#tag: vanja

[if-kissofmidnight]

i would like to know if the ROs like to cuddle or not? thank you ^_^

loves to cuddle and is open about it:

jen & mainza.

loves to cuddle, but can’t admit it:

hyun.

is super confused to begin with, but they’ve got the spirit (comes to like them):

hunter (& ghost).

likes cuddles, but only with those very close to xem:

vanja.

[corvidexoskeleton]

Single best piece of furniture in the entire game

[lgbtlunaverse]

favorite rarepair? (doesn't matter what fandom)

Oh my fucking god anon this is such a loaded question. You might as well have asked for my favorite ship because I pretty much exclusively do rarepairs. No straightforward answer for you you're going to get an essay.

Right now the brainrot is fully on nieyao. I cannot stress the amount of time i spend thinking about these two every day it's not healthy. Togachako only has 1.3K works in a fandom with almost 300K fics on ao3 so they are by all accounts a rarepair but it feels wrong to say that. They're not a rarepair TO ME they're canon. I think the rarepair I've had the most longstanding investment in would be, like, ushioi/ushiiwaoi. If you want my favorite ACTUALLY rare rarepair (1k+ works is still a healthy amount of content, real rarepairs fight for CRUMBS) it's either going to be jinkei or dabitwicehawks, or Vanja/Gisele from the 2021 novel Little Thieves (ZERO works on ao3 i'm gonna have to birth this ship myself) or one of the bajillion haikyuu rarepairs I made up for fun every day back in 2020. (atsuken? kurokenhina? kiyoyui? iwakita? kanoyachi?)

Do you see how hard this is for me? I can't do this. I'm going to choose togachako because i'm pretty sure i'm gonna remain in hell for those two even if I ever move on from bnha and it's also the one I'm most offended isn't a bigger ship. Every single other ship mentioned I'm good with staying a rarepair but I want togachako to graduate from rarepairdom like kpop groups graduate from nugupromoter, you get me? (<- unintelligible nonsense)

[sapphicscribbles2222]

Some Little Thieves doodles because I’m totally not hyperfixating (ft. The Merciful Crow because I wanted to draw a crossover)

also first real post on this site yay!

[ethereal-maia]

tagged by @musicals-and-mushrooms: 9 people you want to get to know better!!

tysm for the tag btw!!

3 Ships: drawenna, danya, vanja x emeric (can you tell I have a ship type. It’s pretty obvious.)

1st ship: like my first ship ever? one that wasn’t stupid obvious like Prince Philip and Aurora (bc that was one of them hehee) was probably when I was like 11 and OBSESSED with poldark was probably drawenna again lmao. OH WAIT. OH FUCK IT WAS PROBABLY HARMIONE AAA 😭😭

Last song: The Opera from great comet

Last movie: Descendants unfortunately

Currently reading: The Horse and His Boy by C S Lewis, Gilded by Marissa Meyer, The Wicked Ones by Robin Benway (reread), Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas (reread), Circe by Madeleine Miller (reread), aaaaand Flip the Script by Lila Lee (reread).

Currently watching: glee, awae (all the time bitch. All the time.), an animated The Little Princess movie I started as a joke but got too invested in once Minchin started singing about how money is her “Passion, it’s my HEro, it’s my kING! There’s nothing that I love more than sacks of Coins that JING!!”. Also finishing up rah cinderella 1965.

Currently eating: the dead skin off my lips. But earlier i had enchiladas for dinner and OUGH they were so good.

Currently craving: Raisin’ Canes!!!!! Oh my god all day long!!

npt: @bloody-mf-bsc @pealeii @morozovamaximoff @bookns @lighttupthiswholetown @swiftie-as-a-coursing-river @bicharliespring @recklessandyoung @mesmerizedmadeline ⭐️💛⭐️

[lendeah]

UNBOUND

Chapter 1: The Apprentice

series masterlist

Summary: In her final year at Blackstaff, Neri faces a pivotal moment as her mentor, Vanja, departs for Waterdeep's council matters. Enter Gale of Waterdeep, a renowed wizard and set to be Neri's new mentor. Tasked with aiding him in a mysterious research project and retrieving three Netherese stones, Neri finds herself at the center of a monumental quest that challenges not only her magical prowess but also her understanding of power, responsibility, and love.

or

Gale needs to retrieve the three Netherese stones in order to reforge the Karsus Crown, and his new apprentice Neri gets tangled in his mess.

Pairing: Gale x OFC!Reader

Tags: Slow Burn, Mentor/Protégé, but everything is healthy I promise, Eventual Romance, Eventual Smut, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Soft Gale (Baldur's Gate), Gale Needs a Hug (Baldur's Gate), Professor Gale (Baldur's Gate)

Word count: 4.4k

AO3 LINK

It's here! I have been working on this idea for weeks and I am so excited to finally write more about my favorite wizard. Also, I love dark academia genre so maybe I will add a teeny tiny bit of it for this fic. Anyway, hope you enjoy and let me know any feedback!

