#ship: thalera

[megarywrites]

heads up seven up

except i completely ignore the seven line rule because of who i am as a person. tagged by @zmwrites and this snippet is some of Thalera's first moments together, and we're skirting around the climax of this chapter and establishing a bit of Solera's Tragic Backstory*TM

soft tagging @thewriteflame @daisywords @isherwoodj @pinespittinink and @flowerprose (as always, no pressure!)

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Stoli in blue,” I said as I unfolded it, holding the robes out from me so I could figure out how to put them on. The fabric looked less stiff than the red ones I had seen. Well, maybe not stiff, but the fabric didn’t flow like liquid like these ones seemed to do, nor did they have the same glossy sheen.  “No, you wouldn’t have.” I looked up, my brow knit together at the flatness in her voice. “They’re reserved for captains’ dinners.”  I set the kapta down on my bed, reaching for the tie at my waist so I could change into my new uniform. “What are those?”  “For when the ship captains come to get their manifests and trade agreements from G—the Diamo. He hosts a dinner, that we serve, and…” Her voice trailed off, and, shaking her head, she reached for her belt of delicate, dangling chains that were splayed across her hips, the longest of which reaching her mid-thighs. She fiddled with the clasp in silence for a few seconds before she added, “It’s where he hears news from the other lands across the realm, too. Which can be interesting, I suppose.”  “Do…” I hesitated, because I had finally loosened the knot at my waist, which meant that I had to undress before a near-perfect stranger. But Solera was looking away, now, shedding the bangles at her wrists and dropping them in a clatter on her bed. I turned away, too, for good measure, facing the wall as I continued. “Do captains from the other lands join in at these dinners?”  She hummed thoughtfully. “I’ve only seen that happen a few times since I’ve been here.”  I glanced over my shoulder, catching the slightest glimpse of the strap of her ivory kapta slipping down her shoulder and quickly looked away. “How long has that been?”  “Five years. Almost.” My eyebrows shot up. That was how long Euphemi lasted before she had been moved to Psari. Was that the cut-off point? I asked as much, to which she laughed, though there was no mirth in it. “No. I’m not going anywhere, I’m afraid.”

[megarywrites]

picrew kiss tag

I was tagged by @thewriteflame and the rule is to make your pairing(s) using this picrew. I'll tag: @zmwrites @daisywords @flowerprose and @pinespittinink and whoever else wants to (no pressure!)

first up Thala and Solera (Thalera) ofc I'm finally working on developing their relationship the way I should have let myself in the first draft so here's hoping I do them justice lol

I can't really say much about these three pairings yet except for they are all varying degrees of slowburns and friends to lovers lol. They are all from my next WIP, which is consequently my oldest WIP, so I'll wait to properly introduce them once I start working on this series again. In order, we have Konan and Zurri (Kurri), Moti and Rhandu (Mondu), and Brynja and Xiuying (Brynxiu)

[megarywrites]

Smile, flute and, yes, wildcard for the bard ask game? ^^

thank youuuu

smile | share a funny snippet or a fun fact about your world?

okay 1) I think this is funny so I'm sorry if it's not lol and 2) for context, this bit I'm sharing is taken from Thala's reenactment of somewhat that had happened to her and Astri that day when they were in the capitol that day (this is something that I was wanting to establish with this draft—Thala's proclivity for story-telling. It's laying the groundwork for later on when she needs it for plot reasons)

