leave the posts up :-) hoping to get a few lil (by that I mean pages jk sry not sry lol I warned you) notes I’m pondering on in here though…

I love the Little Folk’s little but magical role:😊 when (not if; I’m gonna will it into reality with terminology) this gets an adaptation I can’t wait to see them! — I really love the fan art & its many different takes for what they may be all the way from fairy’s, to wisps, to “baby-Groot”-like characters! … I also wonder if they could help out with that “rulers flower thing” possibly, same as pondered for Lysandra (I think these “little things” will be keys to helping Aelin with “dum-dum Darrow” (as I’ve dubbed him; cause I’m angry! & it may be only a 1st read impression as of right now, but he’s also given me 0 reason to like him).

The Oakwald forest: EVERYONE IS SO CLOSE yet SO FAR! (At least Manon has finally made it to the team… well kinda… she better actually MAKE IT past the ship drop-off… if you can call it that?😅 this is why I need to type fast & go read!) If Tower of Dawn manages to match this pace of “just-missed, kinda-crossover” I see why the tandem read would work! It’s quite fun (& semi-irritating/anxiety-inducing but in a good way😂).

Speaking (writing?😂) of Manon: TALK ABOUT IMMEDIATE CHAOS, each of her chapters have been SO intense. I might have cried with her the most so far; I legitimately almost lost it over Asterin’s almost execution & The Thirteen (I AM VERY GLAD THEY FINALLY LEFT THE MATRON & got out so they can please be safe now; or at least they already are in my mind; though last we saw them it was all chaos, they were running (a win) & the shadows seemed to confirm them getting out (another good sign) while Asterin being dragged off screaming isn’t great I think she was shouting for Manon because she didn’t want to leave her… & I refuse to accept any other answer) only problem is Manon is not with them; & she really needs to be😅😅😭 instead of half-dead in the woods, hunted by a banshee-hound-thing? Abraxos honey, thank you for taking care of mother🥹😂 at least she is with the team on the same-ish side now. So, hopefully Abraxos will go grab the rest of The Thirteen while he drops Manon off? I NEED THE WHOLE GANG; I mean Erawan & Maeve are screwed in that case. Esp. since most of them are Valg proof golden eyed; & also have you seen these gals fight? … Honestly, I think they are one of the great shows of good writing in these books; because these characters could easily be read as villains & psychopaths to be hated, yet they manage to be a compelling, interesting, group of female badassery & sisterhood, that really captures your heart (pun intended). HOWEVER, I say all of this Spoiler-free while not oblivious; I have 2 &1/2 books left (wow that’s numbers too small I’m gonna get sad😅😂) I know people say this ending is a hard, & a book of cliffhangers… So, if this is “just” the beginning it can only get crazier😅 (I just don’t want to know; I want to think this will be like ACOTAR with no deaths as long as I can believe it) & even with the Matron’s probable on-it’s-way “dispatch”, they managed to hide Asterin for years. My main concern is Sorrel & Vesta as they’ve been given enough time to love them, yet not enough time for a full arc, I can’t have any red shirts & I’m a little worried for them (but I just wanna love them as long as I can🥹).

I’m so glad I was right; from day ONE I’ve been wondering about Aedion & Lysandra cause *coughs* I mean their first scene together ever… she’s changing his shirt… and now the whole “wandering off to give Rowaelin time” which while a fair-ish excuse it is also a little ;-) ;-) … and now that he’s said he’s gonna marry her “Because I am going to marry you," he promised her. "One day. I am going to marry you.”… I’m counting it (why is it giving New Girl CeCe & Schmidt?😂)

But in all seriousness ship-ness aside I appreciate their friendship; the understanding of each-other with a healthier trauma bond (for all they cannot say, yet carry so heavily; all the shame & fear Aedion is wrestling with; & the steady acceptance Lysandra gives) I loved them both as is, but together is something precious & nice to see develop (while staying slow, taking time, surety of respectful). While at times it feels fast, it makes complete sense (esp. as we don’t get their perspectives as frequently, & with the knowledge that mates can be pretty immediate; even if it’s not “said”; it tracks).

Though it hurt (& was also kinda healthily valid) to hear Aedion be angry with Aelin, it also says a lot about how much he cares for Lysandra (as Aelin often can “do no wrong in his eyes”) to be angry in the first place “And for the first time, he hated his cousin. He hated Aelin for asking this of Lysandra, both to defend them and to secure the Mycenians to fight for Terrasen. Hated the people who had left such scars on the shifter that Lysandra was so willing to throw her life away. Hated ... hated himself for being stuck in this useless tower.” While also knowing it’s not her fault, it is her choice, but it also had to be (he at least knows that & does cut her slack). “He was shaking now, that rage indeed taking over. But Rowan snarled at him, low and vicious, "Save it for later." Aedion growled right back at him. Rowan gave him a cold, steady look that said if he so much as began to hint at what their queen carried, he'd rip out his tongue. Literally. Aedion shoved down the anger. "We can't carry her, and she's too weak to shift." "Then we wait here until she can," Aelin said. But her eyes drifted to the bay, and to the city beyond, still cheering. victory—but very nearly a loss. The remnants of the Mycenians, saved by one of their long-lost sea dragons. Aelin and Lysandra had woven ancient prophecies into tangible fact. "I'll stay," Aedion said. "You deal with Rolfe." "Fine," he said. Aelin groaned, getting to her feet, but stared down at him before she took Rowan's extended hand. She said softly, "I'm sorry." Aedion knew she meant it. He still didn't bother replying.” & knows (because Lysandra makes him better; as she already reminds him with her knowing compassion): “"That man has endured enough, Aedion. A little kindness wouldn't kill you." "He stabbed Aelin. If you knew him as I have, you wouldn't be so willing to fawn over. "No one expects you to fawn over him. But a kind word, some respect-" He rolled his eyes. "Keep your voice down." She did- but went on, "He was violated, and even if you cannot draw up forgiveness for stabbing Aelin against his own will, then try to have some compassion for that." — Aedion snarled at her. Lysandra snarled right back and held his stare with the face not trained or built for bedrooms, but the true one beneath—wild and unbroken and indomitable. No matter what body she wore, she was the Staghorns given form, the heart of Oakwald Aedion said hoarsely, "I'll try." "Try harder. Try better."”)

& Then moments like him asking her to come with him to meet Gavriel, & she simply does. Or that she trusts him to carry her home, vulnerable & tired. I think they give a lot of what the other needs while growing to be who they are themselves. Plus Lysandra deserves to be a leopard princess, sister-in-law(ish) to Aelin. “Princess Lysandra Ashryver sounds nice, doesn't it?” YES IT DOES!

Speaking of Lysandra (who is seriously one of my all time favorites; I relate, I adore her, and really it just doesn’t get better then all of these characters) I WAS RIGHT ABOUT LYSANDRA BEING A DRAGON!!! GENIUS!! And also LYSANDRA WAS A DRAGON!!!!!! I love her & Aelin’s plotting (which also gets kinda Kaz Brekker vibes sometimes; she is so brilliant, & the fact Lysandra just piles into the shenanigans; I love them). TALK ABOUT POWER! Also what fun genius for mythology… winning the people’s hearts… etc. …if only she could turn into a flower… and making that moment the first perspective we have from her in this book was so fun! Shoutout to @ asexualzucchini for fandoming about this with me (heads up again cause I know your on a first read too; THIS POST HAS SPOILERS for Pt. 1 ;-)

ELIDE & LORCAN; a team-up I was NOT expecting, yet find SO intriguing. From highlighting Elide (which is well deserved) esp. in her truest strength; smarts (her & Annabeth Chase would’ve been besties) and as something even Lorcan sees & values greatly, extra fun as in combo to his physical strength it’s a pretty perfect team (& a helpful combo for storytelling because you see his perspective which is of course very different then spoken threats from Rowaelin perspectives ONLY; & of course once again while I’m curious to learn more on the Cadre; esp. since Lorcan often to me just seems angry to have “lost” his friend). And I do love the boundaries they respect (even as an unknown dare I say “anti-hero”? Lorcan still has some clear moral lines (& I generally appreciate that in the Maasverse that everyone except the worst of the worst can agree where those are) he also keeps his word a VERY intriguing piece of his character), also the representation they give (go team disability represent!) + small girlies hanging out w big brooding boys (there’s my “kitty” style reference for you Aelin lol). Also funny cause eventually they’re gonna end up in the same place😂 P.S. him calling her MARION (gut-wrenching), Crochan history (very curious), etc. IT’S JUST ALL SO INTRIGUING! … Now if we could only have an empowering crossover so she can go talk to Feyre & realize she’s already intelligent, powerful, & capable, & not being able to read has no effect on that!! (while we’re at it & I’m on a crow comparison kick; go hug Wylan please).