She glided effortlessly through the dimly lit corridors of the Academy, her footsteps echoing on the cold stone floors. She bowed her head towards a halfling who was gathering scattered stones from the ground, which had most likely fallen from a hole in the ceiling above. In the aftermath of the mindflyer attack, there was a sense of bustling activity as builders, mages, and even blacksmiths, worked to repair and strengthen the parts of the Academy that had been damaged or destroyed. While the battle in Waterdeep had not been as devastating as in Baldur's Gate, the forces of the Absolute had still attempted to cause as much chaos and destruction as possible. And with Blackstaff's impressive repository of powerful spells and artifacts, they were a prime target for their enemies.

As she walked into the large wooden doors at the end of the hallway, a sense of warmth and familiarity enveloped her.

"Vanja," Neri said, bowing her head respectfully. "I apologize for my delay."

The Blackstaff sat at her desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and books. She looked up and smiled warmly.

"Oh, Neri. It's good to see you safe and well. Please, have a seat."

Neri nodded and took a seat in front of Vanja's desk, letting out a sigh of relief. Being back in Vanja's office always felt like coming home, after so many years of visiting this very office to discuss matters with her mentor. She patiently waited for Vanja to finish signing off on a document before speaking.

"I already sorted through the books and artifacts from the tower, like you asked." Neri started, pulling out a stack of papers from her bag. "Everything is thankfully intact. We still have to-."

But Vanja waved dismissively."Thank you, my dear. But that's not what I brought you here for."

"Is something the matter?" Neri asked cautiously. She assumed that the reason for the summon was to receive an update on the progress of recovering the Academy they had entrusted her with after the attack. For weeks, she had been meticulously examining and cataloging every artifact, scroll, book, and valuable in the vault, ensuring that everything was accounted for and undamaged.

Vanja let out a deep sigh, "You are in your last year as a higher student, are you not?"

She nodded slowly, not understanding where this was going. The fact that she is a last-year student was well-known for her mentor, at least that's what she hoped after ten years under her wing.

"And have you given any thought to what you will pursue once you graduate?" Vanja continued.

Neri's mind raced with doubt as she considered confessing her true desires to her master for the umpteenth time. Coming from a long line of powerful wizards, known for their skills in Evocation, it was expected that she would follow suit and dedicate her life to this school of magic. The Thunderstaff family had served the Watervian military for generations, using their wizardry abilities to protect the city. Neri didn't dislike Evocation; in fact, she had a natural talent for it and found joy in practicing it. She had even created some interesting elemental spells of her own in the past. But there was always a nagging feeling within her, a longing for something more, for the power to conjure whatever she desired, to teleport herself anywhere she pleased. It may not have been a practical desire like evocation was, but she reveled in the thought of having everything and anything at her fingertips, molding the space around her according to her whims. Yet, she couldn't imagine going against her family's expectations and causing conflict within their already strained relationships.

"I...I'm not sure yet," Neri finally replied.

Vanja gave her a knowing look, but decided not to comment on it. "I see... Well, I have news for you that might affect the plans we had for your last-year research."

Neri's heart fluttered at those words. The final year research was crucial for Blackstaff students, a chance to make an impact on the academy's legacy, whether it be positive or negative. Neri had always envisioned making a groundbreaking discovery during this research, something that would impress even her strict family and perhaps convince them to let her follow her scholarly path. The thought of her plans being altered filled her with a sense of unease.

"What news, Vanja?" Neri asked.

The woman laid back on her chair, her fiery red hair swaying gently with the movement. "As I'm sure you're aware, the Council of Waterdeep has been putting in a great deal of effort to gather allies and resources following our clash with the Absolute. And a few weeks ago, they asked for my aid."

Neri's eyes widened in surprise. The Council hardly ever involved themselves with the affairs of the Academy, but she supposed it made sense given the circumstances.

Vanja continued, "They need my help, but I am limited in what I can do unless I take the time to focus on it. Unfortunately, being Blackstaff already demands the majority of my schedule. As your mentor, it is my responsibility to guide and support you, but that cannot be done if I am frequently absent, especially during such a crucial year as your final one."

Neri felt a knot form in her stomach. Was Vanja implying that she would no longer be her mentor? But what about their final research? Would she have to wait another year to finish her studies?

"Does this mean I won't be your apprentice anymore?" Neri asked, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

Vanja gave her a sympathetic look. "I'm afraid so, my dear. The situation is dire and I must dedicate all of my remaining time and energy towards helping the Council. Of course, I will still be available to help you whenever you need it, but you will no longer be under my supervision."

Neri tried to keep her disappointment in check, but she couldn't help the sadness that washed over her. Vanja had been her mentor and friend for the past ten years, guiding her through the ups and downs of her magical education. Neri had even often entertained the thought of one day taking on the role of Blackstaff if Vanja were to choose her as her successor. She thought if she did well enough with her research, Vanja would finally see her true potential. But with these latest developments, it seemed like that dream was fading away.

