#the dragon republic prompts

[elbiotipo]

What are like good AIs for making up inspirations for writing and such? I was trying to make ChatGPT fulfill this function, and like it's good at coming up with names or riddles but actual stories or setting ideas are bad. Not even bad as in nonsensical or lack human touch, bad as in they look like the most generic thing possible

Well, before AIs there was this website, with all sorts of generators for names, NPCs, even random maps and solar systems and more for different settings. It even has a free Markov Name Generator where you can just put a list of names or words and it generates random names from them! I still use it for generating names when I feel lazy (I'm not a good conlanger)

But my favorite right now is one you can find here, @statsbot by @reachartwork. You can add the bot on Discord and ask them for a lot of commands, like creating you a statblock for NPCs or characters (I asked them for example for stats for the Daft Punk guys in a Cyberpunk campaign), a skeleton of an adventure or dungeon with random encounters, random monsters for all kinds of systems, descriptions of settings and places, or my VERY favorite, /elaborate, where you send them a little worldbuilding prompt (for example, "a kobold merchant republic", "a pantheon of fire deities") and it gives you a whole worldbuilding blurb that you can use as you want.

This is one of my favorite outputs:

The outputs are very interesting and creative, I don't even play RPGs that much, I just feed it prompts and see what it comes up with. I think the author is working on a solo version which can remember previous prompts which could be very useful if you are building a setting and want to develop some stuff but don't know how. Do give them a tip if you use it!

[lunarosewood23]

FFXVIWrite2024 Prompt 1: Steer

Crossover hell (XIV -> XVI) ft @inkblood-mistrieu’s girl Mingxia and her polycule. Set at some point between 868 and 873 (their arrival and the start of the game). Raven meets with her oath siblings to swap intel and figure out just how they’re supposed to navigate the Valisthean political scene.

Word Count: 1869

~~~

“Your Majesty, the dignitaries have arrived.” A guard alerted her.

Raven sighed as she settled herself upon her makeshift throne. “Very well, send them in.”

The guard nodded as Haurchefant rubbed her shoulder in assurance.

“Everything will be fine Améthyste.”

“I know, but I'm still concerned. We still have yet to find Bahamut and his Dominant, and our little kingdom is still not strong enough to stand on its own. If Sanbreque comes-”

“Won't that make our job easier then? After all Ratatoskr did say that the Empire used him in war...”

“Even still-”

“Your Majesty! May I present to you the Four Lords of the Ruby Chain.”

Raven’s head shot up. The Four Lords?? Does that mean...?

She had to stop herself from shrieking when she saw them as four familiar people strode into her throne room. Two Elezen men, an Au Ra woman and a Hyuran woman, all dressed in garb that reminded her of the auspices whose name they shared.

She rose from her throne with a grin as the Hyuran woman almost ran forward and jumped up to hug her around her neck.

“Thank the gods across the stars!! It's so good to see you Mingxia!” Raven exclaimed as she swung Mingxia in her arms and ran her taloned fingers through her long black and blue hair. She set her down only to hug the rest of them. “And all of you too!”

“Good to see you too Princess.” The Elezen with white hair laughed as she hugged him, lightly whacking him upside the head.

“Foulques be nice.” The Au Ra laughed as she squeezed Raven tightly, her tail reaching over to swat Foulques’s butt.

“Were you not told that it’d be us?” The Elezen with black hair inquired.

“I freaking wish Floriano.” Raven grumbled. “But I can’t fault them for assuming it was Sanbreque, since they are the nation next to us, even as they seem unaware of our presence so far.”

“Curious I will admit.” The Au Ra mused as she ran her scaled fingers through her short black hair and away from her horns. “But good for you I think? We seem to have caught at least a little attention of the Crystalline Dominion and the Dhalmekian Republic.”

“The Dominion is the one with the Wind crystal and the Republic is the one with the earth crystal, right?” Raven asked.

“Right. Though I know I was careful in my slip through of both places...”

“It’s probably my fault Rukia.” Mingxia stated as she rubbed the back of her head. “We had been playing with our magic a bit lately.”

“I don’t think so, but we can figure that out later.” Foulques stated. “Right now we need to figure out how to best navigate the Valisthean political structures here. What have you two found?”

Raven sighed as she waved her hand for them to follow her. “Come on, we’re going to the parlor to talk.”

They nodded and followed, thankful that Raven’s estate is easier to navigate than the castles they had seen in Dhalmekia and the Dominion. The room she led them to was spacious but comfortable, with a table holding tea and light finger foods.

They all settled in and Raven sighed.

“Based on what the locals of my kingdom have told me, Sanbreque is basically Ishgard. A theocracy, though it seems that not only do they worship the dragons, seeing as their Eikon is Bahamut, but the Emperor is one greedy son of a bitch. The vibe I get from him is Thordan, even though I’ve yet to meet the man. Though the second I can,  I’m snatching Bahamut’s Dominant out of there.”

“According to my journal, Bahamut is the one who called us here to this world.” Mingxia explained as she flipped open her quest log. “Though I still struggle to understand how he got here.”

“Ratatoskr recognized his song mixed in with the melodies of this world, so we can confirm it’s the Bahamut from the Source, though as for how he got here...we can only suspect Ascian involvement. When we get back I’m gonna have one very long conversation with Hades about all this.”

“Good idea.” Rukia nodded. “What do we know of the other nations?”

Haurchefant pulled out a map of Valisthea and spread it out. “According to some of our men, until about eight years ago there were six kingdoms. The Holy Empire of Sanbreque, The Grand Dutchy of Rosaria, The Dhalmekian Republic, The Iron Kingdom, The Crystalline Dominion, and the Kingdom of Waloed.”

“If I recall correctly, there was a civil war in Rosaria, though the details escape me, but the current state is that Rosaria became an imperial province of Sanbreque. The dutchy’s Eikon, the Phoenix, hasn’t resurfaced since their Dominant had died in the civil war.” Raven explained, frowning as she remembered the  Echo she had when she had transformed back from being Ratatoskr. “That poor boy. When I first saw the Echo I thought I was looking at a boy that was maybe a little older than Annalise, but I found out he was maybe ten years old at the time of the disaster. It’s heartbreaking, that child must’ve been so scared...”

“How cruel this world is to make a child fight when he should not even be near a battlefield.” Floriano growled.

Mingxia had a curious look in her eyes. “Do you know if they ever discovered a body?”

“Based on the Echo, no. All the invaders discovered was the boy’s older brother, who seemed to be sold off into the army.” Raven answered before she growled. “If I ever see the blonde bitch that orchestrated that mess it’s on sight...”

“Much as I would love to watch you rip that vile woman apart, must I remind you that that blonde bitch is currently the vicerine of Sanbreque.” Haurchefant warned gently.

Raven groaned. “Don’t remind me...”

“I would be careful.” Mingxia warned. “Because there is not a body, things might be more complicated. The Phoenix’s Dominant might not be dead.”

“After everything, you do have a point Ming...” Raven mumbled before shaking her head. “Let’s steer back to the original discussion. What of the other nations?”

Rukia nodded and pointed to the nation near the south. “It seems every nation has a Dominant, with Sanbreque having Bahamut and Rosaria having Phoenix. Dhalmekia has Titan, and it seems he has a high spot in their society seeing as he’s the economics advisor. It reminds me of Ul’dah. It’s a bit of a merchant city-state. Which is Xiaoming’s field of expertise~”

Mingxia giggled as Foulques shook his head. “We still don’t know much about the Iron Kingdom, other than they fought against Rosaria for the giant fire crystal for years. They ransacked Rosaria’s capital soon after Sanbreque’s takeover according to a woman who escaped from there.”

“That sounds like what some of our men who were from there said.” Haurchefant stated before sighing. “What a mess this place is...”

“You’re telling me.” Raven grumbled before she pointed to the nation whose standard seemed to have a horse  on it. “What of this nation across the ocean that seems to span over the continent?”

“We still don’t know much about Waloed, other than the fact that Odin is their Eikon, if what I understand from the Waloeders that fled to our isles told us.” Floriano explained. “The only thing we do know is that the king is collecting Dominants for some reason. We still don’t know why.”

“That’s...worrying. Do we know who he has among his guard?” Haurchefant questioned with a frown.

“Not yet, but we’ll find out.” Rukia assured. “And I guarantee you’ll be the first to know.”

Raven smiled as she pulled Rukia into a hug. “Thanks Rukia...”

“There’s still one more nation we haven’t discussed.” Floriano pointed out as he tapped his finger on the island that seemed to connect the two continents. “The Crystalline Dominion.”

