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sarawritestories · 4 months

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Read For Me

Cassian xFem Reader

Summary: You and Cassian have the House or Wind to yourselves. When he finds you alone in the library with a smutty romance novel, he comes up with a fun game to play.

This is heavily inspired by one specific scene in King of Pride by Ana Huang (if you want a good romance 10/10 would recommend her books)

A/N: I'm still working on writing smut so I apologize if it's awful!

Content Warning: smut, M entering F, teasing, Fluff, not deeply proofread

Word count: 2.1k

Cassian landed on the balcony of the House of Wind shaking off the chill breeze of the winter evening from his wings. He stepped into the house and was met with a peaceful quiet, but he could feel your presence. He was always acutely aware of your presence, and it was no different here. He knew you were at the House; Feyre had insisted you take a break, you had been working yourself ragged and everyone could see that it was waning on you, which is why you didn’t argue when she brought it up and Cassian whisked you up to the House of Wind.

The General was keenly aware that you were upset that him and Azriel had to leave for Windhaven for a few days and that she would be alone. After the second day at Devlon’s camp Azriel offered to oversee the training and checking in with the families. The Shadowsinger had smirked sensing Cassian’s eagerness to head back to Velaris, “Go home, Cas, wouldn’t want your Princess to be all alone in the big scary house.” Cassian had flicked him off and bolted home.

Shaking off his boots of the lingering snow he made his way to your favorite place of the house, the library. Fae lights illuminated the doorway and a small smile crept over features as reached the book infused room and leaned against the door frame. You were sitting on the couch with a nose stuck in a book not taking in his presence. Cassian took a moment to soak in your appearance, your hair was up in a messy bun, an oversized emerald sweater, that exposed your bare shoulder, dark leggings and fuzzy socks that Cassian got you for Solstice, knowing your love of being comfortable and cozy in the cold months.

For the first time he couldn’t remember you looked so relaxed and peaceful. In a flash your scent shifted into arousal, you were shifting in your seat and Cassian knew that you were reading one of those romance novels Nesta and the Valkyries are always gossiped about. He cleared his throat and Your head shot up at first with embarrassment than excitement at seeing the General. “Cas!” You gave him a bright smile and Cassian was grateful he was leaning as that smile made his knees weak. You put a bookmark in your book and raced to him and leapt in his arms.

Cassian wrapped his arms around your waist, “Hello Sweetheart.” Your stomach did a flip at him you always loved when he called you Sweetheart or Princess. You met his hazel eyes, “Are you enjoying the time off?”

He reluctantly set you down as you shrugged, “I mean, I’m sure at some point this week, I’m going to get extremely bored and read every book here.”

Cassian chuckled a draped an arm over her bare shoulder, heat rose in your cheeks from the contact. “Well let me know if you want any of my war tomes you can sift through. When you know you get tired of your smut.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, General.” You flicked his nose, and quickly, he began tickling you. The sound of your laughter was music to his ears. He tickled you until tears pricked your eyes, “Okay, Okay, I yield.” He stopped and your smile didn’t leave your face as he presses his forehead against yours. “I yield.”

There was a pregnant pause as the two were breathing heavily, Cassian pushed off you and you found yourself missing his warmth. “Tell me about your book.” He said plopping on the couch grabbing your book you were reading.

Your eyes widened, and your crawled on the couch trying to grab, it from him but his forearm sticks out to keep me from grabbing the book, “Cassian, give it back.”

You noticed that his nostrils flared, and he looked at you and back at work, “Well, Y/N, Aren’t you a naughty little thing?”

You sat back on you heals and cross your arms your face warming up and avoid his eye contact him, “Asshole.”

Cassian looked back at the book and then back at you, “Would you be willing to play a game with me?”

You turned back to face him, your brow quirked, “What kind of game?”

He grinned and handed you your book. “You just have to read for me.”

You grabbed the book and your brows furrowed, “How is that a game, Cassian?”

The General leaned against the couch his wings tucked comfortably, “Well, the game would be if you stumble over the words or lose your spot, you have to strip an article of clothing and start over.”

