#ridoc pov

[yanny-77]

TUH Chapter 8 Posted!

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8

Word Count: 12,156/90,253

Summary:

When Bodhi barged into Ridoc's room, Ridoc's drunk, mostly naked, and in the middle of a hookup and he can't help but wonder if maybe he needs to set some boundaries. Meanwhile, a history essay gives Ridoc some doubts about Navarre's border policies and a missive regarding poromish refugees rocks the quadrant. Ridoc finds himself frustrated - in more ways than one - and just needs to find release, even if it means taking matters into his own hands.

Excerpt:

He felt naked and on display and yet he wanted this so badly that he couldn’t push Bodhi away. Self-preservation be damned. He knew it would hurt and he didn’t care. Not tonight. Ridoc breathed in deeply, holding the scent deep in his lungs, as Bodhi’s head drooped to his shoulder.  This feeling right here, he wanted to hold onto it. To commit it to his memory. Everything in him was warm and soft and satisfied. He couldn’t imagine there would ever be anything more, anything better than this. “Ridoc?” “Yeah, Bodhi?” Ridoc brushed the hair back from Bodhi’s forehead. “Thank you for being my friend.”

Read now on AO3

In addition to this chapter, I have some exciting news to share. We are hosting a fandom-wide fic exchange in partnership with the Rider's Quadrant Discord Server and r/FourthWing. This event is open to established writers and newbies alike and you don't have to be associated with the discord or the subreddit to participate. Everyone is welcome. If you're new to writing and are feeling nervous about participating, feel free to reach out to me. I'll happily provide you with feedback and encouragement. The goal is to have fun, make new friends, and diversify the fics for the Empyrean fandom!

Sign up by May 31st!

More Information Sign Up Here Follow the Event Tumblr

Taglist: @nireduh @seasonallyapril @biggestqiblifan @poisonivy206 @iftheshoef1tz @hunt-athie-athalar @korrinamoe @strawberbie @preally19 @freckledfern @ramzesfics @acourtofladydeath @chunkypossum @secret-third-thing @sarahydeart @alexandia03 @greeneyedwildthing @vanthh @evaja @feetreadyheartbeatsteady @chasing-a-dreamer @skyfallscotland

[hockeyspiral23]

Liam sits down next to me, eyeing me warily. "Are you going to judge me?" "Absolutely." I hold up a hand to forestall the defense I know is on his tongue. "I absolutely judge anyone who considers getting into a relationship with Ridoc willingly, knowing that man never fucking shuts up." I hide my grin behind my drink. "Oh, there's an easy way to shut him up and it's a lot easier when there's two of us to do it." My drink goes everywhere. Will wonders never cease - Liam Mairi is, in fact, capable of being an asshole. Even if I might have opened myself up for that one.

[ubiquitouslyme]

The Odyssey of Imrrick - Chapter 6

Chapter 6/10 of the rq-gift-exchange for @alexandia03 - more than half way there!

Summary:

The story of how Imogen and Garrick fell in love - told from their POV while they get ready for their wedding with their friends.

This work will be ten chapters, to be posted every Monday and Friday until August 1st.

Chapter 6 Summary:

Garrick reflects with Ridoc and Xaden about his time with Imogen at Basgiath and right after graduation. He explains why he had not, in fact, been a bumbling idiot at all, even though he'd admittedly been helplessly in love with her.

Xaden and Ridoc disagree.

Snippet:

“So you f***ed in Resson, came back to Basgiath, and then…”

Garrick’s eyes narrowed.

“You graduated.  Oh Garrick.  You didn’t just leave her without talking to her first, did you?” Ridoc asked, eyes wide.

Garrick grimaced. 

“Ouch, no wonder she was so pissed at you that year.”

“There wasn’t exactly a lot of time,” Garrick countered.

“You act like we weren’t in Aretia with her for almost a week before that,” Xaden observed.

“Yeah, and when would have been the best time for that talk?  When we went to retrieve Liam’s body?  Or how about when we buried him?  Or when we were fighting with the Assembly about whether we would return to Basgiath or fake our deaths?  Or how about when Violet woke up and we had no idea if she was going to flip on us and turn us in?”

Xaden wisely had no response.

“So yeah, it wasn’t my finest moment, but we didn’t get to talk before graduation.  And then, we left Basgiath, and I thought there’d be some opportunity, but it just never happened.  So yeah, we didn’t get an opportunity to talk again for a few months,” Garrick explained, trying to forget how Imogen had ignored all of his letters, how it had twisted his insides to not see her those months.  Not until they’d come for Violet.

Well.  Xaden had come for Violet.  Garrick had come for Imogen.

“But you finally got a chance to talk in Aretia, didn’t you?” Ridoc asked his expression hopeful.

“Yeah, didn’t you, Garrick?” Xaden wiggled his eyebrows.

“We talked.  Sort of,” Garrick tried.  “It was fine.”

“So the answer is no, they didn’t talk.  I’d always wondered why you were such a bumbling idiot that year.  Now I know why.”  Xaden seemed thrilled by this development, Ridoc entertained.

“Oh, f*** you.  I’ve never been a bumbling idiot,” Garrick huffed, crossing his arms.

“Three words: stables and mares.” Xaden teased. 

“Stables and mares?” Ridoc said, looking curious between them.  “I feel like I’m missing something here.”