“It seems to sit at the center of the world like Mor Dhona or Lakeland.” Raven noted. “Who is their Eikon?”

“It doesn’t seem to have one. It looks like it’s ruled by a representative council of people from Rosaria, Sanbreque, Dhalmekia and Waloed. It almost seems like it’s being permitted to remain neutral. It definitely feels like a shaky peace, but if Sanbreque’s emperor is getting greedy, who knows how long that will last...” Rukia explained.

“Oh boy...” Raven let out a breath. “Yeah Valisthea is a mess, but I’m still trying to think what the best course of action is, or what political game we need to play with the other nations.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Rukia questioned. At Raven’s confused head tilt she sighed. “You haven’t been paying attention to what some of the people have been saying have you?”

At that Raven groaned as she thumped her head on the table. “I don’t wanna think about it...I’m not Sanbreque’s goddess made flesh, even if I have been spending time in Her chapels in an attempt to understand Her nature. She feels so much like Halone but Her depictions and her devout priests make Her more akin to Menphina.” She grumbled as she waved her hand.

“And yet based on the reports...” Mingxia replied. “There are whispers in Sanbreque that something has occurred. A goddess has appeared in the pristine wilderness near northern Sanbreque. A woman of otherworldly beauty, whose words echo with power in the tongue of dragons. There are whispers that Greagor has appeared on Valisthea, both woman and dragon, whose scales are red as rubies. At her side is her loyal knight, who has a mirror-bright shield, and in his other hand is a blade of moonlight. They whisper that change is coming, for a goddess has appeared.”

“I’ve also heard some stories sister.” Rukia adds. “Of a sweet little bard singing to dying bearers and trying to ease their pain in those final moments before death claims them. Some devout bearers think they've seen the Goddess as they die in their delirium, others beg her to take their pain away so they can die in peace. Some just ask her to hold their hand because they are afraid of dying. Simply because she is kind and sees Bearers for the people they are and not the tools they are forced to be.”

“It is NOT my fault that compassion is a rarity in this hellscape!” Raven yelped as she buried her face in her hands.

Everyone laughed as Haurchefant hugged her from behind and kissed her temple. “Your compassion knows no bounds my heart.”

Raven sighed. "Let it be said that I have never once claimed to be the goddess Sanbreque worships. Despite that the tenants are similar to Halone's back home, I would never claim such. Though apparently showing kindness is so rare here that it's earned me at least a portion of these rumors..."

[oceansssblue]

100 CELEBRATION — PROMPT 17. PRINCE&SERVANT AU

REX/F READER 💖💔

WARNINGS: servant/slavery themes, social gap, mentions of war, soulbonds, first crush, fantasy aspects.

Note: Here we have a really fluffy timid sweet one for a servant!rex and princess!femalereader !! It will start in their childhood and skip through time. Switches between 1st pov and 3rd pov. Hope you like it! Xx, Blue.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The citizens of Bahr were also known as "water spirits" because of their surprising affinity with water creatures. The humanoid species could survive both underwater and in land; which made Bahr's cities beautifully diverse. Some towns were completely built under the ocean; others were constructed besides lakes and rivers. The Outer Rim planet had joined the Republic Alliance not so long ago; also enthraced by the idea of bidirectional protection and the reputation of the GAR. The Kaminoans had created clones of a mandalorian warrior that they later trained for different purposes; sold in batches all around the Republic for both servitude and personal army.

For the birth of Bahr's princess –the first descendant of King Fraland and Queen Altea– a new order of clones was sent to Kamino; and the kaminoans produced new batches of CT's and CC's and trained them for their new life. Some would end up serving in the palace or any of the Crown's properties; others would add to Bahr's already impressive army.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You had grown up with all the commodities of the world; from endless food on the table to the prettiest of dresses. As the only princess of Bahr, your education had been impecable as well; closely monitored by the planet's best academics and literates. You had a small flock of servants personally encharged of you; from nannies that looked after you during the day or night, to other female bahrises who were tasked to help you dress or join you in any of your multiple hobbies. Not all servants in the palace were natives; but yours were.

You had always been curious about the others, the humans; the clones. They were young too –almost as young as yourself– and from a different species; and they were boys. It was inevitable to want to find more about them. However, both the Queen and your nanies had always scolded you whenever you had tried to interact with one; so you had eventually given up on being friends with them. You still curiously observed them in the distance.

It was only at eight years old when you had your first conversation with a clone. With three clones, to be precise. They were arguing about going out on an adventure; and that had instantly caught your attention. Life in palace was –though you knew you were incredibly lucky– often boring. The oportunity of going outside was too tempting to ignore.

You remained hidden behind one of the numerous statues that were placed on both sides of the corridors –old Kings and Queens of Bahr, your ancestors–; attention tunned in in the conversation between the three boys. They weren't speaking in your native language; but your teachers had already taught you a handful of others, mando'a being one of them.

"We're not going to be able to see them properly, Fives" one of the boys said, voice a mix of exasperation and resignation. "They only come up to the surface when two true soulmates are on their own there".

Your curiosity deepens; they're talking about the Lake of the Soulmates; were small water dragons live in harmony until a couple of soulmates call them. Only in pairs they will respond; only when genuine, sincere emotions came into play. It was a sacred tradition on Bahr; though some often used it as a proof of a partner's intentions or honesty. It was a beautiful idea, the fact that soulmates existed, that someone was made specifically for you; you had always dreamed of visiting it.

"Yeah, I know" the boy named Fives whispered. "But won't seing them even under the surface be worth it? Please, Echo. I'm so tired of being trapped in here".

Something softened in Echo's face; the boy glancing at the third clone of the group with reluctant acceptance. This last one had short blond hair; a trait you hadn't seen in the rest of his brothers. It was a beautiful contrast with the bronze of his skin.

"If we get caught we could be punished or even decomissioned" he wasn't fully convinced either, though it was clear he wanted to go as well. "I don't know if we should risk it".

This was the perfect chance for you to step in.

You left the secrecy of your hideout; quietly walking towards them.

"You wouldn't be if you kindly allowed me to join you".

The three clones showed various levels of surprise and fear; jumping at the unexpected sound of your voice. Their eyes widenned.

"P-princess!" Fives stuttered, back in your native language.

Echo and the clone with the blond hair straightened inmediately.

"I desire to visit the Soulmate Lake as well" you continued, undisturbed. "I've always felt curious about them. If you allow me to tag along, and the guards find us, you may even tell them I asked you to follow me there; since I wasn't keen on going on my own. Do we have an agreement?"

Fives grinned; the other two looked unsure. Upon the first's incesant pleadings, they finally gave in, nodding in silence. The blond one turned towards you, speaking to you with a timid politeness.

"Your majesty, you may want to change to a less delicate shoe choice" he pointed out, carefully, and your eyes travelled down to your cristal sparkling sandals.

"Oh!" You blushed softly. "You are right, of course. I'll retire and switch to a more comfortable pair. I will see the three of you in the North Door in ten".

You gave them a firm nod and walked away. You were going to see the water dragons for the first time ever.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

At first, Fives, Echo and Rex were incredibly wary and tense around the princess. They had grown up learning about her; about how important she was and the responsabilities she was destined to carry. They were taught how to behave around royals; how they were not the same. It was shocking, the fact that she had even talked to them. The way she phrased things was a bit unusual, and perhaps so were some of her gestures and manerisms; but in all honestly, for a princess, she looked pretty normal.

The small trip to the Lake of the Soulmates was filled with Fives animated story-telling; Rex and Echo having long learnt how to filter him out, while the princess looked almost engrossed in his tale. All words extinguished when they finally arrived, though; the beauty of the scene that powerfull. The water looked almost like a mirror of the sky above; the trees painted in vibrant greens and oranges. There was a sort of magical peace that could almost be breathed in.

"Woah" Fives looked and wandered around almost in a trance.

Echo grabbed his shoulder and tugged him back before his brother could accidentally dip a feet on the lake's water.

The three clones and the princess made their way to the edge of it and kneeled on the grass, carefully pushing their bodies forward to inspect it; trying to get a peak of the creatures swimming beneath. But the creatures stayed hidden –as Echo had predicted–; and soon the adrenaline and excitement of the adventure extinguished.

Rex discovered himself observing the princess instead. Her hair was pinned up in an intricate updo; and a small sparkly tiara was perfectly positioned on top of her head. She had what looked like diamond earings too; and she was wearing a –expensive, he was sure– violet dress with some more accesories around her wrists and neck. Under all of that, Rex noticed her big expressive eyes and the warmth of her smile. He had always thought royalty as cold and distant –no matter how well they governed–; but perhaps he had been wrong all along. The princess chuckled at something Fives said; and Rex's eyes couldn't stop staring at her.