Another team up I didn’t expect but surprisingly loved most was Dorian & Rowan’s roadtrip through Rifthold (new movie adaptation idea?😂):

Dorian, Dorian, Dorian where do I begin? — I love him. I think he might be the most morally grounded character (odd as that sounds for someone that was recently possessed). He would be a good king, because most important he’s just a good man. My heart breaks for him, he’s seen a lot without time or space to deal with it (it’s just adding up; “The latter, Dorian realized, usually happened when even the heat and sun couldn't drive away the shadows of the past few months—when he awoke with his sweat feeling like Sorscha's blood, when he couldn't abide even the brush of his tunic against his neck.”); yet he still gives everything he can to his friends, his people, his country (& Rowan gives & takes care of him too (another Aelin paralell/foreshadowing; “"You're not going to believe me," Aelin went on. "What l've just said, you're not going to believe me. I know it--and that's fine. I don't expect you to. When you're ready, I'll be here.”) ; “He wasn't sure whether to thank the Fae Prince for noticing or to hate him for the kindness.” — Because Rowan knows; “"You're going to hate the world, Dorian. You are going to hate yourself. You will hate your magic, and you will hate any moment of peace or happiness. But I had the luxury of a kingdom at peace and no one depending upon me. You do not."”); and somehow Dorian just remains good and kind even when the world is not. He may carry more, but it is never an excuse for him; he sets aside his pride, humbled, un-selfish, caring, and really trying. (remarkable enough that even Rowan notices & takes note; “I have known many kings in my life, Dorian Havilliard. And it was a rare man indeed who asked for help when he needed it, who would put aside pride.”) And I also appreciate that he is cared for in this, seen for who he is; respected in it (FINALLY said quite well in: “Rowan knew most underestimated the sharp intelligence under that disarming smile. Knew that Dorian's value wasn't his godlike magic, but his mind”)

And getting the friends & care he deserves, like Aelin who kept her word “I came back for you. "You both came back,"” (he is her friend, she does care for him) as it’s shown because she went so far as to send Rowan (someone she would NEVER risk; “"I will save him," he murmured. "I wouldn't ask this of you unless it was ... Dorian is vital. Lose him, and we lose any support in Adarlan." And one of the few magic-wielders who could stand against Morath. Rowan's nod was grim. "I serve you, Aelin. Do not apologize for putting me to use." Because only Rowan, riding the winds with his magic, could reach Rifthold in time. Even now, he might be too late. Aelin swallowed hard, fighting the feeling that the world was being ripped from under her feet.” (When she says “losing support” she pauses; because really it’s about losing Dorian her friend, remember she’s always coming from the mindset of “she will not write another name on her scars” almost to the level of her “I will not be afraid mantra” fading in from QoS in this first EoS quarter) so she wouldn’t risk him even in leaving her side (which props to Maas for breaking a typical VERY possessive YA trait; even at the cost of a promise-ish from the last book; “Next time we need to save the world, we do it together. Deal.”). & keeps keeping that promise to save him; not only to keep her word, but keep her friend. Along the way he so easily becomes Rowan’s friend, thawing the ice by just being a decent guy (that says a lot for a centuries old Prince of stoic brooding). I love the genuine respect they have for each other; the time they take (even short as it is) to have a mini-boat therapy session because they needed it; it says a lot about the two of them as good men; the way they help each-other, plan & train together (Dorian even has time to understand Aelin’s time away with a new compassion😅😅 “Honestly, Dorian had no idea how Aelin had survived months of this--let alone fallen in love with the warrior while she did. Though he supposed both the queen and prince possessed a sadistic streak that made them compatible” & even see Rowan get a taste of the Celaena Sardothien world & find he has similar sass). vice-versa you also see someone valuing Rowan’s strength, strategy, personality beyond warrior or prince, without any of this “male pride chest-puffing instinct”. And the way despite the change in new healthier friendships you also have the original ones growing with them “"And will keep changing," she said, squeezing his arm once. "But... There are things that won't change. I will always be your friend." His throat bobbed. "I wish I could see her, just one last time. To tell her... to say what was in my heart." "She knows," Aelin said, blinking against the burning in her eyes. "I'll miss you," Dorian said. "Though I doubt the next time we meet will be in such …civilized circumstances." She tried not to think about it. He gestured over her shoulder to her court. "Don't make them too miserable. They're only trying to help you."” It helps both him and them; like the team they need to be & are finding a way in: “"We'll figure it out." She loosed a breath. "But your being king is the first step of it."” Like the Queens & Kings they have been becoming for a world slowly building; starting with the fact he is one of the good men that do exist (like Nehemia & Celaena said) and as already shown: “Ten years later, and they were all sitting together at a table again--no longer children, but rulers of their own territories. Ten years later, and here they were, friends despite the forces that had shattered and destroyed them. Aelin looked at the kernel of hope glowing in that dining room and lifted her glass. "To a new world," the Queen of Terrasen said. The King of Adarlan lifted his glass, such endless shadows dancing in his eyes, but--there. A glimmer of life. "To freedom."” esp. as he helps raise up women in positions of power to do so as well! (We love a King ally)

Much like Aelin growing into a queen you see the shift as Dorian becomes a King. “Never again. Never again would he be weak and useless and frightened.” (From a quote I appreciated and found Nesta paralells in). “To her surprise, a king smiled back.” And I just hope somewhere along the way Dorian also finds his happy ending much like our queen is slowly finding a way too (like Rowan said; “You will find your way, too, Dorian. You'll find your way out.”); I think Manon is promising, I think he finally has a real family, & he’s learning his power which is good; his already Kingly skills also come in handy, they needed a diplomat. And for two characters I love so much, a genre that rarely shows good friendships between so many characters and guys having emotions and bonding beyond a love interest trope… I just loved it! p.s. thanks again @ mysterylilycheeta for fandoming about this one with me (and many others :-)

Now speaking of Dorian quotes (plus I needed a transition lol) much like Dorian I do sometimes miss Chaol; “"You know," he said, "sometimes I wish Chaol were here to help me. And then sometimes I'm glad he's not, so he wouldn't be at risk again. I'm glad he's in Antica with Nesryn.”while also being glad he’s off somewhere else… not just ‘cause of the injury (I actually hope they don’t make that THE “problem”, at least in the sense of making him “useless”. While healing in a magical realm is a useful skill, representation of disabled characters in the read world is also really important & still super kick-ass & powerful)… So, I’m glad he’s gone not for that but for the fact I think his mentality would conflict right now (& while Aelin isn’t always right; & does sometimes need a check as Aedion aforementioned & does this at least better thank Chaol in timing & how) + most of the time ya kinda need to just “keep calm & trust the process” because while “the gods may have some “masterplan” & only Aelin can outsmart & outplan them (you just have to let her go for it)… and hopefully Elide will be there to help soon!

Now speaking of good friends, & the rest of this post from “threads of fate”, to really loving characters, friendships, relationships (even most of my favorite quotes) it’s time to address THE SHIP because there is ROWAELIN. TRULY WHERE DO I START? I love them. They are perfect. Nothing can break them (Nothing better try). I love the peace & hope they hold for the other (they want more together, for each other; to live.). The balance they carry; especially when one is down, the other lifts them up (even rapidly flipping; I’m a few Chapters into Part 2 (spoiler sentence)🚨 & there’s the moment where it goes from her being on fire & him waking her from her nightmares, to him so panicked to save her he’s freezing the room & she’s soothing him). The way they are so alike, & shown even more so (as I’ve briefly mentioned) in this book (Rowan having some Celaena moments, her taking on a leader & diplomatic role, learning to control water & him teaching her to heal, exploring each others histories & a growing team of friends for & with them) & VERY different (they are the balance even in what they do share; for instance a scene I think on frequently: when Rowan leaves to go get Dorian, and Aelin cannot let him go. Right there she uses very specific words; she does not ask him to stay instead she says she cannot let him go; because she knows asking him to stay (like Lyria had begged) would kill him or telling him “he’s leaving her” would utterly destroy them both. And he does the same; he distracts her (knows what she needs) takes a moment for them (stops the clock) kisses her and then leaves before she opens her eyes in a flash, so she does not have to watch him leave (again), or (be the one to) walk away from him (he knows she already used all of her will to even have him go in the first place, she cannot ask anything more or she will not ask at all), or run again. They both are feeling the same thing, while understanding the differences they have experienced, they take the notice to love the other the way they need & the only way they can). Part of it stems from something I’ve adressed on the blog before, the honesty they share; and desperately needed. Or have discussed with other fans in beyond that the fact they trust, they can have it all on the table, and respect what has to be kept. Part is the fact they are the others soulmate (waiting for those words: “mate” to “officially” & finally seal what we ALL know by now😂). Another being the threads of fate every character keeps seeing; they are VERY tightly bound beyond separation; for better or worse a tangled knot that can not be undone.

The way in that they would fight by the others side, live & die together, for each-other. They would save the world for each-other (like Rowan jumping in front of the moonfire because he knew her fiery soul; “"No!" The word was a roar, a plea, and silver and green flashed in her vision. A name. A name clanged through her as he hurled himself in the path of that fist, that moonfire, not just to save those innocents in the city, but to spare her soul from the agony if she destroyed them all-Rowan.” — “"If you had destroyed that city, it would have destroyed you, and any sort of hope at an alliance."”) It goes beyond taking a bullet for the other, it goes to taking a bullet from the other (you see that side a lot in HoF). They would save the other for the world (like he says, the world needs alliances; because he knows it needs her, his queen). Or the other from the world; “And as his face became clear, his tattoo stark in the sun, as that fist full of unimaginable power now opened toward his heart-There was no force in any world that could keep her contained.” Together, to whatever end. They would even destroy it for the other; “But if it was death separating us … I would find you. I don’t care how many rules it would break. Even if I had to get all three keys myself and open a gate, I would find you again. Always.” They deserve something that’s an always, known, world & gods defying. And while I appreciate the way they defend each other, I also appreciate the way they defend their friends together; it may be them to whatever end, but it’s also not just them against the world (more so for the world?) they may be capable of destroying the world for each other, still they choose to give everything to save it. They choose each other, they continue to do so, to accept, to be honest. “Even if this thing between them ... even if he knew it was not mere lust, or even just love. This thing between them, the force of it, could devour the world. And if they picked it, picked them, it might very well cause the end of it.” they have a powerful love (one that is quite literally more powerful together). I love that scene too, the carranam; the way he steadies her (he knows why the manacles scare her, knows how to help her breathe despite it; “she is not afraid”), trusts her (she could kill them both, but he believes in her, always has, even before she believed in herself) gives her his power (talk about a feminist ally😂 he literally uses his power to give her more power), and she blazes the world (better & worse); she trusts him enough for the irons (something she may have killed someone else for), she trusts his trust in her (it empowers her metaphorically too), trusts him to save her from herself; trusts him which as this line shows; “"You trust nothing. She met his eyes. "I trust you."” is almost a miracle in itself. I love the easy rhythm they fall into like breathing, simple domesticity (even among war), natural understanding (soulmates), gentle unconditional stubborn & unchanging love that simply is. & is accepted as such. Learning more of their history in parallels & new perspectives, tales & legends, chaos & opposites (especially opposed in power) FIRE & ICE and remains the “meant to be” Carranam; though one of a kind it also understands itself in being love among grief, giving it the ability to see & soothe the unhealthy internal monologues… in a way that’s honestly kinda healing to read; I love their quotes, I love their scenes, I love their characters, I just love them.