“He’s taking it out of context.  Let me explain…”

Chapters:

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

[printcharms]

[angstywaifu]

Masterlist

A master list for all my writings. Mainly for Fourth Wing and our rebellion boys. But I do write for other books so make sure to check my request guidelines to see who I am currently writing for.

Requests

Smut - 💕 Fluff - 🌸 Angst - 😡

Fourth Wing:

Garrick Tavis:

The Lost Sister (completed series) 💕🌸

Black Dahlia (on going series) 😡💕

Garrick Tavis Head Cannons 🌸

Just One Date 🌸

Reunited 🌸

Goodbye 😡

Means To And End - One Shot Garrick POV 😡

I Just Want To Talk To Them 😡

Happy Birthday 💕🌸

I just Want To Talk To Them Part 2 - The Reward 💕

Garrick Tavis Dad Head Cannons 🌸

Garrick Tavis Pregnant Reader Head Cannons🌸

Behave 💕

New Feelings 🌸

Is That Blood? 🌸

Wrong Advice 💕

Orders Gone Wrong 🌸😡

Bodhi Durran:

Love Letters 🌸

Options 🌸

He's Watching You Again 🌸

It's Nothing 🌸

Ridoc Gamlyn:

Matchmaker 🌸

Xaden Riorson:

I Think I Deserve a Kiss 🌸

All Alone 🌸

Not Meant To Care 😡

Liam Mairi

Surprise🌸

Eyes On Me 💕

Brennan Sorrengail

Can We Not 🌸

Cuddle Head Cannons 🌸

Love Doesn't Suit You 😡

Take A Chance 🌸

Dain Aetos

You Think I Wanted This 😡

Sawyer Henrick

Wrong Advice 💕

Fourth Wing Boys

Challenge Head Cannons 🌸

Crescent City

Ruhn Danaan

Shut Up. Make Me.

Shut Up. Make Me. Part 2 💕

[cabinyote]

I need Ridocs POV of the Threshing please, Rebecca, I'm on my knees BEGGING

[alexandia03]

Imrrick masterlist

Because we so need one and now that I am finally free and have the time, I can put this together. And also because my babies are amazing and they deserve more recognition and love.

I also divided them into sections and color-coded them as follows:

Purple = multichapter

Orange = one-shots/drabbles

Fics with Imogen/Garrick as the main ship

Memento Vivere - by yours truly (if you thought I would not start with my own fic, you have no idea how arrogant I can be)

Divine Fault Line - by the loveliest @sarahydeart

Grow as We Go - by @alexandia03 and @sarahydeart

An Interlude - by @istarbel

Mess It Up - by @sarahydeart

Imogen Cardulo POV - Companion Chapters to Xaden Riorson - Year 2 - by @ubiquitouslyme

Garrick Tavis POV - Companion Chapters to Xaden Riorson - Year 2 - by @ubiquitouslyme

Waking up in Cordyn - by @sarcasticmothwrites

How Certain the Journey - by @sarcasticmothwrites

Birthday Wishes - by @sarahydeart

Homesick - by @widebrimmedhatsblog

Where Does The Good Go - by @sarahydeart

I Think I'm in Love - by @istarbel

Life in Samara - by Etaotn

Frilly in Pink - by mirage_x

A Birthday for Imogen - by @sarcasticmothwrites

An Unexpected Surprise - by hannah_books

Squad Summer - by korrinamoe

hills like white elephants - by @bestbookfriends

Basgiath U: Prank Wars - by @tegantales

Basgiath U: Backcountry - by @tegantales

!!!!! The Odyssey of Immrick - by @ubiquitouslyme !!!!!!!

all resistance wearing thin - by @justallihere

it's nice to have a friend - by @siobhanbooks

A Talk of Marriage - by @ramzesfics

I Belong In Your Arms - by @sarahydeart

Death of a Hero - by @alexandia03

Haven't told her - by @sarcasticmothwrites

Goodbye Pre-School - by Portujules

Aretia Fire - by @siobhanbooks

threw out our cloaks and our daggers - by @siobhanbooks

Country Air - by @copperfirebird

Fics with secondary Imogen/Garrick

Came Too Far to Die - by @sarcasticmothwrites

I Don't Feel Safe With You Anymore - by the amazing @yanny-77

The Underpants Heist - by @yanny-77

Bridgegiath - by @suebswrites

I have an excellent father - by @siobhanbooks

Something in the Orange - by @siobhanbooks

It all fell down (all fell down) - by @siobhanbooks

Get In, Loser, We're Going Shipping - by oopsireaditagain

Eight Hours to Cordyn - by @sarcasticmothwrites

For What It's All Worth - by SilverLude

Car Assignments - Ridoc's Shennanigans - by Scarlet_Aeon

The Wingleader - Xaden POV - by alexa_raye

Game on - by @ubiquitouslyme

Future Tense - by @sarcasticmothwrites and @oh-no-its-dragons

victory is all you need - by @hockeyspiral23

Moments in Aretia - by ShadowMami

On Tuesday We Lift - by Overjoyedisland

Xaden POV of Iron Flame - by Alana_ever

you're too sweet (for me) - by @siobhanbooks

Can't Pour From an Empty Glass - by Ixcalia

Thunderstorms and Sunshine - by @tegantales

The Alchemy - by pretty_please

The Idiots of Basgiath War College - by @siobhanbooks

Commemoration Day: Three Love Scenes - by Mara_Leigh

long live the kind - by @siobhanbooks

Great Basgiath Bake Off - by @tegantales

you're too sweet (for me) - by @siobhanbooks

First Mistake - by Almond_BonBons

yeah, I think this is all for now. lemme know if I missed something

[rq-gift-exchange]

Squad Road Trip Master Post

Veggie Squad Road Trip - @housetomte The Iron Squad is going on a "road trip" to the beach

The Quiet Game - @acourtofladydeath Tairn and Sgaeyl try to survive a flight with their little golden terror.