"I understand," Neri said quietly.

Feeling Neri's distress, Vanja spoke up again. "Don't lose heart, my dear. You are my top student and a testament to this school's excellence. Thus, I decided to reach out to my most reliable colleagues, and one of them has agreed to be your mentor in my absence and support you with your research."

Neri's eyes widened in surprise once again.

"May I ask who the wizard is?" Neri asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The redhead just gave her a small smile.

"Of course. It is none other than Gale of Waterdeep."

🔮

As she entered her chambers, she couldn't stop her mind from racing with the news. Gale of Waterdeep. She had heard stories about him, he was practically a legend here in Blackstaff. Some said he was one of Elminster's most talented pupils, others claimed he had been chosen by Mystra herself. But then, they also said that after Mystra left him, he went mad with grief and shut himself in a tower for an entire year. Neri wasn't sure where he had disappeared to in the past year, but now it seemed like he was back. To her, this behavior was unstable - locking oneself away for a year because of a breakup? It just didn't seem right.

But then again, she reminded herself, these were just rumors and hearsay. She couldn't judge Gale before even meeting him. If Vanja had selected him as her mentor, it implied that she had enough faith in his abilities to entrust him with her final research project.

So Neri tried to push aside her doubts and focus on the positive aspects of being Gale's apprentice. He was known for his incredible knowledge of the weave. Hells, he was chosen by the goddess of magic herself, which meant that he must've been extraordinary with the art. She also reminded herself that this was not a permanent arrangement. Once Vanja returned, she would resume her role as Neri's mentor. Until then, she would have to make the best of this situation.

She is about to enter her bedroom, breathless from walking five sets of stairs, when she catches a glimpse of another figure in the hallway.

"Leaving in the middle of the night again? Vanja won't be pleased that your tasks aren't getting completed." she said, teasingly. She had recognized him immediately - Eiruk, one of her closest friends and fellow student at Blackstaff Academy. He had a habit of disappearing in the middle of the night without telling anyone, a habit that often earned him scoldings from the Blackstaff. Neri lived next door to him, which was lucky since they were able to keep an eye on each other and make sure they didn't get into too much trouble.

Eiruk turned towards her with a cheeky smile on his face, his messy black curls falling over his green eyes. "Neri. Always up in my business."

"Well, it's not like you are especially discreet," Neri replied, raising an eyebrow.

"I can't help it if I have an adventurous spirit," he said with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Neri rolled her eyes playfully. "More like a reckless one," she retorted.

Eiruk grinned, knowing she was right. He had always been the more impulsive and adventurous of the two of them, while Neri was the practical and responsible one. But somehow, their friendship worked perfectly from day one. She smiled to herself as she recalled how he had attempted to bow to her on their first meeting. They were both twenty at the time, but he had blushed like a fifteen-year-old trying to impress someone older.

"So, where were you off to this time? Searching for another priceless artifact from a shady dealer? Or is it a personal mission?" Neri asked with a smirk.

Eiruk hesitated for a moment before answering.

"You will have to wait and see," he finally said with a shrug.

Neri gave him a knowing look but decided not to press further. She knew Eiruk was keeping secrets from her, but she also respected his privacy.

"So," Eiruk said, changing the subject, "I heard Vanja called you to her office this evening. What did she want?"

Neri sighed, her expression turning sour. "She informed me that she will no longer be my mentor. The Council has requested her assistance so she must dedicate all her time to helping them."

Eiruk's eyes widened. "She's quitting her role as your mentor? But you're in tenth year!"

Neri nodded glumly. "I know. I was shocked too. But with everything happening after the clash with the Absolute, I understand why her need to focus her efforts elsewhere for now."

"That's rough," Eiruk said, putting a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. "So, who's going to mentor you now?"

"Gale of Waterdeep," Neri replied. "Vanja has arranged for him to take over my training and research in her absence."

Eiruk's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The Gale of Waterdeep? As in, one of the most powerful wizards in Faerûn? As in, Mystra's chosen?!"

Neri shrugged. "I suppose so. I don't have much information about him other than all the gossip going around. However, I never thought he held much significance anyway."

"Are you jesting?" Eiruk exclaimed. "He is one of the biggest mages in history!"

Neri shrugged again, trying to downplay the situation. "I suppose so. But I never put too much attention on his figure, to be honest."

Eiruk whistled in admiration.

"You know, it's quite an honor. Apparently, he doesn't take on many apprentices. I heard he invented the Plane Shift enchantment when he was only seventeen," Eiruk said, his voice tinged with awe.

Neri looked at him in surprise. "Wait, he invented Plane Shift? That is one of the best Conjuration enchantments. I thought he was in evocation school."

"Well, he was originally in evocation school, but he dabbled in conjuration as well," Eiruk explained. "And it turned out that he had a natural talent for it. He's rumored to have mastered every school of magic."