It’s been fun to see more Aelin as Aelin, (and I’m not meaning “The one in green smiled, but for all its delight, all its wicked mischief ... It was a softer smile, made with a mouth that was perhaps less used to snarling and teeth-baring and getting away with saying hideous, swaggering things. Lysandra, then. The two queens faced Rolfe.” Lysandra twin-swap scene 😂) the way Celaena is now recognized as a part to play; “You met Aelin when she was still pretending to be Celaena” — “Because it was Celaena who sat here-for whatever purpose, it was Celaena Sardothien in this room.” from the way Rowan helped & accepted her all along. Rowan has always been her protector, her guard, her best champion, fiercest warrior & love, her dearest friend, her everything. It’s the one that saw all & loved anyways “to have one person who knew the absolute truth about her--and didn't hate her for it.” — “I see you, I see every part of you. And I am not afraid.” he is not afraid of her; the first time she’s ever had that… Something she desperately needs as someone so fear-based… She went from being a child who was never not afraid; she was taught to fear her power, fear the secret coming free, because she would be persecuted; because her people would not love her for what she was; she was protected against it and taught her powers weren’t to be trusted. She spent so long burying herself… Arobynn taught her that; created a world of only that for her to exist in, only to survive never to live. And as I’ve said before I LOVE SAM, I truly think he would have accepted her without flinching (I love & believe in the many soulmates for many lives theories; he was Celaena’s) but over & over again the saddest four words of almost they never had time. Thinking someone would love you “even if” is different that getting to experience it, she was still afraid he would turn her in or turn away, he would judge her as she judged herself, or didn’t know “how dark she could go”; like he was too good and she would drag him down. And here is Rowan: the one person who could stop her (the dark comfort she takes in knowing he could save the world if she endangered it; “That is how I was able to stand before the King of Adarlan, how I was able to befriend his son and his captain, how I was able to live in that palace. Because I did not give that rage, those memories, one inch. And right now I am looking for the tools that might destroy my enemy, and I cannot let out the monster, because it will make me use those tools against the king, not put them back as I should--and I might very well destroy the world for spite. So that is why l must be Celaena, not Aelin--because being Aelin means facing those things, and unleashing that monster. Do you understand?”) and doesn’t think that of her; “For whatever it's worth, I don't think you would destroy the world from spite.”

To the moment on the beach that strikes me again & again; Aelin in her rawest state (inner child & traumatized immortal), sobbing, unclothed (a very important detail not because of the rest of Chapter 38 spice but because of the psychological component; she is stripped down to her core at her worst, most vulnerable, visibly terrified uncomfortable state; it’s more like a nightmare of giving a speech & realizing your the only one without clothes), on fire (no hidden power or sense of control), unleashing an entire storm (after almost destroying the world; her world; even against her will); because she is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius “the rightful heir of fire” and Queen of Terrasen; she has been “Adarlans Assassin” & a “King’s Champion” Lillian, Elentiya, Celaena… all of these names… and yet, she is still afraid. And she cannot stop it; she is trying & failing, feeling every step backwards for every step she takes, she is running to nowhere, she is lost. And then there is Rowan. Rowan, who walked to the creak to see her, and went loudly so she would know & not be afraid. Rowan who knows when she needs to let off steam (literally) & has been burned & still does not turn away from her. Rowan who now is “silent as death” because he knows her mind is already screaming enough for the both of them. Rowan who follows her; over & over, unflinching, returning, staying, seeing, & still believing in her (even before she believed in herself; even when she cannot). She is begging for anyone that listens to take the job & all its “blessings & burdens of power”, wishing for a bottom to the endless abyss of her power, drowning in it; helpless in her own strength, because she does not trust herself (how can she when she can’t even be herself; not just Celaena; but Deanna), trying to run from herself. And Rowan who sees, hears, knows; and only cares about her. Choosing her. Loving her. Telling her those words. Arguing against the voices in her head for her; making her feel for a moment that maybe somehow she’s worth it (or at least too lucky to care even if she’s not). Because he has every reason to go; he knows what he could lose (even as they stand there; he is still shaken & terrified; he just saw a god steal the woman he loves from her own mind; he has no idea how to fight that & bring her back) He has lost that; felt it for centuries The world may be the price, they may be the price, they are in the middle of a war waged & waiting for hundreds of years; and he does not care. He only cares about her; better & worse. And she is not alone; never again. Reminding her that she can be both, staying on the road. As he says (a quote that made me cry): “You and I will learn to manage your power together. You do not face this alone; you do not decide that you are unlovable because you have powers that can save and destroy. If you start to resent that power… I don’t know where we go on that road.” And when she voices it, that fear (that brought me to tears); you’re just crazy for loving me.“"Because I'm the only one arrogant and insane enough to ask Mala Fire-Bringer to let me stay with the woman I love. Her flames turned to pure gold at the words-at that word. But she said, "Perhaps you're just the only one arrogant and insane enough to love me."” He simply, firmly, undoubtably, says no. … And when the times comes; when he creates a snow storm of his own (& destroys half a forrest😂) she just laughs, holds him closer, kisses him again. As she says; “who would not look at those flames with any ounce of fear.” as anyone else would have. They aren’t afraid of each other, they aren’t afraid, not together. “But Rowan had caught her each time she had fallen-first, when she had plummeted into that abyss of despair and grief; second, when that castle had shattered and she had plunged to the earth. And now this time, this third time ... She was not afraid.”

And because they are equal, because they will go to whatever end, because they pull each other back over & over whenever/wherever they drift. (And while I love Lyria, I believe she was one of his soulmates) I don’t think anyone ever understood him so well in return… Rowan loved Lyria. Lyria wanted him to stay for good reason, but he was not able to tire to rest to settle; she did not understand the warrior; just as he couldn’t understand enough not to be. Where peace was never quite had, the warrior that could not rest; there is Aelin. Who just goes to war with him, for him, for them. She is his hope, his queen, his love, his world, his fireheart🥹, & his everything (& thankfully NOT because of the blood-oath; “"How does she do it?" Aelin asked baldly. "With Rowan, it's not ... Every order I give him, even casual ones, are his to decide what to do with. Only when I actively pull on the bond can I get him to ... yield. And even then it's more of a suggestion." "It is different with her," Gavriel said softly. "Dependent on the ruler it is sworn to. You two took the oath to each other with love in your hearts. You had no desire to own or rule him." Aelin tried not to flinch at the truth of that word—love. That day ... when Rowan had looked into her eyes as he drank her blood ... she'd started to realize what it was. That the feeling that passed between them, so powerful there was no language to describe it ... It was not mere friendship, but something born of and strengthened by it.” glad they clarified that to give consent). I’ve said this about them before and I’ll say it again there is something healing in how wholly they accept and understand each other (to the point you would think they are reading minds), how evenly matched and equal they are. They are two of the best matched characters I know of; at times even to a fault (but even that is taken in stride). Aelin and Rowan are everything they have ever been with the other. This isn’t a comparison, there’s something beautiful to each of them (I’ll even still say that to Dorian & Aelin, the way their friendship came to be, and re-reads what might have been) there is just the fact that this is different and I think it’s a special kind of something. And the fact in the matching for the other they can go to the ends of the earth together; whether it be as Queen and Prince (though he would make a good king ;-) or assassins, gentle souls trying to rest, never at rest but trying for peace, fae and shifters fire and ice, warriors, martyrs, saviors, villains, Kings Champion & Maeve’s Cadre, friends, mates, whatever it may be “to whatever end”.

I especially love them in the little things… all these moments that show everything I’ve said and more.

The detail in Rowan knowing the other side to Aelin keeping him at the beach, and it not taking away from the moment. He knows, he accepts it. They know the layers, they don’t pretend otherwise, they don’t run or fight it, they just sit with it. The way he held her & grounded her during the sea battle, believing in her even as she lost her balance in power, the way she came back from Deanna for him, the way she held on to him through the storm. She reminds him what he is; that he is everything she needs, she doesn’t take the bullshit, she doesn’t give up; she lends a hand, or lets him follow, or defends him. And they finally said it; I love you. — Actually better than that, worlds best quote award of: “I love you. There is no limit to what I can give to you, no time I need. Even when this world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will love you.”They finally chose this, them; and the world needed it (I will go down with the ship of them as queen and king). … So, my shippers heart is happy, I want more, I’m happy they’re happy, I want them to stay happy. They are the best brightest threads of fate & for a book I’ve loved to see tie together, the Rowaelin ship has been pretty perfect.

And some random notes I keep wondering on:

The color green in this series… From Lysandra’s eyes (the one marker she keeps in each form; funny as it’s also Terrasen (her future Courts) color, to Rowan’s pine green (& often “home” like Terrasen descriptions (once again)) to the green roofing of Rifthold, or tiling of the desert, the stolen wax stamp rings, Terrasen’s color, etc. … it’s just used to tell a lot of story & I find it a fun note!

On the subject of these “fun notes” I’d also like to Mention Maasverse “deals” in wording; I find it so interesting how carefully phrased (like a genie) things need to be, yet kept to their word they are. I feel like there’s some loopholes within some plots right now using that clause (if only there was Mort to prove it!)… I miss Mort…

There’s all of Lysandra’s shapeshifting, the character in that, her character all together. And then moments like Rowan reaching her to fly, to have her own wings. And introducing more powers outside of fae.

Fenyrs possible… winnowing? Whatever reason it was that Rowan sent him to save Aelin instead of himself (obviously meaning he was more capable because Rowan would save her any means necessary).

And these aforementioned threads of fate are pretty brilliantly done, I look forward to continuing to enjoy them. From Oakwald to 10 years ago to the detail of plans (Aelin going to the temple, for Brannon & the Dragon, & her territory claim… etc.)… SO MANY!!!

Especially because of YOU!..

— Final, biggest most important book/fandom thought yet: —

THANK YOU to the Maasverse!