“Alright, so—“ I started off as Astri took her place behind me, adopting the same playful lilt that Pa used to whenever he began to tell one of his tall tales. “There we were coming up to the bridge to head further into…”  ”Ateolis!” Astri supplied excitedly, then shrank back with a giggle at my quelling look.  “Yes, Ateolis.” I said with a heavy sigh and she giggled again, and I struggled not to grin as I pressed on. “And this cart driver—a man, of course—“ Solera said it along with me, and I lost the struggle with my smile, but only for a second. “He didn’t stop. Astri, be the driver.”  “Wha…” I gestured over to the door. “Oh, right.”  She darted over, and I pressed up against the imaginary banister behind me as Astri, who was holding her arms stiffly out at her sides, making herself bigger as she tottered toward me. “And then this gentleman over here,” I said, straining my voice as if I were a much older person, which I quickly dropped to add, “Wait, I’ll just show you.”  I motioned for Astri to keep coming towards me, and when she did, I lightly smacked her shoulder, then balled my hand into a fist and shook it at her, putting on the older man’s voice again as I said, “Your head is stuffed so full with chum and piss that I can’t believe it’s not spilling out your fucking ears!” Solera burst out laughing—a delighted, high-pitched cackle—Olena almost choked on the sip of tea she was drinking, and Zoi grinned as if she were taking notes to use it for another occasion. Several of the other girls behind me laughed as well, interspersed with scandalized gasps at the strong language.  But I wasn’t done.  As Astri turned back to me, mimicking the rude gesture the cart driver had made and starting another round of surprised laughter, I continued. “I pray the gods smite you just for breathing, you wretched little shit!” I finished the curse with spitting force, then looked back at Solera and Olena, doing a double-take just like the man had when he noticed us across the bridge. I let my eyes widen in his horrified surprise.  His apologies tripped over themselves on their way out of my mouth, becoming increasingly more dramatic as Solera clutched at her stomach, her head thrown back as she leaned against the table for support, lost as she was in the throes of mirth. Olena and Zoi were doubled over, too, and Astri, breathless and rosy-cheeked from laughing, sank back into her place on the bench beside Olena.  “That’s basically what happened,” I said, my voice returning to normal as I grinned at them. My attention settled on Solera, who was wiping tears from her eyes with a clipped but happy sigh.

flute | can any of your OCs dance? how would they fare in a dance-off?

yes! dancing is something that happens fairly frequently in this story/Grean culture! so basically everyone can dance to some degree, and Thala really enjoys it. The last time she danced was at her birthday party, but she'll be doing some more soon in the first part of TUS

wildcard | share anything that's on your mind regarding your OCs/writing?

something that I was thinking about today when I was at work was how pleased I am with how Thalera's relationship is showing up on the page. Which, I know, is something I've mentioned sorta often during this rewrite, but it's just really nice to see their connection come to life on the page. I know I'm very biased here lol but I think they're a really good team, and their bond is so sweet to write, especially in a story like this. I'm really looking forward to how things continue to progress, because it just keeps getting better with each new scene that they're together

send me bard-themed asks?

[megarywrites]

We’re on a down-bad trajectory and there’s no turning back now

[megarywrites]

OC Kiss tag game

I was tagged by @at-thezenith and ofc I'm doing Thalera for this...as usual for me it got long, so it's under the cut

tagging: @aninkwellofnectar @isherwoodj and @daisywords for this but as always no pressure

context: at this point, they are already a couple, but have both been recovering from traumatic voyages on separate ships (aka why they're both mermaids now), and this is the first time since they parted on land that Thala has felt remotely ready to rekindle their relationship

“I missed this so much.” 

“I know, I’m sorry.” 

She shook her head, lifting it, though neither of us moved away. “Please don’t be. I don’t blame you at all.” Her thumb stroked my side soothingly. “Tours are already hard to overcome, and it doesn’t help, what happened to you.” 

“What happened to us, you mean.” 

“True.” 

She smiled sadly, and her hand at my waist moved up to cup my cheek, her thumb brushing over my cheekbone. My heart jumped to my throat as her gaze dropped to my lips. Not many of the men had kissed me. Zeno had, of course, but not like the others did. Wet, foul kisses, their tongues sliding into my mouth, plundering deep enough to make me gag even now at just the thought of them. 

Her hand retracted, each fingertip slipping gently away. 

Their lips, their tongues, their teeth on my lips and skin were the freshest in my memories, yes, but hers… Faint though they were in my mind, I still remembered. How tender they were. How sweet and gentle she was with me.  How a comforting warmth blossomed within me whenever her lips captured mine. 

My hand flew to her wrist before she fully let go, holding her there. Setting her palm back on my cheek.

Her eyes searched mine intently as the tip of her finger ever so lightly toyed with the lobe of my ear. “Are you sure?” 