Neri couldn't believe what she was hearing. A wizard mastering not one, not two, but all schools of magic at once? That was unheard of. She couldn't believe her luck, or perhaps misfortune, to be under the tutelage of such a powerful and legendary wizard. She knew she was skilled, hence why Vanja took her on as a student. But Gale seemed to be on a whole other level.

"Do you think he'll be a good mentor for you?" Eiruk asked, breaking Neri out of her thoughts.

"I don't know," Neri replied honestly. "I mean, Vanja was an amazing mentor and I learned so much from her. It's hard to imagine anyone else filling her shoes."

Eiruk nodded in understanding. "But maybe it's a good thing. A fresh perspective might be beneficial for your research."

Neri couldn't argue with that logic, but she couldn't help feeling apprehensive about the change.

"Well, I better get going," Eiruk said, glancing at the starry sky through the big hallway window. "You will have to keep me updated on the Gale situation. Ugh, why are you always so lucky with mentors!" Eiruk pouted playfully before bidding her goodbye and disappearing into the dark halls of the academy.

Neri made her way to the door of her own room, feeling a bit anxious about meeting her new mentor for the first time. She wondered what kind of training he would put her through and if she would be able to live up to his expectations. She held onto hope that she would.

🔮

As she navigated the streets of Waterdeep towards the bay, Neri couldn't help but be struck by how much had changed since she last visited this part of the city. Buildings had been torn down and replaced with newer, flashier ones, and some of the magic shops she used to frequent were now gone, replaced with fancier establishments catering to the wealthy citizens of Waterdeep. Even the streets seemed more crowded and busier than she remembered. Carriages and people hurried by, paying no attention to the young wizard making her way through the West Ward. Neri felt a pang of nostalgia for the quiet, quaint streets that she used to roam as a child.

The summer rays heated her skin, and she wished she had chosen to wear something more breathable. The protection of her long-sleeved leather jacket and trousers seemed unnecessary now; she would have preferred the freedom and comfort of wearing flowy skirts and shirts in this weather. As she walked towards the pier, a gentle summer breeze brushed against her skin, causing her to let out a contented sigh. She couldn't help but imagine living here, with the peaceful sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Eventually, Neri arrived at the address Vanja had given her and paused in front of a large building near the docks. It was an impressive structure made of stone, with intricate engravings and magical symbols adorning its walls. She still didn't understand why the man had made her come here instead of visiting his old school; she was sure the resident mages would kiss the floor he stepped over.

Neri stood in front of the tower, staring up at its intimidating height and ornate design. But her eyes quickly caught sight of something peculiar – there was no door. No ring bell, no handle, nothing.

She furrowed her brow in confusion and took a few steps closer to the stone wall, looking for any sign of an entrance. She circled the base of the building but still found no entrance. It was as if the tower was impenetrable.

Neri glanced back at the address Vanja had given her to make sure she was in the right place. After checking the coordinates and confirming there were no other large structures in the area, she was certain that this was Gale's tower. But how was she supposed to enter? Did Gale forget to mention some sort of magical key or spell that would open the door?

Then, Neri realized that this was probably her first test, and she had to pass it. She quickly went through every spell in her arsenal, from arcane lock to dimension door, and even remove curse, but none of them seemed to work. With a frustrated sigh, she leaned against the tower, racking her brain for any other possible solutions. She was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice when the air around her began to shimmer and change.

A sudden presence appeared next to her. Neri jumped back in surprise as a holographic image of a man materialized before her eyes. The man appeared youthful, his hair reaching his shoulders and a beard covering his chin. However, the edges of the image were fuzzy, preventing her from getting a clear view.

"Good evening! It seems as though you are trying to enter the private property of Gale Dekarios. Please, estate your full name a reason for the visit." The hologram said with a warm smile. He must be Gale's servant then she told herself.

She quickly composed herself and bowed respectfully.

"I- Um... My name is Neriyra Thunderstaff, and I am a tenth-year student at Blackstaff Academy. I have come here because Gale from Waterdeep has been assigned as my new mentor." Neri said, trying to sound confident despite her nerves.

The hologram nodded. "Ah yes, Miss Thunderstaff. Mr. Dekarios has been expecting you. Please follow me."

With that, the hologram turned and began floating towards the tower. Neri hesitated for a moment before following after it. As they approached, Neri noticed that there was still no visible entrance. But the hologram didn't seem bothered by this and simply continued floating until they reached a specific spot on the tower's wall.

"This is where you will enter," the hologram informed her, gesturing towards a small symbol etched into the stone, almost invisible. "Simply place your hand on this mark and state your name again."

Neri did as she was instructed and placed her hand on the mark while stating her name. To her surprise, a door suddenly materialized in front of her. It was ornately carved and glowed with a faint purple light.

"Thank you," she said to the hologram, but it had already vanished into thin air.