As someone who doesn’t know anyone reading these —one of my favorite things to do is talk about them with other fans— I’m thankful to still have that; I’m thankful that tumblr has that; and thankful that y’all are so welcoming, kind, talented, & lovely! (Limiting full tags as this post is ridiculously long and no one should “have” to read it😂)

There’s a long list of you, to name a few (others please know you are still on the list, loved & appreciated)!! @ archerons-elain @ highladyelenna @ iwantavaldezinator @ romantasyreader28 @ antvwinderbaum @ shadowhunters77 @ chaos-on-stand-bi @ theauroragalaxy @ impossibelle @ aelin-fire-heart @ autumnbabylon @ headboymalfoy @ somebooksbelonginthesinbin @ idfendyr @ winged-artistic-wolf @ batter-upp @ cheap-spirits @ just tsteffs50cts @ xxvalkyriesxx @ captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship @ lynnsthoughts @ maevecrom @ stingy-swann @ mothlvrtothemoon @ wannaberachelgrxxn @ sweetokami @ avymiir

& so if I missed any, like I said just know you are so appreciated🫶 … and sorry I get confused sometimes (as this is technically a secondary blog to @lavendarneverlands lol😂). It’s always me though🤣

[writingforstraykids]

okay SO this may be a weird question but i've gotta start somewhere 😭

i kept seeing your name being tagged everywhere but i hadn't scrolled across any of your works (sad ik). but literally i just kept seeing your username so i was like "okay i have to find out who this person is omg" and BABY WHY DO YOU HAVE SO MUCH CONTENT OMG 😭😭 i love it but it's also like wow... i strive to be this sm??? but also it's like where do i even start here? 🥲

this is my long winded way of asking: do you have any favorites you've written or recommendations of what fics to start on for all the newbies to your blog? with my stuff, ik i have certain ones i'm most proud of/pleased with, so if any come to mind for you, pls pls let me know! ❤️

Not a weird question at all, I've gotten worse😂

Oh, hahaha, well, thank you for checking out my blog after tumblr seems to have thrown me right into your face😂 uhh, honestly, because I'm insane. I love procrastinating uni assignments, clearing my head with writing instead. I usually work on fics for at least an hour of the day (my sleep schedule is fucked), and I work on like five things at the same time at least to avoid getting stuck anywhere...I also had a schedule of posting 4 times a week which I had to stop, not it's like 2 to 3 times a week😂

There's two ways to tackle this😂:

1. Okay soo most of my fics are Minchan or include either Chan, Minho or Felix. So if your bias is one of them, go wild😂 I only recently started writing more for the others as well. I'd recommend you start out easy with the masterlists for Seungmin, Changbin, Jisung, Jeongin and Hyunjin; there's one soft thoughts fic for each. Then probably Felix, his is still short. Check out Minho's and Chan's individual masterlist then if you want stuff with a reader. Me and my friend @zehina also started posting weekly rambles that are just soft thoughts on all the members.

If you're into pairings among the members, go check out the member x member (mostly smut, one Jilix/2min fluff thing) and the Minchanlix one. For Minchanlix, you'll find something with the reader as well; the Chanlix master list is mostly with a reader. If your favorite pairing is Minchan (with or without the reader)…almost half of my fics are on that Minchan master list.

2. Some fics/series I really love currently (15.05.24) are:

Always back to you (single!dad!Minho x male!Reader) - ongoing series

All the times you fell in love with Minho (x femReader)

All the times you fell in love with Chan (x femReader)

It's always been you (Chan x male!Reader)

Finding home in your heart (dilf!Lix x femReader) - ongoing mini series

You don't need me (Minchanlix x femReader)

You're so cute (soft!dom!Chan x first time sub!Changbin)

Second chance (Minchan x femReader)

Only the best for you (Minchan -> will become a poly!skz series)

More than friends (Minchan x femReader) - series

I owe you a kiss (Minchan x femReader) - ongoing series

Addicted to you (Minchan) - the first thing I wrote for skz; there's bonus content planned - series

[medu-nefer]

y'all seemed to quite like the little crocheted ruthari (TY 💘) so i thought maybe some of you would be interested in a few close-ups 👀

(i added some crocheter rambling so feel free to just click on the photo and swipe to skip all that)

i also throught perhaps @careful-silent-still and @hypherr would like to see them too? 👉👈

so. first up, runaan. he has wire inside so he has some degree of movement, but he's also quite stuffed and the movement is unfortunately limited

i've been crocheting for a year, so the idea of coming up with my own patterns for his clothes was terrifying. therefore, i ended up doing just his boots, pants and the vest (it's hot in the silvergrove this time of the year, he doesn't need the shirt or the coat 😅), plus of course the horn cuffs. all accesories are removable of course. the original idea for the pendant was for it to be just one strand with a loop at the end but it didn't look good at all so i switched to something way simpler and more effective)

i suck at embroidery and i hate it but what can you do 🫠

so i made runaan first and he was going to be a little birthday gift to myself, but ofc it'd be criminal to make only him and the plan has always been to make him a little ethari too. i finished him on the 5th so i guess it all ended up being a gift for him 🤣

once i saw his turnarounds, though, it took me quite some time to hype myself up to actually start making him, because it's so many different clothes with no existing patterns and they're all so detailed (runaan's were too but i had gained some confidence while making him and wanted to work on ethari properly) 😩 still, i somehow did it.

i did change the flap of fabric hanging from his belt as i had no way of making a smooth ombre transition from purple to dark turquoise like he actually has it - so instead of 2 jarring colours, it's 4 jarring colours 😂 and i also didn't do the embroidery on that part and it made me very happy - especially since there was plenty of embroidery i couldn't skip

and just like with runaan, all of his articles of clothing are removable (the flap is sewn onto the belt, and the green patches are sewn onto the boots but other than that, everything is separate)

there is, however, one issue 😅 i think it stems from a couple of choices i made: 1. i used a different, slightly thicker type of yarn for ethari's body than i did for runaan; 2. i used a 3,0 mm hook instead of 2,5 mm; and 3. i messed up the patterns for ethari's limbs (i did them in rounds instead of rows; it was late and i was tired and by the time i realised that, i was on the 3rd one & couldn't be bothered to scrap them all - which i probably should have done XD oh well).

the first 2 choices were deliberate as ethari is canonically a little bit taller than runaan, but umm...

let's just assume elves grow until they're 40 or so, and so after 2 years in the coin, runaan stayed behind 😅

oh, and i also wanted them to be able to hold hands so they have magnets in their hands but in the end, they weren't strong enough to still work through two layers of yarn ☹️ i guess i could still use a little clasp but we'll see about that

so yeah. here they are 😊

P.S. please enjoy runaan at his baby yoda phase:

[wheredafandomat]

The Christmas a God came to visit

Loki x female reader

Contains fluff, angst, maybe alludes to smut but no actual smut ☹️😂

“Grandma, tell us a story.” Your youngest grandchild asked, clearly trying to avoid bedtime as she grabbed your hand as opposed to following her other siblings.

“She’s tired, let her rest.” Your daughter insisted, picking the child up before you tapped the space next to you.

“It’s alright darling, one last story won’t hurt.” You smiled, your grandchildren quickly surrounding you for one of your infamous tales. “Tonight’s story is about the Christmas a god came to visit.”

There was just something about the streets at this time of year that screamed Christmas. Whether it was the Christmas carollers or the street lights, the place was radiating warmth and cheer. As a child you were certainly more excited about Christmas then than you were now but being outside, engrossed in it made you feel young again; because being in your twenties was definitely old. You smiled at people as you passed them, the night breeze chilling your exposed cheeks as you rushed home before snow fell, stopping in your tracks when you saw a bright light glowing for a few moments before it dimmed and disappeared. Cautiously you followed it as it lead you to an alleyway, the end of it barely visible. You cursed yourself for always being so curious.

“Hello?” You called, wondering if anyone was hurt as you heard a groan followed by the sound of a shoe scraping the floor. “Excuse me?” You called again seeing a shadow before you gasped when a man appeared in front of you.

“Well hello.” He grinned, picking your hand up and bringing it to his lips before you quickly retracted it. Why did you even follow the light?

Your eyes ran over the man, he didn’t look unclean or unkept, if anything, he looked like something straight out of a Shakespearean play. You thought back to the production one of the local colleges were putting on and assumed he had somehow skipped a dress rehearsal. You quickly scanned him for injuries, your eyes honing in on a fresh cut on his forehead.

“I think you’ve banged your head.” You spoke, gesturing to his forehead.

“What? Why?” He queried, confused, eyes landing on your finger.

“You’re bleeding.”

“Oh” he said, touching his forehead as if only now aware of the gash “they never give me a soft landing, always dingy alleyways” he huffed “thanks a lot.” He grunted, looking up at the sky; clearly he had hit his head harder than either of you had thought.

“Do you need me to call anyone or anything?” You offered.

“That won’t be necessary.” He smiled politely before stepping past you, staggering as he did so.

“Are you drunk?”

“No.” He answered.

“Are you sure I can’t help you?”

“Actually there is something” he murmured, turning to face you again “point me in the direction of the rouge frost giant.”

“The what?” You questioned, brows knitting.

“The frost giant” he exclaimed “huge things, blue, ghastly looking, although, I myself don’t share that likeness” he rambled before pausing seeing your bewilderment “you really don’t know what I’m talking about do you?”

“No” you shook your head.

“This was probably Thors doing.” He spoke, mostly to himself as he visibly deflated, looking away from you.

Taking a deep breath, you weighed up the pros and cons of helping this stranger out of the cold, the pros being he was handsome to say the least and he radiated a strange warmth and safety as well as the fact that it was Christmas Eve. The cons however included the fact that he was indeed a stranger and you lived alone. You decided you’d send him on his way, maybe with some money to buy a hot drink but seeing him wipe his forehead which was still bleeding, you thought the least you could do was patch him up at home.

“Look, it’s about to snow, would you like some tea or something, I can clean up your forehead.”

“Tea would be good.” He smiled widely before you both made your way to your place.

What the hell am I doing, you cringed internally as you pushed the key into the door, inviting a total stranger you found in a dark alley into your home. He wiped his feet on the doormat before he walked in, his smile falling as he looked around.

“Where’s all your decorations, I thought it was Christmas here?” He asked.

“No point, it’s only me here.” You shrugged. You didn’t see the point of wasting money decorating the place only for you to see. Every year was the same, you by yourself.

“Oh.”