Running on Empty - @sarahydeart The squad are on a road trip! Or they would be, if they hadn't run out of gas.

Are We There Yet? - @yanny-77 Xaden drives Violet's squad to the beach...and immediately regrets it.

Road Trip Detour - txredsoxmama Created for RQ War Games and for my 1st Wing-mates. Just a silly little drabble.

Admit it, We are Lost - @alexandia03 The marked ones run away from home before their parents find out what they did.

War Games Drabbles - E_Hyde Part 1 of Hyde's War Game Drabbles

Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes - @alltoowellread Drabbles for the RQ Discord Server War Games.

Empyrean Drabbles - @greeneyedwildthing The gang take a roadtrip for summer vacation

One More Thing - Squad Leader Attie The squad gets ready to go on a road trip, but Ridoc needs one more thing.

What's the Holdup?? - EmJay The squad goes on a road trip but encounters traffic.

Road Trip! - @oh-no-its-dragons Violet and the squad work at a college town Barnes and Noble. They gotta get the books across town.

Road Trip Drabble - Veggie Tales Style - ILoveMyThighs The squad takes (unknowingly) sentient veggies on a road trip. This is their story.

Country Roads - @taumoebaa Violet and gang go on a road trip.

Road Trip - SarahEliz A post-term road trip for the Iron Squad

Ridoc's Shennanigans - Scarlet_Aeon The gang is going on a road trip....and Ridoc gets to pick the seating arrangements.

Lost - Nivaria Does anyone ever know where they're going?

Twilight Meets Fourth Wing - @spicycleansejuice Fourth Wing and Twilight characters head to the baseball field

Worth - EeveeAlchemist Anyone taking their first look at Evie would say that she didn’t belong in the Rider’s Quadrant. Secretly, Evie believed they were right.

Reginald, Reggie, RG for Short by @vanthh Please don't ask how I ended up from a turtle POV.

For What It's All Worth - @silverlude Violet and her friends get dragged away by their dragons to a mysterious place for a "vacation".

Baby Iron Squad - Fireheart_Rose When the Iron Squad go on an early morning hike, fall asleep, wake up as toddlers. The others find them…chaos ensues.

The Road to the Border - @quihi Rhiannon’s squad volunteers to meet the Navarrian families moving to Aretia. Turns out, they’ll be taking a road trip in both directions.

Squad Summer - @korrinamoe Imogen just wants to see Garrick, but her travel plans somehow end up involving everyone.

Prank Gone Wrong - Portjules Sawyer and his squad go on a roadtrip to fulfill another of Ridoc's pranks. What could go wrong?

Your Turtle is Blue - Nedeit “Tell me again what they said,” Brennan commanded, trying not to think about the sun setting down far away in front of them. 

The Leitis Commemoration Day Road Trip - Miz What a beautiful day, I think as I wake up in my bedroom overlooking Aretia.

First Wing Road Trip Warning: Alcohol Abuse, fainting, missing person

Road Trip "I swear to Malek if you don't move right now, I will force you to."

Car Ride with Liam Fourth Wing & Iron Flame Spoilers

[fourthwingfanclub]

Spin-offs I want after the Empyrean Series is finished.

I know this is getting ahead of myself, but these are books I would like Rebecca to write after we finish the Empyrean Series.

All 5 books in Xaden's POV.

I also want Xaden's first two years at Basgiath. Starting with the execution of his father and deal he made with Lilith. I would love to see more with his relationship with Cat and how toxic a dynamic that must have been, also the intricacies of that arrangement. Starting from the beginning we could see him navigate Basgiath before threshing, including when he kills the prince. Then we can see him get his powers and how he handled hiding his signet(s). There is just so much. I know we can't get this though until the series is finished because he's full of secrets!

The first rebellion - I want to know all the parents, and how the rebellion started. The feud between Fen and Lilith (because you know there has to be more history there). More about Liam and Sloanes mom and their family history, she had to be extremely powerful (I also have a theory which I will make another post about). Also, I think we will learn about Xaden's mom but if we don't get much I want backstory about her and Fen, same with Violets parents. I also want this in maybe Fen and Lilith's POV. Also, little Xaden, Liam, Bodhi, Garrick, and Imogen likee yess please.

The First Six - There is DRAMMA there, probably steamy romance and the Great War. Need I say more?

I want a whole book on Garrick and Imogen - starting from the beginning - slow burn, friends to lover trope, she falls first, Garricks to dense to notice. They're endgame, you can't change my mind.

Some Novellas I think would be fun/interesting to read

The Book of Brennen

The codex (edited and unedited version)

The rules of the Dragon Empyrean

Rhiannons POV love story with Tara and her one tryst with Sawyer.

Sawyer and Jesinia Dual POV

Ridoc - just everything, his conversations with Aotrom, his relationships with just about everyone.

Liams first year at Basgiath

Mira and Drake (because we all see that enemies to lover story from a mile away)

Lastly, because I personally LOVE Bodhi - just anything involving him.