Neri took in a deep breath and stepped inside the tower. As she entered, she marveled at the magical energy that seemed to pulse through every inch of the place. The interior of the tower was just as impressive as the exterior - high ceilings with intricate magical symbols carved into them, and a spiral staircase that led up to the different floors. She felt a bit lost in the middle of the hall, wondering where she was supposed to go. Just then, a door on her right creaked open and something poked out. A cat? No, she realized, it was a tressym. Neri's eyes widened in surprise and wonder as she took in the sight of the creature. She had only heard about them in books and stories, but to see one in person was truly amazing.

"Ah, you must be Miss Thunderstaff. Welcome to Dekarios Tower," she said warmly. "I am Tara, Mr. Dekarios' companion."

"Nice to meet you, Tara," Neri said with a small bow.

"Come along now, Mr. Dekarios is expecting you in his study." Tara smiled at her (can tressyms smile?) and gestured for Neri to follow. They made their way up the spiral staircase, passing various rooms and corridors along the way. As they reached the top floor, Tara led Neri into a large study. And the room turned out to be nothing like she had imagined Gale Dekarios' study would be. It was...well, it was a mess. There were clothes scattered on the floor, books stacked in haphazard piles all over the place, and vials of colorful potions scattered across various tables. The desk was so full of papers that Neri wondered if the man even knew what was going on there. Neri couldn't help but stare in surprise and confusion at the mess before her. She had always pictured powerful wizards to be organized and meticulous, not living in what seemed like utter chaos.

Tara cleared her throat, snapping Neri out of her thoughts. "Mr. Dekarios is a brilliant wizard, but he's not exactly the most organized."

Neri couldn't help but chuckle at Tara's words.

"Is he here?" she asked, looking around for any sign of the man in question.

Tara motioned towards a desk in the corner of the room, where a figure sat hunched over, buried under stacks of papers and scrolls. The wizard had been so obscured by the clutter that she hadn't even noticed them when she entered. Neri took a deep breath to calm her nerves before making her way over to the desk. Sensing her presence, the man looked up startled, before a kind smile coloring his features.

"Miss Thunderstaff, I didn't expect you so soon," he greeted her as she approached.

And if she was surprised before, now she was absolutely flabbergasted. The man sitting in front of her looked nothing like the wise old wizard with a beard and wrinkles that she had pictured in her mind. In fact, he was an exact replica of the hologram she had encountered downstairs (come to think of it, that made much more sense). He also lacked the otherworldly aura she had imagined for such a powerful wizard; he just seemed... normal.

His shoulder-length brown hair was neatly pulled back into an updo, highlighting his beard and gentle brown eyes; his good looks took her aback as she gazed at him. He didn't appear much older than her either. If she saw him on the street, she would never guess that he was one of the most powerful wizards in Faerûn.

"I know, I'm not what you expected," Gale said with a sheepish smile, gesturing for Neri to take a seat on one of the chairs in front of his desk.

She suddenly became aware of her open-mouthed staring and felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"I-I just...I imagined you to be older," she stammered out.

Gale chuckled. "Most people do. But age doesn't always equate to power or wisdom. I apologize for my first impression," Gale said, gesturing to the mess around him. "I've been quite busy lately."

Neri looked around again, grimacing at how scattered and disorganized everything was.

"What have you been working on, if I may ask?" she inquired curiously.

Gale leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath before answering. "Ah, well, you see, I am currently conducting some rather advanced and intricate magical research. Coincidentally, I have received a letter from Vanja singing your praises and detailing your... unique predicament. And lo and behold, I find myself in need of a wizarding expert to aid me in my endeavors."

"So, that's why you offered to be my mentor? You require my assistance with your research?"

Gale's head bobbed in agreement. "That's exactly why I think you could assist me in my studies," Gale stated, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I'm currently focused on studying the fragmented weave of Karsus."

Neri's interest was piqued. She had always been fascinated by magical history. She leaned in her chair, eyebrows furrowed. "The Karsus weave? I thought that was ancient history."

"The Karsus weave is a highly complex and dangerous form of magic," Gale explained. "It involves tapping into the power of other planes of existence and manipulating time itself. It is said that only a handful of wizards ever mastered it, and even they could not control it completely."

Neri nodded, she knew the basics about the Netherese Empire and Karsus well enough from her lessons in magical history.

"The orbs that once rested atop his head are now scattered along the Crionthar. They hold remnants of his incredible power, and if we were to retrieve them, we could potentially unlock the secrets of safely using the Karsus Weave magic."

Neri's mind raced with the possibilities of this research. It could lead to great advancements in magic, but it also carried a significant risk. The Karsus weave was not something to be taken lightly, and Neri knew that firsthand from her studies.

But if they were successful, it would not only drastically alter her own life, but also have a major impact on the use of magic for years to come. If this accomplishment didn't solidify her position as the heir of Blackstaff, she couldn't imagine what else would.

"And what exactly do you need me for? I am just a student, after all," she prompted.