“I probably shouldn’t have said that, it was a lie” you quickly lied realising you shouldn’t have told him you were alone “I’ve got loads of friends, scary ones that don’t live far so don’t try anything.” You warned.

“I wouldn’t dream it.” He winked.

“Well, make yourself at home, I’ll put the kettle on.” You spoke before making your way to the kitchen, Loki following behind you slowly, not sure how to make himself at home in your home. You made tea for the both of you before you took your first aid kit out. Loki sat down as you cleaned the cut, confused when underneath the cut was a seemingly old scar. He either healed unnaturally fast or that wasn’t real blood. Your heart rate quickened, what if this was his thing, luring women into alleyways to kidnap them or to go into their homes for tea and maybe then kidnap them after? Or rob them? Yes! He was a robber.

“You can’t have my things!” You yelped, standing to your feet.

“I don’t want your things.” He answered, sipping his tea before a bright light from your window blinded you causing you to gasp. “That’s my ride.” He smiled, putting his mug down.

“What?”

“I’m not from here.” He explained vaguely, standing before tucking his chair in as if that made any sense.

“I’m confused.”

“Have a good Christmas y/n, your kindness won’t be forgotten.”

Suddenly you didn’t want the strange robber kidnapper to go.

“If you’re ever in town again, feel free to stop by.”

“Will do.” He bid before he left leaving you puzzled when you realised you never gave him your name.

You thought about him for the rest of the night, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day. You thought about him all through January and February. You didn’t even get the man’s name let alone his number. By March you realised you’d probably never see him again but you wouldn’t forget the night he came to visit.

By the time it was Christmas Eve again, you drank way too much eggnog as you played some Christmas music. Like very Christmas, you were alone but it didn’t stop you from hanging a little tinsel this time as opposed to the last. You made your way to the kitchen to get some more of the delicious alcoholic beverage before your door knocked. Opening it, you gasped as you were met by the man again.

“Oh my god.” You murmured, it was like he had disappeared from the face of the earth only to come back exactly a year later.

“Hello to you too.”

You let him inside, offering him some eggnog as opposed to tea which he accepted happily. This time you got his name, Loki as you both spoke about nothing in particular. He looked the same, it wasn’t as if he was going to look much different with only a year gone but he looked too much the same. The conversation eventually led onto where he was from.

“Asgard.” He answered.

“Asgard, is that up North?” You asked.

“I guess so, in a way.” He shrugged before noticing a light from outside. “I must be leaving” he stood “oh yes I forgot” he added, pulling out a book from what you guessed was a really big inside pocket “a gift.”

“Oh, I didn’t know we were—”

“I thought you’d enjoy it” he simpered as you ran your fingers over the title Norse Mythology, whatever that was. “I better be off.”

“Wait, what’s your number.” You asked, you wanted to stay in contact this time.

“Erm, I’m quite fond of the number seven although I must leave.” He insisted, opening the door.

“Wait!” You called again, Loki turning to face you before you pecked his cheek “Merry Christmas Loki.”

“And you.”

You followed the same pattern of last year only this time you decided to read the mythology book Loki gave you in March instead of just forget about him. To say you were shocked about what you read was a criminal understatement. You remembered Loki talking about Thor, the light, his clothes, his name. Was it possible that—no! Could he be a—no! Was Loki a—NO!!

The following Christmas, you decorated the place properly for the first time in years incase of any unexpected visitors you may or may not have hoped arrived. You had read the book over and over, researched things, spoken to different people who claimed to have witnessed aliens from outer space before. If Loki really was who you thought, you’d ask him tonight if he came.

Hearing the door knock, your heart hammered in your chest. You slowly stepped to the door, legs shaking as you twisted the door handle. You had thought over and over about how you’d approach Loki if you were to see him again and yet now you were nervous. What if he really was a norse god, a prince? Would you have to curtsy. You flung the door open before falling to your knees.

“Your highness.” You spoke.

“Y/n? No need for that dearie.”

Looking up, you quickly stood to your feet seeing your neighbour standing at the door.

“Rita” you smiled awkwardly “hello.”

“I was just wondering whether I could borrow your kettle love?”

“My kettle?”

“Yeah, mine has just broken.”

“Erm, okay.” You nodded, quickly getting your kettle before heading back to your neighbour only to see her talking to Loki. He came.

“L—Loki.” You stuttered.

“Thanks love.” Rita smiled, taking the kettle from your hands before leaving you with Loki.

When he came inside, he looked around at all the decorations, unable to hide his glee at seeing them. You just stared at him, unable to process that he was actually here. You wondered how embarrassing it would have been if you asked him if he was thee Loki and he replied no. What if he just gave you the book to show you the origins of his name. Maybe he was just named after the Norse god and also decided to dress like him. Maybe you’d leave the questioning.

“Did you read the book?” He asked.

“Are you—”

“Yes.” He confirmed.

“As in the God?”

“Yes.”

“Oh god” you spoke just above a whisper, feeling faint. “I think I’m gonna—gonna”

“Y/n?” Loki gulped before you fell into his arms, moreso he caught you.

When you later woke up, you were surprised to find yourself in your bed. Had Loki carried you? You looked around the room, it was empty. Pushing the duvet off of yourself, you stood to your feet before cautiously opening your bedroom door to find Loki walking around your home eyeing all the decorations, a stark difference to when he first came. You couldn’t deny the fact that you felt a little proud.

“You decorated.” Loki remarked, his back to you.

“I-incase you came.” You answered, truthfully.

“I like them.” He smiled, turning to face you as you stepped towards him.

“Thank you” you answered, copying his expression as you stepped towards him “oh” you giggled a little noticing the mistletoe above your heads.

“Shall we?” He grinned. You were really about to kiss a god. Nodding, your breath hitched as Loki placed his lips on yours, kissing you gently, his hand finding your cheek as you melted into the kiss. You deepened the kiss, your tongue moving against his before a bright light shone through one of the windows. Time was up. “Until next time.” He winked, breaking the kiss as you stood breathless.

“I just kissed a god.”

As each Christmas passed, Loki was sure to visit you every Christmas Eve. Eventually your kisses progressed to more intimate moments, your feelings growing into love, a love that was only returned once a year. You learnt about him, prayed to him, yearned for him, but he only visited once a year. It was enough until it wasn’t. You began noticing that Loki was always the same, always young whilst you aged, alone. You loved him, you did, but you couldn’t continue allowing the world to pass you by whilst you waited for one man, one god to love you enough to stay.

“Please Loki, stay.” You practically begged, your bodies bare as you drew lazy circles over his chest.

“I can’t, you know I can’t.” He sighed, kissing your temple.

“Please” you sniffled “I-I miss you everyday Loki, I-I love you. One day isn’t enough.”

“Y/n, my love” he began, siting up “I cannot, this day, every year, it’s stolen, sacred. I-I can’t.”

“Why?” You questioned, your sadness swelling into anger “why Loki?”

“I’m not allowed, if I trespass for longer out of Asgard, I’ll be banished.” He explained.

“Then stay here, stay on earth.” You begged, sitting up and facing him.

“I can’t.”

“Choose me.”

“I can’t y/n.” He spoke sadly, shaking his head.

“I-I can’t do this anymore.” You sobbed, Lokis heart splitting.

You didn’t remember much after that apart from Loki kissing you before he left. You didn’t see him again. You thought about him on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day. You thought about him all through January and February. You thought he’d come at Christmas but he didn’t. Another year, another Christmas alone until you decided you wouldn’t wait for him anymore. You found a good man, married, had children and never waited for Loki again.

You had moved on, but you still felt him. He was the chill on your back whenever there was a draft. He was the person at the corner of your vision, gone too soon before you could really focus on them. He was your warm embrace whenever you were cold. He was the proof that you were never alone in this vast universe.

“I doubt he’d like all my wrinkles now though.” You laughed, your grandchildren’s eyelids heavy after the story. “Right, off to bed my darlings.”

“Night night grandma.” They spoke, their mum taking them to bed.

“Night love.” You smiled at your daughter.

“Goodnight mum.” She replied.

Settling into bed, you felt your eyelids growing heavy as you looked at your bedside table, the pictures of your family smiling back at you. You had done well, lived a good life, kissed a god. You could honestly say you were done now, finally able to rest. And that’s what you did, closed your eyes and fell asleep.

“My love.”

Gasping, your eyes flew open hearing the familiar voice.

“L-Loki?” You exhaled, tears pooling in the corners of your eyes.

“We can be happy now.” He smiled, taking your hand. Looking at your hands connected, you gasped seeing your hand wrinkle free.

“Oh how I’ve missed you.” You beamed before he kissed you.

“It’s time to go now.”

OMG if you read this whole word vomit thank you so so sooo much!! I love you! ❤️❤️

Tags:

@mischief2sarawr @mcufan72 @lulubelle814 @lokisgoodgirl @fictive-sl0th @peaches1958 @mochie85 @lokiprompts

[misc-obeyme]

Hi CC!! I missed talking to you (･–･) \(･◡･)/ how's your days been? I'm just going to ramble a tiny bit bear with me

had a writing exam and one of the options was: "Write about someone you adore" and I had to physically restrain myself from wititng about barb lol. the teachers are done with my barbatos bs😂

the new birthday events are awsome! I was panicking because I thought last year cards won't be back.. but they are and way better. the new pity system is awsome, another win for NB lol

only 99 days till his(us haha) Birthday!! :<<

Hi Kian! I'm always happy to hear from you! Things have been pretty good for me recently, I've been writing like crazy so I can't complain about that lol!

Oh that would be so hard... like what the hell of course the answer to a question like that would be a Barbatos essay??? There's so much to say about him! Plus, don't they want you to be honest? Well, I dunno, maybe they don't lol. But if I was a teacher and my students answered questions like that with fictional characters, it would fill me with happiness.

I'm finding the new birthday event to be very interesting. I'm not used to having to wait to read the story. Like maybe I could unlock the whole thing in a night, but the AP regeneration kinda requires you to do it a bit at a time. I don't hate it or anything, actually it's kinda nice. But I'm not sure how I feel about the story yet 'cause I haven't unlocked it all.

