#wind/water duology

[nothoughtsjustmhaandotherthings]

IT’S TIME!!!

beloved mutuals and followers, random people who are seeing this on their feed, it is my great honor to announce that the first installment of my Pirates of the Caribbean fic series will start publishing on November 1st!!!

Coming soon, Book One: (You’re In The) Wind

(artwork commissioned by the lovely @everythingispirates)

Meet Shuǐ Feng, Sao Feng’s daughter. A spitfire with a love for the ocean, Shuǐ has been shut out of everything and anything having to do with piracy—and when your father is Pirate Lord of Singapore, that’s a lot. An unlikely encounter is about to give her the opportunity she’s been waiting for…but who’d be willing to take a chance on her, much less bring her aboard a ship?

It’ll take a captain whose curiosity overcomes his superstition.

More info to come soon ;)

[nothoughtsjustmhaandotherthings]

if only such a fic existed…

"I feel like a lot of potc fics these days skip over the main aspects of piracy, the functions of a ship, naval terms and terminology, and knowing the 18th century. I love to read more fics that delve more into these"

[m1d-45]

welcome to teyvat !

before you begin your journey, here’s my original take on the logistics of sagau, as well as an update after some more information from fontaine. while not essential, here are my thoughts on how nations worship.

if there’s anything in particular you’d like to see in the future, please send in your request to my ask box.

1k event m.list

(host to: aether, alhaitham, bennett, collei, cyno, diluc, dottore, kaeya, kaveh, kazuha, keqing, nahida, razor, tighnari, venti, wanderer, xiao, xingqiu)

warnings [⏵] : yandere / heavy cultish || obsessive

genre [title] : angst || fluff || hurt/comfort

traveller from afar — aether

‘I'm saying that I'm having a lot of fun traveling with you… It'd be nice if we could just go on like this forever.’

⏵ a new tomorrow

—⏵ my love, my god

twilight sword — dainslef

‘No, it’s just… I’m still waiting for my drink.’

⏵ will you promise that i'll see you again?

mondstadt

ah, the city of freedom. a wise choice as a first stop, to best wind up for what’s to come. a calm atmosphere and a soothing wind across your shoulders… truly, the only thing better is the wine.

choose the winds of anemo ?

(host to: albedo, diluc, venti)

liyue

the land of contracts… perhaps it’s a fitting choice, to visit the land so recently abandoned. the realm of illuminated beasts and host of history… unless it’s the music you prefer?

choose the stone of geo ?

(host to: baizhu, ga ming, xiao, zhongli)

inazuma

eternity… a false ideal, one impossible to chase, but i must commend ei’s determination if nothing else. all her effort, and the only thing permanent is its beauty.

choose the spark of electro ?

(host to: ayato, heizou, kazuha, thoma)

sumeru

hmph. the akademiya still runs rampant, and the desert is still a wash of ruin. i can’t promise much about here, except a few familiar faces. care to visit your friends?

choose the root of dendro ?

(host to: alhaitham, tighnari, wanderer)

fontaine

a nation submerged in water, surrounded by mirages at every turn. perhaps we could go see an opera, or catch a magic show… or have a cup of tea and catch up. what do you say?

choose the court of hydro ?

(host to: lyney, neuvillette, sigewinne, wriothesley)

natlan

…hm? ah, my apologies, but it looks like this destination isn’t available for travel just yet. thank you for your patience!

choose the ember of pyro?

(host to: nobody yet ...)

snezhnaya

the land of ice and love, led by the lady of contradictions. have you found comfort in the snow?

choose the frost of cryo ?

(host to: il dottore, regrator, tartaglia)

series!

⏵ dearly beloved — complete trilogy

8.7k — being hunted across half of teyvat wasn’t exactly on your bucket list. but if he’s the one you keep seeing… maybe it’s worth it.

—⏵ on broken bones

—⏵ death, rebirth, new life

—⏵ the scottish play

⏵ abiogenesis — complete duology

10k — after being abandoned, albedo didn’t have the brightest hope for his future. travelling to mondstadt, he finds the closest thing to ‘purpose.’

—⏵ from soil…

—⏵ …was birthed chalk

⏵ secret contributions — complete trilogy

8.2k — false faith has forced you to flee to inazuma, barely surviving the trip. thankfully, the kamisatos are here to help.

—⏵ small miracles

—⏵ hidden blessings

—⏵ silent conclusions

⏵ spoken across stars — episodic

2.7k — voicelines characters would have in sagau.

—⏵ kaeya, diluc, thoma ft. noelle + candace

—⏵ kazuha, wanderer ft. tighnari + baizhu

—⏵ zhongli, ayato, heizou ft. xinqiu + chongyun

—⏵ lyney, lynette, freminet ft. arlecchino + navia

⏵ sanctity — episodic

1.5k+ — to be shielded by the one you love.

—⏵ the eye of the beholder (zhongli)

miscellaneous / multiple

⏵ in excess (ft. zhongli + xiao)

⏵ new hopes (ft. the arataki gang)

⏵ emotions (ft. mondstat)

⏵ the young (ft. your main!)

—⏵ still too young (ft… a lot of ppl)

⏵ plagued (ft. diluc + kaeya)

⏵ reverse isekai drabble (ft. your main!)

⏵ slapfight (ft. a lot of people-)

⏵ mea maxima culpa (ft. zhongli + barbara)

⏵ in the stars (ft mona + your main!)

⏵ replacement (ft. kaeya + venti + albedo + xiao)

⏵ discretion advised (ft. mondstat)

⏵ warmth (ft. every pyro character as of 3.4)

⏵ a soft place to land (ft. zhongli + kaeya + diluc + alhaitham + tighnari)

⏵ constellations (ft. barbara + thoma + heizou + collei + kujou sara + sucrose + candace +ganyu)

⏵ connection (ft. diluc + kaeya + kazuha + albedo + kaveh)

⏵ your shield, a sword (ft. thoma + tighnari + zhongli + alhaitham + cyno + albedo)

⏵ divine favor (ft. yae miko + itto + kazuha + kaeya + chongyun + noelle)

⏵ dead leaves (ft. ..people)

—⏵ new sprouts (ft. chongyun)

⏵ the rule of threes (ft. albedo + his brother)

⏵ darling, my dear (ft. diluc + tighnari + childe + xiao + kazuha)

⏵ sandy refuge (ft. nahida + wanderer)

⏵ dancing soldiers (ft. aether)

⏵ a break in routine (ft. alhaitham + kaveh + sethos)

⏵ snapshot (ft. tighnari + neuvillette

please report any missing entries or misleading content as soon as possible !

thank you for reading !

[she-posts-nerdy-stuff]

What do you think each of the crowd would smell like? Not to be creepy, I just want to smell like Inej Ghafa

Interesting question; I’m afraid that Inej canonically smells of nothing according to Kaz, except for during the bathroom scene when he says that she smells of the hotel soap she just used. Nina does say when on parem that the table where she healed Inej’s stab wound smells of her but it’s strongly implied that the parem gives her the ability to distinguish the scent of one person’s blood from another and it’s the leftover blood she can still smell even after the table has been cleaned and know that it was Inej’s blood.

Nina canonically smells of the perfume that’s used to falsely scent the White Rose’s flower arrangements at the start of Six of Crows, according to Matthias, and later on the Ferolind during the journey to Fjerda smells of the toffees she stashed and has been eating.

During Crooked Kingdom, Nina and Jesper (and Kuwei, if you’d like to include him) canonically smell of coffee because they’re wearing it all the time like perfume to hide from the possibility that the Kerghud soldiers can smell the difference between Grisha and otkazats’ya

That’s all the canon mentions of people’s scents that I can recall off the top of my head, but if anyone remembers any others let me know, and as for headcanons:

Wylan probably spends most of the books smelling of the chemicals he uses in his explosives, Kaz claims that the scent of smoke can cling to people’s shirt cuffs and I expect that would ring true for Wylan. Pre and post canon he probably smells of fancy soap and, if it exists in the Grishaverse, nice curl cream or other products that he uses on his hair, but even if that does exist in the Grishaverse I very much doubt he had access to it during canon.