Gale leaned forward slightly, with a glint in his eye. "Well, let's just say that your reputation precedes you, Miss Thunderstaff. I have heard about your unique ability with Conjuration, both summoning and locating objects in place and time."

Neri's heart raced. Her powers of conjuration were a tightly kept secret, shared only with Vanja. To the rest of the world, she appeared to be mastering evocation school.

"Ahem... you can call me Neri, Mr. Dekarios. And I don't understand, you are one of the best mages in all of Faerûn. I believe your conjuring abilities are way better than mine."

"Well, that may be true, but I also have my own personal reasons for seeking out your assistance. However, I can't disclose all this information on your first day as my apprentice, lest you run away," Gale said, tapping his fingers on the desk in front of him.

Neri's mind raced with questions and he seemed to sense her confusion, studying her carefully.

"Of course, I understand if you don't want to participate. I will continue mentoring you this year and we can choose a lighter research theme for your final work," Gale continued. "But I assure you, the knowledge, experience, and renown gained from this research will be unlike anything else you have encountered."

Neri didn't even have to think about it. She knew this was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

"I would be honored to assist you in your research, Mr. Dekarios," she said with a smile.

The amount of research I had to do about wizards in dnd is crazy. If there are any mistakes in the lore take them as creative liberties hehehe Also, my personal headcanon is Gale being messy AF in his tower, you can't convince me otherwise. Thank you for reading!

[halfthealphabet]

tagged by @meloneta

make a poll with five of your all time favorite characters and then tag five people to do the same. see which character is everyone's favorite

tagging @logarithmicpanda @iamtheholyghost @purgeshubble @flyingcrowbar @aliteraryprincess and anyone else who wants to do this!

[nine-of-diamonds]

🛼 🥤 🍄 📚 🌿 🪲 🐝

for that ask game^ you don’t have to do all of them this is simply a curated selection by yours truly

🛼 ⇢ describe your latest wip with five emojis

i mean, you have classified knowledge on which one i last worked on but here ya go: ☕️👀😇👋🤡

🥤 ⇢ recommend an author or fanfic you love

been reading a few fics from Inquillitory (Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone is a good angst read and i’ve been following It Hurts To Hope for a few chappies now)—can i recommend your own writing on an ask you sent in?? ksdljf;lsfsdlkj people who are not melon, go check out 1watermelontea they have a fun fantasy au and a co-written mer au with me :)

📚 ⇢ what's the last thing you wrote down in your notes app?

the actual last thing was me reminding myself that i lent a friend a book (ninth house, if anyone’s curious) but the last fic related note i jotted down was written two days ago at like. 3am and it simply reads, “LT inspired au: gem = vanja, pearl = ragne???” (kudos to anyone who catches what i’m referencing)

🌿 ⇢ give some advice on writer's block and low creativity

in my experience, there are two main types of writer’s block, generally: there’s the “your body is rebelling against the idea of creativity bc you haven’t eaten or drank in ten hours or you’ve been criminally overworking yourself,” in which case, the fix is just… a break and self care. then there’s the “brain will not write/generate ideas for seemingly no reason,” which is about 10x more annoying to work around but usually i either table whatever i’m struggling to work on and work on smth else (hence why my google drive is a Monster lmfao), get my brain warmed up by rereading and sometimes editing a finished fic, or doing this trick i learned in english class ages ago and just. writing all my thoughts in a list format until my brain spits out a new idea or decides it’s ready to actually write.

🪲 ⇢ add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here

did. did you just trick me into adding to our wip ksldjfl;sajfs

since the full paragraph is not 50 words (and also bc technically melon wrote the first word lol), y'all get an extra sentence from the next paragraph as well:

"Totally.” Her gaze flickered briefly over to her… imaginary friend? Scar watched as he clamped a hand over his mouth, seemingly concealing an amused smile. Pearl shot him a pointed look before turning to Scar. “What floor are you heading to?” 

Scar blinked at her, then upon realizing he hadn’t thought this far ahead in his plan, instinctively blurted out, “Same as you!” 

🐝 ⇢ tag your biggest supporter(s) and say one nice thing about them

@1watermelontea hello melon, the answer to this question is just. you. i’m gonna use this as an opportunity to respond to that secret author’s note (for those of you who are not melon/have no idea what note i’m referencing, my dear co-author decided to be sappy in the notes of our fic chasing the horizon line go check it out <33): i’m so touched?? writing with you has been so so much fun and i get so excited whenever i see you’ve added things to our docs and just. chatting with you is always a highlight of my day :D

[demonrice]

Who is Vanja? I legit do not know lol

he's the purple guy you see dominating my ocs tag, he was born from ffxiv but i'm also inserting him into everything i can because i love him so. here's an example of vanja

[liminalmemories21]

Nine Characters

tagged by @jesuisici33. Thank you!

Nine characters I loved this year - in no particular order except the one they occurred to me in.