I'm wondering if they were always planning to do this or if it's that everybody complained so much they were like... we gotta do something different. Probably the latter, let's be real. But at least that means they're listening to the fans! I can't complain about that!

I like the exchange rewards, too. If I'm unlucky, I can still get the card. If I'm lucky, then I get some other stuff I need instead (or a skill up which is also helpful). You do have to pull a lot still to get the card, but if you're trying for it anyway, it's better to have a point at which you can just use the exchange points to get it instead. Rather than wasting however many more vouchers.

You have a counter for Barb's bday? I love it! We still have some time, but it draws ever closer!! I'm always prepared to lose my mind over his cards lol. I'm excited to see what his birthday event is like!

[queenofalpaca]

Oh both Go to Sleep, Scrapper and Bode's Force Background have me super curious for the WIP ask!

Coming right up! thanks for the ask, Anon 🩵

Go to Sleep, Scrapper

This one is obviously inspired by Cal’s chronic inability to take care of himself. It’s planned as a 4+1 though I guess I could make it a 5+1 by just adding Cordova or something, we’ll see. It starts with instances of Greez, Cere, Merrin, and BD trying to convince Cal to go to sleep, and failing. Cal just has too many issues. Stubbornness, nightmares, insomnia, you name it, the guy’s probably struggling with it. The common theme here is that they all use some variation of “Go to sleep, [nickname]” btw, hence the title.

Cue the +1 in which Bode shows up, pulls “Go to sleep, Scrapper” and Cal promptly drops dead. Here’s a little snippet I do not remember writing 😅

It was probably stupid, but Bode needed Cal alive and well if he wanted to have any chance of getting to Tanalorr. He stepped into Cal’s path.

“Go to sleep, Scrapper.” It wasn’t hard to extend his presence just enough to shield the soft brush against Cal’s wobbling shields. He wouldn’t remember this tomorrow. Probably wouldn’t remember it even without the soft suggestion to forget along with sleep.

Cal, predictably, dropped like a rock, right into Bode’s waiting arms. He had to take a step back to brace himself; Cal was heavier than he’d expected. Cal wasn’t bothered though, already snoring away into his chest. Bode huffed and pulled him into a more secure grip.

It took him a few moments to realise that the others had fallen silent, their quiet conversations stopped. He looked up to see all of them staring at him and Cal in various states of utter disbelief.

And that’s it. Just some cute little fluff about Bode finally getting Cal to take a dang nap. And possibly cheating a little bit to do so, lol

Bode’s Force Background

So you know the stony/rocky background going on in the meditation circle menu? This started as an effort to figure out what that might look like for Bode. That somehow split into both Haunting and the fic that’s still in this file, but I’ll tell you about this one (it’s the better one anyway, lol)

The idea is a 5+1. Yes again. I have a thing for 5+1s. They’re just easy to write, what can I say. This one’s angsty as hell tho (good job balancing things out, anon). The thing is, if I post it, this one will probably be called Haunting actually 😂

Now here’s the problem: this one features a big old plot twist. Trying to sell you this fic without spoiling it will make this description rather short. Bode is being haunted by Cal. He keeps catching glimpses of him, but he remains always just out of reach. That’s about as much as I can say.

What I will ramble a bit more about is what I came up with for Bode’s Force/Meditation background, and maybe you’ll even get an idea on what the big twist is. So. Bode’s a spy and he’s very good at hiding the fact that he’s Force-sensitive at all. Here’s my pitch: Bode’s meditation background changes to align to his current surroundings. Whatever place he’s in/planet he’s on, his background will change accordingly to a slightly surreal, dream-like version of the same place. The only common element is water (because the SpyScrapper discord is obssessed with the water/fire thing and I am not immune). In any case, the water. It seems natural at first glance. Rain on Coruscant, the river/waterfall on Koboh, a dripping sink on Nova Garon, stuff like that. But if you look a little closer, it might seem strange that it’s raining on the lower levels of Coruscant. Bode’s ‘true’ meditation background, when he’s not lying to himself and others and trying to make himself fit into his surroundings is a big old lake/ocean. Something something hidden depths, you get it.

And that’s as much as I’ll say (there’s more ideas on themes/metaphors but again, plot twist). One last thing though, because there isn’t yet enough angst: this fic will also feature the post-game Force Echoes. Make of that what you will, heh 🩵

Now for the next ask, I’m gonna need you guys to choose something I can drop actual snippets for 😂 unless you want to have the fics that are still mostly just concepts 😅

[mirjam-writes]

What about you? What writing are you happy about this year?? Is there anything you want to brag about?

Happy Yule, solstice, Christmas, Festivus, (belated) Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Doctor Who Day! And anything else you might celebrate, or happy Monday if you don’t!

Thank you so so much for asking 🧡🧡

This was quite a writing year for me. I wrote only four stories, but I'm quite proud of all of them. To Love Somebody was my first foray in rare pairs. An angsty backstory for Shadwell, and what made him the way he is. It has an hopeful ending, and I'm quite proud of the structure, and how much I managed to squeeze into the small word count. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is a short and wholesome outsider pov story I wrote for an event. I was surprised how much people liked it! It was also my first attempt on present tense, which continued in A Stable Relationship, one of my FTH stories for this year (the second one will probably be a bit late, and be completed in January). I had fun writing it, and it turned out to be a good one, and the only one of these oneshots that was Explicit. It was set in horse riding world.

The reason why I wrote only three oneshots, and why my second FTH piece is late, was of course my favourite story of all time: Be Still My Soul trilogy. A human AU story set in the sad moments of Finnish history.

Despite the class differences, landowner Azirafel Fjäll and sawmill worker Anton Crowley have been friends since childhood. The Great War rages over Europe and the Empire of Russia is in the firm grip of a revolution. The echoes of these fateful events carry over to the Grand Duchy of Finland, vaguely sauntering towards independence. Azirafel and Crowley find themselves on the opposite sides of a conflict that will eventually lead to a bitter civil war, tearing the country apart.

Is there a possibility for them to find their own side, or will this be the end of their budding love story?

I started writing the third part in January, and finished it just before S2 aired in July. It finished posting in October, and it's now complete and done, though I'm still commissioning art for it. This story took over my life for over two years, and it's my baby. I've had such a hard time to let go of it! It also has its own blog @be-still-my-soul-fanfic where I posted dozens of posts about historical and cultural facts. The story is written in a way you don't need to know anything of the Finnish history beforehand (my American betas made sure of that). It's a lovestory, not a history lesson, BUT if you want to learn more, there's a lot of extra info available 😅

I think it's the best story I've ever written (and probably ever will). Many readers have agreed, but it's angsty with very heavy themes until the happy ending, so it's not for everyone and I think posting it just when S2 aired cut some of the potential readers. The third part of the trilogy is now five kudos shy of 100 kudos, and I'm hoping it could get past that milestone before new years. 😂 So yeah, my own personal favourite gets the least interaction of them all. Oh well.

I'm gonna sound a bit self-absorbed, but I'm proud I finished it and it turned out even better than I hoped. My dream would be to print a physical copy or to record a podfic of that, but both might be a bit too much work.

For the next year I have two zine fics to finish, and I have applied to a third one. I have one event fic in the works as well, but the FTH story will be the one I'll concentrate until it's done. It's an oneshot human AU which somehow grew limbs and now it's 7.6k words and nowhere near done 😱 That's my holiday project.

Thank you for asking!! I was so delighted to get a chance to ramble myself 🧡 There's never enough chances for writers to gush about their own work because it always feels a bit self centered. That's why I like to wander around Tumblr and give people the perfect excuse to do that! Peek at the #writer's favourites tag if you want to see other fanfic writers sharing their favourites! And feel free to use the tag yourself if I forgot to ask someone (I was very much not organised when going through the blogs and I'm not good at matching blog names with writer names 😅)

I hope you'll have a magnificent new year 🧡

[eclipseshotel]

Funny about the ‘ankle biting thing’ I kinda do want my oc to bite a yautja (and either LITERALLY bite yutja’a ankle as he grabs her ankle/leg and holds her upside down (she grabs his leg and bites ankle/leg idk) or bite his upper arm (not when she’s upside down) idk. The point is even tho she’s badly beat up (from a human) she still is willing to try to fight. But just like yautja to think of her like (maybe hear someone else call her sassy chihuahua because 'why r u trying to fight? U're very weak right now') like an 'ankle biting'

And either literally bites his ankle or just 'because she's so small and helpless right now, it's like she's more of a pest than a threat' ?

Tho idk if human teeth would make a mark/make yautja bleed.. (so idk if he.. has intends of her teeth and knows they won’t last and he himself cuts where teeth marks r so they will make a scar?).

But she sees the scars later and thinks like ‘oh no. Why didn’t he use that healing pod that he used on me? Is he not allowed to use it unless it is life threatening? Or is he keeping it as a reminder of how much he hates me?’

To which he is keeping it as a reminder of like.. 'ok this ooman knows she can’t win but is brave enough to try to fight and not run. It would honor her'

Sorry for rambling but it is funny u say 'ankle biting chihuahua' because that's what my oc literally/figuratively is

I LOVE human ocs who have bite, as well as do bite literally, and are bold enough to try and sink their teeth in a yautja--of all things. lmao One of my ocs LOVES going for her yautja's neck, like a tigress, as it's probably one of the few vulnerable areas on a yautja's body tbh.

My ocs are generally on the sassy but foolish side. They see a big, tall brute and immediately think, "Yeah, I need to bully that." 😂

I doubt a human's teeth can penetrate their skin in most areas, as our teeth are on the blunter side compared to other animals. I'd be afraid of busting a tooth. Their neck, dreads/quills, and fingers are a human's best aim to draw blood.

If we're being honest, most of us wouldn't be considered dangerous enough to be any kind of a threat to a yautja; more a nuisance than anything in their eyes. And when you're on the smaller, shorter side, it's almost laughable. 🤭

Given our significantly smaller stature, and the fact that yautja find us quite inferior in many aspects to begin with, they'd probably find it... amusing, in most cases. Kinda like, "Really? You're biting me? That's the best you got?" I'm not sure I'd want to get near their ankles myself, they've got some wicked clompers. But hey, when it comes to survival, your oc's gotta do what they gotta do! YOU USE WHATEVER YOU CAN LMAO

I think they'd admire the fact that you were willing to stand up against something far larger than yourself.