A splash and a gasp finally called his attention; wonder and excitement shining again in all of their faces. There was a water dragon close to the surface; it was a blurred mix of blues, cyan on it's head and turning progressively darker towards the blue indigo of the tail. The creature seemed to be curious about them as well; as it swam close to the four kids for a few minutes before dissapearing into the depths of the lake again.

They all glanced at each other in shock before chuckling and smiling happily. They stayed for what felt like another hour there, with mainly Fives and Echo bickering and Rex and the princess quietly observing. It was peaceful; freeing. Rex tenderly saved the memory in his mind.

The grins were still painted on their faces with their return to the palace.

"I had a wonderful time" the princess aknowledged them before they had to part ways. "Thank you for your company".

Fives grinned, showing a silly thumbs up.

"Yeah, cool shit, princess".

Echo rolled his eyes at his brother's choice of words and lack of proper decorum; and smacked the back of his head.

Fives shot a glance at him, pouting and catching up on Echo's silent complaint inmediately.

"Hey! I said princess!"

Luckily for all of them, the royal only watched them in amusement.

"We enjoyed your company as well, your majesty" Rex tried to spare them, nodding politely, golden brown eyes making contact with the princess's. "We wish you a good rest of your evening".

She smiled genuineningly; then courtsied in a last goodbye, walking away timidly, a small happy skip to her step.

Fives and Echo bickered at his back. Rex only wished their escapade to remain a secret –for their safety–; and to have shown the princess –she'd be their queen, someday– that clones weren't that bad.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Weeks pass after that evening with the clone boys; but thoughts about them haven't yet left your mind. You don't have much contact with people your age –or any at all, for that fact–; and you somehow find yourself yearning for more. You had enjoyed the afternoon with them; void of responsabilities and the pressure of being a princess. A royal. There was no-one to watch you with a critic at the tip of their tongue; no one to tell you how to talk or move, to punish you for things that weren't considered lady like. The memory of that tiny bit of freedom, of life, had stayed roaming around in your mind.

You had carefully asked around; tried to find more information about them. They worked in the kitchens; and though there were a few complaints about them being a bit of trouble, you generally only heard good things about the three clones. They were only two years –one, in Rex's case– younger than you; though a maid had –tried to– explain to you that with the clone's accelerated aging they'd look progressively older very soon.

Temptatively, you had tried to interact with them in the few months that followed the first escapade. They reacted exactly the same way as the first time; first with cautious wariness, and then slowly easing into a quiet, gentle friendship. Fives was the main source of trouble; Echo being the one to often reel him in and cut his crazyness short. He still joined him in few ocassions, though, and then it was Rex's turn to be the voice of reason. He was not boring by any chance –in fact, you find him very intriguing–; he just seemed more mature. Rex was observant, and surprisingly firm for someone as young as him; but he knew how to relax too. You felt warm each time you caught sight of his gentle smile.

You're on a quest to personally ask the palace's main cook to bake your favorite pie when you caught sight of them again; though not in a pleasant situation. Fives, Echo and Rex are all standing up in front of a –very obviously– angry chef; heads lowered down in a sign of repentance while the man screams inches away of their face. A quick glance around is enough to know what this is all about. The kitchen is a mess; almost as if there had been a fight –or an explosion– of flour all around. You understand the need to reprimand them if this has been the case; but the way the cook is spitting ill-words so close to their faces rubs you the wrong way.

"Useless clones, genetically engineered for what? You can't even behave in a kitchen! It's a relief you can't roam around through Bahr!"

Different degrees of hurt and anger crosses the boys faces. It grows like a flame inside of you as well.

"We understand your point, sir" Rex grits out, eyes still on the floor but posture firm. "It won't happen again".

"Of course it won't!" The cook suddenly invades his personal space and takes a violent hold of his face, nails digging into the skin of both cheeks to obligue Rex to look at him. "Because if you do, i'll make sure you're all sent back to Kamino and never see a ray of sunglight ever again!"

Something inside of you fiercely wakes up and shakes. A wave of ire and an overwhelming need to protect spreads through your veins; and you take a step into the kitchen and clear your throat, eyes settling on the cook in a heated stare.

"Princess!" The man exclaims, releasing the boy's face and taking a step back in utter surprise.

The three clones inmediately look at you. You want to comfort them, but it is a priority to get them away from this man first.

"Let this be the last time you dare to treat anyone this way" your voice holds an authority that doesn't really come from being a royal, but of a fierce heart that won't let any other option exist. "You will request a transfer to any other of the Crown's properties and leave inmediately".

The man is so shocked he almost sputters in his place.

"B-but princess..." his eyes flicker over your smaller form in a desperate way to find something to convince you with. "I'm the only one who knows how to bake your favorite Jhogan pie!"

Your expresion turns to one of disgust. The fact that this man...

"My favorite dessert can't be more irrelevant as opposed to the safety of other's lifes. I have given you the option to continue working elsewhere as a courtsey for all the years you've been working for us; but if you insist, I can make sure you won't find a job anywhere in Bahr".

The clear warning is enough to shut all of the cook's complaints down; and he turns around to send a hatefull glance to the three clones as if they have been the ones to dig his way out.

"Leave" you almost hiss then, years of trained patience coming to an end.

The man nods tersely, huffs, and walks away.

You breathe a sigh of relief when you're left alone in the kitchen with the other three boys. Their posture relax too; inmediately aproaching each other and mutually making sure they are all safe and good. The need extends to you.

"Are you alright?" You ask them, slowly aproaching them.

Fives and Echo look at you. Rex, for some reason, keeps staring at the floor.

"Yeah" Echo eventually answers. "Thank you for the save, princess. It was a kind gesture of you".

To your surprise, Fives steps forward and envelops you in a big, sudden hug.

"It was awesome! Did you see his face?" He laughs, and you chuckle as he releases you and takes a step back.

"It looked like his head was going to explode from holding all his anger back" you confirm with a tiny smile.

Your eyes travel back to Rex; who is still painfully silent, expresion closed off as if he were thinking of something deeply emotional and delicate.

"Hey" you carefully squeeze his shoulder and he breaks off of his trance, golden eyes locking on yours. "Are you okay?"

His eyes flicker over your face. He nods without saying a thing.

Your hand moves up and your fingertips carefully graze the skin of his redenned cheek. They won't be hurt like that ever again.

"You should get that checked by the doctor" you advise gently, lowering your traitorous hand to it's rightfull place. "Some marks have managed to break the skin and they might scar if you don't tend to them".

His golden eyes continue staring at you; creating a mess of contradicting and confusing emotions and thoughts you're too young to descipher yet.

"I will" Rex finally says.

When you leave the kitchen two minutes later, you murmur a soft and quiet "keep an eye on him" to Fives. The clone nods and grins.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

It has been a long day for Rex and his brothers. Their working conditions are vastly different from those of two years ago; from when the princess had faced off the main palace cook and sent the monster away. When she had protected them. The memory is still vivid and clear in Rex's memory. She had been so small, so young; and yet her voice had held such a fierce authority. She clearly cared for them; and in a world where clones –where he– meant nothing, that had touched Rex's heart.

Not having a dickhead for a boss doesn't make the hours and hours of baking any less demanding, though; and Rex can feel the ache on his muscles begging for a rest. He's on his way to the servant's floor when he hears music floating down the stairs; it's such a beautiful melody that the curious clone is already following it with quiet steps. He recognises the sound of the clarinas; small air instruments native from Bahr. But there's someone singing as well; and Rex's instincts are pushing him towards it, for some misterious reason he has no time –or desire– to analise.

He comes to a stop in front of the music salon; and takes a quiet peak inside to scan the room. At first, his eyes widen in surprise; then, he's left staring enthraced, hipnotized. He didn't know she could sing like that. The princess's voice is sweet and delicate; her range gently dancing over the notes in a peaceful melody. The song has a hint of melancholy; like a bird who sees the beauty of the outside world and feels awed and warmed by it, but can't quite hold enough strength on his wings to fly in it.

Rex golden eyes are absort on her face for the few minutes he stays listening; until a maid passing by the corridor softly reprimands him and he flushes in silence, straigthening back up guiltily.

