#and now Tiera seems to have been back on set

[tandv]

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#I had a feeling the musical ep is gonna be about Polly #bc when lili said it was emotional #that’s where my head went #and now Tiera seems to have been back on set #but also Mädchen’s recent post saying she cried a hell of a lot for the musical ep? #yeah…

[pandoriasbox]

Ch1 Into the Wood - Into the Wildwoods (Standard)

The large irish cob snorted as the last of the load was added to his back. Eversong looked over to where Az was finishing up and his eyes followed her as she walked over to him. Immediately his muscles relaxed as they made contact and he felt her reassurance pulse through their connection. The rider was giddy, excited but also nervous, this was the first time the pair were heading back up to Redwood Point since before the fall of Garnok. So much had changed and yet at the same time it felt like so little. The world was still turning, Az still worked as a ranger and to all those she shared her job with it was just another average day.

Az planted a gentle kiss to the soft snout of her beloved companion, opening her eyes to see his beautiful duo colored ones staring right back at her. “It won’t take long to get up there, it’s already cleared and then I can unpack all this stuff at the station.” She smiled and let him nuzzle her hand. Az had felt trepidation at the thought of going on such a long term mission without her other half but thanks in part to Rowan the stallion was allowed to accompany them. The senior ranger had pulled a few strings and with some convincing Eversong was allowed along as a packhorse so the team was able to carry extra gear and supplies for their initial expedition.

Once she was sure Eversong was ready, the redhead returned to her other equine companion Foxfire. The buckskin let out a snort and pawed at the ground as she awaited her rider. Az gave her a pat on the neck before giving her tack a once over. The trip shouldn’t be too long but it wasn’t exactly the same as going between the southern station and Dundull. Taking a deep breath she swung up into the saddle and led the two horses to join the small group gathered at the base of the road to the station.

“Alright mates, everyone good to go?” Rowan called out to the assembled rangers. A general affirmation rang out from the group. “Okay good, now Az I’d like you up front with me since you have the most experience up there out of all of us. Everyone else ride in formation as we discussed.” With that the expedition began in proper, Az trotting up to meet Rowan at the front. The group of six rangers began their journey up through the recently cleared brambles.

“So Az, you excited to head back up into Redwood? Your reports were pretty minimal but that route really helped with getting the foliage cleared.” Rowan glanced over, smiling warmly.

The redhead chuckled softly and nodded. “Yeah, it’s been a good bit but I gotta say all those rumors of Hartwood really got me interested. Thanks for getting me on the mission… and uh… thanks for letting Eversong come along.”

Rowan waved their hand dismissively. “Eh don’t worry about it, I know how much he means to you and honestly you seem to have an even stronger connection with that stallion than Foxy or any of our own. There’s something special between you two and I’d like to have that with us.”

“Ah yeah, you could definitely say that, something special I mean.” A tiny flush filled Az’s cheeks as she thought about how much deeper it went. It wasn’t every day your very soul was intertwined with another’s but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Sighing softly she let a smile bloom across her lips as she leaned forward to pet the mare she rode with her free hand. “Foxy’s a good gal though, hardy and determined… when she wants to be.” The two let out a laugh that made the mare snort and flick her ears back before returning her attention to the overgrown trail before them. The rest of the ride up the pass was mostly in silence but Az certainly didn’t mind. She enjoyed the serenity and scenery surrounding them, mindful of the precarious cliffs and rock bridge as they reached them.

--------------------------------

The station soon came into view and it looked just as worn down as the last time Az had visited it. The roofs were covered in fresh growth, there was still a broken window in the stables and the pasture fences were a mess. They had a lot of work ahead of them but she knew they could get this place looking almost as good as new. The horses were tied up to the safest part of the fence, Eversong having his packs unloaded while Rowan directed the other rangers. Az was given fence repair. The others did their best to get the rest of the station up to livable standards. She waved to Enitan as she passed through the pasture gate while he set to work fixing the door to the stable. Eversong nickered behind her and she paused to give him a gentle pet. “Hey buddy, we made it. You and Foxy did a great job.” Az grinned as he nuzzled against her and she gave him another pat. “Careful now, I got a bunch of nails on me.” She laughed softly as he snorted at her and returned to his grazing.

Much of the fencing for the paddock was old and even a few sections showed signs of mold or too severe of damage. She sighed and set to work, patching holes as she could with existing material before returning to the stable to find some spare wood. It was as she was on the last part of the fence, as far into the forest as one could get when she sensed something was amiss. She knew bears and wolves lived out here but that wasn’t what sent a prickle down her spine. All the training that Evergrey and Ydris put her through came flooding back as she straightened and stood back up. It was no simple animal that stood behind her, it was something that exuded a magic she couldn’t quite place. That only put her more on edge however.

She realized too late she had her back to the forest. Slowly, carefully she began to turn around, knowing that whatever was behind her could easily be something provoked into attacking if she showed any sign of danger to it. Her free hand tingled as her magic was just a heartbeat away. It wouldn’t be good to use it here, memories flooding back of the forest fires she caused back when she first fled to the area. She heard a shuffling of what sounded like hooves and finally she got the first glimpse of the creature from the corner of her eyes.

White caught her eye then the rest came into view and finally she stood face to face with it. Az’s heart thudded as a deer with a head as white as snow and body made of plants slowly approached her. She stood frozen in its presence, her mind reeling trying to understand what it was. She had never seen such a creature, even its antlers were made of branches and unknown blossoms sprang forth. However what struck her the most were its milky white eyes that bored into her. She didn’t realize she had been holding her breath until the creature’s head turned and it suddenly bounded away.

Coming back to reality Az realized she heard hoofbeats behind her before a whinny rang out and she blinked. Turning around she found Eversong huffing and pawing, his concern ringing clearly across their connection. The ranger hopped the fence and stood beside him, calming the large stallion just as Tiera came running after.

Once she caught her breath she sighed in relief to see the cob was safe with his owner. “Hey Az! Sorry about that, one moment he was just peacefully grazing and the next I looked up and he was gone! Don’t know how but he got the lead rope untied and booked it. Did you uh… want me to bring him back up to the stables?” The younger ranger grinned sheepishly, feeling embarrassed for letting a horse escape on her watch.

Az smiled and picked up the loose lead rope, tossing it over Eversong’s back. “Naw it’s alright, I’ll bring him back up once I’m done giving the fences a once over. Why don’t you head back and check the other horses?” Once Tiera nodded and began her way back Az scrambled up onto the bare stallion’s back. “Naughty boy, you know you’re supposed to be on your best behavior.” She whispered playfully, smiling as Eversong snorted back at her and began moving along the fence line. Az kept her eyes out for any more damage but as far as she could tell everything was as fixed as it was going to get. “Thanks though...” she said softly, “I don’t know what that was… I don’t think it was dangerous but I just… blanked there. I’ve never seen anything like it and I didn’t want to hurt it.” Eversong let out a soft nicker and Az smiled as she sensed his acknowledgement.

She knew thoughts of the white deer would keep her up that night, they filled her mind as she helped clean out the main station cabin. Eversong retired to the pasture with Foxy and the other horses; however he remained vigilant for the strange stag. Az tried her best to reassure him they were probably safe but she could feel how defensive he grew of her. Despite her own concern for him she was grateful he was here watching out for her.

Night came quickly as their work kept the rangers busy. Az soon settled down in her bunk, trying not to toss and turn as images of the deer filled her mind. Questions flitted through her thoughts such as why it had appeared to her now? Where was it from? Jorvik was certainly a magical place but thinking back to what she had sensed… that wasn’t pandoric energy in the slightest. She hummed softly and rolled to her other side. If anything it felt more like the Sleeping Widow or the Singing Yew, ancient and integral to the island rather than alien and unnatural. Yawning, she reached out through her connection to Eversong, feeling him weakly reply. The stallion was settling down to sleep as well but he returned her call.

“Can you help me sleep?” She asked, feeling his reply shortly after and a sense of calm washed over her. Soon she forgot her worries about the stag and felt the sweet embrace of sleep surrounding her.

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Morning came with the breaking of dawn, light filtering past the tall trees and into the grimey windows of the cabin. Az winced as the warm rays hit her face and she rolled over to avoid them. However what she couldn’t avoid was the loud alarm of one of the other ranger’s phones. Groans rose up from several of the others, Az among them as she finally gave up and moved to get out of bed. “Jeeze who’s got the crap ringtone?” She called out, rubbing at an eye.

“Ah, that’d be me, sorry I forgot to turn it off.” Astrid picked up the device, quickly silencing the blaring alarm off. The rest of the rangers stumbled out of bed, some dressing properly while others made their way to the kitchen. Az was surprised to see Rowan already at work making breakfast. The scent of bacon and eggs filled the cabin as she escaped into the bathroom before the others could hog it.

Settling down with a couple other groggy rangers at the table Rowan delivered a few finished strips of bacon to each and a couple fried eggs. “Mornin’ hope you all slept well!” Az snorted at how cheery they were, that was one thing the two didn’t share in common. Rowan was a morning person while Az was always a night owl.

“Ah about as well as one can on those old mattresses, I swear the horses are gonna get better rest.” She joked before snatching up a piece of bacon and popping it into her mouth.

“Yeah we were gonna get a few more z’s in until Astrid’s phone started blaring.” Yousef grumbled while pouring himself some juice.

“Well it’s still the work week, we can’t laze around too much up here. Lots to do after all.” Rowan smirked and tapped at the frying pan. “But I’ll let you guys sleep in on the weekends, if Astrid’s phone agrees.” They chuckled and Az couldn’t help but snort softly. “We’re gonna finish up the major repairs and cleaning today hopefully then start making plans on how we’re going to remap the Redwoods area. All of our maps are extensively out of date and any of the near complete ones have long been lost. As far as I can tell the last time they were updated was back during that Hartwood search.”