I gulped, my lips pressing firmly together. Steeling myself. “Please.” Her eyes narrowed at me, and I took a deeper, steadier breath. “I want to remember how good it can feel, and—“ I faltered at the slight rising of her brows, the hint of a smile curling her lips. “And, I trust you.” 

Her thumb brushed my cheek again before her hand slid back to cup my neck. To pull me closer to her. She tilted her chin up, not…expectantly. More like she was patiently waiting. Her dark eyes were trained on me, calmly consuming my whole attention. “If it gets to be too much, let me know.” 

I nodded. 

Her fingers slipped further into my hair, my eyes half-closing at the gentle contact. She smiled at that, her dimples faintly appearing as her gaze dropped to my lips again. 

What was she waiting for? Why wasn’t she—

Oh. 

She was waiting for me. 

My heart fluttered, my breathing stuttered. Just for a second. The longer I delayed this, the worse I’d feel. The more memories of the men I’d endured would continue to crop up until my mind could contain them no longer. But they were still there. They’d always be there. 

But so would she. 

I licked my lips, leaning closer to her until our lips brushed. A thrill coursed through me—painful, at first, then exhilarating as she kissed me back. And I could bear it. The feel of her lips on mine, softly insistent, decedantly tender. The hand at my waist and in my hair, holding me there, holding me close to her. 

Reaching blindly for her, my hand settled on her back, pulling her flush against me. She smiled against my lips, and slowly, with conscious effort, the lingering memories of the vile kisses disintegrated until there was just her. Her in that room so long ago, bathed in the beautifully fragmented colors of the gentle dawn. Her now, wrapped up in the cool blue shadows of the oncoming night, and in my arms. 

Still holding her, kissing her, I shifted so that instead of laying across the hammock, we were comfortably laying inside. Her lips parted from mine, the hand at the back of my head moving around to push the floating locks of hair out of my face as she drew back to look at me. “Still doing alright?” 

I hummed my assent. “Better than I’ve been in…too long.”

Smiling, she settled over me, her nose brushing against mine. “Me too,” she whispered before kissing me again.

[megarywrites]

roy g biv tag game

I was tagged by @thewriteflame (thanks, this was really fun!) everything is from Seafoam, and as always, it got long lol

I'll tag: @flowerprose @the-orangeauthor @aninkwellofnectar @pinespittinink @ashen-crest @daisywords @surroundedbypearls (no pressure ofc!)

red

The light of the dying sun bled into the raging sea, and still Pa’s ship had not yet come into port. Its silhouette was etched on the horizon with perhaps an hour or two of sailing before the Pontus would return to shore. Then, he would be home and warming himself at the hearth, regaling Ma and I with tall tales about the pirates and sea serpents he encountered with his crewmates. Each time, his stories became more elaborate, more far-fetched. All to make her laugh, if I had to guess, because Ma’s laughter filled our home for days following his homecoming.  I twirled the thin stem of an othima blossom between my fingers, then tore my gaze away from the outline of the Pontus to look at the tiny flower. It blended just so with the light of the setting sun, a mottle of bright red and orange with the tips of its five petals dipped in gold. “Thala!” Absently, I looked up at the sound of Ma’s voice. The fact that she had called my name did not quite register until she did it again. Louder, this time, her voice floating up to where I was perched on the bluff.  “Thala! Come home! Supper is getting cold!”

orange

“It was just a dream,” she said, softly now. I shook my head, my breaths coming quick and short as my eyes darted behind her, scanning each of the unfamiliar faces. All of them, witnesses to my shame. “It wasn’t real.”  Ma—no, Mitha—swam up behind the crowd, flanked by another stranger. She wove effortlessly through the scattered throng, making her way toward me. I pressed myself closer to the wall, despite the discomfort in my fin, watching her warily as she approached. She reached into the satchel at her hip, removing a little pouch made of folded dark red algae. From within it, she extracted a few translucent orange orbs, letting them collect on her palm as she stopped before me.  My gaze flicked between the orbs and the face I knew so well.  “If you take these, you’ll be able to rest peacefully until you naturally wake.”  I eyed the orbs, then her again. “No nightmares?”  “No dreams at all.”  Cautiously, I held out my hand, waiting for her to pour them into my palm. Once she did, I swirled them around, watching them bump together before I popped them into my mouth. I bit down, the juice of the orbs exploding in my mouth. They tasted of unripe tomatoes, the acidity dripping a harsh line down my throat as the world grew numb around me. I floated forward, slumping into Mitha’s waiting arms, and knew no more.