[soulofapatrick]

Sleep, I've Got You - Liam Mairi x Female Reader

Summary: you haven't slept in two weeks and two people are pushing you to seek Liam's help

Warnings: none

Words: 2.3k

Y/N's POV

The training room is filled with quiet conversation, but I linger in the doorway, unnoticed. Violet is stretched out on the floor with a book in hand, Bodhi and Garrick are watching Ridoc and Sawyer debating something trivial. Liam is just listening along, breathing air through his nose  when either of the goofs say something even more ridiculous than the other but he’s fiddling with a dagger in his hand. Xaden is in the corner, brooding as usual, his dark eyes occasionally flicking up to meet mine before drifting away. 

“Go to him.” Draighanmúr’s, or Draighan as I call him, voice rumbles in the back of my mind, firm and gentle. His presence is soothing, as always, but his suggestion catches me off guard, feeling his silent urge for me to move from where I’m still hovering in the doorway. He doesn’t say who the ‘him’ is but I know exactly who he is on about. 

I shouldn’t be here. My body is heavy with exhaustion, my thoughts fogged by the lack of sleep that’s haunted me for days. I know I should turn around and head back to the dorms, crawl into bed and pull the duvet over my head and try to get a single wink of sleep. Something, or someone, keeps me rooted in place, Xaden’s eyes flicking over to mine again once more before he goes back to brooding. 

The shadows around me seem to come to life, curling around my ankles like tendrils, their touch cold and almost tangible. There’s a light pressure at the back of my legs, an insistent nudge that makes me take a wobbly step forwards. My breath catching in my throat as I realise what’s happening—these aren’t just ordinary shadows. They’re Xaden’s. 

I glare at my wingleader instinctively, annoyance flickering in my chest. He’s the only one who could be doing this, the one manipulating the shadows to push me out of the safety of the darkness where I’ve been hiding. His eyes meet mine briefly, and there’s a knowing look in them, an acknowledgment of what he’s doing. He doesn’t say anything, though, just tilts his head slightly as if to say, You know this is for your own good.

Draighan chuffs in the back of my mind as if agreeing with Xaden’s silent comment, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and agreement as he tells me You need rest, and you know who can give it to you. His presence is warm, comforting, but it doesn’t take away the frustration bubbling inside me. Xaden and Draighan unknowingly conspiring against me. 

With a resigned sigh, I continue to shuffle forwards, my movements somewhat sluggish and uncertain—things you don’t want for a dragon rider. Every step feels heavier than the last, and I hesitate again, my body instinctively trying to resit the pull. But I can feel Xaden’s eyes boring holes into the side of my head, a silent pressure that refuses to elm me retreat. It’s as if his gaze alone is propelling my forwards, leaving me no choice but to keep moving until I find myself standing next to the group of boys. 

Ridoc glances up at me, a mischievous grin on his face which would have me worried if it were anyone else but Ridoc as he asks, “You joining us?” His tone is light, but there’s genuine curiosity in his eyes, like he’s surprised I’ve wandered over to them and not Violet. 

I just nod, the motion feeling more like a reflex than a conscious decision. Without saying a word, I sink down the wall, near Sawyer and a few steps away from Liam, close enough to feel the warmth of Liam’s presence but far enough that I don’t feel complexly exposed. 

The golden evening light streams into the training room, casting a warm, ethereal glow over everything it touches. Liam sits bathed in that light, his soft light-blond hair catching the glow, making him look almost ethereal. His tall, muscular frame, as built as Dain, is relaxed as he fiddles with a dagger, the blade catching the light as it twirls effortlessly between his fingers. His blue eyes are focused on the conversation, a soft, thoughtful expression on his face as he listens to the banter around him. There’s a rugged handsomeness to him, emphasised by the prominent nose and the sprawling rebellion relic that begins at his wrist and disappears under the sleeve of his tunic. When he smiles, a dimple appears, adding a touch of warmth to his otherwise stoic demeanour.

My heart tightens in my chest as I watch him. He looks like he belongs in this light, like the strength and calmness of it are just extensions of who he is. There’s a quiet confidence about him that draws me in, and I can’t help but feel my crush on him swell, massive and overwhelming. I’m head over heels for him, and it’s a feeling that terrifies me as much as it thrills me. 

Draighan’s presence in my mind is a steady, reassuring hum, bolstering my resolve. I scoot closer to Liam, my movements slow and deliberate as I inch toward him. My heart races as I reach out, nudging his right arm from his lap. He looks down at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes, but he doesn’t say anything as I lay my head down where his arm once rested.

I tense, my whole body stiffening in anticipation of some kind of backlash or teasing comment. I’m ready for Ridoc’s sharp wit, for Sawyer’s playful jabs, or even for Liam to shift uncomfortably and pull away. But none of that happens. Instead, there’s a beat of silence, and then I feel Liam’s hand find its way into my hair. His fingers are gentle, tentative at first, before they start to move in slow, soothing strokes.

Liam's fingers begin to move through my hair, the touch light and careful, as though he’s afraid of hurting me. He smooths out the knots with practiced ease, each motion gentle yet firm. The tension I’ve been holding in my scalp and neck gradually starts to dissolve under his deft touch, the soothing strokes lulling me into a state of relaxation I haven’t felt in days.