Jesper most likely often smells of smoke and gunpowder, pre and maybe during canon he probably often had the smell of alcohol on his clothes as well, and perhaps post canon fancy soap and the tinge of engine oil.

The Barrel may smell terrible but that doesn’t mean Kaz has to reduce himself to it and he most definitely won’t; he probably smells of soap and leather most of the time, plus he clearly puts a lot of effort into his suits so you may be able to smell whatever they’ve been so well washed in. Also quite possibly blood. I’m now thinking maybe he would deliberately choose scentless soaps because I read a book where lingering perfume was recognised at a crime scene and he would want to avoid anything that might be recognisable.

We know for a fact that Hellgate was a disgusting smelling place with poor access to hygiene and clean water, but after he was freed I imagine Matthias became hyper aware of cleanliness because of this limited access to hygiene products and kept himself very neat and clean. He probably smells of soap most of the time. Pre canon I imagine there were pretty strict hygiene and general cleanliness rules for the Drüskelle so again he probably smelt quite clean, but also had something of the rugged air and cold Northern winds about him. He also may have had the scent of some kind of shampoo since he had very long hair that the smell would remain clinging to, but I expect that whatever he used was standardised amongst the Drüskelle.

At home Inej probably smelled of spices and perfumes and chalk, and at the Menagerie she probably smelled of cheap, overpoweringly strong perfume. It’s a combination of both of these factors that make me think she was actively choosing to avoid scent during the duology, hence Kaz saying “she didn’t even have a scent”, and choosing scentless soaps. Post canon she probably smells of salt and the sea most of the time, and would maybe pick up a scented soap every now again to practice testing her limits and branching out since we know she actively pushes herself with some of the smaller things like this that she finds difficult

Honestly I’m not sure if i have any particular headcanons about Nina, though I think she would avoid rose-scented perfume post canon

Thanks for the ask! This was pretty fun to think about <33

This has been another episode of DK Finally Gets It Together And Answers Her Asks Because It’s About Damn Time (Working Title), thank you for joining me, if you’d like to see the rest of the series you can find it in the tags or if that isn’t working (again 🤦‍♀️) then in my pinned post <3

[drippingmoon]

Get Reacquainted

Thankee both for my new song obsession (home to me) and the tag, @blind-the-winds🥰❤ been a while since I've done one of these, let's-a-gooo

Last song: Dreamcatcher, a multi-Halo medley. Not exactly the vibes I was getting from the OSTs, aka tight corridors and death chasing you down them, but I'll admit sleeping grunts are hella cute<3

Favorite color: grey, and I got on Sunday a grey sweater that makes me very happy

Currently watching: technically Aliens, which is a rewatch, so I absolutely wanna put Interstellar here because new favorite movie ever, been sleeping on it forever, and there's something about the music, the Endurance spinning, and done fucking up on the water hell planet because of gravity that made me feel as if I wasn't in the room anymore and?? Gods that movie. Tapped right into my space brainrot. How they explain wormholes. Gargantua??? I've rarely felt so seen as with this movie😭👌💞

Currently reading: about to start The Science of Interstellar and I'm super hyped about it because, hint hint, it's gotten me so soft about black holes again I have to get my hands on everything. Making research a pleasure☺🤩

Spicy, sweet, or savory: spicyyyy, rawr

Last thing I searched online: a lot of fact-checking for the thingie I'm translating, Veracruz being the focus, and a lot more info on dental works than I ever wanted to know tbh

Last thing I searched for writing purposes: organic weaponry, uhmm, uh, nothing to see here. Nothing at all:D I'm also disappointed about the general lack of answers, and I refuse to believe nobody's ever went down some particularly wacky rabbit holes

Current obsession: all of the above, these paprika chips I haven't had in ages, @sleepyowlwrites 's Mike and Harvey because hell yeah top tier hurt and comfort and giving me brainrot about some guys I've never even seen on a screen, but that's Sleepy magic; and I've also had the most exceptional time reading @sleepy-night-child 's Feather duology, whiiiich I'd been losing my mind over for years, and reading it in full? From cover to cover? Dream come true, and they're forever my soft babies with their sweetness and their constant honey mooning and making me laugh loads💙💜 and, it also meant I did not want to finish the books. Which is happening for a second time right now because😭 I'm about to finish rereading AoS. So absolutely and definitely Madigan and Spica, those guys have my whole heart😭❤ we finally also got Madigan to tell him he'll always have a home with him, and after 200k of getting maimed, standing back-to-back and Madigan defo coming to terms he's Spica's family, FUUUCK, I do not want this story to end, ever😃👍

Open tag, as always, from me! Come catch up, or gush, or anything<3

[thessidy]

Ennead Masterpost!

Welcome post

For my non-Ennead projects, check here (future link).

What is the Ennead?

“Ennead” is the universe of my big historical-fantasy, spec-evo writing project. This include my novel series (the Dewdrops series) as well as tons of short stories and much of the content on this blog.

THE PLANETS:

“Ennead” refers to the Nine Planets. In cyclic order, these are their common names as of TA2605:

Sassan: a dry planet of song and horses. Home to imeru and behemoths grazing the wide open plains. In alliance with her twin, Maurya.

Maurya: a fertile moon-world of knowledge and feather-scaled pakshina, where Rajan reign, rania lumber, raptors hunt, and giant mammoths carve bountiful forests. In alliance with Sassan.

Xia: the eldest planet of wrath and order. Home to wooly mammoths, forestwalker kites, and, perhaps, mankind itself. She mourns her single dead moon.

Paradiso: the ocean planet of bounty and wind. Home to giant whales and terrifying helmet-heads. Her moonless skies let the navigating stars shine brightest.

Cahok: the heart of the Nine, planet of trade and warmth. Home to glorious tatanka and loving pouch-mammals. Capital of the Nine-Spanning Panenneadic League of Peace.

Forlan: planet of stability and extremities. Home to llamas, amaru, and massive Hatun. Independent.

Anahuac: a planet of water and amphibians. Her twin Benevolence has similar flora and fauna to the north, but since the beginning of the Thessidian age has gradually grown more arid. Current leader of the Triple Alliance with Be and Eu.

Benevolence: a planet of life and turtles. Moon of Anahuac. Part of the Triple Alliance.

Eutopos: a moonless world of guile and gorgons, home to sailbacks, tarands, and tuskies. Part of the Triple Alliance.

THE STORIES:

Below are some stories set in the Ennead. All titles and such are of course pending :)!!

The Dewdrops Duologies (or just one Tetralogy?): set in TA2605, a two-part novel series followed by another two-part novel series.

Status: The first two novels, “To You I Gave Wings” (TYIGW) followed by “And You Will Be a Song” (YWBaS) are in their fourth and third drafts respectively. With any luck they should be edited and submitted to publishers soon :)

Status: the following two are planned/plotted.

Tags include: #Dewdrops , #Kai , #Tharra , and others.

Enneadic Appositions: a collection of twelve short stories set in the Ennead circa TA2500-2600. Can be read as a prequel to Dewdrops, a midquel in-between TYIGW and YWBaS, or a sequel after YWBaS. Each order will change how you view and learn about the characters!

Status: most stories are in their second or third drafts. Two are plotted but yet unwritten.

Tags include: #Appositions

Enneadic Epentheses: a sequel collection of twelve more short stories following on characters and themes from the appositions and two Dewdrops Duologies. Status: planned and some plotted.

Enneadic Ellisions: a threequel collection of more short stories bridging the events between the second Dewdrops duology and Visitors. Status: planned.