yellow

Once I pulled my hair out from the back of my kapta and slipped my sioti on, I opened the door, and Solera pushed off the wall, glancing up at me. She reached out, tucking a loose curl behind my ear before she turned and led me up and out of our room, through the common room, and up the stairs to the corridor. We raced into the latridom with the other stragglers, slowing to a brisk walk when Sorma Rimal pointedly cleared her throat.  All of us fell into lines flanking the aisle, the Smara churning below us. I tried to stand beside Solera, but Rinni had already taken the spot, so I took the place across from her. She signed something, but the opening of the double doors took my attention away before I could read her hands.  People streamed into Katania, the chatter muted as they walked between us. We all pressed our hands to our chests, inclining our heads respectively. Everyone was dressed in their best garments, white and ivory predominant, but pale yellows, and bright reds were scattered amidst them. Gold accents flashed in the sunlight streaming through the many windows of the latridom. When everyone was through, Sorma Rimal walked down the aisle, her chin held high, her gold-filigreed ivory robes swishing on the glass floor behind her. The Stoli filed in two lines behind her, Solera’s fingers brushing against mine when we were back beside each other again.

green

Laughter from inside was carried out on the breeze. Ma’s laughter. I grabbed the handle of the bucket and hurried back in to find Solera sitting with Ma, who was now all wrapped up in our biggest, warmest blanket, on the sooty edge of the hearth. Both of them looked up at me, then at each other conspiratorially, Solera breaking into a grin.  “What?” I asked, my gaze darting between the pair of them as I placed the bucket down by Ma.  “Oh, nothing.” Solera, taking the cue from Ma, tried to school her expression. Unsuccessfully. “I think I might be a little hungry.”  “Oh?”  “Something light, I think,” Ma added as I started to clear the counter so I could start preparing a meal.  Solera hopped up to help, but I shook my head, gesturing back to the hearth. “Just relax. You two can keep making jokes about me if you want.”  Ma chuckled as I slid my hands through the handles of the mugs littering the counters. “Whatever made you think we were doing that?”  I rolled my eyes, which only made her laugh again. There was that green bottle that Solera had noticed earlier. Bulbous at the base, narrow at the spout. No cork. It was empty. “Do you want to reuse this?” I asked her, holding it up and glancing over at Ma. She shook her head without even looking my way, wrapped up in her whispers with Solera. Huffing a sigh, I tossed the bottle into the bin, both of them looking up when it shattered.  “What, sweetheart?”  “What are you in the mood to eat?”

blue

I kept staring at Olena, waiting for her to look back at me before I raised my shaking hands to ask Can you look after her for me? When she gets back?  She nodded and I braced myself against the table as I stood. Faced Cilia. “I’m ready.” She pushed the door open further, holding it in place as I walked out the door. Panic speared my heart as the door fell heavily closed, draping the stairwell in darkness. Against my wishes, I scurried toward the promise of light on the ground floor. Sorma Rimal emerged from the shadows seconds after I did, her robes so blue they were almost black. Her eyes were on me, pity clearly swimming in the depths of her gaze. Her attention darted away, toward the inner hall of the latridom, before she fished in her pocket and produced a small, thin vial of translucent sage-green liquid.  My brow furrowed as I looked at it, then up to her when she held it out to me. “Take it.”  “What is it?”  “A potion to keep you from getting pregnant.” Dread frosted over me, sending a shiver down my spine, and my mouth popped open in a response that never came. She grabbed my hand by the wrist, setting it on my palm and closing my fingers around it. “It’s quite potent so just be sure to take a few drops every day.”  “Yes, Sorma.”  She released my hand and continued walking, so I tucked the vial in the pocket by my side and trudged after her.