Az perked up at the mention of the mysterious ranger. “No one’s been up since then right?” She paused in her meal, looking between Rowan and Enitan who had been quiet since sitting down with her and Yousef.

Clearing his throat, Entian spoke up finally. “No, the whole area was abandoned since staff was short back then, right Rowan?” The Aussie nodded before Entian continued. “The rumors of the area being haunted didn’t really help so it kind of just fell to the wayside.”

“Haunted? Really?” Az tilted her head. “Rowan, you never mentioned that part.” Her gaze returned to the senior ranger while she took a sip of her drink.

“Ah yeah, I try not to spread those rumors to be honest, makes it harder to get a proper team together. See, we’ve been getting a decent growth in rangers over the last few years. Tiera and Astrid are a great example and given their skill sets I figured they’d be good on this mission. Of course Az you were my top pick.” They motioned at her with the spatula. “Not just because you managed to get up here on your own but you’re among our top rangers right now.”

The redhead blushed softly and smiled. “Thanks, that means a lot.” She paused, mind wandering back to yesterday with the deer. But she also couldn’t wait to start mapping out the Redwoods with Foxy and do some trail rides with Eversong off duty this weekend.

In the background of her thoughts the conversation continued. “They never found her did they?” Yousef asked.

“Nope, there’s been all sorts of strange rumors though.” Enitan started, Az tuning back into the conversation as he began talking about the famous ranger. Midway through the conversation Tiera and Astrid joined breakfast, listening to the storyteller weave the tale of Edith Octavia Hartwood. “She was a legend… one of the first rangers who stepped foot in the Redwoods and well, possibly even beyond. I think most of you by now have heard the tales of mysterious valley deeper in the mountains yes?” A chorus of mumbling agreement and nods mixed with confusion from Yousef. “Well, there’s believed to be this valley somewhere close to us past the mountain face. However no matter what no one seems to be able to get up there. Even attempts to use drones or satellite cameras all result in equipment lost or fuzzy photos. No one can explain why and so far everyone who’s tried to breach the mountain has met terrible fates. Most go missing, this station is the closest recorded settlement to where we think the valley is.” A murmuring of curiosity came from the group except for Astrid who rolled her eyes.

“Just bad luck and there’s probably some kind of weird magnetic thing up there. I’m sure it’s explainable with science.” She huffed, finishing off her meal and leaving to finish getting dressed.

Az frowned and watched her go before returning her attention to Enitan. “Please continue, I’d love to hear more.”

The fellow ranger nodded and proceeded with the rest of his tale. “Well, Edith as I said was a legend among the rangers as far as I know but at the same time she’s somewhat of an enigma. A lot of us know her for being one of the most dedicated rangers in decades but along with that dedication are rumors she might have been a bit… mad.” He took a sip of his drink before continuing. “You see, Hartwood was believed to be very passionate about protecting Mistfall and especially the Jorvik Wild Horses. Back in her day a lot more herds roamed the area, most of them seemed to be up here in the Redwoods but we even had a few herds back down in Southern Mistfall. Nowadays they’ve all but disappeared and only once in a blue moon do you see them but they’re still here. It only fueled the rumors of that secret valley further.” He waved his hand.

“Jorvik Wilds? Wait… aren’t those...” Az thought for a moment, it sounded familiar. She snapped her fingers, trying to remember. “Ah! Yeah weren’t those some of the horses that resembled primievel equines from before the Jarl’s arrival?”

“I see someone’s done their homework” Enitan joked. “But yes Az, they’re also basically a national treasure and highly protected. It’s believed Jorvik Wilds don’t just let anyone ride them, they share some of the strongest bonds with their riders and seem to choose their rider unlike most modern day horses. It’s fascinating really.”

“So… what happened to Hartwood?” Tiera piped up, leaning forward into the table now intrigued.

“Ah yes, as I said Edith was deeply interested in protecting these horses. However no one really knows what happened to her. The herds were starting to thin out in Southern Mistfall by the time she joined the rangers and during her days they all but disappeared everywhere but up in the Redwoods. She was the one responsible for the structures up here actually, right Rowan?” 

The Aussie nodded, having long since joined them and was quietly munching away at their meal while listening in. “Indeed. The cabin, the fences, there’s even an old watchtower somewhere up here that she had built. Everything was, as far as I understood, designed to blend in with the local area as much as possible. You guys think that the growth on the roofs is from time? As far as we know it seems that was one of her ideas for trying to make the structures less intrusive. Same for that old stick fence we call a paddock.” Rowan let out a small bark of laughter before leaning back in their chair and smiling. “I think she did a pretty good job though with the resources she had.”

Enitan nodded and continued. “Yeah, she got this whole place setup and running but for the most part she was the only one up here. There were a lot of staff shortages back then and as far as I’ve learned the building of Redwood Point was unfortunately more costly than they expected. It was nice for a while it seemed but over time the rangers up here dwindled until only Hartwood was left. No one realized she was missing until it was too late. She never came back down for her scheduled resupply and a small group went up to check on her. Everything looked normal but Edith was nowhere to be found. She had long since stopped contact with the southern station but usually still came by in person. No one knew when she actually disappeared so a search party went up right away. Of course as the story goes, still no sign of her and even looking through belongings didn’t leave a hint. It was as if she just up and vanished one day.”

Rowan nodded. “Yeah rumors still abound, those less superstitious think it was just wolves and she got unlucky. There was no sign of her horse either so they assumed both were lost. However those who spin tall tales tell of everything from a sasquatch to aliens. The search party scoured the entire area but there were no traces of her remains, no scraps of clothing, no horse, nothing.”

“Yeah she wasn’t the sort of person to just give up on her tasks out of the blue either. Some tried suggesting she just moved out one day but nothing in the cabin or watchtower signified that.” Enitan shrugged. “Actually I think all her belongings are still around here somewhere if the elements haven’t ruined them.”

“Uhh… you guys wouldn’t mind if I had a look up at them do you?” Az finally spoke up, her interest piqued. “I’ve been curious about Hartwood since Rowan told me about her early on in my time as a ranger.”

Rowan waved their hand. “Go ahead as long as it’s while you’re off duty. If you find anything out I’d love to hear it.” Enitan and Tiera agreed. Az grinned and the group finished off breakfast with some more cheerful chatting. The remainder of the morning was spent sorting out details regarding the last cleanup of the station for now and discussion of cartography. Az was on stable duty next and she was happy to visit Eversong and Foxfire before setting to work making the stable inhabitable again for their equine companions. Once the station was in working order again they could finally begin their real mission. Soon they would be mapping the Redwoods out all over again.

#my writing #dreamdragon #standard #dreamdragon standard #wildwoods #into the wildwoods #sso

[creator-zee]

187

       The dress may have once been nice, but now it was soaking wet, clinging to the girls skin, and covered in mud. The girl - or woman more accurately - who was wearing it, wasn’t in much better shape. Her hair was matted, her face was splattered with mud, her fleet were bloody and she was exhausted. Struggling, as she pushed her tired body further up the steep mountain path. If it could even be called the. The path was only used by animals, few humans ever daring to climb this mountain. They knew the legends that told of a dangerorus monster at the top of the mountain. Some claimed it was a dragon, others a powerful witch. No one really knew, since no one returned. 

        That may have been the reason others stayed away, but that was the reason that Rene was struggling to climb the mountain. Eventually the path began to level out and she saw a gentle trail of smoke rising in the distance, a fire. 

        She stumbled and fell, crying out in pain. She heard a dull thud, and when she next looked up, a towering figure stood in front of her. With the sun behind them she couldn’t make anything but their silhouette out, it was winged. It was the monster.

         “Please, please kidnap me.” She pleaded, her voice weak and sore.

        Fully prepared to tear the random girl a new one, the monster paused, surprised. 

        “Sorry, what?” She asked, completely taken off guard.

         “Kidnap me...” The girl pleaded once again, her voice still barely there, raspy, probably due to a parched throat.

         Tiera paused, looking down at the disheveled figure. She couldn’t just leave her here. She crouched and picked up the (surprisingly light) surprise guest carrying further down the trail to where she made a cave her home. The stranger was freezing cold and shivering. Tiera instinctively pulled her closer, using her own body heat to warm the stranger. 

        Tiera shouldered open the door to the cave. It was a lot less evil dragon lair and a lot more cozy home than Rene had been expecting, at least what she saw as she struggled to fight off unconsciousness. Tiera noticed the strangers eyes beginning to drop.

        “Come on, stay awake.” She urges gently as she lay the stranger down next to the fire pit. “Tell me your name.”

         “Rene.” Rene grunted. 

         “Ok Rene, stay with me.” Tiera urged, as she briefly turned away to light the fire with a breath. 

           “Woah...” Rene muttered.

           “I need to get you out of these wet clothes.” Tiera told Rene, giving her warning before she began peeling the wet cloth off Rene. Rene was too out of it, as exhaustion and hypothermia caught up to her, to really understand totally what was going on.

         Tiera set the wet dress to dry by the fire, and grabbed a cloth and some spare clothes. She carefully cleaned Rene off, before redressing her. She noticed that her feet were completely torn up, from her complete lack of shoes. Tiera got up again to grab some bandages and carefully cleaned and bandaged the girl’s feet. Realizing that she had just laid the girl on the hard ground, Tiera fetched several blankets and laid the girl on a couple before wrapping one around her. 