Visitors: a planned novel project following the two duologies and followed by the (Mystery Project). Status: planned, but not plotted.

(Mystery project wooo): mystery project whose contents would be big spoilers. Status: plotted and planned, some isolated scenes preemptively written.

That’s pretty much everything for now! For non-Ennead projects, click here (future link).

[c-m-li-s-fanfic-corner]

WIP Lineup 8/1/24

Blow Out the Candle

A Song of Ice and Fire / Fire & Blood

Story# 1 of 2 in Change the Fate's Design Duology

Daemon Targaryen/Gael Targaryen

Baelon Targaryen gets a visit from 14 of his descendants who tell him about the fall of House Targaryen and how to prevent it.

98% book canon, I'm only taking like 1.75 things from the show.

Entire 1st story is in Baelon's POV, but this whole thing is Daemon-centric.

Not Viserys friendly.

* * *

Linger Near Me

A Song of Ice and Fire (entirely book canon)

Jon Snow/Satin

Jon Snow directly after his resurrection.

Mildly dark-ish Jon Snow.

Short one shot w/ no longterm plans.

This is just the result of me hating the way Jon's resurrection was handled in the show and waiting 13 years for the next book.

* * *

Needle and a Thread, Gonna Wind Up Dead

A Song of Ice and Fire / Fire & Blood

Daemon Targaryen/Gael Targaryen

Daemon and Gael wake up in their younger bodies after their deaths right before Daemon's wedding to Rhea Royce. They decide to fuck it all and elope.

* * *

Substance Left Inside My Head, Telling Me I'm Not Allowed to Feel

DC Comics

After years of being held by the Court of Owls, Dick's siblings finally have enough in place to rescue him. But that's the easy part and now Dick has to live with the consequences.

* * *

Blood Runs Thicker Than Water

Teen Wolf / Supernatural

Stiles/Derek, Dean/Cas, Sam/Eileen

After getting beat up in Gerard's torture basement, Stiles' dad has had enough and calls for reinforcements from his cousin, John Winchester.

Not Scott or Allison friendly.

* * *

Cast Off the Violence That Has Us In Thrall

Star Wars

Obi-Wan/Cody

Obi-Wan never left Melida-Daan and now he's stepping foot back on Coruscant for the first time during the clone wars.

Not friendly to Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin, or Padme.

Healthy dose of Obi-Wan & Quinlan friendship.

* * *

Heathen

Star Wars

Obi-Wan & Cin Drallig

Rule 63 for Obi-Wan, Quinlan, and Feemor

Melida-Daan centric and the aftermath, huge canon divergences.

Not friendly to Qui-Gon or Yoda.

* * *

(an og work that shall remain unnamed that started out as nightwing/a song of ice and fire fanfic and has been distracting me for months)

[bereft-of-frogs]

dark ocean duology | star wars (jedi fallen order)

A post-Fallen Order AU in two parts: After narrowly escaping the Inquisition’s clutches on Nur, Cere and Cal are not whisked from the water by Merrin’s intervention. Instead, they must embark on their own journey back to the Mantis. Wounded, ill, and trailed by the dead, they make their way through winding underwater passages and echoes of the past to make it home.

Featuring: oceans (both literal and metaphorical), the dead (also both literal and metaphorical), choices, and some much-needed catharsis.

part 2: to stand at the edge of the sea | chapter 3: and the great shroud of the sea rolled on

“We might have another option,” he says. “I maybe know a place where we could find plenty of replacements for the nav and comm systems, the right age even. Guaranteed.” “Where?” “Oh, just a massive scrapyard full of old Republic-era ships, that I happen to know my way around.” Cere looks at him with a flat, humorless expression on her face. “You want to go back to Bracca. Cal nods. “I want to go back to Bracca. Ok, well, want is a strong word…” - - - They’ve traversed the meandering pathways under Nur’s dark oceans and escaped the Inquisition yet again, but they’re far from out of danger, and a long way from reconnecting with the Mantis. All they’ve got is a stolen ship with a broken navigational computer and there’s only one place in the galaxy they might find a replacement. There’s just one other problem: Cal is dying. He’s been dying from the start. Cal just really, really doesn’t want to die on Bracca. chapter 3: FINAL CHAPTER! Cal manages to claw himself back to life, with a little help, but their other problems haven't solved themselves, unfortunately. If they want to make it back to Greez and Merrin, they still need parts to repair their ship. And there's just one last obstacle standing in their way: the Guild.

[ link to ao3 ]

I can't believe I'm finally done with this! Luckily I have plenty of whumptober prompts to occupy me. Thanks to everyone who has been following along! Until next time. <3

[ part 1: chapter 1 ] [ part 1: chapter 2 ] [ part 2: chapter 1 ] [ part 2: chapter 2 ]

[ series link ] [ spotify playlist ] [ image credit ]

[maguayans]

AYE’S YEAR OF WRITING ‘22

Hi, hello! How have you been? I hope the season’s treating you well. It’s that time of the year again—to see how I ruled as a writer this year. (It’s already 2023, though. Happy New Year!)

GENERAL WORD COUNT: Forty-one thousand eight hundred plus words—pops confetti—across eleven stories! That’s not a lot compared to what I’ve written last year, but I’m pretty proud of it, especially because almost half of it was written within thirty days—thanks, Camp Nano.

If you happen to stumble upon my posts, you may know some of them: Lethal Bloods, Mariang Makiling, Red Complex, Crimson, Fair Waters, Maharlika, All in Favor, Say Aye, Red Cuts, Where the Poet Went to Die, Don’t Fall Asleep, and Tres.

Yeah…I don’t think jumping from one WIP to another is good…for me. But it’s fun!

WORKS IN PROGRESS: In addition to drafting the stories listed above, a few ideas came up and made it to my list of projects. It seems like I’d never run out of stories to write and talk about.

New WIP #1: Human x Deities — Once in a while the deities would come down from their heavenly, divine realm to visit the mundane (like tourists.) When they do, a human would accompany them (like a tourist guide). The story features the gods of Philippine Mythology, soulmates and reincarnations (I’m a huge sucker for it), shamans and glowing tattoos.

New WIP #2: Flea Market Isekai — MC enters a flea market at the wrong time and finds herself in the same market with a different crowd. The story features the wonderful creatures of Philippine Mythology.

There are also four new short stories. *eye emojis*

WORLDBUILDING: Maybe I didn’t surpass my word count last year because I was too immersed in ✨worldbuilding✨.

Tres. Following the decision to change the titles and revise the origins of the characters I immediately went to Tres’s worldbuilding — an island far, far away; isolated from the main population (which could mean a lot of things, but most importantly overlooked crimes, gore, and everything in between.) The island, San Angel, is modest and gorgeous, but like a multicolored amphibian in a rainforest, it is deadly. Lovely flowers grow by the earthen roads, and underneath lies the remains of those buried without tombstones.

Red Complex. The red strings universe is expanding. In addition to a novella called Red Cuts, there’s a short story collection featuring characters from the mundane and the Matchmaker’s realm.

The Morose Cat. There’s a mini worldbuilding series I call, The Uphill Town, introducing a town up the hill (where the story takes place) and what makes it so different…and magical. For one, there’s an abandoned shrine that cats always pass through, and where the veil between the mundane and the otherworldly fades.

Elementaliaverse. There are so many things I added recently to the project and the stories. Mainly: Mystique Heights, Fair Waters, and Maharlika.

Worldbuilding, my beloved.

WRITEBLR. I can confidently say I interacted with the community more in 2022, and it was so much fun! Hopefully, I could do the same and more this 2023, and participate in more writeblr events/activities. Speaking of which, here are two: 30 Days, 30 Lines Challenge (by blind-the-winds), and Trick or Treat Writeblr Halloween Event (by pluttskutt). Thank you so much for these!