As his hand continues to comb through my hair, he leans forward slightly, tilting my head to the side so that our eyes meet. His blue eyes, usually so sharp and alert, soften as they take in the exhaustion written across my face. There’s a quiet understanding in his gaze, a silent acknowledgment of how tired I am, how much I need this moment of comfort.

“You’re exhausted,” he murmurs softly, his voice low and tender. “Sleep.”

The warmth in his tone wraps around me like a blanket, and for a moment, everything else fades away—the noise of the room, the worries in my mind. It’s just him, his voice, and the steady rhythm of his fingers in my hair. He lets go of my face, leaning back against the wall as he continues his soothing ministrations. Before he settles, though, his fingers briefly brush against my cheek, a tender gesture that sends a warmth spreading through my chest. Then, his hand returns to my hair, the steady, rhythmic strokes coaxing me closer to the edge of sleep.

As I begin to drift, I catch Ridoc’s eyes from across the room. He’s been watching quietly, his playful demeanour momentarily subdued. He mouths a single word at me, a question: Nightmares?

I nod once, softly, the motion barely perceptible. It’s all I can manage in my state of exhaustion, but it’s enough. Ridoc’s gaze softens in understanding before he turns back to his banter with Sawyer, Bodhi, and Garrick, picking up the conversation where he left off.

The world around me fades into the background as Liam’s fingers continue to move through my hair, the gentle rhythm pulling me closer to sleep. Draighan’s presence hums softly in the back of my mind, a comforting reminder that I’m safe, that I can finally let go. My breathing slows, and before long, I succumb to the exhaustion, my body sinking into the warmth and comfort of Liam’s lap.

————

I slowly drift back into consciousness, the heaviness of sleep gradually lifting as awareness returns. The first thing I notice is the softness beneath my head—a pillow, not the comforting firmness of Liam’s lap where I last remember resting. I shift slightly, feeling the warmth of a blanket draped over me, its weight soothing against the cool air of the room. There’s another weight too, heavier and more solid, resting across my waist. It takes me a moment to realize it’s an arm, strong and steady, holding me close.

I blink, my eyes adjusting to the dim light in the room. The training room is gone, replaced by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through a small window. The familiar scent of leather and something distinctly Liam fills my senses, grounding me as I take in my surroundings. I’m not in the dorms, not in my own bed. My heart skips a beat as the realisation sinks in—I’m in Liam’s bed.

I take a slow, deep breath, feeling the rise and fall of the warm body behind me. His presence is solid, comforting, and undeniably familiar. The heat of his body seeps into my back, and for a moment, I just lie there, processing the unexpected but welcome reality of where I am.

Carefully, I roll over, shifting beneath the weight of his arm until I’m facing him. The room is quiet, the only sounds being the soft rustle of the blanket and the steady rhythm of Liam’s breathing. My eyes trace his features, relaxed and peaceful in sleep. His spiky blond hair is tousled, a few strands falling across his forehead. His sharp, blue eyes are hidden behind closed lids, their intensity softened by the calmness of slumber. His prominent nose and the faint shadow of stubble on his jawline give him a rugged look, but there’s a gentleness to him now, a vulnerability that makes my heart ache.

As I lie there, taking in every detail of Liam's serene face, I feel an overwhelming tenderness swell in my chest. His usually intense blue eyes are softened by sleep, his features relaxed in a way I rarely get to see. I can’t help myself—I lean in and press a gentle kiss to his jawline, just where the faint shadow of stubble begins. His skin is warm and slightly rough beneath my lips, the contact filling me with a quiet sense of intimacy.

The soft press of my lips causes him to stir, his brow furrowing slightly before his eyes slowly flutter open. For a moment, he looks disoriented, but then his gaze finds mine, and a slow, sleepy smile spreads across his face, the dimple in his cheek deepening.

"How'd you sleep?" he murmurs, his voice husky with sleep, and it sends a shiver down my spine.

I begin to answer, my voice still soft and laced with the remnants of sleep, "Better than I have in days—" But before I can finish, I notice his eyes flick down to my lips, lingering there for just a heartbeat before he moves.

In a fluid motion, Liam closes the small distance between us, capturing my lips in a kiss that feels like the culmination of something we’ve both been wanting for far too long. His lips are warm and firm against mine, moving with a gentle urgency that takes my breath away. His hand, still resting on my waist, tightens slightly, pulling me closer as if he needs to make sure I’m real, that this moment is real.

The kiss is slow and tender, but there’s a depth to it that speaks of unspoken emotions, of the comfort we find in each other. His thumb brushes over my cheek as he deepens the kiss, his touch both loving and reverent. I lose myself in the sensation, in the way his lips mold perfectly to mine, in the way his warmth seeps into every corner of my being. It feels like coming home, like finding a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing.

When we finally part, it’s with a shared breath, both of us a little dazed but undeniably content. His forehead rests gently against mine, our breaths mingling in the small space between us.

"Maybe we should get a little more sleep," he whispers, his voice a soft murmur that makes my heart flutter. There’s a hint of a smile in his voice, one that I can’t help but return.

"Yeah," I agree, my own voice barely more than a sigh as I shift closer, tucking myself against his bare chest. The steady beat of his heart beneath my ear is a comforting rhythm, lulling me back toward sleep. His arm wraps securely around me, holding me close as his other hand continues its soothing motions, tracing gentle patterns along my back.

As I drift off, the warmth of his body enveloping me and the gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath my head, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. With Liam holding me close, sleep comes easily, and I let myself surrender to it, knowing that for now, everything is exactly as it should be.