Your breath hitched, “What if I can read through a page with no issue?” your voice barely above a whisper.

“Then I have to take off an article of clothing.” Cassian saw the panic look on your face, “Princess, we don’t have to if you’re not interes- “

You moved to press a hand to his mouth practically straddling him to do so, his hands instinctively moved to your waist holding you in place, “It’s not that I’m not interested.” You slowly moved his hand from his mouth down his chest where one of his Siphons resided focusing on the red stone than his assessing gaze, “Just never thought you were.”

Cassian hummed in response, then raised his hand to the nape of her neck his callouses pressed against your skin as your eyes met. He moved his head towards yours and pressed his lips chastely to yours only to pull away, “Are we playing, Sweetheart?” You tuck your bottom lip in between your teeth as you nod. He grazes his thumbs on your bottom lip, “I need words.”

“Yes, General,” his growl of approval of his title reverberated against your hand splaying on his chest. “I want to play.”

He smirked, and whispered against the shell over her ear, “Then go sit with your back against the armrest,” he gave your ass a tap and released his other hand from your waist. You moved to the other end of the couch and your back was against the armrest.

Cassian stood, and stretched out his wings as the setting sun illuminated the warmth color and the membrane of his wings. You were enraptured with them, and you whispered, “Beautiful.”

The General turned to you and noticed how you were staring at his wings, “You’re drooling,” You snapped out of your stupor and opened your book. “Whenever you’re ready, Princess.”

You begin reading the passage you left off on before Cassian arrived. You were about halfway through the page when muscled hands began to massage your shoulders. You paused as his fingers eased the tension out of your neck and a moan escaped your lips. Cassian chuckled and his lips pressed against the shell of your ear, “That was definitely a pause, an article of clothing has to go.”

You sigh dramatically and peel off one of your socks and lean your head against his shoulder, “Socks count especially when you’re not playing fair.”

Cassian’s laugh warmed your skin, “Do you want me to stop?” He hit a point that was extremely tense, and another moan escaped your lips.

“No, I’m just pointing out you cheat at games.” You raise your head and begin to read from the page again. Cassian hand continues to massage your shoulders sand your neck and you managed to read a full page with no interruption. “I have read a whole page, General” You lean back again and face him. “Strip.”

Cassian’s hands left your shoulders, and he walked in front of you and removed the top of his leathers revealing his chiseled frame and his tattoos. You forced yourself to meet his gaze and there was mischief in his eyes. “Like what you see?”

You stick your tongue out at him and continue reading. Cassian stepped closer to you, and you stayed focused on the words. His fingers grazed up your legs and raised up to your thigh and grazes the apex of your thighs, “Cassian,” you whimper as you raise your hips to get more friction.

Cassian tsked, “I highly doubt that my name is in that book,” You lift your leg with the socked foot when he gently grips your ankle to stop you, “I pick this time.” He eyes your sweater, “Sweater. Off.”

The low register of his command sent warmth down your core, as he places your leg back down. “Yes, General.” You close your book and take off your sweater revealing that you were not wearing any band underneath. Your bare breast exposed and Cassian’s eyes darkened hazel barely peeking through his erection rubbing against his fighting leathers. “Cassian?” His eyes met yours. “I don’t want to play anymore.”

Disappointment flooded him. “Of course, we can stop.” He tapped your leg and gave you a small smile as he rose, “I’ll leave you to your book.”

You rolled your eyes and got up from the couch and gripped his wrist before he could leave, “Cassian,” He turned and before he had time to react gripped his head down and crashed his lips against yours. Cassian’s hands gripped your covered ass, and you moaned leaving your mouth open for him to slide his tongue.

Cassian growled, “I need you, Princess.” He pulls down your pants, your panties dragged down with them. He breaks away from you for a moment as he pulled his own pants down. Cassian gripped your bare hips and presses a bruising kiss on your mouth gripping both hands behind your thighs as he presses you up against the bookshelf. The tip of his cock teasing your entrance.