1 - the cast of Strange New Worlds. Yes, this is cheating. No, I cannot pick just one. I love them all so much. This is a show that Understood The Assignment.

2 - Neal Caffrey (as a side note - Matt Bomer is currently just destroying me in Fellow Travelers)

3 - Miles & Gwen from Across the Spider-Verse

4 - Alex & Henry - RWRB. I love this book so much, I have no words.

5 - Vanja and Emeric - Little Thieves. Look, yes I know I push this book ad nauseum, but it's really really good (Goose Girl retelling where the protagonist is the Goose Girl not the Princess, and she's a con artist)

6 - Tarlos. I write way too much fic about these idiots for them not to be on my list.

7 - Julia - I mean, Julia Child in general is just world class amazing, but this show is also just great.

8 - crew of Leverage. Am I cheating on all of these? Kinda.

9 - Diane Lockhart - I've been rewatching The Good Wife at the Gym and I had forgotten how much Diane Lockhart kicked ass. Also, as bonus points - Kalinda and Eli were phenomenal.

tagging @wtfuckevenknows, @ladytessa74, @iboatedhere, @freneticfloetry, and @lemonlyman-dotcom

[if-kissofmidnight]

what nicknames can be give ghost? can we call him our baby? or our pup for that matter?

i was going to give you the option to choose one of these:

baby.

sweetheart.

kiddo.

type in your own.

jen calls him buster (after ghostbusters).

hyun calls him ghostie or sweetheart depending on who’s around.

vanja calls him little one.

mainza calls him casper (after casper the friendly ghost).

hunter wants to kick all of you into the afterlife.

[thedeadthree]

OLGA (tlou/citadel) ⚕️ | ALAIA + tommys jacket (tlou) 🍄

MINAKO (jjk) 🩰 | VANJA (aot) 👒

IOVANNA (hotd) 🔮 | ALMÁRËA (lotr) 🥀

NYNEVE (vtm) 🩸 | LAENAERA (hotd) 🌊

VHARION (m*etroid) 🗡 | VIKTOR (cod) 💰

TAGGED BY @leviiackrman, @shadowglens, @risingsh0t, @chuckhansen, @jendoe, @detectivelokis, @aartyom, @corvosattano, @marivenah, @nightbloodraelle, @morvaris, @gwynbleidd , @aceghosts and @noonfaerie to make a few dears with this picrew! ty <3 (and saw @shellibisshe do this as well <3)

TAGGING: @feystepped, @griffin-wood, @kingsroad, @minaharkers, @queennymeria, @denerims, @girlbosselrond, @jacobseed, @roofgeese, @arklay, @blissfulalchemist, @nokstella, @50sjello, @florbelles, @unholymilf, @pearlcscent, @jackiesarch, @themysteriouslou, @yennas, @malefiicarum, @confidentandgood, @rosebarsoap, @leondaltons, @loriane-elmuerto and you!

[lizziethereader]

Mid-Year Book Freakout 2023

I was tagged by @bibliophilecats and @the-forest-library, thank you two lovelies! (sorry I couldn't get it done mid-year, haha)

1.Best book you’ve read so far this year Silver in the Wood Emily Tesh (a close second is probably Little Thieves + Painted Devils by Margaret Owen)

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far this year Painted Devils by Margaret Owen

3. New release you haven’t read yet Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year I somehow forgot to look at new releases this year, so I don't even have a list, but I guess I'm always excited when a new Brandon Sanderson Secret Project comes out? (so, one more to go)

5. Biggest disappointment the one that won't get me cancelled: Wicked by Gregory Maguire (honestly, what a shitshow) the one that will get me cancelled: Babel by R.F. Kuang (I just don't like when a story is bleak and tragic with no hope…)

6. Biggest surprise Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky, which I picked up on a whim and which was delightful! but also Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki, which went totally unexpected places (and was delightful as well)

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you) Margaret Owen and Tracy Deonn

8. Newest fictional crush/newest favorite character both Vanja and Emeric from Little Thieves are great characters!!

9. Book that made you cry I don't think I've done that yet this year, but, weirdly, the one that got me closest might have been A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga

10. Book that made you happy I've enjoyed many great books so far this year, but I'm not sure enjoying is the same as making happy? I'm not sure a book has "made" me happy…. I do enjoy how gorgeous the leatherbound editions of the Brandon Sanderson Secret Projects are, though!

11. Favorite Adaptation well, thanks to @bookcub I know that Little Thieves is a Goose Girl adaptation, so I'll have to go with that! in terms of movie/series adaptations, I can't say I have a favorite yet

12. Prettiest Cover I can't just choose one, so I'll go for Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki, Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh, and also the Graceling series editions I have

13. A book you need to read before the end of the year a great many! But Still Life by Sarah Winman is high on my list

I'm tagging anyone who, like me, just hasn't had the energy or time to do this one yet and feels like they can and want to do it now!

[aliteraryprincess]

Mid-Year Book Freak Out 2023

I was tagged by @bookcub and @the-forest-library. Thank you!