BOOKS & READING. I read less than ten books, and I enjoyed them. I am open to random book recommendations in my inbox/messages. I'll continue reading reviews/posts about books—how I discovered The Great Library series. (A writeblr posted about how much they enjoyed reading the books, so I bought copies. They were on the third book then, If I remember correctly, and I wanted to reblog the post but I forget their handle.)

Crier’s War Duology, Nina Varela

House of Hollow, Krystal Sutherland

The Great Library (1-4), Rachel Caine

Intersections, B. Pigeon; Fell Marsh

MISCELLANEOUS/PERSONAL. We went on a trip for Christmas, and the funniest, most writer thing I did was buy a stick (an arnis stick, the vendor told me, though it seemed different), thinking it would help me write one of my WIPs. It was affordable, so I guess it was fine. ( A little Christmas gift for me, I told myself. But I did buy more than a stick from a gift shop. *laughs hysterically*)

INITIAL PLANS FOR 2023. Read at least twenty-five (25) books. // Finish at least one (1) draft. // Share two (2) short stories. 

I think...I’m going to be busy.

Thank you so much for reading! Enjoy the rest of the season. Stay warm and safe. Let’s hope 2023 will be kind and gentle. Cheers to more writing and reading and writeblr-ing!

If you have time, visit #ayearofwriting to see how other writers owned 2022!

[o0-iris-0o]

Iridescent | Xiao x [F] Reader

Chapter 1/?

Warnings

Depression | Anxiety | Suicide attempt

Summary

This is a wip for the next part in my Luminous duology. Since it's only a draft it is subject to change when I release the full version.

Have you ever wanted to be Xiao's companion? Well now you can! Be aware, this may be an arduous journey, so be sure to prepare beforehand.

Staggering through the long unkempt grass of Nantianmen I’m able to make out a massive tree in the far distance, its transparent cerulean branches stretching into the sky above, seemingly fluorescent even in the rays of daylight. In all of my journey, I’ve never seen a sight that holds as much beauty as this; but that’s one of the reasons I've saved this stop for last. 

As I traverse the field of slippery grass, map clenched in either hand, I'm lost in thought recalling excerpts of past books I've read.

Though I’ve not read any of my geography, history, or nature books in many years, I'm almost certain the name of this tree is Dragon-Queller. It would be helpful if this map were a bit more detailed in landmark names, but I’m sure that I’m close to my destination. I suppose I can take a short break up ahead at the tree and plan out the rest of my route from there. 

Irregular gusts of wind blow through the fabric of my worn cloak as it's securely fastened around my neck, causing the edges to snap against the currents. And the firm dirt beneath my feet grows spongy as I draw closer to the tree, the soles of my boots suctioning to the ground. I’ve learned that every region of Liyue has its own unique environmental aspects, some making the terrain more complex to traverse in its own way. I’m quite used to the muddy terrain of marshes after the long time I spent around Sal Terrae and Dihua Marsh, though this stern wind is something I hadn't anticipated. 

With only a handful of clumsy stumbles I finally make it to Dragon-Queller. Looking up at the towering tree, I can't recall ever getting to see a tree as gigantic as the one before me. I can’t help but to stand in silence, taking in the awe-filling sight. 

Words cannot begin to describe how joyful I am having gotten to experience this for myself. My previous life would have never allowed for such a journey, and if someone were to have told me many years ago that I would be standing here now, I'd be inclined to believe that they were blatantly lying to my face.

Reluctantly, I peel my gaze away from the majestic tree and pick a similarly large tree root to sit down beside, in the driest spot I can find. As I take my seat, the grass is still moderately damp from the moist surroundings, but it isn’t too much of an issue. With care, I slide the straps of my backpack off my shoulders, making sure to place my bag delicately on my lap while the wind fills my nose with the earthy scent emanating from my surroundings.

Freed of the perpetual weight on my back, I relax, unrolling my map to take a closer, more detailed look at the area. With ease, I spot my current location and move on to my destination at hand, Mt. Hulao, which is, as expected, right beside Dragon-Queller. 

My attention ascends from the creased, slightly yellowed paper in my hands to the birds soaring past the golden mountain off to my left, its size putting even Dragon-Queller to shame. At its peak are incredibly large glistening amber rocks jutting out from the mountainside. 

Surely an adeptus must reside there. It’s truly an enchanting location, and I’ve never come across such large ores replicated anywhere else across the nation. 

Bringing my gaze across the sky, there are numerous, albeit, smaller rock formations extending upwards from the surrounding waters of a lake below. Vaguely, I'm able to spot a series of rope bridges slung across each one, almost lost within the mist of the clouds. But such a sight raises the question; how in Teyvat am I supposed to get up there? 

My eyes fall back down to my map, hoping to spot a clear path, but it's difficult to distinguish any smaller paths with the lack of detail. 

As my attention is fully immersed in the paper, there's a subtle rustle of the grass that I pay no mind to until I hear the snap of a branch which startles me. With a jump I immediately grab a tight hold on my belongings. 

Ugh no… has my luck finally run out? I've been so incredibly careful to steer clear of any monsters or thieves for such a long while now, why must it happen now? 

I wait a long beat, preparing myself to run at the sight of some horrible monster popping out from behind the root, but there's nothing, not even another sound. Surely a monster would have shown its face by now. Maybe… is it a person? With an exorbitant amount of courage, I call out, "H-hello? Is someone there?"  

There's no response. 

Perhaps it was just an animal.

I ready myself to stand, wanting to take a look before departing, but just as I’m about to rise from my seat there's an audible set of footsteps. Tension rises once again as I'm ready to spring off the ground, watching in fear as a shorter stature man with dark, slightly tousled hair steps out from behind the tree root. He stares at me blankly, mirroring my own expression as I scrutinize his unwound posture. At first glance, there seems to be no signs of hostility.

"Sorry. I was just leaving." He mutters to me and begins to turn around to walk off.

Seeing as he has no plans to stick around and harass me for my belongings, I think it's fair to assume he's not a threat. "W-wait! Um… do you think — Can you help me?" I quickly fumble to find the right words that’ll catch his attention. Thankfully he stops, pivoting back to me. "Do you know how to get up to those bridges? I'm trying to get to Mt. Hulao and I'm not sure which way to go." 

"There is no longer a bridge across, it's broken." He answers with a blunt, solemn tone.

Of course, I would run into some issues just as I'm reaching the end… I can't let this stop me though, there has to be another way up there. Maybe I could even put this wind glider to use. Thank goodness I snagged it; I nearly didn’t even bother.

"Oh… well, do you think you could still show me the way up?" As the words leave my mouth, I catch the stranger's brows narrowing ever so slightly, almost unnoticeable.

"Why?" 

Why? Why is he questioning me? I guess if I choose my story right, it shouldn't be an issue for me to explain my intentions, but I'm not exactly sure what he's asking. Why do I want to go up there? Why am I asking him to show me? "Well, I-uh, I've heard that adepti live in these mountains, so."

Surely every person in Liyue knows of the adepti. I believe that should be a sufficient enough reason that won’t require further questioning.

He pauses before answering, "This place is dangerous, you should leave." Allowing me no time to respond, he suddenly turns around, carrying on his way. 

I have little doubts that I could eventually find my way up there, but how long will that take? If I take too long the food in my bag might go bad and then… then I'll be empty-handed. 

A deep pain sprouts in my chest, lasting only a fleeting second, but sharp enough to force me to call out again, "Please? I-I just… This is really important. I don't have a lot of mora, but I can still pay you for your time." 

My plea is enough to stop him in his tracks, but only to scoff, "You're wasting your time." 

My face contorts at such an openly false statement. "Bringing offerings to the adepti isn't a waste of time! …at least not to me. I'm just asking that you show me the way, you can have all my stuff if you want — e-except my offering…" I won't need them anyway.