Fourth Wing Masterlist - To be made Comment to be added to tag list

[suebswrites]

20 Questions for Writers Game

Thank you for tagging me, @yanny-77 and @caeli0306!

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 14! Plus a bunch on fanfiction.net from back in the day...*checks* 23. 23 works on FF.net that I will not share with you unless you are my friend, lol.

2. What’s your total AO3 word count? 114,162 words

3. What fandoms do you write for? The Empyrean (Fourth Wing) is the only fandom I currently write for, including one crossover with Bridgerton. All of my back-in-the-day fanfiction was for Harry Potter, but I don't write for anything other than the Empyrean anymore.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos? Just Ask - 1,087 Xaden POV: At Samara - 350 Throne Scene: Xaden POV Microfiction - 170 Dear Brennan - 117 Bridgegiath - 110

5. Do you respond to comments? Yes! At least, I try to. Though when I get an influx of a lot of comments at a time, I get overwhelmed and a little anxious about wanting to respond to them all, and then I get avoidant, heh. So it may not be right away, but I try to respond to as many comments as I can, and often will go back weeks later and then respond to them once I'm less anxious. As any writer will tell you, comments absolutely make my day and I read them over and over again, even going back and reading them days or weeks (or months) later.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? Probably Happy Birthday, Violet, which is a drabble I wrote for the "birthday" prompt from the RQ War Games events in June. It's not necessarily angsty so much as sad. (I was hurting again about Liam at the time, lol.) It's tiny and short, you'll be fine.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? I have no idea how to answer this. Almost all of them are happy! I think. Uh. Okay @yanny-77 tells me that the answer is Ridoc Talks To The Dragon, and I believe her.

8. Do you get hate on fics? Nope! Well, never on AO3 or Reddit. I got, like...three negative comments on my biggest HP fic on FF.net years ago, but they were only three comments among over 400, so whatever, lol.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Yes! I have written M/F and M/F/M. I only want to write sex if there are feelings involved, though, so I don't write any pwp. I don't know that I could, to be honest. The only fic I've written that had smut, outside of Just Ask, is canon-compliant TO Just Ask, and leans on the context built in the main longfic, heh. So...therrrrrre you have it!

10. Do you write crossovers? Yes! But only one. Bridgegiath is a Bridgerton-Empyrean crossover fic where all the characters from Fourth Wing are in a Bridgerton-world, more or less following the plot from Bridgerton Season 1. The most common comment type I've gotten on it is "the crossover I didn't know I needed AND I NEED IT SO MUCH", lol. It's hilarious and delightful and I plan to get back to it once the summer is over and I have more time to write again!

Bridgegiath - a Riorgail, Bodoc, Immrick, Jesiam fic, featuring (among all the others), Lady Durranbury as Lady Danbury. It's a blast.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? No

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? I will steal @yanny-77's answer and say that I am not cool enough for that. Lmao

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? Hell yes. Co-writing has become my love language. I've co-written with @yanny-77 and @sarahydeart and all four times were fucking awesome.

Dear Brennan The Book Cat Garrick's Snorkel Ridoc Talks To The Dragon

14. What is your all-time favorite ship? My favourite ship is Liam/Violet/Xaden, for many reasons, which I will list now lol.

I adore each of the dynamics in this triad: the obvious friends-to-lovers, protect-you-with-my-life, slow burn fall of Violet and Liam; the explosive chemistry between Violet and Xaden; and the love that would grow between Xaden and Liam, born of being fostered together after the trauma of losing their parents, being separated for two years when Xaden went to Basgiath, and then meeting again once Liam gets there--and then they both fall for the same person.

I think Liam balances out a lot of Xaden's dark-and-broody energy, and could bring out a more relaxed version of him. And I think Xaden could bring out a harder edge to Liam that would be incredibly sexy. Liam and Violet's dynamic I obviously adore, and I think the way they take care of each other is fucking delightful and healthy and sweet. I think there's such an easy likelihood that both Xaden and Liam would fall for Violet.

I genuinely don't consider either Liam or Xaden to be bisexual, but I think they could fall for each other in this specific scenario, because of the unique dynamic of trust they have with each other.

All of this to say...Liam/Violet/Xaden is my One True Polypairing, heh, and one day I might write it. But that is a very distant, very pipe-dreamy one day.

Shoutout to Harry/Hermione, though. I'll die on that hill to this day.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? Oof. I absolutely intend to continue Bridgegiath once I'm less busy, this summer has been absolutely bananas, and I'm REALLY hoping I'll be able to take it to a satisfying conclusion eventually.

16. What are your writing strengths? I have been told, and I think I agree and hope that it's true, that I'm able to wring quite a wide range of emotions out of my readers. I have it on good authority that I can bring you from thrilling tension to desperately turned on to heart-stopping angst without missing a beat, and have a decent eye for knowing when to insert a funny little exchange to ease tension before diving back in.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? I hope I won't lose my fanbase if I honestly say "finishing", heh. Though looking back at my history, I actually did finish both longfics that I wrote for Harry Potter, and I'm on track to finish Just Ask in a timely manner. I'm not too worried about Bridgegiath, because I know I'm much more likely to be invested in it again once I'm done Just Ask. It's just my original stuff that I struggle with I guess...

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? I would rely entirely on Google translate if I ever did this, and thus would probably butcher any attempt.