      At some point, despite Tiera’s muttering, the girl had fallen unconscious. Tiera just hoped that she would wake back up again. Instead of worrying, she focused on cleaning up, even taking the time to wash the girl’s dress before hanging it to dry. Once the dress was clean it really was impressive, slightly ruined, yes, but it was exquisitely made. Whoever this Rene girl was, she came from money. That just led to more questions. Tiera couldn’t understand why a girl would go to such lengths to escape from what was probably a luxurious life. 

       She glanced again at the, now lightly snoring, stranger. She wouldn’t get any answers until she woke up. She would just have to wait until then. 

187.1

        Rene woke up wrapped in soft blankets. She sighed. That meant that the frantic escape and the oddly caring monster (that breathed fire?) was all a dream. She sighed, rolling to her back and looking up. To see a stone ceiling illuminated unevenly by flames. Okay... so not a dream. 

       Rene pushed herself and began looking around the room. It was like she remembered, cozy. She was laid in front of the fireplace, but there was a bed by one wall closer to the door. It had been stripped of blankets. The door itself was part of a wooden wall that separated the cave from the outside. On the same wall as the bed there was a shelf further down. The shelf had a variety of herbs, food and bottles on it. In the opposite wall there was a small armory, swords, daggers, axes, bows, armor. 

       It was slightly intimidating, but not as much as the large figure who just walked in the door, carrying a large piles of wood. She knew, logically, that they had taken care of her, but still... they were huge, and had wings, and could breathe fire.

       “Oh, you’re awake.” The monster said, surprised. “Good.”

       They moved to the back of the cave, adding the firewood to the pile, while Rene just sat, frozen, knees pulled to her chest. As the monster stood again, she realized that they were very much a she and that she wasn’t wearing anything on her upper half except a cloth wrap that wound around their chest. With the way it had to wrap around her wings, it covered a decent amount of her chest, but left her abs, and arms bare. Damn she was hot. Since when were monsters allowed to be hot.

       Rene next had the realization that she was not in her own clothes. She faintly remembered the monster saying she had to take her clothes off because they were wet. She then realized that the minister had seen her naked, and a fierce blush took over her face.

       Tiera stood nearby, waiting for the girl to process. She has seen Rene’s eyes scan over her body, but assumed it was because of the wings and scales. She only got worried when she suddenly flushed bright red.

        “Are you okay?” She asked, worriedly. “Are you too hot? I’m sorry I’m not good with temperatures.”

        “No - uh - no it’s fine. It’s good. It’s great. You’re just, uh, you don’t have a shirt...” Rene stammered, trailing off.

         “What? Oh... sorry.” Tiera apologized, but quickly grabbed a shirt from a chest at the end of her bed and pulled it on, struggling to get her wings to fit through two slits in the back. This was why she generally avoided shirts. But, she didn’t want to make her guest uncomfortable.

         “Would you, um, why are you here?” Tiera asked, coming off more blunt than she meant to be.

         Rene sighed, pulling her knees closer to her chest. “My dad sold me away to a foreign kingdom’s prince. Not as a wife, but as a, as a- “ Rene choked on her words, unable to continue, but Tiera got the idea.

         “Stop you don’t have to go on.” Tiera assured the girl, who had tears running freely down her face. “You can stay here. I just can’t promise it’ll be as nice as wherever you came from.”

        “Really?” Rene asked, surprised by her kindness.

        Tiera nodded. 

         “Umm. What’s your name?” Rene asked, slightly awkwardly. “I keep calling you ‘the monster’ in my head, but that doesn’t seem fitting.”

        Tiera chuckled. “It’s pretty fitting, but my name is Tiera.”

         Rene gave Tiera a questioning look. “Last time I checked monsters don’t save random damsels in distress and give them a place to stay.”

         Tiera shrugged. “You should probably drink something and eat something.”

         She lifted a canteen off a hook and handed it to Rene. “I’ll be back soon. Don’t go anywhere.

           “Where are you going?” Rene asked, as Tiera grabbed a bow and quiver off the wall. 

           “Hunting.” Tiera said with a slightly unnerving grin that made Rene wonder what she was hunting. 

          Tiera left as she settled the quiver on her back between her wings. She stretched them, wincing as the fabric of the shirt slightly restricted her movement. Stupid clothing. She grumbled about it as she took off, gliding over the forest searching for prey. She wasn’t worried about Rene. No one would get past her spells without her knowing, so unless Rene did something stupid inside she would be fine. 

        God she was so dumb to take a human girl in. Well, not a girl really, they were probably the same age, but she was so small and fragile. Humans were so fragile. They didn’t have scales, most of them didn’t know how to use magic, and they were so sensitive to temperature. But, she couldn’t just turn her away and leave her to die. 

        Tiera sighed as she saw a deer below her. She would chastise herself for poor decisions later, right now, she had to hunt. She focused on the lithe beast below her, flying lower, following the deer above, near silently. With practiced motions Tiera nocked an arrow, drew back, paused for the barest hint of a moment and released the string with a twang. By the time the deer reacted it was already too late, the arrow and hid its mark, the deer fell. 

        Tiera swooped down, landing softly. She murmured a soft thanks to the deer for giving up its life to her, before scooping it up and taking off again. She landed outside the cave, and set the deer down. She removed the arrow, checking it over for damage, before wiping it off and storing it. She next slipped her knife out of its sheath of her leg and quickly skinned the deer. She grabbed a cleaver from where it was proved against a log and divided the deer up with practiced motions. 

        She grabbed a piece and almost began eating, before she remembered that her human guest would need her food cooked. She set the meat back down and walked into the cave. Rene has fallen back asleep in front of the fire. Tiera crouched next to her and gently shook her shoulder. 

       Rene startled awake, lashing out blindly. Tiera backed you, surprised, she expected the noble girl to be used to being woken up by others.

        “Sorry.” She apologized anyway. “I just wanted to ask if you had a preference on the cut of meat, or how it’s cooked.”

          Rene sat up, still disoriented. “Uh, the cooks normally just give me food.” She admitted.

          Tiera debated with herself, before finally speaking. “Do you want to learn?”

          “Learn?” Rene asked, tilting her head slightly.

          “How to, uh, do things. Staying here is not going to be like staying in a place.” Tiera explained, while gesturing to the room. “There’s no servants here, just a monster.”

        Tiera stood. “Come outside if you want something to eat. Just don’t wait too long or I’ll have hung it somewhere to dry.”

        Rene watched as Tiera left, she didn’t understand why the woman kept insisting on calling herself a monster. She had been nothing but kind. She did have a point though. This wasn’t a castle. She should learn to not be so helpless. She followed her host out the door, startled by the sight of the butchered deer, and she struggled to stop her stomach from rolling, but she forced herself to sit next to the outside fire pit. 

       She had significantly less trouble controlling her stomach when she saw Tiera dig into a piece of raw meat. Rene scrambles to her feet and ran to the cliff before the meager contents of her stomach leave it. 

        “Are you ill?” Tiera asked, concerned.

         Rene glanced back at her, and saw the picture of the monster so many saw her as, with around the edge of her face.

         “Uh, you, I’m, raw meat.” Rene managed to finally stumble out. 

         “Oh, sorry.” Tiera quickly apologized, wiping her mouth off. She lit the fire with a quick puff, before spearing the meat on a nearby stick and holding it over the fire. 

          Rene wipes her own mouth off and Tiera handed her another canteen as she came back near the fire. 

          Rene’s curiosity had been growing so she finally decided just to bite. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

         Tiera raised an eyebrow. “Would you prefer if I ate you? Or locked you away in a dungeon? Or up in a tower?”

        “What? No.” Rene shook her head. “I’m just so confused. You’re willing to change your behavior for a complete stranger. You keep apologizing for what I’m sure - for you - are completely normal things.”

         Tiera shrugged. “I wasn’t just going to let you die.”

          “But you’ve done more than that.” Rene argued.

         Tiera shrugged again. “Unlike some humans I know basic hospitality. Just don’t look too deep into it. I didn’t want to let you die, and I don’t want to just lick you out the door. Everyone deserves a safe space.”

         “Well, thank you, for everything.” Rene said, before daring to glance at the deer carcass again. “Now, mind showing me how to cook.”

         Tiera smiled and proceeded to teach her. 

187.2

        Tiera tensed from her perch high up on the cliff, someone had crossed her perimeter wards. She took off and landed on the ground, surprised to see a woman about her age, in badly fitting armor, weilding a sword that was too big for her. This was completely unexpected. No one had come up in two months since Rene got here. 

         “Let my friend go. I’m here to rescue her from you, foul beast.” The lady declared, while brandishing the sword.

         Tiera raised an eyebrow, nudging the sword to one side, the poor girl could barely keep it up. “Who are you?”

         “Nyla, now give me Rene back.” Nuls threatened, but Tiera was unimpressed. 

          Tiera sighed, grabbing the other’s arm. “Come on.”

         As she dragged the intruder closer to camp she called out. “Rene do you need rescuing?”

        “What? No...” Rene called back, turning to face Tiera as she came around the corner. “Nyla!?”

         Tiera sighed. “She came here to rescue you from a foul beast.”

          “Although I appreciate the sentiment. I’m not a prisoner.” Rene said, smiling at Nyla, before laughing. “Besides what were you going to with that?”

        Nyla stared, confused. “But, but, then, what’s going on?”

        Tiera sighed. “You explain Rene, I’ll get us some food and water. Also, take off the ridiculous armor, at least get something that fits.”

         Rene gestured for Nyla to take a seat as Tiera went inside. She grabbed two canteens, and glanced at a set of armor on the wall, it was too small for her. She grabbed it, and a sword more fitting for Nyla.