There's another moment of silence, a moment where hope surges through me as I wait quietly for his response. "I do not want your belongings." He sighs to himself before turning back, "I can take you up there. But when you are done, you must leave." 

The anticipation dissolves into a sense of relief at the sound of his words. Now my plans are back on track. 

Hurriedly, but carefully, I grab my bag from my lap, its contents clunking around as I secure it over my shoulders and shoot up from the grass, "Alright, thank you! For helping me." I then rush over to the stranger's side, not wanting to waste either of our time, and we immediately set off. 

The ground under our shoe's sloshes with each of our steps as we make our way over to the nearby dirt path, not a word coming from either of us. 

Silence never bothered me; I've lived most of my life in it and honestly prefer it. I've found that my words often bother those around me. But I can't help but to feel that my silence also bothers others as well. "Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Y/N, what about you?" 

"My name… isn't important." He answers, keeping his focus forward. His lack of conversation does ease my nerves, putting my harsher thoughts to rest. So, I gladly leave it at that. 

As we continue on down the winding path, I can't help but to be distracted by the sights; curiously observing the plant life, different ores embedded into the base of the mountains, how massive the rock formations in the water actually are when I'm standing under them, and the clear glistening body of water itself is absolutely beautiful as the rays of sun beam off of the tiny waves. 

The golden color of Liyue never gets old to me, even the flowers and grass take on this honey hue, as do the curving trees and aged rocks. Though the aura of Minlin is completely different from anywhere else I've visited, it feels absolutely magical, almost as if I'm walking through an extraordinarily hazy dream. 

I become so captivated by my surroundings, I nearly miss that my guide has begun to deviate off the path, heading towards a ladder fixed against a vertical rock wall. Swiftly getting back on track, I hurry over to the ladder. My eyes trail up, following it to see a set of wooden platforms and even more ladders that reach high into the sky, to where the bridges are. The stranger allows me to climb on first and the wooden rungs creek under my newly added weight. 

Continuing up, it's obvious that these ladders haven’t been well maintained. The wood's worn and rough, and I begin to hope that I won't be pulling splinters out of my fingers by the time I reach the top. Perhaps I should have kept an eye out for a pair of gloves when I had the chance. But I carry on, the ladder shifting as we ascend. 

As we've nearly reached the top, I struggle to catch my breath, and once I securely climb up onto the platform, I find myself taking in sharper breaths thanks to the thinness of the air. 

I wait at the top of the ladder, attempting to catch my breath as my guide promptly arrives. He briefly stops, asking if I'm able to continue and I assure him that I am fine before we start for the bridge before us. 

Taking my first step onto the wooden panels, the bridge shifts down with my weight, swaying ever so slightly. I grab onto the frayed rope railing, its surface cold and coarse as I steady myself. Finding that I'm secure, I take in the misty environment, peeking over the side of the bridge and I'm able to spot the path we once followed. My eyes wander to the lake under us, pretending to take on the role of a safety net, though I doubt it's possible to survive a fall of this height even into a body of water.

We traverse the succession of bridges until we reach firm ground once again. A short stroll down a small path leads us to a tiny set of stone steps that we ascend, up to a plateau. This isn't Mt. Hulao — as it's in the far distance — and instead of boulders of golden ore, what we find is a picturesque pond nestled in the center of the clearing. In the middle of the pond lies an island adorned with a single tree and a table. 

This looks like the perfect place for me to make my offering! Though, what an odd place to put a table. How often is it even put to use in such an obscure location like this? 

My guide leads me around the perimeter of the pond while I admire the tranquil beauty of this place. The sun, already beginning its descent, casts its warm rays our way, yet the crispness in the air is a harbinger of the approaching evening. Gazing at the color-shifting horizon, I can't help but shiver at the thought of how much colder it will be once the sun has set.

Drawing closer to the pond's edge, the ripples on the surface reveal a trail of stone platforms submerged just below the waterline, leading to the central island. I examine the meticulously embedded carvings, deeply etched into each rock, surprised that the flow of water hasn’t yet eroded the partners. Without a second to spare, we tread onto the first platform and follow the path ahead, each step echoed with a splash, resonating through the plateau. 

Finally, we’ve reached our destination, an island that boasts a simple yet elegant tree, adjacent to a stone table surrounded by three chairs. "You may leave your offering here." The stranger informs me, gesturing to the table. 

I take initiative to slip the strap of my bag off one shoulder, adjusting it for ease of access as I go on to say, "This is a truly beautiful spot, you have a good eye." Opening my bag, I cautiously pull out the box that I have stored inside. It's a container that I was able to craft myself with fine wood and a glass top that I… found. I was even able to come across some paint that I used to decorate the outside for a better presentation. Its contents: almond tofu that I had previously made just before arriving in Nantianmen. I've spent many years perfecting this dish just for this moment, so it's bound to be absolutely perfect. 

Placing the container onto the table, I extend an invitation to the stranger, "You're welcome to join if you'd like." 

"I uh — who is this offering for… exactly?" It hardly sounds like he's in favor of the idea, but I explain anyway. 

"Conqueror of demons. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the name since he isn't that well known, but he plays an incredibly important role in Liyue and keeps everyone safe. Without his protection, who knows what would become of our nation." As I excitedly rattle off my knowledge about the adeptus, I turn to the stranger only to see a distant stare on his face. Suddenly it hits me; I must be boring him, so I try to backtrack with an apology, "Oh, sorry… I've just read a lot of stories about the adepti in the past and know a lot about them." 

Even now I still can’t control the babblings of my interests, I thought for sure that I had put an end to this appalling habit. 

"It's alright. Just… make it quick." He utters, bringing his arms up to rest across his chest. 

I give him a nod of my head then regain my focus on the central matter. Bringing my hands together, I interlock my fingers delicately and firmly press my palms together, continuing to dip my head and shut my eyes. 

In the recesses of my thoughts, I speak words that bear the weight of my gratitude and personal message. Even without spoken words I know my message will be heard beyond this realm. 

I allow my mind to become momentarily detached from my body as my planned script veers into a more emotional speech from my heart. I let go of everything, everything that I’ve kept locked away, everything that's swelled up inside me over the past years. 

As my silent words draw to a close, a weightlessness overcomes me. Be it from simply acquiring an outlet for my grievances, or an authentic divine exchange, it’s as if a great burden has gradually relinquished its hold on me. However, as I slowly unseal my eyes, an overwhelming emptiness now lingers. 

The air around me, now frigid, nips at my skin as an ever-expanding hollow hole takes form in my gut. Tears collect in the corners of my eyes, but I deny them escape. I've finally reached the end of my journey, seen all the wonders that this magnificent nation holds, and now, the beckon of the stagnant void is clearer than it's ever been.

I turn to the stranger to my right; the same distant stare occupies his expression as he glares at my offering set on the table. He doesn’t speak or move so I break the silence, which in turn brings his awareness back, “Thank you again for bringing me here. I am grateful.” 

His gaze gradually lands on mine. “There’s no need to thank me. I should be leaving now.” As he turns to carry on his way, he briefly pauses to say, “I-I hope… that you make it home safely…” and with that, the emptiness that shrouds me thickens.

~

I’ve made it to the top of Mt. Hulao. 

Laying on a velvety bed of grass, my gaze is fixated on the celestial body above, twinkling stars strewn carelessly across the galaxies. The icy wind atop the mountain carries a sweetness to it, one that I'm fond of. 

I can't believe that the final moments of my life have been filled with such breathtaking sights, it almost makes me want to hang on a little longer, just to selfishly experience more. But I know there isn’t much left for me here. After so many tiring years of trying to find my place, trying to pin-point where I fit, I know now that I do not fit anywhere, and I simply do not have the energy or want to keep looking. 