19. First fandom you wrote for? Harry Potter, waaaaay back in 2007, two days after Deathly Hallows came out. I couldn't accept that Harry and Hermione didn't get together. (And I still can't.)

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

Just Ask. It's probably the best thing I've ever written. I started writing it to deal with my intense book hangover after Iron Flame, I'm still writing it, and it will be finished before the release of Onyx Storm. I am fiercely proud of it.

---

Tagging: @taumoebaa and @ubiquitouslyme and @copperfirebird

[yanny-77]

TUH Chapter 6 Preview

It was like he had a sixth sense–his Bodhi sense. When Bodhi entered the dining hall, Ridoc knew. When he arrived for morning formation, Ridoc knew. When he took his place in the back of battle brief, Ridoc knew. When he sat in a booth across a crowded tavern with his hand resting on some gentle giant’s knee, Ridoc fucking knew.

Read Chapters 1-5 on AO3!

[caeli0306]

man I love writing Xaden's pov. it just comes so naturally to me idk why

===

I was a little taken aback when Violet marched into the operations center, demanding authorization to go after her squad mates. I knew, vaguely, from my debriefing at the start of the day that Rhiannon Matthias and Sawyer Henrick were out in the field, but judging from the panic in Violet's eyes, something must have happened to drag her from her day off into the intelligence agency's headquarters. And given the current state of things on the Navarre-Poromiel border, I'm not about to let Violet go off there by herself with someone I'm not sure will have her back. I need her alive, after all, because right now, she's the only one with all of the pieces to decode those documents that could tell us what we need to know about VENIN. So that's how I end up crammed in the backseat of Ridoc Gamlyn's tiny-ass sedan, my knees crammed again the seat in front of me as Violet drives in a manner that can only be described as passive aggressive, while Ridoc rambles on and on about what I think is Godzilla? He's describing it as a "cinematic masterpiece" so I'm not sure we're thinking of the same movies. What a life I'm living.

[siobhanbooks]

Queer Bodhi Durran AO3 masterlist

The Underpants Heist by @yanny-77. Bodoc. During IF. ongoing.

Here for the Video Games by @ubiquitouslyme. Bodhiam. Modern au, spin off of political gain. completed.

Divine Fault Line by @sarahydeart. secondary Bodoc. Post IF. ongoing.

Game on by @ubiquitouslyme. Bodhiam. modern au. ongoing.

Where does the good go by @sarahydeart. background Bodoc. medical drama au. ongoing.

Xaden’s Pov of 2nd year plus companion chapters by @ubiquitouslyme. pre FW. Read the tags/TW. ongoing.

Spotless by @sarahwyland. only shown in epilogue/chapter 37. during and post IF/AU of IF. completed.

Bridgegaith by @housetomte. bridgerton au. bodoc. ongoing.

make me water by @bestbookfriends. bodoc. Post IF. completed.

I don't feel safe with you anymore by @yanny-77 . secondary Bodoc. Post IF. completed.

Something in the Orange (tells me we're not done) by @siobhanbooks. future. Bodoc. completed.

I'll always keep you in mind by @hockeyspiral23. band AU. bodociam. completed.

In sickness and in health by @bestbookfriends. future. Bodoc. sick fic. completed.

Just ask by @housetomte. Post IF. bodoc. ongoing.

In your eyes by @bestbookfriends. future. bodoc husbands. completed.

If there's no you by @siobhanbooks. future. bodoc. hurt fic. completed

One more thing by House_of_Em_and_Jay (ao3). bodoc. modern au, road trip. completed.

Waking up in Cordyn by amberswansong (ao3). bodoc. modern au, road trip. completed

For what it's all worth by SilverLude (ao3). bodoc. 'road' trip. completed.

Baby Iron Squad by Fireheart_Rose (ao3). bodoc. Post IF. completed.

Political Gain by @sarahwyland. Modern AU. Bodhiam. completed.

Goaltender Interference by AttieRQ (ao3). Bodoc. college hockey AU. ongoing.

Tell me a secret by @yanny-77. Bodoc. Post IF/future. completed.

Car Assignments - Ridoc's Shennanigans by Scarlet_Aeon (ao3). Bodociam. Road trip. completed.

Nobody likes you when you're 23 by @yanny-77. Bodoc. Post IF/future. completed.

end of a decade, start of an age by @always-aaack-for-everlark. Bodhiam. boyband AU. completed.

long live the king by @siobhanbooks. Bodoc. Post IF. ongoing.

I have an excellent father by @siobhanbooks. Bodhiam. Future. completed.

Memento vivere by @alexandia03. Queer Bodhi. Pre and during FW. ongoing.

How Certain the Journey by amberswansong (ao3). secondary bodoc. future. completed.

it's a long way down to the bottom of the river by copperfirebird (ao3). secondary bodoc. Post IF. completed.

my love is mine all mine by @softodettes. secondary bodoc. future. completed.

breakfast in bed by @suebswrites. bodoc. future. completed.

friendly fire by copperfirebird (ao3). bodoc. during FW/IF. completed.

a letter a day (keeps you ready to mingle) by @olympialogy. bodhiam. IF. completed.