If you managed to leave indents or draw blood with just your teeth, they'd probably be somewhat impressed, even find it kinda sexy perhaps (if they're frisky enough), since you've managed to mark them. Scars are a yautja's badge of honor--he'll trace that little token with some measure of respect. So all the more power to that oc! Love that for them.

Feel free to ramble about your yautja/human ocs to me whenever you'd like! 😏💗

[youremyheaven]

(same ketu rising anon who sent you the ask just now)

ALSOOOOO I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY 2 CENTS TO THE VENUS CONVO (i related to some parts of the venus and jupiter posts you had but my memory is not refreshed rn)

Bc first of all Indian men are trash, second of all, rich people are trash and a rich Indian man and his family are probably capable of god knows what insanity.

i laughed a lot at this but fucking hell dude you're so right.

also i adore art (well, writing, in my case). i think you're right it's really important to stay connected with art. i treat my art (writing) to an obsession's extent sometimes (might this be… ketu influence? 🤩 SORRYYYY forgive this amateur) and without it i get very restless.

and i have so many issues after the two relationships i mentioned and right now i am too busy to date????? BUT I STILL KEEP THINKING OF THE FUTURE AND DREADING SHIT? i keep thinking "oh i'll get married to some man who's going to use me. use my status. use my money." {not that i have much of either rn lmfao} and just generally worrying about shit that i dont need to think of?

100% agree with you about financial independence. i have no trust for people with money or power. who tf decided im the special person who'll make them good? 😂 real life isn't that kind. if someone DOES turn out to be nice, that's lovely. but it's an exception.

(on a more general note, i feel like my time on the internet has ruined me because real men will never treat me as gently as the silly fictional men and that just sucks sometimes LMAOOOO like i fantasise about having a husband in the future who doesnt hate the kids and doesnt hate me but idk man. idk if it's ever real. you lose faith in reality sometimes after caring about the ideal for so long. or something. sorry im just rambling now aghfhjghjda sorry you had to deal with this)

"also i adore art (well, writing, in my case). i think you're right it's really important to stay connected with art. i treat my art (writing) to an obsession's extent sometimes (might this be… ketu influence? 🤩 SORRYYYY forgive this amateur) and without it i get very restless."

being very art oriented = Venus and being obsessed with it is also Venusian, Ketu does add to it in your case, I think but Ketu's nature is just a perpetual state of detachment and obsession, so its kind of on and off

"BUT I STILL KEEP THINKING OF THE FUTURE AND DREADING SHIT? i keep thinking "oh i'll get married to some man who's going to use me. use my status. use my money." {not that i have much of either rn lmfao} and just generally worrying about shit that i dont need to think of?"

this is literally THE most Venusian thing everrr lmao,, Venusian women know that others see them as a status symbol lmao and they only get along with and get romantically involved with other Venusians bc they're afraid of how non-Venusians would use them for clout/money/looks etc

100% agree with you about financial independence. i have no trust for people with money or power. who tf decided im the special person who'll make them good? 😂 real life isn't that kind. if someone DOES turn out to be nice, that's lovely. but it's an exception.

marrying for anything other than love is simply not worth it. men are going to be shitty regardless,, imagine marrying for money and not getting any AND you can't stand him AND have horrible sex??? like do women think rich men are stupid??? you wont get a penny out of him if things end,, they're sooo good at hiding away their assets and not paying alimony or fucking your life up just for fun. marry someone in your income bracket so that they do not have the power to ruin you forever and you have nothing to fight back with.

bestieee you just have to be delusional enough to believe that you will find a good man. most men are lowkey garbage but there ARE good people out there and you have to have faith that you will meet the right person who adores you, loves you (and the kids) and will do anything to make life easier for you. HE EXISTS.

8 billion people exist, so purely statistically speaking, he has to exist as well 😌

its okiee dw about rambling 🥺😘i find it cute how you guys tell me whats on your mind, makes me feel like im your mom 🤰🏻👩🏻‍🍼i hope my future kids also love talking to me and telling me whatever's on their mind 🥰

[fateinthestars]

Right then! Time for the first of two White Day Special Stories posts. (Yeah I'm a day late, sorry).

This entry contains:

'Secret Blessings from the Gods: Punishments' and 'Secret Blessings from the Gods: Wishes'

These two sets contain stories for: Scorpio, Dui, Ichthys, Leon, Teorus, and Huedhaut.

Spoilers under cut.

Secret Blessing from the Gods: Punishments

Scorpio: A Handmade Message from a God

Poor Scorpio. When he tries to be really sweet it seems like things tend to go wrong. Though he also needs to use his words more rather than making MC think he's angry. That said he really tries to go out of his comfort zone for MC. Scorpio's sooo sweet, and everything works out in the end at least.

Dui: An Album of Memories

Dui is just so sweet and this making a photo album is such a lovely touching story... at least to start with. I'm glad they didn't actually lose the photos but geez the other Gods pfft. Though it's nice to see Dui is just so overwhelmingly happy he doesn't even care about the Gods antics. In fact he's the one winding Scorpio up for once.

Ichthys: All About Sweets. All About You.

Oh the gift Ichthys gives MC in this one is wonderous I just wanna go spend all day there.

But, Ichthys, please... if there's one God who should be careful about tiring themselves out by overusing powers on earth it's you sweetheart.

I adore all of this story from the chaos in the mall to the white day present. Even Ichthys' brief dizzy spell gives a nice sense of I guess closeness to him and MC.

Secret Blessing from the Gods: Wishes

Leon: A More Romantic, Dramatic Love

Oh. Oh dear. This is a mess. It's nice to see the other Gods being reassuring for once... (well mostly, though I know Ichthys was trying to be light-hearted. Thanks for stopping him from making it worse though, Dui). Leon's present and how he managed to know about the things he says and does is really sweet but poor MC is in a massive panic here.

Teorus: From the Most Beautiful Man in the World

Those of you who have read my previous rambles are probably waiting with abated breath with concern that I'm gonna talk about another Teo story, right? Well you shouldn't be so worried! I absolutely adore this Teorus story. In fact it's my favourite of all the stories set in his own path.

His actions and words here are all just so caring and loving and for once it just feels like a nice proper connection between him and MC. He notices something up at the restaurant and later when the issue is revealed his words are exactly the reassurance MC needs.

The conflict for once doesn't come from possessiveness or jealousy but from a magazine survey getting into MC's head about looks.

This is the story I have to remind myself about whenever I write Teorus/MC fics (which I know hasn't been often cos as I've said before my mind regarding Teo is all over the place).

For that matter the message here is important too. This is my top tier Teo story but it might be one of my favourites in general.

Although, talking of top tier...

Huedhaut: An Enchanting Cocktail

Oh Hue. I'm laughing so hard still at his talk about White Day, how it's a Japanese invention, and about consumerism.

Everything here is just so wonderful and loving but it is absolutely typical that they both plan something for after the main date. Like the universe always throws a spanner into Hue and MC's plans.

However it's also clearly their fate binding them together again as both their gifts contain a reference to the Aquarius constellation.

Alsothough, Hue? Magic in a drink that'll grant a wish if you wish exactly on midnight? Hue you're a Wishes God 😂 Why the rush with the time? It was just for flair wasn't it?

Still... 🥰

Okay, ranking attempt? Do I have to? These are all pretty amazing (yes even Leon's, though it's far more tense and angsty than the others here. It's not the light hearted White Day thing you'd might expect.) Ugh... well here goes:

Ichthys

Teorus

Huedhaut

Dui

Scorpio

Leon

But seriously ask me again in a moment and I'll probably rearrange all of these - and where Leon's comes depends on how I'm judging these. As a story idea it's actually pretty strong but all the others here give you a warm feeling, and Teo's works more because it isn't related to relationship concerns.

[weenwrites]

Hey! Literally long time no see 😂 you probably don’t know or remember last time I was on tumblr I did the what if transformers prime had Jazz but like in a tfa fashion. I did an aspiring musician human charge named Melody. 😄

Sorry it’s been awhile, I started collage and had a bit of a mental break from the point of all my friends moved away for collage in like opposite directions and only a few of them kept in touch, my childhood dog died right before collage started😅 and the realization of oh man I’m growing up. I kinda left all social media because of that too. But things are going a lot better rn. I’ve made new collage friends and internship opportunities, the old friends I still have have taken turns with me traveling to visit so I did an all evening Christmas shopping with one girl when she was in town, and I really figured out what I want to do as far as a job.

I still miss my old junkyard dog (he was a rescue pitbull/boxer sweet as could be) but because we didn’t have any pets I was able to take on the challenge of helping my new collage friend re-home some of her platy fish (they are live bearers like guppies and mollies, oh boy do they multiply) and I actually adopted one which spiraled into a 30 gallon tank, later I added more fish (all female I don’t want them overpopulating). So long story short I found out I really like nature and biology plus I got into live aquarium plants which spiraled into normal dry land plants and a butterfly refuge garden for monarchs, fritillaries, spice swallowtails, and zebra long wings. So because of this I’ve been applying to zoos and wild life refuges for internships and I’ll be applying for volunteer work at the spca.

Sorry for the ramble I guess this was a long way of me saying, I’m back now and I’ve felt really nostalgic thinking about how things change all the time and for a while it was really rough and kinda sad but sometimes it’s just the sign of a new beginning and a new chapter of life. For me, you, or anyone who needs to hear it-things do get better and if you search for the light you will find it. It may take time but trust me there’s so much out there and so many friends you won’t know about until you try. The hardest part sometimes is finding where to start and taking that first step. But yeah 😂 hello, how are you? And I hope you’ve been doing well too. -🐾 if this isn’t taken

OH HEY!! Yeah I remember you!

Sounds like you had quite the year! I hope 2024 will be a brighter year than 2023 for you. To my knowledge, I don't think there's a 🐾 anon yet, so the name's all your's!