         She returned outside and Rene seemed to have finished telling her story. Tiera tossed the canteens at her before turning to Nyla.

          “Come on, let's get you some proper armor.” She said, waving the girl over. 

         Nyla stared at her and the armor she was holding in surprise.

         Tiera sighed. “If you still want to fight me, the least I can do is give you a fighting chance with the proper equipment.”

          Nyla shifted awkwardly. “Honestly, getting this on was a struggle, I don’t know how to get it off.”

         Tiera sighed again, setting down the armor she had grabbed. “How were you planning on defeating me?”

          “I don’t know.” Nyla admitted. “I was desperate.”

          “Desperate to escape, or desperate to save Rene?” Tiera asked, as she began unbuckling the armor.

           Nyla suddenly got flustered at the very close proximity of the not really a monster. 

           “Uh, a little, both.” She stammered out. 

           Tiera noticed Nyla’s blush, but promptly ignored it. She was not fighting with a shirt right now. If Rene could get used to it, Nyla could too. Tiera finished taking the armor off, setting it all to the side. 

          “Still want to fight me?” Tiera asked. 

          Nyla shook her head.

          “Do you want armor?” Tiera asked. 

          Nyla shook her head again.

         Tiera turned and went back inside putting everything away. Rene gave Nyra a knowing look.

           “You like her.” She said, as if it was a fact.

            “No.” Nyra quickly dismissed, but her blush said otherwise. “I barely know her. She’s just, she’s unfairly hot for a monster.”

           Rene’s response was cut off by Tiera coming back outside. 

           “I don’t have anything to eat inside so if you want to eat you’ll have to wait for me to hunt.” She told the two.

            They realized that she had a quiver slung across her back, and a bow in one hand. She was anticipating that they - or at least Nyla - would want to eat.

          “Isn’t that uncomfortable?” Nyla asked, gesturing to the quiver. “Doesn’t it rub on your skin?”

           Tiera shook her head, turning so that Nyla could see her back - it was covered in the same shimmering blue scales that covered her wings. “My scales are far more durable than your skin.”

            “What are you?” Nyla asked, bluntly and Rene gasped.

            “You can’t just ask someone that.” Rene hissed, chastising.

           Tiera didn’t care though. “Half-dragon.” She answered plainly. “Now I’m going hunting, please do not burn my home down.”

           Tiera took off and was left wondering how she now had two humans staying with her - she assumed Nyla would stay. What were they going to do for sleeping? Tiera didn’t have any more blankets, considering she almost never got cold. She would just have to make another bed so that then the blankets Rene was sleeping on could go to Nyla. God, she should just kick them out. What had she gotten herself into?”

187.3

        Tiera tensed, pausing mid-sentence as she felt people passing through her perimeter. Lots of people. She had a feeling she knew what - who - they were here for. She - they - didn’t have much time. 

         Tiera grabbed the two humans who had been staying with her the last few months and shoved them in a corner. “Stay here. Stay quiet. Don’t move. Don’t talk.”

          Rene and Nyla just nodded, they had never seen Tiera like this before. Her wings were flared slightly, and she had an expression of, of something they couldn’t quite place, a mix of anger but also protectiveness. 

        Tiera turned and stalked away, grabbing two swords of the wall as she left. The humans were slightly concerned that she didn’t take any armor, but they trusted that Tiera knew what she was doing. 

        Tiera’s magic was boiling just under the surface. She was just barely keeping it under control. She was used to the territorial urges from her dragon half, but she wasn’t used to the fierce protectiveness (from both halves) that had taken grip of her as she saw the soldiers that were there to take away her Rene and her Nyla.

         Tiera landed in front of the group of soldiers, roaring, meeting every expectation these soldiers had for the monster on the top of this mountain. She did not waste words as a stream of hot flames pushed the knights back, back past her perimeters. She tightened her grip on her swords as she advanced. These intruders needed to leave or die. She was happy to help them with the latter. She rushed the first line of knights. The steep rugged terrain meant that only one or two could make it up to the path to face her. They had no chance to outnumber her. 

        She kicked the first knight in the chest knocking him back and causing a domino effect. The next one she quickly disarmed, before decapitating him. She remained untouched until a knight with a golden helmet stepped forwards. He could actually hold his own and managed to land a grazing blow on her lower abdomen.

         Tiera responded by roasting him, with a torrent of flame. It caused the next knights to hesitate to step forwards but when they saw her strange green blood dripping from the cut the charges with new confidence, misplaced confidence as they were easily cut down, Tiera’s blades finding all the weak spots in their armor.

         They had numbers, but Tiera had a lot of stamina, and magic. Although she mostly used it in the form of breathing fire she also used it to strategically vanish some armor or move some ground. Driven mostly by her baser dragon urges to protect her territory and her mates she wasn’t in the right state of mind to do much complex magic. 

       Eventually, only one knight was left standing in front of Tiera who was panting, soaked in sweat, and still bleeding from a single cut on her abdomen. The knight dropped his sword in surrender, looking up at the wild woman.

         “How about we find a more peaceful solution, something mutual beneficial, like I don’t know, sex?” The knight asked, offered, pleaded, either way it was incredibly stupid, as the only thing he warned was an enchanted blade running him through, like his armor didn’t en en exist. 

          Satisfied that she was done defending for now, Tiera calmed back down. She sighed as she looked over the bodies strewn all over her mountain. Now she had to clean that all up.

         As she began cleaning up the bodies (scavenging anything useful and burning the rest), Tiera realized, with growing horror why she had been so protective. It wasn’t just her territory that she was protecting, but Rene and Nyla. They had been in her territory as ‘guests’ for quite a while, but dragon instincts had two categories for those on a dragon’s territory, enemy or family. Sure, dragons had friends, but they always met on neutral territory. A dragon’s territory was sacred to them. So, since Rene and Nyla didn’t fall into the enemy territory, they fell into family. And since they weren’t blood related, that meant they were family in the only other way - a romantic partner.

        Fuck. Stupid fucking instincts was going to make this so awkward. Some primal part of her had claimed them as hers. She couldn’t act on it. She didn’t have their consent, besides she was a monster. She just feared what would happen if she couldn’t get this under control. Eventually, they would leave and what would happen to Tiera. Dragons were extremely loyal, loyal to a fault. Once they chose a partner - a mate (Tiera mentally grimaced at the word, she didn’t even want to humor the thought) - they stuck with them, to the end. 

        Fuck. Tiera was so screwed. This was already stupidly out of control. And both of them, why both, why any? Why couldn’t it be neither? Why had she let them stay in her territory? Even as she thought it, she regretted thinking it. She had grown to lo-like Rene and then Nyla. Their naivety was amusing, and both of them were willing to learn. Nyla had even begun learning how to shoot, while Rene was experimenting with cooking. 

       Tiera wouldn’t give them up for anything. Although at first she had been annoyed by the infusion in her territory it no longer felt like an intrusion - they were no longer strangers, and at least a small part of her wanted them to be more than friends, but it was too much to ask. She needed to get herself under control. She couldn’t go running her friendships with the only people in the past few years that weren’t trying to kill her. While Nyla has at first, but that hadn’t lasted long.

        Tiera has run out of bodies, out of excuses. She had to go back and face them. At least she was better under control, her dragon half was not so firmly in control as at the start of the battle. Tiera collected her blades from where she had left them at the top of the hill and she went back inside.

        Both Nyla and Rene breathed sighs of relief as Tiera walked back in. They had grown increasingly nervous as the sounds of battle reached them, and almost doubly so when it stopped and Tiera still didn’t return. They both lept forwards, engulfing Tiera in a hug. Rene threw her arms around Tiera’s shoulders, while Nyla slipped them around her waist.

        Tiera grunted slightly at the pressure on her wound that she still had to bandage. Both women recognized the rare sound of discomfort and backed off. 

         “Are you okay?” Rene asked at the same time Nyla gasped. “Your stomach.”

          Tiera stepped away from her two concerned friends, hanging her swords on the wall, before moving towards the shelf in the other side of the room.

           “I’m fine.” Tiera answered in response to their questions.

           “I’ve never seen you injured before.” Rene commented instead of what had almost come of her tongue - wow your blood is green. 

           “I don’t often get injured.” Tiera muttered as she cleaned her wound and wrapped it. “But, I’m not invincible.”

           “What did they want?” Nyla dared to ask.

            “Presumably to ‘rescue’ you.” Tiera answered, as she began placing the useful items she had scavenged in the shelf. 

            “Presumably?” Nyla pressed, while Rene peered at what Tiera was putting away, curious what the half-dragon considered useful.

           “I, Uh, there wasn’t a chance to talk.” Tiera said, coughing slightly, embarrassed, not wanting the others to know just how she had acted. 

          “You talked to me?” Nyla pressed, confused. 

           “You were one person.” Tiera explained. “There were easily fifty of them, in my territory.” Her voice turned to a growl at the end and she paused to collect herself. “Sorry, I get, uh, territorial, it’s the dragon in me.”

            “Territorial?” Rene raised an eyebrow trying to meet Tiera’s gaze. “But you let us stay.”

            “You’re different.” Tiera grunted, hoping they wouldn’t push much further.

           “How?” Rene pushed. The half-dragon still had never given her a straight answer no matter how many times she tried. 

           “You just are.” Tiera said, growing uncomfortable. “Come on, it's late we should eat and go to sleep.”

          Rene realized that once again she wasn’t getting anywhere and decided just to start cooking. That was one thing that she had quickly surpassed the half-dragon in. Rene often caught Tiera just eating raw meat when she wasn’t around the others. She did refrain from doing that around then though, because it made them uncomfortable. 