I've come to the conclusion that some of us, as cruel as it may sound, just weren't meant to be here. It's the only answer that I've received. Sometimes I wonder if I was born into the wrong world, that maybe one of these millions of stars is my true home. Or maybe this is just one stop along a vast journey. Whatever the case, I couldn’t be sicker of trying to justify my presence in a place I know I am not wanted. My life has been a series of unfortunate events, and no matter how many times I try to turn it around, it only gets worse. As though the gods themselves are urging me to just give up.

As my thoughts go on, cold tears stream across my cheeks.

I remember my first taste of freedom after being locked up for so long in that godforsaken estate. It was exhilarating, being on my own, setting my own path. That is, until I was met with the harsh reality of things. The world beyond the walls of an isolated lifestyle is hardly an easy one, I can hardly even manage to communicate with others without receiving odd glares or people speaking ill of me. It's almost as if they look at me as though I’ve grown a second head or badmouth me to the point, you'd think I'd done something unforgivable to them. Yet, I’ve only ever treated others with the politeness and respect I'd want in return and still, after all this time, I cannot understand what is wrong with me. 

Why do they treat me so differently? Is it the way I look, or the way I speak? Is it because the clothes I wear are worn and tattered? Why would that be enough reason to justify their cruelness? I can’t stand it anymore; I just want to be alone. I no longer wish to interact with such horrible people. If they don’t care for me, then I won’t force myself into a place where I’m so blatantly unwanted. But now, well, I can’t even afford to take care of myself anymore. 

I was hoping, at the beginning, that I’d be able to find a place of my own, make a decent living and carry out my dreams. But when you’re treated like an outcast, that becomes quite difficult. There isn’t much you can do without money, and it’s getting harder to hold my own. At this point I just miss having a steady flow of food, a few different clothes to wear, and a warm bed to curl up in. I want nothing more than to just go home, but I don’t have a home. Now things are so unstable that I couldn't be more exhausted of hanging in the balance of uncertainty. 

My thoughts drag on, only getting faster and more cluttered as the moments pass and soon, I’m unable to control my sobbing. 

Thank goodness no one can hear my cries all the way up here, but it wouldn’t matter either way. My feelings never mattered, I never mattered. They’d just stare at me like some idiotic lost child, pointing and laughing behind my back, avoiding eye contact, or pretending as though I do not exist at all.

Haphazardly, I sit up from the ground, desperately wiping the tears from my face but they only continue to drown me, “I hate it here! I just want to go home!” I cry out, “I don’t know what else to do!” My morbid screams echo through the empty sky. Rushing blood pounds against my head with every pulse as the familiar headache makes itself apparent. I don’t want to feel this pain anymore. 

Rising from the solid embrace of the grass, my senses muddled and my vision a blur, I stare out at the sea of clouds beckoning to me. Without a second thought, I summon a surge of momentum. The wind whips past me as I seal my eyes shut, for I know this is the only view I do not wish to see, and the ground beneath my feet disappears, leaving my own weight to drag me down like an anchor. 

It's sealed in fate, my journey has concluded, and now,

I'm falling…

But

…something hits me…

…and I'm lying on the ground once again.

In a state of disarray, heart pounding against my chest, my eyes remain tightly shut as confusion permeates my mind. Scrambling to piece together what just transpired, my consciousness couldn't be more evident, stirring a great unease from within. Did I fail in some unfathomable way? 

The thought of opening my eyes only to find myself trapped in the confines of the same pain ridden world overwhelms my mind and my chest constricts. Yet amongst my racing thoughts I begin to hear a heavy panting to my left.

Could it be that someone caught me? This doesn’t make sense, that wouldn’t even be possible. But this bizarre explanation is the only reasonable one that my mind settles on. How could someone catch me from such a height, who in this world would even harbor such a desire to save me? 

Not a single face materializes. 

With uncertainty, I cautiously open my eyes. My vision instantly sweeps across the glistening expanse above, the same stars flickering in an unbroken rhythm, mocking my hopes, and my eyes brim with a renewed sorrow. Amidst my spiraling despair, my gaze gravitates towards the presence beside me and my line of sight settles upon a pair of familiar amber eyes, glaring harshly at me.

It’s him — my guide from earlier this evening. His hand clutches his chest as he struggles to regain composure and catch his breath. But as my gaze descends, something else steals my focus, forcing the stream of tears to start anew. 

It's beyond me how I could have managed to overlook such a detail. I couldn't have. Attached to his hip rests a dark, glowing mask adorned with horns — a distinct symbol that had been depicted in the books I’ve read. I watch as the mask dissolves into tiny particles, fading into nihility within mere moments, leaving no trace of its presence.

Grinding my teeth, I promptly bring my hands to cover my face, continuing to sob uncontrollably. 

I’m lying here on the ground in absolute ruin in front of the Conqueror of Demons himself, how unbelievably pitiful. 

Through my shattered cognizance I’m hardly even able to form a comprehensible sentence in my mind, and all I’m able to choke out is a pathetic, “I-I’m sorry…”

The next moments are filled with my miserable cries before the adeptus speaks up, “It’s… okay. Are you able to sit up?”

If it were anyone else, I’d most likely ignore their request and lay on this cold earth until I rotted away, but I muster the strength to pick myself up. Trembling, I wipe desperately at my cheeks, but I doubt I look any less disheveled as the tears are simply endless. 

“Here.” he speaks softly. 

I pivot towards him, and my eyes are drawn to the object cradled within his outstretched hand. Through my haze of tears, I see first the dim powdery blue glow, then the cryo symbol embedded within the wintery glass, realizing he’s holding a cryo vision. Does he think that it belongs to me? 

My fatigued voice stammers out, “It — that doesn’t belong to me,” I try to inform him, “I-I don’t have a vision.”

“It was lying here beside you, take it.”

I chose not to question it. Reaching out a hand, I carefully take it into my possession, glaring down and observing its shimmering frostbitten insides. 

Is this some sort of sick joke? Why would the heavens bestow me, a shell of a person, with such potent power. Insinuating that my meaningless life is meant to go on. I nearly want to throw it in the nearby body of water, just to reject the notion. 

My grip resentfully tightens around the pointed metal frame, digging deeper and deeper into my flesh as the adeptus beside me begins to stand from the ground. “Come with me.” he says, reaching out two hands to offer his assistance.

My sorrowful eyes shoot up to meet him before I accept his support, taking his hands and lifting myself from the ground. My legs shake under me as I rise, but I'm able to get back onto my feet and follow silently as he leads me out of the area.

~

Harsh shakes startle me awake and I spring up from the plush bedding under me, nearly flinging the sheets off while I’m at it. In a frantic bewilderment I look around at the unfamiliar and rather empty room that surrounds me, until my sight stops on the person standing beside the bed. We both stare silently at one another, his eyes widened as though I’m the one who startled him, then he reaches for a tray settled on the nightstand. He hands it over to me, saying, “This is for you.”

Grabbing hold of the handles on either side, I lower it carefully onto my lap and take in its contents. There are two absolutely delicious looking dishes, a basket of steaming rice buns and a bowl of warm soup which gives off a mouthwatering aroma. There’s also another bowl of carefully cut fruits. “Did you make this yourself?”

He shakes his head, “It was made by the chef.”

Chef, am I at some sort of estate? Recalling my hazy memory of yesterday, I’m able to collect the pieces of what happened, and the current situation becomes clear to me. Following my episode, he led me back to Wangshu Inn, which explains the previously mentioned chef. 

As my gaze fixes back onto the food in front of me, my stomach grumbles at the sight. But before I take a bite of anything, I have to say, “Thank you for bringing me here, and for this food, Conquer of Demons. I am extremely grateful.” 

He seems to slightly grimace at my words. “There’s no need to be so formal. You can just call me Xiao.”