1. Best book you’ve read so far this year

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen! It's a retelling of "The Goose Girl" and it was absolutely amazing!

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far this year

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black. It was a great follow-up to The Folk of the Air trilogy, and I can't wait for the next book!

3. New release you haven’t read yet

Painted Devils by Margaret Owen, which is the sequel to Little Thieves. It's on my birthday list with multiple stars next to it so my mom knows I really, REALLY want it.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

I don't have one. Or at least, I can't think of any.

5. Biggest disappointment

So Happy For You by Celia Laskey. Not because it was bad (which it was--I knew that going into it though) but because the author spent the whole book showing that friendships don't have to (and sometimes shouldn't) last forever only to renege on it at the very end and have the narrator forgive the absolute psycho friend who tried to MURDER HER!

6. Biggest surprise

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall. I'm generally not super into romance, but I requested from NetGalley on a whim because the cover was pretty and it sounded fun. I ended up giving it 5 stars! I loved the narrative voice and the world Hall created.

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

Katie Lumsden, who is Books and Things over on YouTube. Her debut novel, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, came out in February and I loved it.

8. Newest fictional crush/newest favorite character

I'd say it's a tie between Vanja from Little Thieves and Cigarette from Under Two Flags by Ouida. Both are absolutely awesome.

9. Book that made you cry

There hasn't been one so far. I think I'm kind of unconsciously avoiding anything that would make me cry.

10. Book that made you happy

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. It was my first read of the year and was just the perfect book for me. I couldn't stop smiling while reading it.

11. Favorite Adaptation

In a completely unshocking turn of events, Little Thieves. 😆 (I'm counting fairy tale retellings as adaptations here; if we're talking film adaptations, I don't think I've watched any yet. Or if I did they were bad and I've stricken them from my memory.)

12. Prettiest Cover

The UK edition of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall. I waited an extra month to read the book because I needed that edition. It has gorgeous end papers!

13. A book you need to read before the end of the year

Way too many haha. For the sake of brevity, I'll limit myself to three that are for school. Princess Napraxine by Ouida, Aurora Floyd by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, and The Athelings by Margaret Oliphant.

I'm not sure who has done this already, but I'll tag @dauen, @lettersfromthelighthouse, and @appleinducedsleep (no pressure)!

[mizusjawline]

Welcome To My Realm!

Hello, I'm Vanja (Alias Mizusjawline)

I'm 23, I live in Europe and I use all pronouns. I like journaling, going for long walks, collaging and any other interesting activities I might stumble across. I am a firm believer in hedonism (a few pleasures make life on this planet a lil more bearable).

On this blog, you will find mostly Takarazuka content, cute guinea pigs and vent posts on child abuse. Sometimes, I post art.

I am a child abuse survivor and I do post about it. Pls block the tag "tw child abuse" if it triggers you

My art tag

Now go forth, Please enjoy :)

[orionhong]

tagged by @raedas !!

book that pleasantly surprised you: hmmm begin again by emma lord i guess? went into it thinking “oh this is going to be a fun contemporary romance that will just be vibes yay” and it. oh my god. what the fuck. it should not have felt that emotionally devastating and it should not have hit that hard but also i happened to be touring colleges across the country while reading these quotes:

it’s giving the love was there it didn’t change anything it didn’t save anyone but it mattered. except it’s contemporary romance so it did change things in the end

book that disappointed you: uhhhh one for my enemy by olivie blake….. i don’t know WHY this just did not do it for me since i LOVE romeo & juliet and i did like the atlas six but. maybe i’m just too ace for it. and also as a r&j defender i have not right to complain about this but it felt rather insta-lovey. and i could not bring myself to care about anythinggggg except roman’s relationship with his father

current read: thunderhead by neal shusterman :] thanks shamsi for making me want to read scythe because of the citra & jerico moirails agenda…. anyway it is rewiring my brain chemistry….

top 2 books on your tbr: ummmm this will be more than 2 books i think. gideon the ninth (sorry tumblr), she who became the sun… autobiography of red (which is kind of more of a current read i need to go back to), also as you like it (i hate reading shakespeare on pdfs. but i also don’t really want to buy a copy)

rec a book to the person who tagged you: OKAY. little thieves by margaret owen is SOOOOOO…… i literally can’t stop thinking about it and it is SO demi. i don’t know. it got me back into fantasy. vanja is the character ever and it’s soooo mommy issues. vanja and gisele’s relationship was insane and reminded me sooo much of this one girl i used to dance with but that’s not relevant lol. the sequel painted devils is good too but not as incredible as the first book but also it’s fun bc vanja girlbosses a little too close to the sun and also unpacking the construct of virginity !! also another rec maybe portrait of a thief by grace d li 👀

tagging @myriels @theodracrain @bisexualalexclaremontdiaz @honey-harper-official @the-corner-table @boysenpop @ravencycle @novannna and anyone else who wants to do it :]