#dragon #dragon saving the princess #half-dragon #protective #writing #escaoe #unexpected hospitality #not edited

[onceland]

Once Upon a Time stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas talk the end of an era

x

Josh Dallas stands in front of a massive war room table, his Prince Charming rallying the troops in a last-ditch effort to prevent a great evil from stealing their happy endings. A combination of old guard and new from Once Upon a Time’s seven-season run sits before him.

“A new generation has joined the fight,” Dallas says in his most Charming tenor, nodding in the direction of Alice (Rose Reynolds), Robin (Tiera Skovbye), Henry (Andrew J. West), and Ella (Dania Ramirez). “Enemies have become friends,” he continues, looking to Regina (Lana Parrilla) and Zelena (Rebecca Mader). Charming concludes by addressing the presence of Wish Realm Hook (Colin O’Donoghue) as a new friend who feels like an old one. Once Upon a Time is days away from completing production on the final episode of the series, but everyone has gathered for his and real-life wife Ginnifer Goodwin’s final day on set.

The moment is charged as Charming reveals they’ve uncovered final villain Wish Realm Rumplestiltskin’s (Robert Carlyle) ultimate plan. Goodwin’s Snow White signals the Black Knights to bring in a stack of personalized storybooks — but so does Charming. They’re both trying to have their characters take the lead. When Dallas also does the signal during their third take of the scene, Goodwin can’t help but break character, ribbing her husband: “You can’t not do that, can you?” Mader cuts in with a laugh: “That’s called marriage.”

While OUAT has depicted Snow and Charming’s epic love story since the show’s launch in 2011, fans also got to watch their portrayers fall in love. The duo, who began dating while filming the show, got married in April 2014. They welcomed their first child a month later and their second in June 2016. Though Goodwin and Dallas left the show at the end of season 6, the two will return for the upcoming series finale, which airs over two weeks starting this Friday and concluding May 18. EW hit the set on the couple’s final day of filming to talk about the show’s legacy. [Editor’s note: The interviews took place separately, but were stitched together.]

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: As you head into your final day of production, how are you feeling right now? GINNIFER GOODWIN: Oh my gosh, I’m a mess. Leaving a show was a really tough decision, but one that we spent years making. … It involved a lot of discussing child rearing with our showrunners, because we really wanted to be spending more time with the kids. We really needed to start Ollie in school — we had gotten him into a school in Los Angeles. But anyways, we had decided that that was what was best for our family. Though a difficult decision, it was one that we were very confident about. We left celebrating. I realized in coming back and having had the show decide to tell its final story in this final episode, that I had always counted on this show as being here — I always counted on my being able to return, sort of like when we all go off to college, we know that home is still home. Now knowing that home is being obliterated, as it were, that the sets will be torn down, I’ve been really overly emotional. I have been crying for the past 24 hours. It doesn’t help that the scenes, of which we are part, are classic Once Upon a Time scenes. They’re inspiring. The word “hope” is batted around an awful lot, so it is very nostalgic feeling. I’m definitely mourning the loss. I wish that it could just go on forever and that we always knew that it would be here when we’re homesick.

JOSH DALLAS: It feels surreal to be back, but also wonderful. I’m so grateful that I was part of the fabric of Once Upon a Time, a show that seemed to touch a chord in so many people and had a fan base that is so passionate, so smart, so vocal, and so willing to go along on the ride with us. It will always be a great thrill in my life that I was part of Once Upon a Time, and I got to play this character, and hopefully show a different side of this character to people, and show you things that you didn’t know about him. And hopefully, the show inspired. It’s a show about hope and it’s a show about how it’s your actions that define who you are. You’re not either all good or all bad. It’s about your choices that make your character. Saying goodbye to it is bittersweet, but I’m so grateful.

Ginnifer, what does it mean to you to have had a strong female character like Snow White brought into a new era? GOODWIN: It’s amazing that, honestly, these guys wrote a truly female-driven show. I mean, they began years before we joined the fray in 2011. It was instrumental then in my choosing to take part. I was coming off of a female-heavy show [Big Love]. I was coming off of a show that was written in which the roles for women were very strong, but to come on to a show that was female-driven, and by the way written by men, was important to me. The way that women were depicted in this show, it was brave of the men to write them so bravely. It’s wild to me, also in the current climate, in talking about television, that it hasn’t been highlighted that Once Upon A Time has always done this. [Showrunners Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis] both come from very strong relationships with very strong women. Those have been definitely celebrated on screen in their writing.

Can you talk about the oddity of playing Jennifer Morrison’s mother for years when you’re basically the same age? GOODWIN: Yeah, I know. There’s always sort of this safety net of, “We are fairy-tale characters, and therefore we are ageless.” Colin’s character, Hook, is supposed to be — I don’t remember how old — hundreds of years? Rumple is hundreds and hundreds of years. In that way, in justifying it in character, it’s always sort of made sense that we could be so similar in look and in spirit. As an actor, we’ve only really felt old in realizing that this next generation that we’re representing today really did graduate from college like a minute ago, like they really could be our children. That’s what’s made us feel old.

And Josh, what has it meant to you to play Prince Charming? DALLAS: It’s meant everything to me. It changed my life as well as other people’s lives, our fans’ lives. It’s meant everything to me. It did change my life and helped create my family, my own family at home. Like I said, I’m just forever grateful to be part of it.

What do you think it was about Once Upon a Time that made it last this long? GOODWIN: The show is so optimistic, while being really realistic. These characters were all extraordinary, but we can see ourselves in them. I think that the part of us that wants to escape, can. We can disappear into their stories. I feel like everyone can find not just one, but probably several characters that they relate to, and whom they would want to be. But at the same time, these characters are really flawed and messy. I think that their feelings are so universal. Yeah, it’s that relatability. I love extraordinary stories that are full of really relatable characters. Who knew that fairy-tale characters could be relatable in any way?

What do you think Once Upon a Time’s legacy will be? DALLAS: I think it will be a show that preached hope. I think that’s the legacy.

GOODWIN: Oh my gosh. Well, I like to think that it was the first of its kind. At the time that we made the pilot, no one was doing anything like this. And I feel like it even pre-empted the swashbuckling princesses on the big screen. It was so new. And I hope that it’s remembered as being groundbreaking. And I hope, as we’re discussing, that it’s remembered as being representative of the strongest kinds of complex and beautiful women. And I hope that there is enough love for the show that we do reunion specials along the way.

What was the most poignant fan interaction you’ve had because of this show? DALLAS: There really has been so many. I’ve been so humbled and grateful that there have been so many. Many people coming up saying how Once got them through a rough time or how it inspired them to love better, to hate better, to do everything better, and to know that they’re not alone. I’ve heard that from several different people. Those are always memorable.

GOODWIN: I feel like, more than it being about anything that’s been said, having fans not just come to Comic-Con, but show up in Vancouver on location dressed as our characters, has been truly amazing to me. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and the fact that people relate to it to that extent I find to be powerful. The show’s been fun, and it has been meaningful to me because of what I’ve gotten from the scripts, and also because of the relationships that I have formed on set. The fact is that my entire real life has blossomed because of this show. Early on, to see that the show meant that much, that people went to that extent in representing the characters, made me really take what we’re doing here more seriously. And then, I could not respect more that the creators also took that seriously and really have listened to the fans over the years, and really have written the show for the fans. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of something where there was that kind of focus. I mean, there’s always been a need, obviously, to draw in viewers. And I don’t mean monetarily, I mean just in general what we do, we want people to need us. We need to be needed. But to have a show that’s written on or of the public, I find to be really special.

Do you have any regrets about leaving the show when you did? DALLAS: No. None at all, none at all. It’s always worked out. It’s worked out the way that I hoped it would. I’m forever grateful for our time on it, and when we left, it was time. It was time for us to go.

How would you describe the finale and how it compares to past OUAT season enders? DALLAS: The series finale compared to all the other finales is special because it is the last one, and it’s emotional like true Once Upon a Time style, but it’s also satisfying because it again comes full circle and ties everything together. I think it will leave our viewers and our fans so happy that they invested their time and their hearts into watching our show.

GOODWIN: I will say that, for the Evil Queen, there is a definitive change in this episode in what she really reveals she has learned, what she has taken to heart. I find it to be so powerful that I cried. That’s part of why I cried all through yesterday.

What brings Snow and Charming back into the fold? DALLAS: They get a message that Henry is in a tight situation and needs some help, so they do what any great grandparents would do that know how to use a sword and a bow and arrow, and they come to help out. They come to help out and rally the troops.

GOODWIN: I will say that I don’t really know what they’ve been up to. I mean, they’ve been in retirement. I think there have been a lot of lazy Sundays. What we do see is longer Snow hair. We don’t really know what has happened to them, but we know that they have gotten the message that they are needed, and they have answered the call.

How do you feel about the ending for your characters and how it comes full circle to the beginning of the series? GOODWIN: The pitch for the whole show was, “What would a world look like in which the Evil Queen got her happy ending?” And we feel that we’ve finally figured out what that would look like. Josh and I talked in the few minutes we were still awake after yesterday, we talked and talked about what an honor it was to be part of her happy ending. It was beyond satisfying. It was emotional, it was thrilling. It was dreamy. It’s where we always hoped it would go, but it has taken the Evil Queen … like her journey has been so dramatic. That circle has been so dramatic and she’s gone so far, she’s grown so much, that to see the fruits of the writers’ labors was really satisfying. I can’t imagine the fans won’t gobble it up.