"Don't just stand there all day, young boy. Go on" the woman tuts with a knowing smile on her face, and Rex fights down his blush and walks away.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

When you almost run into Rex in one of your late afternoon walks through the gardens, you can't help but gasp and stare at him in surprise. And not just because of the unexpected, clumsy encounter; but because of how different he looks. His growth has sprinted in this last four years. While you're looking your age –fourteen, now–, Rex –his brothers too– appear to be seventeen or so; the physical signs and changes of their teenage years dissapearing in a blink and quickly transitioning into his current appearence. He's tall, really tall now; slightly towering above you when you had once been of the same height. His facial features have changed too; shaped into firm, sharp lines. Gone is the kid Rex once was; he's certainly turning into a young man.

"Your majesty" he gives you a small courtsey and you smile at him with warmth. No matter how many little interactions you've both had over the years, Rex has never dropped certain formalities around you. It's endearing, really. "Enjoying a bit of fresh air before dinner is served?"

You nod without dropping your smile.

"Yes, indeed. The gardens are beautiful this time of the year, and a break from the noise of the palace is always welcomed" you pause and study him briefly. "Would you like to join me?"

Surprise fills his expresion; an sort of timid hesitance following.

"If you're sure, princess. I wouldn't want to disturb your moment of peace...".

You chuckle and tilt your head in a carefree grin.

"I wouldn't have offered if I found your presence disturbing, Rex" you tease him in good humour, gently linking your hand around his arm and tugging forward carefully. "It will be a short stroll, don't worry".

He doesn't say a thing. His golden eyes travel down to your hand anchored on his –surprisingly defined– bycep; then back to your face. It almost looks like he's thinking what the kriff you're doing with him. Ah, you suppose this tiptoes the line of being a royal, taking a walk with a –male– servant; but you can't help yourself. You enjoy his presence; always have, and right now a relaxing stroll between friends sounds nice.

Trying not to dwell on the fact that your bodies are touching –and the tingling sensation derived from it– you fill the –perhaps initially akward– silence with curiosities and stories about the plants you pass by; wether it's just their medical use or a particularity of a flower, or some other tradition that is rumoured in Bahr. He listens attentively, quietly; only intervening here and there. It's only after a while when you grow self-conscious; realising you're perhaps talking a bit too much.

"Forgive me" you smile guiltily, hand dropping from where you had been pointing at the petals of yet another flower. "You probably don't find all of this rants about flora interesting. You might not even like flowers for all I know..."

To your honest surprise, Rex carefully tugs said hand forward and holds it in his, gently squeezing.

"I do" he replies calmly, soothing your worries, voice deeper than it had been just a year ago. He glances at the green jade flowers and back at you. "It's the colour of your eyes, princess".

It's such an unexpected comment –and more so coming from him– that you can't control the flustered blush that inmediatelly spreads through your cheeks and down your neck. You shyly tuck a strand of hair behind your ear with your other hand; warmth spreading from where you hold him with the other one –as if some sort of energy were flowing between the two of you–.

Rex doesn't retract his comment; temptitavely caressing the dorso of your hand with his thumb, and a peacefull, almost pensive expresion on his face. You fall equally enthraced by him; gaze lost in the tenderness of his warm, golden eyes, on this new feeling sparkling between the two of you.

You had just started to see boys in another way; and Rex... Rex is beautiful. The sunset does wonders on his bronze skin, brings the gold out of his gentle brown eyes, he is undeniably handsome and his physicall appearence has nothing to envy the...

"Princess! Your majesty!" the urgent voice of your maid breaks the moment rather abruptly, tearing you out of your trance cruelly. "The King and Queen have been waiting for you in the Grand Comedor for almost ten minutes now!"

The woman continues to rant from far away, and you turn to look back at Rex with an amused chuckle –cheeks still redenned and already missing the warmth of his hand in yours–.

"I shall better go before they send a flock of angry maids to find me" you joke, still a hint of shyness on your voice and face.

Rex nods and takes a polite step back. You ignore how much your heart complains about that.

"Of course" he agrees, eyes still fixed on yours. "Have a good night, princess".

Your smile is as soft as melting butter.

"You as well, Rex".

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The next day, upon numerous innapropiate whispers of maids and servants all around the palace that reaches the rulers ears, three clones are sent away to be trained in Bahrs army. When a week later the princess's personal maids finally ask the royal sucessor the reason for her late melancholy, she brushes it aside and conjures an empty smile. She's a bird; but she has no wings.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Seven years later, life has not changed much. At least for you. At 21, you have more responsabilities as the Crown's succesor, and take a participant role in Bahr's important decisions; but that aside, life around you moves like it always has. Slow and boring; though comfortable and coveted. Diplomatic travels have become part of your favorite rutine At least that way you're able to explore Bahr's diverse cities, though you're not completely free to roam around as you'd like, but tied to long dinners and debates.

Your father has subtly questioned you about wether if you feel connected to any of Bahr's important houses heirs. Your answer has always been short and clipped. It's not that you hate all of them; some are not pretentious and fairly good company –hadsome, even–, but none make your heart skip a bit. You'll settle for someone eventually; but for now, you'll still hold onto the hope that someone who can will appear.

You're lost in thoughts when the sound of someone arriving at the Lake of the Soulmates –you had taken to visit it sort of regularly lately– pulls you out of your mind. You glance back at the new comer; a gasp inmediately abandoning your lips, face shifting with shock and surprise.

"R-rex?"

You stand up from the blanket you've placed on the grass, carefully making your way towards him. He looks just as shocked; stunned. It has been seven years since you last saw each other. He's so... He's a man, now. His eyes, though... His golden eyes hold the same gentleness.

"Princess..." he takes two slow steps towards you as well –until you're both standing in front of each other, your chin tilting up so you can see his face–. "Long time no see".

You shoot him a fond smile.

"Yes" your eyes flicker over every inch of his face. His brow is more pronounced, his jaw sharper. His lips... pouty. "You've changed".

Age has done nothing but make him look more atractive. The white and blue armour he's currently wearing –clinging to his strong muscles– only make the picture prettier.

"You as well, princess. You look..." he stops himself, cheeks tinged in red.

You can feel your heart trying to beat it's way out of your chest. You're nervous, but excited; you encourage him to finish the sentence with bright eyes and a tempting smile.

"I look?"

At first, Rex seems to hesitate; then, the soldier squares his shoulders and fixes his eyes on yours.

"You look more beautiful than ever, princess".

He tells you this tenderly but firmly; like there's no option to disagree, like it's an universal truth. The quiet passion swirling in his golden eyes makes your heart clench; tugging the corner of your lips into a radiant smile.

You close the small distance between each other with another tiny step; your body almost grazing his.

Years and years of lessons on politeness and decency, on how a royal should behave, sprints through your mind; though they are quickly shut down in favor of the fire that burns bright in your heart. Rex... Rex makes your heart skip a bit. Perhaps he always has –even when in your young age you couldn't see it as clearly as now–.

"You do too, Rex" you whisper fervently, looking up at him. "Beautiful".

Rex releases a deep breath; almost as if he had been afraid of you reacting badly to his compliment. He closes the eyes for a few seconds; as if saving the moment in his memory.

You gather your courage and swallow your own insecurities down; temptitavely caressing his hand with the very tip of your fingers –a sort of cautious invitation to do more about it–.

Rex opens his eyes and glances at you in surprise.

"Is this... okay?" you ask him timidly, hand almost trembling with your nervousness.

Rex looks to be lost in your eyes; he barely reacts, not moving a single inch.

"Y-yes, yes. If you want to, princess..."

The carefull caress turns into proper holding hands. You smile at how right such a simple thing feels.

"Will you ever call me by my name?" You tease him in good humour, a little amused chuckle escaping your lips.

Rex's eyes travel around as if you have put him in a four way crossroad.

"I shouldn't..."

Perhaps years and years of lessons on how not to behave around and with royals are flickering through his mind too.

The fire inside of you burns stronger. You end the distance between your bodies, softly anchoring yourself to him and gently wrapping your hands around his shoulders. He freezes, eyes fixed on your face, now so close to his.

"But I want you too" you reply, fervently.

Rex swallows; and you can almost feel his throat move.

"It might take some time for me to get used to it. But I can try... meshla".

You release all your tension and nervousness with a long, happy sigh; closing your eyes and pressing your forehead against his plated chest, breathing the warmth feeling he provoques in you in. Rex hands tentatively takes place in your back and caresses you gently. His tension deflates as well in the tender embrace.

Splashing water sounds force you to break apart; you both glance at the lake, but upon finding everything as usual, quickly return to search into each other's gaze. You already miss his arms around you –yours around him–; though there's still minimum space between you.

"How have you been all this time, Rex?" You ask him fondly. "You've been working for the army, have you not?"

"Just got promoted to Captain, yes" he confirms, and your eyes fly down to quickly study the pauldron on his shoulder and his blue kama, armour touches and upgrades you know well. "It has been..."