[hypaalicious]

3,6,& 9 if you please~ it's so good seeing you on my dash 💖

Yeah I’m lame and screenshot the questions cause I end up forgetting what I’m even talking about mid-type 😂

… also, I read “3, 6, 9” and immediately followed it up with “damn you fine, hoping she can sock it to me one more time, GET LOWWWW GET LOW GET LOWWW”

Sorry okay let me get back on track

I answered 3 in a previous ask, so

#6 - hardest part is probably just starting to write, LMAO! There’s nothing like the intimidation of facing a blank document and a flashing cursor waiting for you to put something down, frfr. I end up overthinking the story before I’ve even written it. 😩 Once I get rolling, it’s a lot easier, even though I have mini hurdles along the way like trying to figure out the BEST word to use in a sentence or how to transition scenes.

#9 - writing process??? WHAT’S THAT

Okay well I can now say it’s totally different between fics vs novels/script writing

For fics, it’s totally “get obsessed with an idea, marinate on it in your mind for days, fly off the seat of your pants while writing it”. What I plan is often not entirely how the fics go, but hey, I get to be surprised by the outcome just as much as the readers are 😂

For novels and professional writing, I learned that outlines are mandatory, so I start with that. Pacing must fit within thresholds and if you just ramble you end up with a lot that needs to be trimmed or re-worked, and that sucks. I basically had to re-write my manuscript from scratch after the first draft got (lovingly) critiqued by beta readers because fic writing ain’t novel writing, LOL. Also, to help get my writing going, I actually RP’d a third of it with a good friend to get a feel for how I wanted it to go. This prevented me from falling into a writer’s block cause I had someone else basically prompting me to write my story bits at a time. The final product is very different from what was RP’d, but that base really helped me get the rest of it done.

I also wrote scenes out of order instead of stressing over writing “boring” parts to catch up to the stuff I really wanted to write. Never did that before, but once again, it was to stave off writer’s block.

For game writing scripts… lord, that was such an adjustment 😩 Yes, outlining is mandatory! Believe it or not, my weakest link is writing dialogue. I depend on narrative descriptions to fill space, but in a game where everything is dialogue driven it’s rough. I had to picture my characters talking way more than I’ve ever even pictured actual people talking, LOL! My introvert status is mad showing, I know 😂 But dude, you don’t realize how much dialogue is involved in even the most mundane things until you’re like “oh, I can’t infer their nervousness through descriptive body language or tense atmosphere, I have to figure out how to make them say they’re nervous without actually having them SAY straight up they’re nervous and not having it feel like scenes move clunkily.” I’m so damn verbose that I didn’t think I could do it, fam. 🥲

But now I’m in 100% script writing mode and just need to finish the game so I can throw myself back into long-form writing to get my groove back 😂

[witching-by-the-willow]

To me it's obvious Pride's book will be next, but I will be honest, I don't know how anyone can root for him, much less Vittoria? He torpedoed his entire marriage and let his own wife think he was sleeping around on her because of what people might say about him like this is high school. He's angry at Wrath for the curse when his marriage to Lucia is the main drive for it because he can't take accountability for his actions. I also still can't fathom how Kerri thought we'd accept or like Vittoria's quick turn around either, esp after she did things like degrade Emilia naked and IN CHAINS. I'd much rather have a Wrath prequel instead of all this, but even then, I worry how Kerri would execute it at this point. It just feels like she wants to write Netflix!Bridgerton and the circles of HELL are not the best setting for that imho. Sorry for venting, I guess I just wanted that other anon to know they're not alone on their lukewarm Pride feelings. 🤣

Okay, hello bestie, hopefully this is the time this finally gets posted. 😂♥️

You know what, you're absolutely right.

I get why Pride would do that, because he's...well, too proud to not show off his sin. But buddy, maybe you should not?? Have made your wife think?? You were cheating on her?? Their story is just so filled with miscommunication, and a bit of enabling of the same by Lucia's mother/the First Witch. But tbh, she only wanted the best for her daughter, and maybe if Pride had actually showed his love for Lucia, she would have budged. Because we do know he loves her, because he has never moved on from trying to find her. And with more miscommunication, she didn't bring up her doubts and questions to him either, which is annoying to me too.

Anyway, I think a part of why I want to see Pride and Lucia is because I want to see him put his namesake sin aside and dedicate himself to groveling and falling on his knees for her forgiveness. And well, communication. Please, for the love of god. 🤡

Also YES I know, right? Wrath has done nothing to get the curse, sir. Leave him alone. He has suffered because of it, despite not having had any hand in causing it. 😭

This is not to say I don't like Pride, I do. And I actually think he's quite interesting, so I'm waiting for his book desperately so he can get the development he needs so I can love him (as I love Sloth).

And oh bestie, I am so glad you agree with me on the Vittoria plotline. Her character has a lot of potential, but that last-minute redemption arc was a complete mess. And Emilia and Wrath are way better people than me, because no matter how ancient I was, I would NOT forgive her so soon for making my life hell (no pun intended) for months.

Like, ma'am. You could have made your points and had a conversation with your sister WITHOUT chaining her or poisoning her husband.

Not the mention the sexual frustration from pulling poor Emilia to whatever reason at the worst possible moments lmao 💀💀💀

Oh buddy, the thimgs I would do for a Wrath Prequel.....please, it would solve so many of my problems. I don't even need it to be a literary masterpiece, I just want to see what goes on in his head at any given moment. 😂🛐

Bestie, not the bridgerton comparison I'm akfjajgbajgnang I can't unthink it now 💀

But ngl, I'm looking forward to the stories on various princes. I like the world Kerri Maniscalco has built and I like the characters too. Even if the books turn out to be a mess, I'll probably keep reading anyway, because I just have a lot of fun with this setting.

Also like. I need the book on Sloth. Tell me more about this prince of hell who is a medicine scholar and an introvert and has a massive library in his house that he spends his time reading in instead of getting involved in hell-drama. You can't look me in the eyes and tell me he does not deserve his own book.

Well, this turned into quite the ramble lol. Thank you for this ask, I love talking about these books, and any and all books! ❤️

[gabbysdawsons]

Okay so I had some more ideas for the crossover between Abra and my Dev, and you can tell me if anything feels off to you but I kind of felt like I had to share them (and also I would very much like to be better friends with you so this is me trying to start a conversation):

So I feel like their first meeting would be something like, Steve brings Dev to the tower to meet the other Avengers, and Dev is just like… freaking the fuck out because he’s about to meet actual literal superheroes, only to see Abra there because she was already spending time with Clint, and he sort of gravitates towards her because she’s the only other “normal” person there and it puts him at ease.

The initial conversation would probably be kind of stilted, because Dev is not great at talking to new people (mostly due to his problems reading social cues), but I feel like the more they hung out around each other and talked, they’d wind up becoming pretty good friends.

Dev is actually kind of impressed by Abra’s past as a scam artist, mainly because he sucks at lying and is in mild awe of anyone who’s able to do it well enough to make a living out of it (😂).

And he also really admires her for being brave enough to go out and be a hero, even if it was never really what she wanted, because he was never brave enough to do that, even if it might have been easier for him than her because of his mutation.

Speaking of Dev’s mutation, there are very few people in the MCU he actually trusts with the knowledge of his air manipulation (Steve, Sam, and Bucky, obviously, but also Natasha just because it’s lowkey impossible to keep secrets from her), but I really think Abra would be one of those people that he trusts.

I can honestly picture, though, him making a big deal out of it and being crazy nervous and then making a small tornado in his palm to show her and she’s just like, “Huh. Okay,” because this woman has seen Wanda Maximoff’s chaos magic up close and it takes a lot to phase her now.

Also, I can totally see them teasing each other about their respective relationships, especially once Bucky joins Dev and Sam’s relationship, because Bucky is notoriously broody and intimidating and Clint is… well, Clint.

I’m not really sure what Abra’s doing during The Falcon and the Winter Solider, but I can totally see Dev calling her a few times over the course of the story just to freak out about what’s going on.

“Abra?! You are not going to believe this, Bucky just broke Zemo out of prison. Yes, that Zemo… no, you can’t come to Madripoor just to kill him, we kinda need him for this!”

Oooh, and the thought of him becoming kind of an honorary uncle to Kate once Abra and Clint take her in?? Because he can totally relate to the intense social awkwardness she has, and I can picture the two of them just rambling together for hours and Abra just looking on like, “Oh, great, now I’ve got to deal with two of them.”

But yeah, those were just some thoughts I had!! Again, if any of those don’t feel right to you or if you wanna add something else, I’d love to talk to you about it!! Hope you’re doing well!! 🖤🖤🖤

oh i have so many thoughts to add to this!!

Abra has- very few people who are allowed to call her Abby. and by very few people I mean two: Clint, and Nate because he thinks that's her name. However, I do think she would be perfectly okay with Dev calling her Abby because she likes him. he's her friend which she- can't really say about a lot of people she's met through the avengers initiative. 

and she would be so! excited! that Steve even has a friend. because he's her work bestie, she likes knowing that he actually has a friend outside of work, and she likes Dev even more once she realizes he's- almost nothing like most of the people she sees on a daily basis. He's nice and genuine and normal, and it is just so beyond refreshing.

Tbh I think he is also one of the few people she would trust to actually- introduce her kids to. Because- really what are the odds he's going to be some supervillain hellbent on destroying her life?

and yes! when she sees his powers she would just be like "aw. cute!" not even meaning it in a condescending manner, it's just- not a whole lot compared to being put through Wanda's mindmelting reality warp. 

and in terms of them teasing each other. that is perfect. and Abra would, every time she sees Dev and Bucky together, just completely unseriously say "you know he tried to kill me, right?" 

and! she is actually a part of Falcon and Winter Soldier! She had the week off because Clint had the kids so she figured- why not help out where she can? And she- wouldn't love all the superhero stuff, but she would love getting to spend some time with Dev. 

oh okay so this isn't *really* Abra and idk if Dev disappears during Endgame or not, but if he doesn't- I'm just imagining him being Janie's English teacher. and she is- struggling during those 5 years. Clint- really dropped the ball with his parenting and she misses her mom, and she really just needs somebody and Dev was her mom's friend so she would probably end up coming to him for support occasionally. 

and then i made some gifs for them bc i just had to. i kind of love them already