I won't say (I'm in love) by @bestbookfriends. bodoc. future. completed.

like daylight by @siobhanbooks. bodhiam. pre and during FW and IF. ongoing.

came too far to die by amberswansong (ao3). secondary bodoc. Post IF. ongoing.

friendship forged through fire by House_of_Em_and_Jay (ao3). bodoc. Post IF. completed.

hope ur okay by @siobhanbooks. queer bodhi. during IF. completed

A great deal of emotions by Stargirl1744 (ao3). bodoc. Post IF. completed.

read it and weep by @softodettes. background/secondary bodoc. modern au. completed

future tense by amberswansong (ao3) and copperfirebird (ao3). bodoc. future. ongoing.

cupid by Mint_chocolatechip (ao3). bodoc. during IF. completed.

The golden dragon by SaraNova (ao3). secondary bodoc. modern au. ongoing.

victory is all you need by @hockeyspiral23. bodociam. modern/hockey au. ongoing.

the odyssey of immrick by @ubiquitouslyme. secondary bodoc. future. ongoing.

sound of silence by @bestbookfriends. bodoc. future. completed.

the idiots of Basgiath War College by @siobhanbooks. secondary bodoc. during IF. ongoing.

window of opportunity by @hockeyspiral23. bodoc. during IF. completed.

dancing around the kitchen in the refrigerator light by @siobhanbooks. bodhiam. modern au. completed.

Some Day My Prince Will Come by @bestbookfriends. bodoc. future. completed.

Red: Basgiath's Version by @bestbookfriends. bodoc. modern/college au. ongoing.

me vs lightning by Mint_chocolatechip (ao3). bodoc. during IF. completed.

spread your wings by @olympialogy. bodoc. dragon au for riorgail/FW. ongoing.

haven't told her by amberswansong (ao3). secondary bodoc. during IF. completed.

heart it races by amberswansong (ao3). bodhi x dain. pre FW. completed.

ridoc's ice sculpture delivery by oopsireaditagain (ao3). during IF?. bodoc. completed.

the alchemy by @pretty-pleaseee. queer bodhi. modern au. ongoing.

on the road again by @widebrimmedhatsblog. secondary bodoc. modern au. completed.

Xaden's day off by Lydibug522 (ao3). secondary bodoc. during IF. completed.

Perfect Storm by @hoeelliexx. bodoc. modern au. ongoing.

Death of a Hero by the most incredible @alexandia03. secondary bodoc. post IF. ongoing. (go read it!)

I belong in your arms by @sarahydeart. secondary bodoc. future. completed.

Dive by @siobhanbooks. bodoc. modern au. completed.

Pink Pony Club by @yanny-77. bodoc. modern au. completed. (read it!!)

Drifted by @she-whatshername. minor bodoc. during IF. ongoing.

The Backup Plan by @hockeyspiral23. background bodociam. modern royalty AU. completed.

you're too sweet (for me) by @siobhanbooks. primary bodociam. modern au. ongoing.

loved by mint_chocolatechip (ao3). bodoc. during IF. completed.

tasting flight by @copperfirebird. bodoc. during IF. completed.

Every night's another reason why I almost left it all by amberswansong (ao3). queer bodhi. PPC AU. completed.

Scenes from a Dukedom by copperfirebird (ao3). bodoc. future. ongoing.

vacation (all I ever wanted) by nevergonnaloveagain (ao3). background bodoc. modern au. completed.

night games by mint_chocolatechip (ao3). bodoc. during IF. completed.

Grow as we go by alexandia03 (ao3). secondary bodoc. IF AU. ongoing.

Great Basgiath Bake off by tegantales (ao3). bodhiam. modern au. ongoing.

I was the hero but you get the glory, now I’m the villain inside of your story by aelin_sorrengail (ao3). bodoc. modern AU. orphaned.

Onward towards Revolution by EmeraldBelle (ao3). bodoc. FW AU. ongoing.

Aretia Fire by siobhanbooks (ao3). bodociam. modern au. ongoing

born to be nation treasures by always_aaack_for_everlark7 (ao3). bodhiam. modern/band au. ongoing.

break my heart or bring it back to life by always_aaack_for_everlark7 (ao3). bodhiam. beauty and the beast au. ongoing.

Ridoc doesn't like spaghetti by Ronniewritesinatree (ao3). bodoc. during IF. completed.

The One I Want by TeganTale (ao3). bodhiam. modern au/GBBO spin off. ongoing.

[printcharms]

[obeymefictionwriting]

Fourth Wing | Characters Reacting to Violet In a Swimsuit

I suddenly felt the urge to write a lilttle cute Fourth Wing fic, soooo....

POV: Violet Sorrenghail buying a new swimsuit and sending photos to the characters:

Xaden: *smashes the phone so no one can ever see the photo" I HOPE EVERYONE AROUND YOU ALREADY HAVE DAGGERS IN THEIR EYEBALLS NO ONE CAN LOOK AT MY GIRL I'M ON MY WAY

Rhi: smokin! get Xaden buy it for you

Dain: um... did you send it to the wrong recipient? very nice though. ahem. bye...

Liam: lol i'm totally telling Xaden what i saw. looking good, Vi!

Imogen: ha ha, see the bruise i left? the color is okay. try others

Tairn: should i get the wing leader?

Andarna: you are beautiful and strong and powerful JUST LIKE ME

Mira: little sis all grown up! (but not everywhere MUAHAHA)

Bodhi: if I forward it to Xaden, he'll kill me but I am absolutely doing it

Ridoc: woah woah woah! are you a priest because I FEEL BLESSED?

Cat: i wish your confidence matched your tits