He hesitates, and you encourage him to continue with a soft smile.

"Go on. You can be frank with me".

Rex sighs and confesses.

"It's better than staying in the palace all day, every day. It makes me feel more usefull, valuable. I'm protecting people. Doing good things" he takes a breath in and quietly admits, a troubled expresion on his face. "It's not an easy task, though. I've seen... Men and woman die, lost friends. I never realised just how many brothers I had in Bahr until I started to feel like I was losing them".

His words and emotions are so honest and raw it brings tears to your eyes; though you don't allow a single one to fall.

You hold his hands in yours.

"I'm sorry, Rex. That Fives, Echo and you all felt trapped in the palace and then forced to walk away. Every native servant has decided to be there; but you clones never had the oportunity to choose. I'm sorry you've lost family as well. I hope one day you'd be able to forgive me, Rex..."

He shows you a fond smile and gentle squeezes your hand with one hand; the other coming up to cup your face.

"It's not like you had any say in our creation, meshla, or what we came to be. You were just a child as well. And honestly, the King treats us much better than other clones in other parts of the galaxy. I'm happy with where I am now; Fives and Echo as well".

"How are they, Echo and Fives?" You curiously ask him, wanting to know about the other two boys –now men– as well.

Rex smile can only be defined as proud.

"They're doing well. Both got promoted to ARC's at the same time, which is why we're all in the Capital now. There's going to be a small ceremony in the palace for all new ARC's, Commanders and Captains".

You blink in surprise.

"Oh, I wasn't aware of this".

Rex shrugs.

"I don't believe the royal family attends this" he explains "just some other high ranks from the army and the war council. It's a small thing".

You tilt up your chin and make up a quick decision.

"It's a big thing for you. I'll be there"

"You don't have to, prin... meshla..."

You smile and squeeze his hand.

"I know. I'll still try".

Rex nods, innerly touched and gratefull; and you're both left in silence for a few seconds, studying each other's hands and eyes.

"I thought of doing this a lot when we were kids" you confess, voice quiet.

Rex shoots you a surprised look.

"Holding hands?" He asks, a timid expresion on his face too.

"Among other things" you admit with a blush.

Rex is shocked by your confession; but his eyes only fill with tenderness and warmth.

"Why didn't you?"

You shrug.

"I was reprimanded a lot, told to not interact with the three of you. I was also afraid of you only accepting because you'd be afraid to say no and... And I was shy and just a child. I didn't truly understand what I was feeling and what to do about it" you glance to the say and chuckle, cheeks painted in an embarassed red. "You were my first boy crush".

Rex can't believe at first the words that are coming out of your mouth. But he sees the honesty in your eyes, the vulnerability, the tenderness and the desire; and he knows it's the beautiful truth.

He smiles and caresses your cheek with his thumb. He decides to confess as well.

"I would have accepted anything from you, princess, and not out of obligation".

Warmth spreads inside of you; this time the title sounding more of a sweet, personal pet name on his lips than a polite status reference.

Rex decides to risk it all. His other hand also travels up to cup your face in his palms; softly tilting it up towards him so he can study and caress every inch of your skin with his golden eyes.

"And now, meshla? Now that we aren't kids?"

"I..." you want him. You love him. He's the one. "I want the same things".

Rex's relieved breath flickers over your face; and barely a second later, he dips down to catch your lips in a tender, heartfelt kiss. You make a small, pleased sound in your throat and surrender to him; body melting in his embrace and kissing him back with the same softness and hunger, both mixed into perfect bliss.

When you're forced to breathe, Rex rests his forehead against you in what you know is a Keldabe kiss; taking each other in.

"I've told myself a million times iver the years that this couldn't be. That you were just a dream, an illusion I would never reach".

Your heart aches. Perhaps true, honest love is just like that; so raw and powerfull it heals as much as it aches.

You nuzzle your nose against his and answer him softly.

"I know there's responsabilities to both and that we'll face more than one public judgement. We will need to be carefull. But I've always felt curious about you, Rex. We're both older now. Perhaps things won't work out, and that's okay; but I feel very strongly towards you and I'd like to have the chance to see where this goes now".

Rex smiles and pecks your lips again. Oh, you'll soon grow addicted to it.

"Like I said, princess, I'll take whatever you're willing to give" he grins, and you're so happy you can't help but laugh against his lips.

There's a louder splash coming from the water again; and this time, a quick, initially uninterested glance turns to be an overwhelming shock. You both watch, stunned, how two blue water dragons repetitively jump up and down the surface of the lake, clearly playing with each other and having fun, oblivious to the two of you.

You stare at Rex in shock.

"Are those... Did we... Are we..." you can't seem to form the words, too overwhelmed and nervous about the possible implications of this.

Rex stares back at the small creatures.

"If we were... We should be able to call them towards us, right?" He cautiously asks.

You nod, heart pounding. The two water dragons stop playing and hover over the surface of the lake, as if suddenly realising they were being watched and looking back at you curiously.

You take a deep, centering breath and close your eyes; focusing on trying to conect with any of them. To tug at some sort of invisible connection.

You gasp at the feeling of something wet and slippery pressing against the skin of your neck; opening your eyes in wonder, staring at the almost magical female water dragon that is nuzzling against you and chirping happily.

"T-try it" you tell Rex, hands shaking to caress the legendary creature, the animal playfully nipping at your fingertips.

Rex imitates you; closing his eyes and trying to find his own connection with the other water dragon. He frowns, and nothing happens at first; but then, the creature –darker in colour but with also more white streaks in it's tail– shyly aproaches him and spins around his forearm, then moving to hover in front of him.

Rex looks at his dragon in awe and then turns towards you.

"We're soulmates" he voices, love and wonder shining in his golden eyes.

You smile and close the distance to kiss him.

"I guess that explains why I have always felt drawn to you. Yes, we are".

Rex swallows your happy chuckles and you smile against his lips. The two water dragons play around your entwinned shape, chirping happily.

THE END.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Author note:

I love Rex so much godddddd...

Ps. With this one we only have one more prompt left for the 100blueceleb. It's a short story of a demon!echo / angel!ofc ; I have already planned it through and am in the process of writing it. It's gonna be a blast, mark my words! I'm so excited to share it with y'all. Stay tunned!

Xx, Blue.

Check out the 100blueceleb masterlist:

Check out my general masterlist:

[avatar-year-of-the-dragon]

Announcing Avatar: Year of the Dragon Weekend!!!

What is Avatar: Year of the Dragon?

Avatar: Year of the Dragon is a fun, casual, very unserious three-day 18+ NSFW shipping event for any Fire Nation or firebending character from the Avatar universe in honor of the Year of the Dragon and the "dragons" in their pants.

When is the event?

February 9-11 to coincide with Lunar New Year on February 10th.

How does it work?

Mods will release some sexy prompts in advance of the date to get your creative juices flowing. Use these to make something steamy with any eligible Avatar character/ship to post on the date. Tag this blog and #avataryearofthedragon and we'll reblog it. That's it!

What counts as a creation?

Anything! Fics, art, playlists, moodboards, screencap edits, headcanons. As long as it's your own work (no AI please) and fits the theme, we'd love to see it.

Who counts as a Fire Nation character?

We're erring on the side of inclusive for this event so that everyone gets to play. As long as your ship involves somebody with some justifiable connection to the Fire Nation or firebending, you're good. Yes, Avatars count as firebenders. Yes, United Republic citizens with Fire Nation heritage count as Fire Nation. Yes, characters you headcanon as being in whole or in part from the Fire Nation count as Fire Nation. Yes, your fanon and OC characters with Fire Nation roots or firebending can be used. And yes, if you have two waterbenders make passionate love on the Fire Nation throne we'll probably sigh, roll our eyes and look the other way as we reblog that, too. Just embrace the spirit of the event and have fun.

Does my content have to be smutty?

This is an 18+ NSFW event run by silly horny people who want to see more silly horny things in fandom. If you want to bring your gen fic in here I guess you can, but why would you?

Do you allow Legend of Korra and characters from the comics?

Sure do. I guarantee you General Iroh II gets laid in this event.

What about WLW ships or characters who don't have a "dragon"?

That's fine! Bring your lovely ladies and let them get it on. All genders welcome. No actual pants dragons need be involved.

What about single characters having some alone time with their "dragon"?

Yes.

What about single characters having some alone time with an actual dragon, like Ran and Shaw or Druk?

OMG just write smut you guys it's not that hard. Dragons can play matchmaker but not be part of the ship unless they're human. No bestiality please.