DALLAS: It was really emotional, actually. The story began with Snow and the Evil Queen and Charming. We’re ending it with Snow, the Evil Queen, and Charming. The idea that Regina gets her happy ending is really emotional, that it’s finally come full circle, [it shows that] you just gotta keep at it and you have to keep believing.

GOODWIN: I love that the ending is open-ended. I feel that even our coming back just exemplifies the fact that nothing is ever over. Despite my devastation that we are ending the show in general, I do feel like we’re leaving it in a way that we could do those specials we discussed, that we could come back in five years, in 10 years, and revisit this. I fantasize about a special miniseries we could do — streaming, I don’t know. I think the revisitation is appropriate. This is the epitome of a Once Upon a Time episode, this is an old-school, nostalgic Once Upon a Time episode.

Can you talk about the importance of sending a message that anyone can get a happy ending? DALLAS: I think it’s so important to send that message, particularly in this day and age when we have so much negative-seeming in the world, and to know that you do have a second chance, that you can have redemption, is super-powerful. I think if you go through life and you don’t believe you can do that, it’s pretty bleak. I feel like Once Upon a Time can shine a little bit of lightness in the dark.

GOODWIN: I just know it to be true. I am dead-certain that Snow White is right, that hope is the magical ingredient in the potion. That is, everyone can find love, everyone can find happiness. Dreams are achievable. And the hope speech in the pilot, Mary Margaret’s hope speech, was what sealed the deal for me in the first place.

What are you doing to take away from this experience? DALLAS: Total gratitude.

Do you have a different affinity for fairy-tale characters after your experiences on OUAT? GOODWIN: My fairy-tale affinity/Disneyphilia is probably a bit stronger. It was part of the appeal in the first place because I love that whole world, these whole worlds. But yeah, I would say that it definitely hasn’t burned me out, it’s definitely fed the addiction.

If you could open up a new chapter of Once Upon a Time 10 years later, what would you want it to be about? GOODWIN: Yes! Well, we’ve been joking about the line Charming has today about the new generation that’s joined the fray, and we do have an opportunity, because of our agelessness — though it has made us feel very old today, that line. I’d like to think that we would be able to because all of the realms represent generation after generation after generation of magically infused beings. Yeah, just keep introducing more. I mean, I would love to have Snow White come back and fight alongside her great-great-granddaughter.

DALLAS: I hope there’s more adventures. I hope there’s just more adventures and these characters still keep trying to figure life out. I think that never ends for anybody, not just these characters, just anybody. You’re always trying to figure it out. I hope they still are pushing forward and they’re still growing and they’re still going on adventures.

You both have pilots in contention for the fall — Josh on NBC’s Manifest and Ginnifer on ABC’s Steps. GOODWIN: Yes, I cannot leave the Disney company, obviously. I did a play after we wrapped last year, after Once Upon a Time wrapped. And then my husband and I both took the fall off, and the winter, and we both just shot pilots, and mine is again with ABC. This one shoots in Los Angeles, which was the vital thing for us as a family in terms of keeping our kids in school, and why we left the show last year in the first place. So yes, ABC found for me yet again a magical life on another ABC show.

Once Upon a Time’s series finale will air over two weeks, kicking off this Friday at 8 p.m. ET and concluding Friday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

#ouat #ouat spoilers #7x22 spoilers #ginnifer goodwin #josh dallas #s7 spoilers

[ploppythespaceship]

Once Upon A Time Watch - Season 7

I DID IT. I FUCKING DID IT. I FINISHED.

Good Things:

Gonna say it right off the bat -- this season isn’t really good? But it’s also not bad. I had a good time watching it and personally, I think it’s stronger than seasons 5 and 6 were.

I love a lot of the new cast:

Andrew J. West as adult Henry

Dania Ramirez as Cinderella/Jacinda

Gabriella Anwar as Tremaine/Bellfrey

Mekia Cox as Tiana/Sabine

Adelaide Kane as Drizella/Ivy

Rose Reynolds as Alice/Tilly

Tiera Skovbye as Robin/Margot

Daniel Francis as Facilier/Samdi

Also, I think it really helps the narrative to make Cinderella a woman of color while her stepfamily is white.

Drizella is the standout new character, and I love the twist that she cast the curse, not her mother. She has a very good and satisfying arc.

For the earlier episodes of the season, I actually like more of the focus on day to day events in Hyperion Heights, rather than grand epic magic. It’s something I missed about season 1 that I’m glad came back.

This season also struck a fairly decent balance between day to day events and grand magical schemes. Characters were woken and regained their memories slowly, until both plots could interweave into one story. It had a few missteps but for the most part worked fairly well.

Alice and Robin are adorable, and I really appreciate the writers letting a lesbian couple finally take the center stage, rather than only being implied (Mulan/Aurora) or only lasting a single episode (Ruby/Dorothy).

I like Tremaine being Rapunzel. That was a nice way to combine the stories. And I much prefer this Rapunzel to the random one-off Rapunzel in season 3.

Tremaine giving her life to save Lucy is a nice touch and a good end to her character. She had a pretty solid arc for the season that I enjoyed.

At first I hated Alice being Nook and Gothel’s daughter, but it’s growing on me. I think because it’s a similar situation to Robin and Zelena, where the woman became pregnant by pretending to be someone else and tricking the man (hey OUAT writers, that’s rape, please remember this), but instead of excusing Zelena they keep Gothel as the villain the whole time, and it’s made very clear that Gothel is not Alice’s mother in any way that matters. It’s also a really nice connection for Nook, since he doesn’t have the relationships with the rest of the cast the same as regular Hook.

I like the finale taking place in the Wish Realm, purely for the sake of all the cameos they can bring in. I wish they’d played that up a bit more, honestly.

Overall, I like Rumple’s ending and his sacrifice. He did the right thing fully believing that he wouldn’t get back to Belle, and that’s ultimately what got him his happy ending with her. Good shit, good shit.

I also like how the entire story turned into Regina’s redemption arc, going full circle from the Evil Queen to the Good Queen. It’s cheesy, but it’s nice.

Bad Things:

It’s really obvious that they only had a handful of the original actors at their disposal. Some characters are unceremoniously written out, while others are awkwardly shoehorned in. They get the hang of it eventually, striking a balance between the old and the new, but for a while the setup is very awkward.

The downtown Seattle setting just isn’t working for me. Storybrooke had a very distinct feel to the entire town, and its locations were almost like characters in and of themselves. Meanwhile Hyperion Heights is just a generic downtown area that doesn’t stand out from the rest of the city at all. Also, people can freely come and go... but only sometimes. It’s very unclear.

Alison Fernandez has little kid charm, for sure, but not enough to really carry the series the way she needs to. I just can’t get attached to her the way I got attached to little kid Henry -- though I think it’s more down to the writing than her performance. They don’t let her carry the story, it’s all wrapped up in the other characters.

While Andrew J. West perfectly captures Henry, he also highlights how dull of a character Henry really is. There’s nothing really distinct about his personality or anything to latch onto for the lead character.

Everything about Rumple this season.

I didn’t care for Rumple and Belle’s final episode with the silly Up montage. And it makes no sense that Rumple spends all those years with no idea how to get rid of the dagger, but then as soon as Belle dies he knows that he needs to find the Guardian. Why didn’t he do that decades ago? That was very unclear.

They also?? Don’t explain what the Guardian is?? Ever?? It’s yet another mysterious title they give to people without ever fucking explaining it. First Anastasia is one. Then for some reason, Alice is, and we’re never given any further info. It’s the multiple Saviors from season 6 all over again.

And then to top it all off, Rumple’s immortality is removed... with the Author’s Pen. You know, something he could have found ages ago. He’s a smart dude, he would have thought of that.

Honestly, Rumple has lost all of his presence and power. It’s like he’s background noise, and it’s a waste of Robert Carlyle.

There's too many competing villains in too short a span of time, and they keep trying to one up each other. Like it’s a twist, there was secretly an even bigger villain behind it all. It’s like matryoshka dolls, but with half-assed villains. And I don't like the chief one being Gothel. There’s nothing wrong with her, but she’s just not nearly as compelling as Tremaine, Drizella, or Facilier.

The repeated Dark Curses start to feel like a cop out, but Drizella managing it without crushing anyone’s heart is the biggest cop out of all.

Robin and Zelena's mother daughter squabbles are really forced and feel like something out of a bad Disney channel original movie.

Why the hell does the curse go back in time as well? It doesn’t add anything but confusion. Now it could have been really cool if they’d shown Henry’s phone conversation only from young Henry’s side in the premiere, and that’s what prompted him to wander the realms. They could have left the mystery of that for the entire season, making for a satisfying reveal. The way it was set up, it just seems odd. It’s like they realized last minute that they had a timeline error and hastily wrote this in to cover for it.

The finale’s big bad is Wish Realm Rumplestiltskin, which is... okay. But feels repetitive since we’ve been so used to Rumple for so long.

I... I don’t understand how Rumple’s sacrifice wound up killing the other Rumple. They didn’t explain that. It’s not like characters split with the Jekyll/Hyde serum, where that’s clearly established as a rule -- these are two different versions of the same character, I... I don’t... yeah, okay.

#personal #ouat rewatch

[oxidation-corundum-archive-blog]

A Collection of Loving One-Shots.

Hello.

I originally typed this introduction when I was afraid that I would fall victim to myself…but it’s been a while. I’m stronger, now; I might fear that things’ll never be better, but…even if they don’t, that’s no reason to stop.

These are, as one can read, a collection of loving one-shots, written to distract myself from…myself. From what happens when I stay idle, don’t progress. Of course, they’re written for you guys, too.