indigo

Dusk was settling in, the indigo clouds stretching across the sea barely brushed with gold on the edges. I caught glimpses of it as we ran past the windows. But then the wall opened up to another, lantern-lit corridor and I stopped running to look all around. A loud snap sounded behind me, and I whirled around, finding Solera, bathed in a warm, yellow glow stretching out from an opening in the wall before her. She waved me to join her, and I hiked up my skirt even higher, sprinting so fast that she reached out to grab me to slow me down. Laughter was sparking in her eyes as she nodded into the kitchens.  A vast room, probably the size of the house Pa had built for us, filled with counters and scullery maids and baskets fit to burst with vegetables of such variety that I hardly recognized some of them. There were so many smells, it was hard to keep track of them all, but it made my stomach grumble. If only I could stay in here and taste everything rather than go up and serve the Diamo and his guests… Bottles of vina rested in holes drilled into the wall, waiting to be used. Curled glass pitchers were lined up beneath them, one of the scullery maids carefully pouring a golden vina into several of them. All of the Stoli were getting platters and plates and serving utensils down, directed by a rather red-faced, rotund woman with kind features and her wispy silver hair tied up into a bun.

violet

“Are you ready to head home?”  I gulped, then shook my head and reached out to brace myself as I swam up to the edge of the upper deck, leading to [the captain]'s room. The site of many of my nightmares. Would his corpse be lying within, still tangled in the violet sheets where I had left him? Or had they disposed of him, too?  “Is that the captain’s quarters?”  I nodded.  “We don’t have to go in there.”  “I know.”  Closing my eyes tightly, I sighed, then started forward toward the ajar door. It pushed open much more easily than mine did, but it was equally as wrecked. Only, there were more things to be tossed about. Bedding, lanterns, maps, instruments to chart the seas, collected trinkets from years of travel, and all the furniture.  Thankfully, though, no [captain].  The thought returned in the pressing silence as I cast about the haunted room—the thought that they should all pay for what they did.

[megarywrites]

find the word

tagged by @thewriteflame (thanks!) and my words were: early, froze, grave, and hull (it's almost like you knew I just finished a chapter with the title "Haunted Hull" lol)

I'll tag: @isherwoodj @pinespittinink @daisywords and @aether-wasteland-s, and your words will be: dawn, morning, afternoon, evening, twilight (or dusk), and midnight (no pressure ofc!)

early (this made me realize how many times i have nearly in my manuscript, but that's a problem for rewrite draft me lol)

The all too familiar pounding of Cilia’s fist on our door thudded heavily through the small room. I gave a feeble attempt to open my eyes, but the most I could manage was the thinnest squint. But Solera, of course, was already up. Puttering around. Probably folding her clothes or mine…or sketching. My squint narrowed further as I listened hard for a hint of what she was doing.  But it was a bit too quiet.  Had she slipped out again to see the sunrise?  I ripped my blanket off my head, looking over at her bed, expecting to find it empty, only… She looked over at me, her smile a bright, sweet assault. It was too early for anyone to be so cheerful, especially here. Even if it did suit her a bit too well.  Groaning, I flipped the blanket back over my head and rolled over, earning a laugh from her. Alright, well, I couldn’t not smile at that.

froze

A smile split the Droma’s beard, my mouth going dry as he reached for the hem of Ma’s veil. Kolette reached for my hand again, squeezing tightly as Ma’s identity was slowly revealed. The Droma’s eyes widened as the veil slipped through his fingers. Gasps filled the latridom, and the Diamo, who had been smiling, froze, his gaze darting around at the adverse reaction.  The Stoli, as ever, remained calm. The soot-grey lady stood, took a step toward Ma, but halted at a look from the Diamo.  The Droma stepped away from Ma, shaking his head. Even from here, his anger was palpable. I shrank back, sinking further into my seat, holding Ma’s mourning veil taut over my face.  “What happened?” the Diamo asked, his voice much more reserved than it had been before. The Droma stepped toward Ma, fists clenched. “Sosta.” The Droma stopped, glaring at Ma as she lifted her chin, but did not look away. “Remember your position.” He backed away again, his chest heaving.