So do you guys actually have any rules then?

We do!

Don't be a dick. This means ship and let ship, don't like don't read, no kink-shaming, no forcing your headcanons on others, etc. We want this to be fun and positive experience for all.

Like the event says, 18+. This means you and your characters both. Aging up is fine as long as it's stated/tagged. If you have a problem with that, this isn't the event for you.

No incest or non-con. We all love consenting adults here. Background mentions are fine as long as it's not between the main ship. Actual dragons cannot consent, sorry.

Tag accurately and spoiler/label all NSFW content using tumblr's community labels.

Schedule and prompts TBD - stay tuned! Follow this blog for more details soon. Didn't answer your question? Our ask box is open!

[kingofthewilderwest]

Top five books?

Oh, cruel, cruel, prompt! How do I pick!? I almost asked you the same question ahaha.

In no particular order:

Fahrenheit 451: That book changed me, yo. It impacted my understanding of how to write. I wouldn't be where I am today without it. And yeah, I loved it.

Fullmetal Alchemist: We're going to call this one book. ;) Some of the best literature I've read. And I do mean literature. XD I don't own multiple complete copies of the series for nothing.

Hero Tales: Also suspiciously touched by the illustrious Hiromu Arakawa. Lesser-known, five volume manga. But I love how much heart and emotion is shoved into those chapters! It is my little heartfelt emotional baby series.

How to Train Your Dragon: [hides twelve books into one bullet point] [I don't know what you're talking about I'm only putting five books in this answer]

The Wheel of Time: This is another one of those series that just sticks with me. It sticks where other materials have faded from memory.

Honorable mentions, mostly ones that impacted me growing up: Warriors Cats Series #1, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, The Daystar Voyages, Into the Land of the Unicorns, Sam: The Cat Detective, Perloo the Bold, Rurouni Kenshin, Much Ado about Nothing, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Great Expectations, Plato's Republic

[the---hermit]

September cover page in my bujo and part of my bookshelves because my books look pretty and you deserve to see them.

29|08|2023

The weather here has drastically changed going from way too hot to function, reaching at least 40°C every day, to snow a couple of mountains over from where I live. Don't get me wrong I am starting to feel ready for autumn, but if we skip the season and go straight to winter and snow I will physically fight whatever snow god is responsable for it. On Sunday I went to the mountains and it was rainy and misty, and it felt like autumn was finally here, and then boom snow the day after. The weird weather changes have been effecting me ngl. The past two days I have felt weak to say the least. They have been very lazy days, and yet I feel exhausted. I have a bit of anxiety brewing in me for getting back into the uni routine, and that is probably a big cause for all of this, but even if I wanted to get back now into all of that I couldn't. There's construction workers in my house for the rest of the week at least and the noise would make any attempt at productivity useless. I have my therapy session at the end of the week, so that might help me find some clarity,balance and motivation. I should probably get back into journaling a bit, but the thought feels overwhelming, maybe I should look for some journaling prompts? (If you have any suggestions my inbox is always open, I'd love to get some help with this finding my way back to journaling).

Chill hobbit summer activities of the last few days (idk how long the summer will last, so I guess I'll have to brainstorm a new name for my hobbit autumn! Send in suggestions if you have!) :

Reading first thing in the morning

Irish practice on duolingo (and I am doing more than one review during the day? Look at me go)

Went to the mountains to enjoy amazing food (and my stomach collaborated so well? I am very proud of my belly after this summer)

Made more crochet leaves

Finished listening to an audiobook I did not end up enjoying but whatever

Started setting up my bujo for September (I made a coverpage and the calendar and I decided this month I will have a "to do" list as well as a "want to do" list)

Slowly getting into The Dragon Republic by RF Kuang (I have definitely been reading less in the past week but I am happy to take my time with this book, and now that I am over the 100 page mark I feel like I am really back imto this world)

Thinking about cooking myself a comfort meal this evening

📖: Thr Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

[kittlesandbugs]

Fanfic Writer Questions

Tagged by @sidestepping & @askweisswolf, ty for thinking of me!!!

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 62, but if you unstack the one shot compilations... 138ish? if I can math right.

2. What's your total AO3 word count? 119,010, and the bulk is FHR lol

3. What fandoms do you write for? Currently Baldur's Gate 3 and Fallen Hero, previously TWC, Dragon Age, Mass Effect/Andromeda, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos? Gonna cheat a little and do one per fandom because this is heavily slated towards Mass Effect Andromeda just from age lol

Sleep it off - Mass Effect, Shepard/Aria T'Loak, Shep gets drunk at Purgatory and Aria babysits her

Little steps to the side - FHR, Chargestep/Argentstep/Chargentstep, currently 55? little one-shot fics, usually prompts, sometimes tiny ideas I get in my own head

Space snippets - Mass Effect Andromeda, Jaal/Ryder, a few prompt one-shots that picked up big steam when it finally went Explicit lol.

Bottles of Thedas - Dragon Age Inquisition, Solavellan, 20 short one-shots inspired by the collection of booze you can pick up off the ground throughout the game (minus the Warden mixes)

Business and Pleasure - Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2, Exile/Luxa, a re-write/better ending for Luxa gift fic for an exchange

5. Do you respond to comments? I am absolutely terrible at responding to comments because I see them in my inbox and I'm like oh yeah I'll reply to that later when I have time and then.... six months go by... the shame happens... I love every comment I get and I am so sorry alkdsfjoajsdfl

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? Ehhhhhhhhhh most of my fics are in-between things, not really stand-alones on their own. Probably the one I milked the hardest for the ending of it specifically is Words not spoken (FHR, Chargestep, Ortega visits Riley's apartment post-Heartbreak)

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Again.... in-between things... the Mass Effect Andromeda and TWC fics are largely feel good fluff, so most of them?

8. Do you get hate on fics? Not that I'm aware of, lol

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Typically fluffy and/or hurt/comfort character exploration, although sometimes I feel a need to go for a whump

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written? I haven't written a crossover since I was 13. I'm 37 now. I don't remember. It was pre-AO3 time for sure. XD

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? Not that I'm aware of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? Not that I'm aware of.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? No, but I've written fanfics to fanfics by @ellstersmash and @sidestepping because they're both so talented and I Felt The Compulsion

14. What's your all time favorite ship? Whatever I'm currently writing for, in this case... any combo of Chargentstep aaaaaaaaaaand Durgetash lol

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? Me, staring at my endless folder of WIPs, some of which having not been touched in five years

16. What are your writing strengths? Character explorations, snappy dialogue, short and sweet and punchy

17. What are your writing weaknesses? Writing long-haul, we're here for a good time, not a long time

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? Love it when other people do it! Very rarely do it myself!

19. First fandom you wrote for? Megaman X back in.................. 2000-ish? Very bad self-insert script fic lol

20. Favorite fic you've written? I think Time doesn't heal (FHR, Chargestep, all the Rangers and Riley experiencing the 3rd Heartbreak anniversary) is one of my biggest brain moments for writing fic, but Bottles of Thedas (mentioned above) has a special place in my heart for being the first and perhaps only large project I've finished.

Gonna taaaaaaaaaaaag... @astarien, @the-rebel-archivist, @gingerbreton, @rab-bitly, @catastrofriend

[serenofroses]

Happy WBW! Have you created any unique settings or locations that differ from the canon world?

Actually I do have something that differs from swtor canon in regards to Tython.

To make Tython a habitable world that was rediscovered after many, manybyears abandoned. There will not be ANY Flesh Raiders on Tython. I am not vibing with them at all.

Instead of Flesh Raiders giving the Jedi and villagers trouble, it will be the Ancient Droids who were left alone but malfunctioned overtime that treated the "newcomers" as intruders with the exception of few friendly droids who were happy to see the Jedi returned after so long.

One day, while exploring the new territories, Gnost Dural accidentally triggered the droid apocalypse that prompted the droids turned on the current Jedi Order and their allies.

Gnost Dural: heh heh oops. If the Jawas or Master Destri ever ask, tell them I'm not here.

Jawas: (angry Jawa noises)

Liam: -_-

So the Jedi-aligned Jawas who were rescued from slavery to join the Order as allies, working with the archaeologists and Liam Destri to find a way to restore the Ancient Droids and save the ancient knowledge.

The areas you venture into Flesh Raider territories are changed in my vision of ruins sites and tombs surrounded by nature forestry scenery with several paths leading to the Jedi Temple to the Forge. Which take inspiration from ac Valhalla, ac Odyssey and Dragon Age's Emerald Grove for Tython.