Without further ado…I’ll list the couples under the cut, along with the couple names. Just copypaste them, and you’ll zip on over to that oneshot. In addition, I also have the second half of the pairs’ blog (since all these are one of my OCs and another person’s character): just find your blog name, and it’ll be right there.

I hope you enjoy these oneshots. I’ll be updating this page with more pairings, so please, if you want a fiction, let me know.

Ginger Snap (Ginger and Chrom) , Lichtenberg (Yarrow and Rayze [Not a character officially!]) @thatismhgy

Ivory Diatonic (Tentative name for Chrom and Ivory) @elucive

Chrome Silver (Chrom and Mia Winters) @fearlesschalybs

[In the future: Jaunedina and Jaunetania (Jaune/Undina, Jaune/Tittania)

Celestine Maidens (Tittania/Pyrrha), Silver Shield (Chrom/Pyrrha)]

@chainlightniing: Ginger Snap.

“You’re a bit out of practice, aren’t you?“ The Huntsman gripped Ostinato tightly, taking even breaths as Ginger recovered; she seemed to be in even worse shape than he was. His legs were now only pistons instead of Gods that mortals could pray to for safe passage, and while a fresh bun out of the oven was a major contributing factor to Ginger’s now less than peak performance, the lack of exercise (aside from sex and some stretching to alleviate the pain) didn’t do her any favors.

“Shut it, Sharp. You’re just jealous I can still jerk you around after doing nothing for nine months.” A soft laugh escaped his lips, and he gave his wife a gentle kiss on the cheek.

“Ginger, jerking around was all you did for those nine months! To the marketplace, to the sweet shoppe, to the battlefield when you shouldn’t have…” Sharp jabs were traded; strong words for a fist to the side.

“And we’re both alive. So is Russet.” And before Chrom could say anything, Ginger felt something.

Regret? Hesitation? Whatever it was, it was bothering her.

The jab with her left turned into a quick combination; one to the ribs, another to the face.

Chrom was sent reeling back, and he grimaced, holding his side. “Just because you’re still alive doesn’t mean it was a good idea! You can’t gamble like that when you have a child, Ginger!”

“And it never stopped me!” Her voice was as chipper as ever as she slammed her fists together. “If you’re so angry, bring it, old man.”

Chrom let out a high pitched scoff at the startling rebuttal before calming himself, a smirk on his face as he gripped his weapon a little tighter.

…Alright, then. We’ll talk seriously later.

@chainlightniing: Lichtenberg.

The tall man wiped some sweat off his forehead, squinting to look at a familiar, dirt covered, battle scarred blonde through some corn fields: walking down the road less traveled was a blue eyed, muscular woman that he was proud to call his wife, covered in scars and glistening in the sunlight.

Never a dull day…

He sprinted through his crops to the woman, picking her up and spinning her about with a grand old smile on his face; she was sweaty and smelled of strong, strong coffee and spices, and she was home again.

“Miss me, hon?” Her voice was low and warm like the coffee she smelled of; comforting after the days she’d been gone…

He responds with a quick nod, setting her down and gripping onto her hand. “Let’s get you some grub.”

The inside of the rustic looking home was quaint; family photos here and there, a weapon rack above the fireplace, Electric Dust cables to power the insides (thank you, Chrom connections)…t’was only a one story building, but to the Tiera/Astrapios couple, it was more than enough.

The blonde strode into the house, taking off her leather boots before taking a tight hold of her husband’s shoulders: pulling him down to meet her face to face, Yarrow planted a long, passionate kiss before strolling off to the bathroom. “…Have anything for a sandwich?”

Rayze was still standing there, a little dumbstruck.

@elucive Ivory Diatonic

Music is the silence between notes.

Chrom can hear the crackling of fire, the chirping of cicadas. Aura has done him many favors, and retaining his hearing was one he was forever grateful for.

He could hear the light snoring of the white hind faunus just behind him; he was never much for noise as he slept, but he’d grown used to it. At least, he had to: a noisy father, noisy roommates, noisy environment…the sound of silence was a rare thing, indeed.

So much sound was always around.

He stepped back into the tent, taking off his dress sneakers and sliding off his clothes before looking over at his companion: a year his senior, they had only met a month or two ago…yet there they were, sharing a tent without any qualms.

Why? They shouldn’t have been this close, not so soon…he was a gentleman, and while nearly every ounce of his being was dedicated to making sure he didn’t get into a relationship, well…

His heart was arguing with his head. So much noise…so much rabble about what he wanted.

He stared at her sleeping form, gently brushing loose strands of yellow away from her face with a smile, and everything felt silent for a moment as a soft smile made it’s way onto her face in response.

A soft hum escaped his lips, and he slid onto the makeshift bed, shutting his eyes.

Rest well, Ivory.

@fearlesschalybs Chrome Silver

Chrom quietly stands near the airship dock, and as the redhead comes out, he begins to walk away; the rapid sound of footsteps catch up with him, and the Atlesian gives him a flying hug from behind, arms wrapping tightly around his sides and clasping together over his chest. He’s quick to hold his ground though, slamming his right foot down in front of him and letting her weight press down against him. “What, I don’t get a ‘Lady Mia!’ or a ‘I missed you!’?” The well dressed Huntsman in training gives a smile in response, turning around as she started to go.

His right hand moves to the top of her head, lightly patting it; his smile grows as he leans down a little to look her eye to eye. “I missed you, Lady Mia. I figured you would have appreciated a little more subtlety.”

“T—That’s not…!” Her cheeks flare up as she digs into her pocket, pulling out a rather familiar looking skill toy.

“Here! Be glad I took care of it and didn’t toss it away!” Chrom takes a pause, looking at the metal orbs connected by silver cord…that…

“I was going to ask if you saw it; it had gone missing when you had left. You had it…?” Her heart freezes, and her body follows. Her eyes widen, mouth dries up, pupils dilate, hands are sweaty.

She pulls out her rapier, and lunges at the first year: his body goes all the way back to a rather large fountain, slamming into the base.

He’s quick to recuperate; he gets to his feet calmly before lightly dusting himself off, watching as she sprints over in front of him. “If you wanted a begleri, I could have asked Stizza. The two of you seem to be on decent terms.”

“You moron!” Chrom winces at the insult, and he shrinks a bit. Mia can feel something in her chest, something awful, and her tone softens. “I-I didn’t mean to take it, you know! I forgot to give it back to you when you let me borrow it to fiddle with!” She spins it around her index finger with practiced expertise before tossing the fidget device to him…how strange that her hand felt so empty now.

“I…” Chrom catches his custom made gift, eyes shutting. “Right. I’m sorry; I should have remembered.” He’s a bit more quiet as he steps closer to her, placing a small box in her hands. “Welcome back, Mia.”

Inside are two tiny metal orbs, each with a wild orange and green design connected by a cord; the feel was just the same as Chrom’s. How odd then, that it felt like something was missing…

#thatismhgy #elucive #fearlesschalyabs

[oxidation-corundum-archive-blog]

Rayze Tiera, Contemplative, Hesitant Leader.

Rayze Tiera is the 18 year old Freshman Leader of RUST.

Born to a couple of farmers in a farming village outside of Mistral, Rayze Tiera was born and raised in his parents' footsteps. From a young age, Rayze was taught the ins and outs of running his humble family's farm by hand, much like the rest of the children...and while it built him a strong body as a youngster, Rayze developed a curiosity for the strange crystals his mother and father and...come to think of it, the rest of the adults used them, too.

“Dust. We come from it, Rayze; we return to it. It's strong, y'hear? Best y'make sure that ya don't mess with it 'til you're older...it can be awful dangerous if you can't control it.”

The boy understood, but that curiosity never left him; as he grew older in that secluded, walled off village, Rayze saw others learning to use the Dust; Jade, the girl a few houses down, the one that stared at him from time to time. Thistle, the older boy that knew more about talking than...well, just about anyone, it seemed. Slate, the boy that was even younger than him...well, he seemed to study those things.

There was, however, a particular girl that lived with the town's protector, Morio Black (name pending). Stizza, her name was...not a common name, but neither was Rayze; in fact, it was one of the first things she'd said to him. They bonded in spite of his quiet nature, and while the young boy never quite enjoyed fighting his friend, she was adamant about getting practice; it was almost routine. She'd show up with her little hands bandaged up, help him with field work, they would have a tussle (which she'd win every time), and his family would give their share of the food she'd bring to her “uncle'. It was a happy little back and forth they went on; even with some bruising here and there.

His curiosity grew as the years passed; it was always “when you're older' and “you aren't ready”. Stizza had made use of Dust herself, harnessing it's power to help burn down crops and wet the soil...yet Rayze still wasn't permitted. “Lack of discipline”. He was plenty disciplined! All he had to do was prove it.

It was a chilly Winter night when Rayze stepped outside, taking hold of a Burn and an Earth crystal; he could control it, he'd show them! He knew he had to get there eventually, and if he could do it on his own, wouldn't that have been impressive? All he had to do was focus, and...

Oh, no.

Oh, no no no, that was bad.

The tough, earthen wall surrounding the village now had a very, very large hole in it. A very large flaming hole in it, partially obscured by the stalagmite he'd created. The sound was loud enough to wake everyone in that village, and it echoed in the night...the villagers came to the source, and two emotions arose in the heat of the moment.

Panic was shrouded by anger, and as people rushed to patch the hole, the preteen dropped the crystals.

The Grimm had arrived.

Farmers took up arms as the fire seemed to spread from Grimm to the dead crops to the villagers' homes; pitchforks and sickles were their weapons, and as inexperienced as they were, they had to do something. Boulders flew toward Grimm after Grimm, stalagmites rose from the ground as parents lead their children to relative safety, away from the chaos near that hole...Rayze was not one of those children that fled.