grave

“Where is he?” Ma asked as she looked down, surveying the carved stones. The Droma turned at the sound of her voice. He glanced between us, offering a sad yet kind smile and holding his hands out to take ours. Or, rather, just mine in both of his. My hand twitched as I fought the urge to jerk it out of his grasp, but then he pulled me closer and linked our arms.  “Come, let me show you.”  I sent a pleading glance at Ma, but the veil made it worthless, as he led us to the furthest stone. Ma sank to the grass once we reached it, and I freed myself of the Droma’s grasp to join her on the ground, wrapping my arms around her as I stared at the stone.  Arteras Galanis 921 N.H. – 977 N.H.  My grip around Ma tightened as she started rocking slightly, her hand escaping the confines of her veil to caress the carving of Pa’s name with the tips of her fingers. I pursed my lips as my throat grew increasingly tight, staving off the tears for now. She escaped my hold, her hands reaching out to brace herself as she pressed her forehead against the ground, right up against his gravestone.  She was murmuring something. Something I couldn't catch. But then, the words weren’t for me.  I placed my hand on her back, rubbing as gently as I could as I surveyed the sea. Could he hear her now, wherever he was?  Hopefully, he could.

hull

I looked up, finding the stern sinking amidst the debris. The faded red [ship's name] painted onto the side of the hull was glaring back at me in the dimly lit waters.  I was trembling again.  Not with fear, but with an unbridled rage.   I changed my grip on the dagger, holding it like I had the shard of the plate that I slain [the captain] with and surged toward the surface. Sputtering, I took in great gasps of the frigid, salty air and whirled around, torrents of rain pelting my face.  It was coming down in sheets, mingling with the blooming pools of blood surrounding the cleft ship. The [ship's crew] were pouring out of the hull, into the waiting daggers and swords brandished by the mermaids.

[megarywrites]

Solera’s mom, who just gave Thala a truth potion so she could interrogate her: how do you know Solera

Thala, without hesitation: we’re lovers

[megarywrites]

Day 13 - 30 Line challenge

once again adding on to the longest running 30 day challenge in human history. And as usual, it's longer than a single line.

For context: this takes place about a month or so (probably closer to two) after Thala was killed and she was reborn as a mermaid. She hasn't been coping well, hence why Solera is wanting to help her

“Thala—” She glided closer, reaching for my hands and holding them tightly in hers. I shuddered involuntarily at the contact, eyes squeezing tightly shut as the memories from the ship flooded my mind once more. But she held fast, shaking my hands a little. “Please, let me find a way to help you.”  “What’s the point of it.”  “Of…helping you?”  I shook my head, pressing on, letting the thoughts that had festered unspoken in my mind finally spill from my lips. “Of trying to…to have any sort of life. We died.” My breaths were coming a bit frantically now. “We died and there’s no going back to what we were before.”  “Yes, but,” she floated closer still, right up against my hammock, interlocking our fingers. “We can actually live, now. Don’t you see? We’re free here. Completely free. We don’t have to worry about anything ever again.”  I shook my head, my breaths so rapid now that even I was concerned. She released my hands, and gradually, I relaxed as she hooked her arms over the edge of my hammock, holding herself in place.

[megarywrites]

idk why it took my so long to realize this today but the part I wrote earlier makes a good parallel between Thalera's developing relationship and the relationship of Thala's parents, which is something that I'm trying to do (to demonstrate their compatibility and eventual longevity once they're together) but while I was writing it earlier it didn't even cross my mind lol

[megarywrites]

I'm really liking how Thalera is developing in this draft

[megarywrites]

snippets from November: 4/30

The Silent Shore — Part II: Split - Ch14 "In Broad Daylight"

Solera’s shadow glided through the colorful gloom, drawing my thoughts back to the present. I sat up, propping my elbows up on one of the stairs below me, as she slouched onto the step by my knees, kicking her feet up against the wall, the skirt of her kapta pooling across my lap. She leaned her head back against the wall behind her, sighing heavily as her eyes slipped closed.  The radiant yet hazy hues embraced her silhouette, shining in her curls, gleaming across her the slope of her nose, the curve of her cheek, the soft ridges of her lips. She really was quite pretty… She lifted her head and I looked quickly away. Down at my hands as I began to pick at one of my nails.  “Do you want me to move?” she asked.  I didn’t look up at her, lest she somehow became able to read my thoughts. “No, I don’t mind,” I said, clearing my throat.