The Kalikori village was not settled illegally on Tython. They were welcomed by the Jedi Order with open arms and provided a home to live with.

The village consists of not just twi'lek clans but also Jedi sympathisers, family of Force Sensitives, refugees who lost their home during the war, Jawas, Republic members who are not happy with the Senate and high command for throwing the Jedi under the rug and agreeingbto the Treaty. Think of it like the Eternal Alliance or Ossus.

(Matriarch Sumari is the village's leader, the Jedi Masters offered her a place at the council to represent the non force sensitives so she can offer her insight for their home and what the village can do to help the Jedi. Similiar to the Alliance advisors).

I think that's all I can remember.

[orangepanic]

New Fic: And If You Have Your Way with Me Tonight?

Could not get either character to behave in this so finally was like FINE I am TIRED and this fic is late so if you won't stop pining and move to another location to kiss then you have to have sex right there in the chair. So they did. Go figure.

Irosami arranged marriage for a belated @avatar-year-of-the-dragon day 2 prompt: Then have your way with me.

Summary: Desperate to save Republic City, Asami Sato and General Iroh agree to quickly marry to secure the support of the Fire Nation in the fight against the invading Earth Empire. In the fog of war and the busy weeks that follow their victory each comes to believe that the other wants nothing to do with them, and that their own burning attraction is sadly unrequited. Alone and unwanted, they resign themselves to a loveless political marriage. But one night on the dark open sea they discover this couldn't be further from the truth.

Rated E

[etraytin]

All Time Soul-Stealing Fic Recs List

This morning somebody put a challenge across my dash to reblog their post and put in the tags the fics that captured my soul and that I still think about years later. It's Saturday morning, so I opened my bookmarks back to the oldest page and was plunged back a decade in time to all the fics I have loved before. I have hundreds of bookmarks, and culling down to even a double handful is nearly impossible, much less one. So instead of hijacking somebody else's post, I'm making my own list! And I'm including links in case anybody is interested.

User Since by rageprufrock (Avengers, MCU)

West of the Moon, East of the Sun by KnifeEdge (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Cause We Belong to the Hurricane by DeathMallow (The Hunger Games)

Invigorating by CrunchySunrises (BTVS/Anita Blake xover)

Lilac City by nwhepcat (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Republic of Heaven Community Radio by ErinPtah (Welcome to Night Vale/His Dark Materials xover) If I had to pick just one, it would probably be this one.

The Substance of Things Hoped For by Justawritingamateur (The West Wing)

A Yellowed Paper Heart by ndnickerson (Nancy Drew, the books)

A Van, A Plane, A Car and a Bus by Speranza (The West Wing)

Background by RyoSen (The West Wing)

The Dragon's Rubies by Elliot Silver (The West Wing)

Time and the Fates of Men by Marguerite (The West Wing) (If I had to pick just two, this would be the other one.)

have you heard by peradi (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)

Post-War Economy by cassievalentine (Captain America)

Infinite Coffee and Protection Detail by owlet (Captain America, MCU)

The Only John Wayne Left in This Town by gyzym (The Avengers)

Embers by Vathara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

There are so many good stories, and I had to grab myself by the scruff of the neck to keep from just copying and pasting most of my bookmarks here. But the prompt was stories that capture your mind for years, so I didn't put anything I read for the first time in the last five years or so.

And hey, if you want to add some fics that have stood the time and still live nibbling at the corners of your brain in the middle of the night, I'm always looking for new things to read.

[silversiren1101]

prompt: post a poll with five of your favorite characters and let your followers choose their favorite.

Tagged by @arendaes

I... have a type

[swimminginanunknownparadise]

Masterlist

Avatar: The Last Air Bender: 

Back in the classroom

!modern high school reunion au!

pairing(s): implied!sokka x reader, platonic!zuko x reader

summary: zuko had a mini freak out at their high school reunion and the reader tries her best to keep him company

Good morning

pairing: Sokka x Zuko

summary: quiet and calm mornings are the best and no one knows that better than Sokka and Zuko.

Wow

pairing: Sokka x Zuko 

summary: The two young men went out but they had two very different perceptions of what the night was. Eventually Sokka just had to show him instead of dropping all of the unnoticed hints. 

After work phone calls 

pairing: Sokka x fem!oc

summery: Sokka gets a concerning phone call from his girlfriend after work and he knows he has to see her.

Waterfall

pairing: Sokka x fem!reader

prompt: “I found a waterfall!”

Just a little rain

pairing: Zuko x fem!reader 

prompt: "We're in the middle of a thunderstorm and you want to feel the rain?"

Legend Of Korra:

Remember me

pairing: General Iroh II x fem!reader

summery: Your husband has been out of  communication with you for days and your daughter just wanted a lullaby.

Marry me

pairing: Wei Beifong x fem!reader

summery: You and Wei only just became a couple a few months ago but one night in Republic City changed that for the better. 

The Dragon Prince:

Bittersweet reunions

pairing: Soren x fem!reader

summery: after you choose to join Callum, Ezran, and Rayla on their journey and travel the kingdoms to save the dragon egg, you finally get to see your best friend again, however the circumstances aren’t at all what you’d dreamed of.                       

Heir to Love & Lies:

Honeymoon Morning

pairing: Sergio Jimenez x fem!reader

summery: The morning after your wedding is spent with quiet conversation about the future in an intimate moment.

Scarface: 

Gifts

pairing: Manny Ribera x reader

summery: Manny told you to dress up but he thought you needed something else, only the best for his querida.

[ainulindaelynn]

Tagged by @aeide and @brasideios. Thanks, wonderful humans! <3

1) How many works do you have on AO3? Two(ish..)

2) What’s your total AO3 word count? I pulled a few things down for reworking a while back, so currently 15,381.

3) What fandoms do you write for? AO3 says exclusively AC Odyssey, but I also have active docs for BG3, SDV, and AC Valhalla. Someday in the (far) distant future I hope to finish some for KotOR and Dragon Age Awakening as well.

4) What are your top 5 fics by kudos? There's an unclaimed smut piece out there that's lapped everything else, but after that it's Korinth, then Euboea. By Kudos it's Smut > Ship > Gen Fic, which does not surprise me about AO3 at all 😂

5) Do you respond to comments? Try to!

6) What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? Considering they're all WIPs, I abstain xD

7) What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Again, abstaining^

8) Do you get hate on fics? None so far.

9) Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Yes. The excessive detail kind. For some reason it's easier to write than anything else, so someday I'll probably subject you all to that. I apologize in advance lmao

10) Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? Nope! My brain / docs are very much like my blogs (see pinned post for reference). I admire all of you who cross streams, but I am just not built that way.

11) Have you ever had a fic stolen? Nope.

12) Have you ever had a fic translated? Nope.

13) Have you ever co-written a fic before? AGES ago. I admire it, but not my thing.

14) What’s your all time favorite ship? As much as I love the Adrestia... Ebon Hawk, BELOVED. But no seriously... how could a person ever pick a favorite ship? Kara/Lee maybe (platonic or otherwise). Kassidas is up there. Recency bias says my BG3 ship too, but there's an OC in there so no one knows what I'm talking about... I love a lot of ships, okay?!? I love them all, okay???

15) What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? I used to be offended by this question, but considering I have *pauses to count...* 27 open one shots for BG3 and only plan to finish 1.... 😅

16) What are your writing strengths? Unwavering intent to finish. It never ebbs.

17) What are your writing weaknesses? The actual finishing part. It never happens lmao.

18) Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? In theory I enjoy it. It's almost always a sweet touch imo, but that said, it does break immersion if I need to go hunting for a translation. It's worth it usually? But case by case.

19) First fandom you wrote for? I think I've given a different answer to this question every time it's been presented. Honestly, I don't remember. The first time I posted was a flurry of Dragon Age Origins, Snow White & the Huntsman (ahaha), and Knights of the Old Republic though, prompted by the fact that my laptop was dying and I didn't know google drive existed yet. Pure panic posting. Do not recommend.

20) Favorite fic you’ve written? I'm the sort that never wants to see it again once it's published. I'll always love the version in my head better - what makes it to a page is mostly for love of fandom. Of all the fics living in my head though, it's probably the Kassidas one. It's what brought me to tumblr and returned a whole part of my mind to me that had been missing for a decade. Nothing beats that <3

No pressure tagging @merelyafigment @leofrith @whereforartthoumisthios @reiverreturns @anosrepasi :)

[nooowestayandgetcaught]

Fic: “Who Are You”

read on AO3

Fandom: Avatar: Legend of Korra

Rating: M (on AO3)

Summary: Asami loses Korra inside the Fog of Souls. She must get her back.