This is my responsibility...I caused this.

He grips onto the crystals, shuts his eyes, and charges forward near the hole. Grimm storm the village and smoke is all he can smell as he runs through a wall of flames; his grip on the Burn crystal is tight enough, his anger so charged that flames run up his arm as he slams his fist into a Beowulf!

...Unfortunately for him, his arm is also in fire as he's slammed into the ground by another Beowulf, his weapons knocked aside as the fire in his arm fizzles out. A low grunt escapes his lips as he stares up at the creature of darkness, grabbing a nearby sickle to claw into it's leg...it's a small distraction, but just enough for that same redheaded girl to charge in behind him, tripping up the beowulf with that strange weapon she had before slamming her body into it, sending it flying back.

She was a far better fighter. Always had been. Always stronger, always so much more quick to the draw...she was composed in spite of her energy, even now—

The guardian had fallen behind her. Two other blurs, her parents (who could mistake that teal and purple combination for anyone else?), they took out the behemoth...Stizza turned around just in time to see her uncle with a hole in his chest. There was hesitance in her eyes for just a moment before she turns to grab her friend, body glowing a bright blue-white as she sprints to her home.

He's hardly conscious when she lays him down on her bed, starting to treat his wounds as best as she's able...small cuts, she can deal with that perfectly fine. She'd healed him before, she'd do so again...the light of the distant fire seems to die down by the time he passes out, Stizza sliding into the tiny bed.

Rayze awakes to find Stizza next to himself...and Cosmo Boleid standing beside them.

“...Sorry to say it, son...but you're in a lot of trouble.”

It's a slow walk back to the village, and when he finally steps foot, he's assaulted with questions, threats...the bodies of his friends and family friends on Scrolls, bloodied and unconscious. The village elder dispels the crowd surrounding him, staring him down.

Rayze had defied the laws of the village, and must be exiled.

He gives him until the end of the day to gather whatever supplies he can (he's still but a boy) and leave...and so he does. All his possessions in a bedroll. His parents are teary-eyed; his mother questions why he took those crystals, what he wanted to prove. His father is somber through all of it, and gives him a long hug before sending him off on his own, watching him go into the forests of Anima before walking out of the village himself, off to find Cosmo and Teale.

By the time he arrives, Cosmo and Teale rush out the door, trying to catch their daughter in vain.

-

Rayze stumbles through the unfamiliar forest; he'd lived in that village his entire life. It was dark. He had no idea where he was going. He was barefoot, and he swore he stepped on a branch while running and damn it stung...he finds a clearing, and with a deep sigh, he starts a fire.

I just wanted to prove myself...and all I managed to do was hurt people. My friends, their parents, Morio...Stizza almost got...

He stares into the fire, even as Stizza walks into view, greeting her with a soft “Yeah.”.

They talk for a few hours, running the gamut of emotions; rage, sorrow, happiness...she goes from calm to ready to punch him (and she does, right in his scarred arm; she immediately apologizes, but ow) to somber...and as the fire dies out, Rayze agrees to go back to the small cabin.

Cosmo and Teale talk about Rayze's future; it wasn't set in stone before, and it certainly wasn't set now. A few options present themselves; he could farm outside the village, which would prove risky. He could travel with Cosmo and Teale, but it would be far too dangerous. He could stay with Morio...but Morio was incapacitated, and would be for quite some time. No permanent residence.

-

“...What about being a Huntsman?” Stizza walks into the cabin, giving a tentative smile.

Cosmo and Teale look at the young boy...his way of life had been robbed from him. His home, his family...all he had were a few farming tools, a bunch of Lien, food, water...but he had Stizza. He always did stick close, and they could stay at their home in Mistral...

“If you're willing, kid...” Cosmo pats Rayze's shoulder. “We're willing to help you. No child should be left alone like this...”

Like Stizza was? Rayze's lips curl downward as his gaze pans to the redhead, whose fingers are crossed.

He lets out a small exhale...this was where life was taking him. “...Where would I go?”

-

They lived in that home for four years, being street performers for money to pay for their part of the rent while they trained in Sanctum...and for four years, Rayze grew accustomed to the city, slowly and surely.

...Even if the sight of his old village nearby tore his heart to pieces. It was enough for him to stand his ground; Stizza wanted a change of pace, anyway. He wanted a change of pace, and it's not like he had a home to go back to anymore...

Beacon it was.

Rayze is a quiet individual, perhaps a bit too much for being the leader of RUST; he thinks thrice about what he says, often choosing to listen to absolutely everything someone has to say...but he can think a bit too much, making tense situations and moments in combat feel less like analysis and more like indecisiveness. He's as studious as Undina, especially if it comes to self-improvement, and he'll often plop right down next to her for a long study session...but he's also a little more conscious, choosing to snap Undina out of her studies if he's with her.

While Rayze's quiet nature and leader role might have one believe he's got everything under control, that's far from the truth; he's well aware of his flaws, perceived or otherwise, and while he strives to better himself, he also knows well what happens to those that push themselves too hard. While he's never the first to call for a break in studies or relaxation, he always makes it about others over himself, which can get Stizza a bit riled up.

The giant's rather gentle, too; when it comes to a fight, he's always trying to deescalate the situation by talking things out...even if it takes a bit for him to get the words out proper. Rayze will throw himself into danger if it means a conflict can be avoided, often serving as a tall wall between the two parties while his Aura takes the damage and his mind works through the finer points of how to tell someone they need to calm down.

Perhaps his greatest weaknesses are his communication skills and his conviction to keep the peace between his team; even as a leader, Rayze refuses to be a frontline fighter. His weapons are gardening tools down to the Dust used, and while he can certainly fight alongside his teammates if pushed, he often finds fighting other humans a fair bit harder than fighting Grimm. Grimm are mindless, tear at anything they see...humans, they're calculated, they can strategize...so much to consider.

...And then there’s his relationship with Stizza; childhood friends that stuck around through combat school, friends that rarely fight, friends that always talk through their problems...they’re certainly close. You’d be hard pressed to find them separated...but it happens. While they’re the best of friends, they have their own issues about the other, far more than just his height or her insistence on relaxation.

All in all, Rayze is a kindhearted, quiet individual that puts his allies above himself and wants to keep the peace...unfortunately, he’s the leader of RUST. Peace is something rare.

–

Rayze comes equipped with two weapons that he hasn't bothered to name; they're his tried and true farming tools, and as much as Stizza can poke him into coming up with names, nothing's ever really stuck.

The first is a fairly simple sickle with a Burn Dust crystal fitted into the handle. He stores it in a sheath he keeps on his pants.

The second is a strange case; a five tined pitchfork with an Earth Dust crystal embedded into the “spearhead”. Usually, Rayze carries the pitchfork around on his person or stores it in a Beacon locker.

While the sickle is used for combat similar to how one would knife fight, the pitchfork sees little use as one would expect; stabbing enemies with a pitchfork, as it turns out, is not a very easy thing to do. Instead, Rayze uses both weapons as a conduit for his Dust manipulation; his years of refining his usage of Dust (albeit as a result of his childhood trauma) has made Rayze a disciplined fight, using the Burn Dust to keep foes at bay before gathering Earth in the tines of his pitchfork, using it more like a large bludgeon than a polearm. In emergencies, Rayze can use his pitchfork to disarm enemies in a pinch; but he usually manipulates the earth well enough to keep his enemies at bay.

When he can't keep his enemies at bay, Rayze will often resort to using his Semblance, Root. When active, Rayze's green aura turns into a stony grey shade.

So long as Rayze is touching the ground, Rayze can lock his body and become an immovable object; anything that hits him will only deal half as much damage to his Aura, and the effect of Root only ends when Rayze wills it or his Aura is broken. Often, Rayze will use it in a chokehold or while pinning an opponent down to ensure they can't escape. With allies, it becomes even easier for his teammates to strike an opponent that's basically standing still.

Rayze is a dark brown skinned man that stands tall; at 6'1. he towers over the rest of his team (a fact Tittania really doesn't take kindly to). He's got a mess of black hair, a tangled mess half the time (fashion isn't usually in the cards). His right arm and hand is heavily scarred, but years of living with said scars and training with his Aura has helped it regain it's former strength. He's got bright green eyes with a long sleeve, forest green button down. Blue jeans and ankle length boots finish the look, and while it's not nearly as combat oriented as Stizza's outfit, he's most comfortable.

Pajama-wise, Rayze has brown sweatpants and a black tank top. Stizza once attempted to get him in a onesie with a wooden pattern, but it didn't take.

Fun Facts about Rayze Tiera:

I wanted Rayze's name to be an allusion to “Scorched Earth” ever since I created him; he and Stizza were the last ones on the list for a reason, after all. They were conceptualized together, and as I worked on one, the other poked in and was all like “what'cha up to”. They really stuck like velcro to each other, and while I enjoy having them paired up, I also like keeping options open.

I've talked about Rayze a whole bunch with @howlfortheknight / @thatismghy , and I have to thank her a lot for keeping Rayze alive. Special shoutout to you, Star. You earned it.

Rayze has taken the longest time to develop mostly because of his appearance: I knew what his story was going to be, his weapons were different but I settled on farming tools, his Semblance was one of the first things I came up with and it stuck with his character...and when I had everything down, I literally just needed to know how he looked. A quick talk with a friend ignited (pardon the pun) what he looked like, and while the appearance is something I might change, I'm glad to have him out.

Rayze Tiera is available for roleplaying!

Others to come soon.

#Rayze Tiera #Characters