[megarywrites]

Find the Word tag game

tagged by @thewriteflame! thanks! and I'll tag: @caitlinbirenbaum @isherwoodj @awordchemist and @aether-wasteland-s (no pressure!)

my words were: ghost, grab, green, and guess and your words will be: hard, help, hint , home, hush, and hymn

ghost

I followed the sound of their voices, Zeno trailing behind me, to where they were sitting on the stone ledge of the well, looking over the back garden. Ma was not wearing her veil over her face, so when she spotted Zeno, she hurried to replace it.  “Oh, no,” he said, holding his hands up as he shook his head. “I’m just here to make sure she made it home alright. I have to get back to the docks.” She relaxed as he inclined his head to both her and Kolette, and when his gaze flicked toward me, there was a hint of a smile in his eyes before he turned away.  “Such a sweet boy,” Kolette said, Ma murmuring her agreement as I waited to make sure Zeno was gone before I flipped the veil out of my face. “I remember when he was born, don’t you?” she asked, touching Ma’s arm.  Ma hummed. “He was a very happy baby. So content. Unlike this one,” she said, nodding to me with a ghost of a smile. “I was quite jealous of Hele when she talked about how quiet he was. Not keeping her up half the night screaming for milk.”  I huffed a sharp sigh. “Ma, please.”

grab(bed)

Solera slipped into the shadows, and I stood to follow her, only to bump my toe against the table leg. I swore under my breath as she hurried back to me, the pitter-patter of her bare feet loud in the otherwise silent room. “Here.”  Here? What did she mean? I reached toward where her voice sounded, and grabbed her outstretched hand. Let myself be led up the stairs to the main floor.  All was dark in the upper levels of Katania, save for the pale blue light streaming through the windows—the combined light of the silver and cerulean twin moons. Solera ran through the panels of light, and I followed, still holding onto her hand. It caught in her hair. The light. Her curls shimmered as they bobbed back and forth. I blinked rapidly when she stopped in the sudden darkness, her grip shifting so that her fingers interlocked with mine.

green

Wavering, I stood, my eyes never leaving her burning corpse as I stepped up beside Geros. I expected him to turn away. Any second now. But he looked on. Perhaps he wanted to watch until she turned to embers. Maybe he wanted to dance in her ashes for her insolence.  What had her name been? I wish he had asked her; I would like to remember her properly.  It wasn’t until the sun had dipped below the crest of the theatre that Geros finally turned away. I swallowed to alleviate my dry mouth, giving her remains a respectful bow of my head before I hurried to follow him up the steps. When I reached him, he muttered “Open the gates” to a waiting Droma who ran along the edge of the top set of steps.  His hands latched around a waiting lever and he pulled hard. I stopped when Geros did again, turning to watch as the green water of the Smara flowed down from an opening in the curved steps to extinguish the remaining flames. The smoke curled around the archways, drifting and dissipating out over the waves. Soon, her remains were washed out through the lower openings. She was gone.  I tore my gaze away from where the last of the charred wood had been swept away, looking up at Geros to find him still watching the spot, a satisfied smile parting his beard. Then he met my gaze, and nodded toward the corridor.

guess

The void relaxed, the coil loosening to reveal a midnight-blue sea serpent dropped right out of Pa’s outlandish tales. My mouth fell open involuntarily as it swam around us, its pale blue eyes glowing slightly as it inspected me.  Three translucent tendrils floated out before its gargantuan face, bulbs emanating the same blue light as its eyes attached to the ends of them. Its length and size were practically incalculable, but if I had to guess, the serpent could have ringed around the hedges surrounding my home. Twice. Quite possibly, it was as tall as our house, maybe even taller.  It was covered in dark blue barbed scales, though as it slithered closer to me, the slight color variation became more apparent. They were darker throughout its face and along its spine, though the color transposed to the same shade as the surrounding water once they reached its barnacle-dotted underbelly. There were some patches of scales that shone on their own, matching its eyes and the bulbs. Several layers of spined fins ringed its face like a mane, another lined its back, the spikes running through it coming to varied peaks. There were more along its sides and belly, undulating as it swam around me.  It paused before me, staring down at me with its huge, fish-like eyes. I resisted the urge to back up when the needle-like teeth jutting out from its mouth threatened to scrape my chin.