I’ve never come across this name in reference to the Conqueror of Demons. But if this is the name he truly wishes for me to use then I will, “Xiao… are you certain?” 

He nods his head as he takes a seat on the bedside, and I grab one of the rice buns from the basket. Taking a bite into its soft, warm texture. 

I cannot recall the last time I had a hot meal. I’d gotten used to coming across Cuihua trees and snacking on the fruits throughout my days, and the last ingredients in my possession were used to make the almond tofu. I can't deny though, there's nothing better than warm, cooked food.

As I'm savoring every bite of my meal, Xiao quires, “You are a traveler, yes?”

I finish chewing the remnants of the rice bun in my mouth before responding, “I’ve been traveling across Liyue for a while now, so you could say that, yes.”

“And you do not have a home?”

“Um… no, not anymore at least.”

The only sound that echoes through the empty room is the soft ticking of a clock that is affixed to the wooden panels of the walls. It’s the only thing keeping the silence at bay as I watch the adeptus stare down into his hands rested atop his lap. He fidgets with his fingers while a slight worried expression occupies his face. 

In every story that I’ve read he’s been depicted as this intimidatingly frightening being. Yet here he sits before me, nervously asking questions. 

“I feel that — us meeting was not a coincidence, and it is not easy for me to explain this, but I…” His words trail off into a small, frustrated sigh and I wait as he collects his thoughts. “I wish for you to stay here with me. You will help me.”

Though his words sound closer to a demand, I take it more as an offer. It’s an odd request though, why ask a weak human like me for help with adeptal matters? 

“Truthfully, I’d be happy to stay here, but I'm not sure how much help I'll be to you.”

“It’s fine. I will train you, and you will be capable of fighting by my side.”

Perhaps I did die last night. Brought to an identical universe, but one where I’ll be an apprentice to an adeptus? Not just any adeptus at that, one that I dreamed of meeting all my life. This is all beginning to feel a bit too surreal and for a moment it's as if my head is spinning.

It’s not like I had planned anything after my journey's end, and now I'm staring at a blank canvas. If he really thinks that he can train me, then I don’t see why I would pass up such an offer, "Alright. I'll stay here with you then." 

His eyes seemingly glisten at my response. "You will? Okay... I must go, but I will return tonight. We will discuss your training then."

[gnusnoteunuchs]

also sage, ivy, mahonia for the ask game

sage ⇢ what ‘medium’ of art (poetry, music, fiction, paintings, statues etc.) is the most touching to you? why do you think that is?

I'd probably have to say fiction, but I'll admit that's colored by the way I interact with art in general. I read a lot of books, just because I spend about two hours commuting a day. I go through books really fast.

But I really do appreciate the way that a good novel creates an immersive world and characters, and really draws you into its logic and stakes. prose fiction is probably the strongest way to get me to engage with stories, and i think most of the stories that really fucked me up were in fact novels. I'll give you a few examples:

Simon Jimenez, The Vanished Birds This book is like, what if you had the "found family space opera pursued by demons of their pasts" thing that Firefly did, but without the Whedonesque "we all hate each other" thing? That's the basic emotional premise. This book is about love, mostly, but it's also extremely about grief. It's also about loving someone even when you know you've lost them and you'll never see them again, not even at the end of all things, when your small slice of eternity has run its course. This book fucking hurts, deeply. I love it.

Ursula Le Guin, Tehanu This book takes the basic premises of Earthsea, a very cool setting, and rips them wide open, using Earthsea as a stand-in for [insert sword and sorcery setting of your choice]. This book is Le Guin holding you by the head, looking straight into your eyes, and forcing you to ask yourself what happens in a world of might and magic where all the might and magic is done by men. What happens when all the men think they're doing might and magic, but they're just hurting people? This was the most upsetting text I've ever interacted with, straight up. I've watched movies that were more viscerally unpleasant, but nothing made me mad the way this book did. This book made me wonder whether Le Guin loves fantasy or hates it, and it made me wonder whether I hate it too. Fucking excellent, everyone should read this. Just pace yourself, it's agonizing.

Megan Giddings, The Women Could Fly I kind of burnt myself out emotionally thinking about Tehanu, but this is a very fun urban fantasy story about witches, love, and reactionary thought. They say this is set in a dystopian alternate universe United States, but I'm not gonna lie, most of the dystopian stuff didn't even surprise me. It just feels like how the US is gonna be in about 30 years if the water wars don't kill us all first. Good book, with a very fun take on magic.

Scott Westerfeld, Succession (duology) People say they don't like science fiction, or that they don't like hard science fiction. They are wrong, and this duology (The Risen Empire and The Killing of Worlds) is why. Read it.

ivy ⇢ what are your ‘tells’ for your emotions and moods? how can someone tell you’re happy, annoyed, upset or tired?

Not sure how to answer this one, sorry! Ask my wife, I think she knows better than me

mahonia ⇢ what place, thing, activity inspires you most and how do you express yourself when it does?

This varies widely, actually! There are quite a few places that have inspired my art and writing in the past...a few big examples are:

The redwood forests of northern California (particularly in Humboldt)

The United States Botanic Garden, in Washington DC. It's this massive, ornate conservatory, and it's absolutely beautiful. It felt magical to me as a kid

The sea. The delicate yet massive interplay between wind and waves, between water and hull, air and sail, stunning in its desolation yet overwhelming in its richness. I need to go to sea. I need to go to sea.

Also some fucked up horror movies really get me, also. After I watched Event Horizon and Videodrome I started thinking and could not stop thinking

[nothoughtsjustmhaandotherthings]

thinking of making a yitw playlist to share here…

[whimsy-of-the-stars]

(Monthly?) Writing Update :D

hiiii guys!!

I was very lucky to personally not get hit very hard by the recent hurricanes that hit Florida, and that my area overall was relatively small damaged compared to what other poor souls had to experience. The water in rivers and creeks near me were quite high, drowning some people’s personal docks, and well as the wind felling some old trees in my neighborhood. Anyway, over the past three weeks I have had 6 days off from school due to storm precaution, and did I get any writing done? NOPE!

As a college student I’ve been pretty uninspired, busy and stressed. Great combo, huh? Well, I’m still hoping to participate in “book prep October” and “novel writing November”, though, of course separated from that website.

Just trying to plot and figure out weird world building things…. And the end goal of what will probably do a duology or trilogy! Vaguely, of course lol.

As for other projects, I’ve started making kandi! Not many yet but I’ve made a couple stars and singles (mostly due to needing to buy more string lol)! Also, I’ve been wanting to make a short comic, but all my ideas are too long :( oh, and I’m interested in

For now tho, I’ve got TWO essays to write this week, and other random things to do too! So, wish me luck in keeping on track with school and filling in plot holes :D

hopefully I’ll be posting updates to my writing in November… of course, if I feel I have any chance to win the challenge!

:) bye for now to whoever is reading till the end

[nothoughtsjustmhaandotherthings]

*side eyes the Wind/Water Duology*

"How do we feel about Pirates of the Caribbean selfshippers or oc x canon? I don’t see much of it which is odd to me. Fandoms been around since 2003 and I hardly see any “fangirl” content. like am I the only weirdo who draws my custom character in the cutscene kissing Jack Sparrow? To whoever does, you’re cool forever. Coming from a self shipper ofc."