for @flashfictionfridayofficial​

for @femslashfeb​’s Day 10 prompt “sun”

for @febuwhump​’s Day 10 prompt “difficulty breathing”

for @kinkuary​’s Day 10 prompt “fisting”

for @yearoftheotpevent​​’s February prompt “established relationship”

"No!"

Asami shouts, terrified as everything in the Spirit World reverberates perilously.

The very ground she climbs.

Out of nowhere, a Dark spirit lunges.

 "Korra!"

Up high, Korra shouts back Asami's name, fiercely thrashing against the bounds of her capture. But it's too late… Asami can feel this in her heart.

Her girlfriend flies through the air, thrown into a deep ravine of fog, and disappears from Asami's line of sight.

 "KORRA!!"

*

One of the light spirits trails after Asami, frightened.

"The Avatar is lost," it murmurs. "She'll be wandering lost forever if she doesn't find her way out."

She remembers a conversation between Tenzin and Korra. The place where Jinora had gone missing. A Spirit World prison. It's made of a spirit itself, capable of draining a human's memories and their energy from them.

"I'll be careful, thank you," Asami tells it.

She's not leaving without Korra.

One way or another.

*

At the bottom of the ravine, Asami pants, struggling noticeably for a breath. She wanders, calling for Korra, trying to look through the thickening fog around her.

No answer.

Once or twice, a shadowy figure also wanders in the distance.

They're not a Korra-shaped shadow.

Nervously, Asami keeps moving.

*

It's getting dark.

Asami misses the sunlight of the physical world, the heat covering Asami's bared arms…

She…

She…

What is… she… doing down here?

And who is she…?

*

She…

She runs a gloved hand over her mouth, fingers quivering and clenching.

There's something missing here. Something important.

Very, very important to her…

"Asami?"

Korra sprints to her, grasping onto Asami's fingers tensing.

"Oh! Oh thank La!" she says breathlessly, Korra's hands now grasping onto the sides of Asami's face. "I thought I lost you!"

 "Who…"

Asami's pupils shrink. Her mouth quivers visibly.

 "Who are you…"

Korra hesitates, gazing over the tormented expression from the other woman.

"Shhh. I'm gonna help you, Asami," she says softly, leading a daze-eyed Asami by the hand. "Don't worry. You're safe with me."

 "I am…?"

"You always are," Korra tells her, resisting the urge for a long, comfortingly kiss.

That'll come later.

*

The fog goes on and on…

Endless…

*

"Korra?"

She gasps, finding it difficult to breath. Asami… Asami, that's her own name…

Panic flares inside her.

No air.

No.

"Hey, you're okay," Korra whispers, sitting her down with Asami's hands clasped in hers and kneeling.

 "No…"

"I've got you, Asami. We're out."

Asami opens her eyes, seeing the landscape of Spirit World vines intertwined under her feet. Are those city buildings? Republic City?

"When… did we…"

"We got a dragon bird spirit ride back to the portal." Korra frowns, brushing a dark curl out of Asami's face. "Breathe."

She does, finding it easier.

"I was trying to save you, Korra… and I forgot myself…"

Asami lets out a frustrated noise, but doesn't look away from the thoughtful benevolence in Korra's frown.

 "And you…"

"What matters is that we left together. I love you, Asami," Korra murmurs, hugging her like she hasn't seen Asami in days.

She drops her chin against Korra's shoulder, finally relaxing.

"I love you too."

Korra leans out, and then leans quickly in, stifling a giggle into their kiss when as Asami's lips curl into a smile.

[ainyan]

Hello, and welcome to my blog! I'm Ainyan, and below you'll find some of the characters that I may be posting about. I primarily post about the excellent MMORPGs Final Fantasy XIV and Star Wars: The Old Republic - but I also play a lot of other games like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Persona, Destiny, and others, and am happy to talk about them as well!

I maintain two Carrds (FFXIV and SWTOR) as well as an active if infrequently updated Archive of our Own account.

I welcome asks (anon and named) and maintain an ever-growing list of prompts and ask memes that can be found here. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ and poly communities and am heavily pro-trans (and pro-human) rights. If you are a bigot or TERF, feel free to walk yourself right out of here - you'll find no succor and no discourse here.

Without further ado, my characters:

Name: Kal'istae Miurani (Kali)

Race: Au Ra (Xaela)

Canon Jobs: White Mage, Dancer, Gunbreaker, Sage, Dragoon, Summoner

Relationships: Thancred (Partner)

Status: Main RP Character (Marilith)

Link to her Carrd. || Link to her #tag.

(Note: Although Kal'istae is a real character, all of her achievements/deeds/experiences for actual in-game content are based off of Ciprys, who has done almost everything.)

Name: Ciprys Dreamweaver (Cip)

Race: Au Ra (Raen)

Canon Jobs: Summoner, Dancer, White Mage, Paladin, Ninja

Relationships: Cirdan Dreamreaver (Husband)

Status: Main Play Character (Famfrit)

Link to her Carrd. || Link to her Lodestone.

Name: Kyszarin Asyret (Kys)

Race: Viera (Rava)

Canon Jobs: Summoner, Sage, Reaper, Warrior, Dancer

Relationships: Raine Inarin (Lover/Partner)

Status: Alternate Play Character (Famfrit)

Link to his Carrd. || Link to his #tag.

Name: Szah'li Khiyanto

Race: Miqo'te (Keeper of the Moon)

Canon Jobs: White Mage, Dark Knight, Dancer, Dragoon, Summoner

Relationships: Alisaie (Partner); Kabniel (Meta)

Status: Alternate RP Character (Marilith)

Link to his Carrd. || Link to his #tag.

Name: Miurani'kal'istae (Nikali, Kali)

Race: Chiss

Class: Imperial Agent (Operative)

Relationships: Theron Shan (Husband); Saganu (Consort)

Affiliations: Empire (Saboteur), Republic (Double Agent), Eternal Alliance, Chiss Ascendancy

Status: Main Play/RP Character (Satele Shan)

Link to her Carrd. || Link to her #tag.

Name: Cip'rys

Race: Chiss

Class: Smuggler (Scoundrel)

Relationships: Theron Shan (Husband)

Affiliations: Republic (Loyalist), Eternal Alliance

Status: Alternate Play/RP Character (Satele Shan)

Link to her Carrd. || Link to her #tag.

[ladykf-writes]

Let's Get It Started: Multifandom Headcanons and Lore Edition

SO. As you may or may not have noticed, I am having trouble posting my fics on time (it just feels so hard, with Health Nonsense TM) and am also really not doing great promoting myself or talking about my work here, as I used to do.

With NaNo coming up, I think that will either get better or worse, and it's likely not staying the same. I think we'd all like me to get better at it, though.

So in the spirit of improvement I would like to open up my ask for the following things (this applies to any fandom mentioned under the cut!)

headcanons and lore inquiries

themed headcanons, letting me choose whatever fandom / character I want

name this fic prompts where you give me a summary and I title the fic

discussion of any one of my works - posted or not (bonus if you hit on ones without much attention)

thoughts on things you think I'd be good at writing

questions about non-writing projects (art? coding? Twine?)

assorted others if I have the brain for them

For These Fandom(s):

Compilation of FF7 (no Remake, no First SOLDIER / Ever Crisis)

Dewprism (Threads of Fate)

Dragon Ball Z OG anime + vague memories of Dragon Ball

Final Fantasy 9

Final Fantasy 15 + Episode Ardyn, Episode Gladio & Dawn of the Future only, no other DLC

Legend of Zelda (Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild)

Original Works (All the Queen's Men, The Crown Will Fall, Rewind)

Pokemon (general lore | game verses=Gold / Crystal, Emerald, Heart Gold, Platinum, Omega Red / Alpha Sapphire, Ultra Sun, Sword | original roleplay verse, Pokemon Echo, fic verse Pokemon Mako)

Sailor Moon (manga, some Crystal)

Stardew Valley (+ Expanded mod)

Star Wars (the Old Republic MMO, Knights of the Old Republic / The Sith Lords)

Story of Seasons + OG Harvest Moon (More / Friends of Mineral Town, A / Another Wonderful Life, Magical Melody, DS Cute, A New Beginning, Pioneers of Olive Town)