[megarywrites]

day 9 - 30 line challenge

ayyyy guess who’s back with the longest fucking running 30 line challenge lmao

“You really are safe here.” My chin quivered as I pressed my lips tight together, shaking my head a little. “No one will hurt you.” Panic scraped up my throat until it ached, tears burning the rims of my eyes. “I’ll be right here. I won’t leave you.” 

“Do you promise?” My voice sounded so hoarse, so desperate.

“I do.”

[megarywrites]

okay so I didn't finish the chapter BUT I did get to one of my favorite Thalera moments in the whole story so at least that's something. I've still got a little bit to go but this chapter is almost done. hopefully I can finish it in between movies and/or when I get home

Will i be able to finish this chapter today before i go to the theater? Only time will tell i suppose

[megarywrites]

#FridayKiss tag game

I was tagged by @aninkwellofnectar for this

Rules are that you post a smooch between your OCs for Friday. It can be as light as a peck or intense as a makeout. It can be romantic or platonic or familial. As long as a smooch takes place it’s free reign!

I’ll post these two because they’re paralleled moments to show Thala’s different reactions alksdjfas also I think I’ve posted both of these before, but I can’t remember, so my bad if you’ve already read these lol

#ZelaKiss

“I could make you so happy, I know I could. Why won’t you let me try?” 

The moons’ light twinkled in his dark eyes. I gulped, unsure of where to look now that he wasn’t looking away. This was the moment, right? Where I was supposed to cave and give into my desire to not leave Ma alone. He was the safe option and I knew, deep down, if I were to accept him right now, in this moment, that he would do everything in his power to make me the happiest woman in all of Grea. 

So, what was holding me back?

Before I could answer myself, he leaned closer to me, his hand cupping my jaw, his thumb tenderly grazing my cheek. “Please.” His breath ghosted over my lips, the tip of his nose brushing against mine. “Let me try.” 

And then he was kissing me. 

His beard was scratchy against my chin, his tongue sliding between my lips, his fingers tangling in my hair as he pulled me closer. I pressed my hand against his chest, trying to maintain a bit of distance, but it was to no avail. Soon I was gently being laid against the sand, his smiling lips still pressed against mine. My stomach roiled within me as I lay frozen in his arms, letting him kiss me as thoroughly as he pleased. 

My lips were numb, tingling, and wet with his saliva as he pulled away.

#ThaleraKiss

I shifted as I looked around, which alerted Solera that I was finally, truly awake. She sat up, capturing my gaze with her own as she braced one arm around me. The sunlight peeking through the surrounding windows cast a glowing, multi-colored halo around her. Blues and reds and yellows glinted in her curls; greens and purples and oranges highlighted her shoulder, her cheekbone, her hand as she reached out to brush my hair out of my eyes. 

Her lips curled into a small smile when my gaze settled there, and I looked back up, meeting her eyes again as she searched my expression. She leaned closer, her other hand cupping my jaw. So, so gently. My heart beat wildly, the anticipation of her lips pressing against mine nearly too much to bear. 

Words escaped me as she leaned in; the only thought in my head was, simply, Please. 

“Good morning.” If every morning started like this, I might find them easier to bear. I hoped I murmured something close to good morning in response, but I was too mesmerized by her gaze to know for sure. “Is it alright if I kiss you?” 

I could only nod; she closed the distance between us, our noses brushing, breaths mingling. 

Tenderly, cautiously, reverently, her lips caressed mine. It was as if my soul were being filled and consumed with the warmest rays of sunlight. Her hand slid back to cradle my head as my arms wrapped tightly around her waist. Holding her as close as I could. One kiss turned into another, and then several, each punctuated with an ever-broadening smile.  

A hunger I’d never felt before erupted within me; a hunger I didn’t think I’d ever be able to sate. 

I simply wanted more. 

who to tag..... @thewriteflame @isherwoodj @flowerprose @ashen-crest @zmwrites and @dramaticvoiceover (only if you want to, ofc!)