[bookishfeylin]

Black Fantasy TBR Part 1

It's taking so long to compile all my books that I might as well release my tbr one portion at a time. This isn't really that organized, but here's the first part of my fantasy (and a little bit of scifi) tbr listed out for people who are curious and/or want to see more fantasy books with Black protagonists:

The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton

Nubia: The Awakening by Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow

Abengoni: First Calling by Charles R. Saunders

Across the Broken Tide by Lakase Cousino

Iron Cast by Destiny Soria

That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams

Kingdom of Feathers by Deborah Grace White

Priestess of nKu by Milton J Davis

Promise of Shadows by Justina Ireland

The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson

Queen of Zazzau by J.S. Emuakpor

Elysium by Nora Sakavic

Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthron

Zahrah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu

Dream Country by Ashaye Brown

The Reluctant Sacrifice by Kerr-Ann Dempster

She Steals Justice by J. Clark

Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

The Hope of Aferi: The Wolf Queen by Cerece Rennie Murphy

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy

The Blazing Star by Imani Josey

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne Brown

Bones to the Wind by Tatiana Obey

Treachery of Water by Angela J. Ford

Wings of Ebony by J. Elle

Beautiful Nightmare by L.C. Son

Conquest by Celeste Harte

Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye

The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin

Magic Dark, Magic Divine by A.J. Locke

Shadow's Dissident by Ariel Paiement

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi

Mirage by Somaiya Daud

A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia A. Cole

This was mostly stand-alones and duologies, so the next part of my tbr should be mostly trilogies and longer series.

[wisteria-lodge]

SHC Character Sorting

3% @justbecauseyoubelievesomething

9-1-1 @cactusspatz

AKATSUKI NO YONA @writingonesdreams

ANASTASIA @alix-in-july

ARCANE @sporadiclyanenthusiast

BARBIE FRANCHISE @missbrunettebarbie, @the-phoenix-heart, @starry-sky-stuff, @laufire

BARE: A POP OPERA @repetitionsings

BLACK SAILS  @laufire

BOKU NO HIRO AKADEMIA @the-phoenix-heart

Hawk & Dabi

More on Deku & Bakugou’s sorting

BOKURANO @swearingintengwar

THE BOLD TYPE @writingonesdreams

BROADCHURCH @connecting-the-mothership

Alec Hardy

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER @wisteria-lodge

BUNGOU STRAY DOGS @writingonesdreams

CASTLEVANIA @the-phoenix-heart

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE @wisteria-lodge

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN @wisteria-lodge

CENTAURWORLD @niche-pastiche

CHUUBO’S MARVELOUS WISH-GRANTING ENGINE: GLASS-MAKER’S DRAGON @thecottageinthedark

DC COMICS

Catwoman / Selina Kyle @nectargrapes

A DEADLY EDUCATION @parpatarts

DISCWORLD @paint-the-ravenclaw

Death @paint-the-ravenclaw

The Witches @thecottageinthedark

DISNEY ANIMATION

Snow White, Cinderella, Alice, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Aurora, Maid Marian, Eilonwy @wisteria-lodge

Jessica Rabbit, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Jasmine, Aladdin, Sally @wisteria-lodge

BIG HERO 6 @dragonsaredorks

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG @the-phoenix-heart

SOFIA THE FIRST @alix-in-july

DOLLHOUSE @missbrunettebarbie & @laufire

DOWNTON ABBEY @montmarayroyal

EMMA (AUSTEN) @alix-in-july

THE EXPANSE @wyrdnis

FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF @wisteria-lodge

FINAL FANTASY X @thecottageinthedark

FIRE EMBLEM: THREE HOUSES @lachless

The Lords

The Black Eagles

FUTURAMA @the-phoenix-heart

GOOD OMENS @wisteria-lodge

More on Crowley’s sorting

More on Aziraphale’s sorting

GOSSIP GIRL @persefoneshalott

THE GREAT @missbrunettebarbie

GRISHA TRILOGY @starry-sky-stuff

Six of Crows Duology

H2O: JUST ADD WATER @nectargrapes & @missbrunettebarbie

HAIBANE RENMEI @swearingintengwar

HAMLET @wisteria-lodge

Ophelia

Gertrude

Hamlet & Horatio

Laertes & Fortinbras

HANAKO-KUN @writingonesdreams

HANNIBAL

Abigail Hobbs @dealltheknives  

Will Graham @awritersrejections & @reds-burrow

HARRY POTTER

Harry Potter @awinterrain & @wisteria-lodge

Ron Weasley @wisteria-lodge

Ginny Weasley @awinterrain & @the-phoenix-heart

Peter Pettigrew @wisteria-lodge

Draco Malfoy @awinterrain & @the-phoenix-heart

Vernon, Petunia & Dudley Dursley @awinterrain et al.

Rubeus Hagrid @paint-the-ravenclaw

Sibyl Trelawney @paint-the-ravenclaw

Tom Riddle & Cornelius Fudge @paint-the-ravenclaw

The Weasleys @the-phoenix-heart

Gilderoy Lockheart @paint-the-ravenclaw & @wisteria-lodge

HIS DARK MATERIALS @missbrunettebarbie

HOUSE OF CARDS @sevilemar

KILLING EVE

Eve Polastri & Villanelle @idrewbedraggledbreaths

More thoughts on Eve & Villanelle @ornamental-coral

KILLJOYS @missbrunettebarbie & @starry-sky-stuff

LABYRINTH @the-phoenix-heart

More on Jareth’s sorting

THE LAST FIVE YEARS @dealltheknives

THE LAST UNICORN  @the-phoenix-heart

LES MISERABLES @everyonewasabird

THE LOCKED TOMB TRILOGY @thecottageinthedark

Ianthe & Coronabeth Tridentarius

Ortus Nigenad

LUCIFER @yoursummerfrost

MAFIA III @rottingmanifesto

More on John Donovan & Lincoln Clay

THE MENTALIST @missbrunettebarbie with @laufire

MERLIN @sarahmillie

MIRACULOUS  LADYBUG @the-phoenix-heart

Redux

MONSTERS INC. @dragonsaredorks

MR. AND MRS. SMITH @starry-sky-stuff

NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND @the-phoenix-heart

THE OLD GUARD @wisteria-lodge

ONCE UPON A TIME @starry-sky-stuff

PERSONA 4 @thecottageinthedark

PITCH PERFECT @starry-sky-stuff & @missbrunettebarbie

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA @air-in-words

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN @wisteria-lodge

RED NOTICE @starry-sky-stuff

RIVERS OF LONDON @wisteria-lodge

SANDERS SIDES @magpie-of-a-birb

SCOOBY DOO @air-in-words

SET IT UP @starry-sky-stuff

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS @reds-burrow

SHERLOCK HOLMES (CONAN DOYLE) @wisteria-lodge

THE SOUND OF MUSIC @starry-sky-stuff

SPIRITED AWAY @the-phoenix-heart

STAR TREK (TOS / AOS) @wisteria-lodge

STAR TREK (DS9) @wisteria-lodge

Elim Garak

Julian Bashir

STAR TREK (LOWER DECKS) @reds-burrow

STAR WARS (PARENT SERIES) 

Emperor Palpatine @wisteria-lodge

Anakin Skywalker & Obi-wan Kenobi @wisteria-lodge

Luke Skywaker @sortinghatchats

STAR WARS (CLONE WARS) @reds-burrow

More on Rex’s sorting

STAR WARS (THE MANDALORIAN) @reds-burrow

More on Greef Karga’s sorting

STEVEN UNIVERSE @applesaps et al.

STRANGER THINGS @magratmakethetea

SUPERNATURAL

Castiel @wisteria-lodge

John, Dean & Sam Winchester @wisteria-lodge

Lucifer & Michael @wisteria-lodge

Jimmy & Claire Novak @wisteria-lodge

Ruby & Bela Talbot @laufire

Balthazar @wisteria-lodge

Meg Masters @laufire

TANZ DER VAMPIRE @herlaqueen & @niche-pastiche

TWILIGHT  @misku-nimfa & @livrelady

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY @wisteria-lodge

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES @sevilemar

V FOR VENDETTA @the-phoenix-heart & @wisteria-lodge

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS @sevilemar & @wisteria-lodge

OC SORTING - Essence of the Equinox @nectargrapes