You two pull away for air, “Cassian,” You moan as he trails kisses down your neck. He places you down his cock entering and stretching you causing lewd noises to escape your lips your hands tangling in his hair. Cassian keeps you there letting you adjust as he slides a hand up your stomach and groping your breast.

“You are so perfect, Y/N,” Cassian murmured between kisses, and began to thrust inside her. The grip on his hair tightened as he began to get a rhythm. He pinched your nipple, and your moan was silenced by his lips molding to yours. He pressed his forehead against yours, “So. Fucking. Perfect.” Cassian said between thrust. “Open your eyes, Sweetheart” you didn’t realize that your eyes had closed until you opened them to meet his and he smiled accentuating his beauty. “There’s my pretty girl.”

His hand moves from your breast, and you bring down your hand to intertwine with his. He gave your hand a comforting squeeze as he picked up the pace, you watched his wings flare and with a free hand you touched the top part of his wing and he sputtered. “Keep doing that and this will be over before it’s even started.” You retracted your hand quickly and he chuckled kissing you, “Wing play will be a game for a different day.” He kissed you again, his thrust becoming more erratic.

“Oh Cassian,” Pleasure was building with every thrust sweat coating both of your bodies, and he slips his hand between your legs and pinches your clit as you scream as stars entering your vision as you reached your climax. Cassian meets you in stride as you whisper, “I love you,” you kiss his neck.

Cassian roars his siphons flaring to stop the books from hitting you both, with a shield as his cum coats your walls. There was a moment where the two of you didn’t move from that position until he lifted you off him. He still carried you, bridal style and moved you to the bedroom leaving the discarded clothes in the library. You tucked your head in the crook of his neck. When you both got to the hall he whispered, “Did you mean what you said?”

You lifted your head, “When I said what?”

Cassian reached his room, and he lowered you but kept his hand clasped in yours. “That you love me?” You met his gaze and there was fear in his eyes.

“Cas, I have loved you for years.” Cassian’s face lit up, “Of course I meant what I said.”

Cassian pulled you close, His wings cocooned us, “I love you too, Y/N.” His lips tenderly found yours as he held you like he could lose you at any moment.

Something in you snapped and you felt the shimmering gold bond connect between the two of you. You leaned your head against his chest, his arms rubbing your bare back, “Looks like the Cauldron and Mother approve.”

Cassian kissed the top of your head, “I guess so.” He pulls you away and cups your face, “Any chance you’ll read for me again?”

You giggle and turn your head to kiss his palm, “Anything for my Mate.”

Cassian’s wings flare out and he picks you up and takes you to bed where you stay for the rest of your time off, with your mate, your General.

#cassian smut #cassian imagine #cassian acotar #cassian x reader #cassian x you #acotar smut #acotar fanfiction

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fieldofdaisiies · 2 months

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azriel x eris | 2,9k words | warnings: none | masterlist

“Don’t you like it? Your present.” Cassian claims the spot right next to Azriel on the couch, letting himself slump against the soft pillow and bracing his arm on the headrest behind Azriel. The shadowsinger offers his brother a small smile.

“I do like it, Cass.” He looks at the package of beef jerky in his hands. “I really do like it.

A contented smile blooms on the general‘s face, but Azriel’s gaze strays and—

He feels nothing. Absolutely nonchalance fills his entire being at the scene that unfolds itself in front of him. Just a year ago it would have destroyed him, broken his heart but now…?

Nothing. Indifference.

Elain is seated next to Lucien, a spectacle since she formerly has hardly ever sought him out or chosen to be anywhere near him. But now she is sitting there, next to him, a fine distance between them, but she is still next to him and in her hands there is a present with beautiful green wrapping and a golden bow on top of it.

The look of silent surprise stays on Lucien’s face, eyes solely trained on his mate, almost like the world around them has faded into insignificance, like nothing in this room matters more to him than Elain does.

A pang of jealousy fills Azriel’s heart, and he clenches his jaw. He is not jealous of Lucien, more about everyone who has someone who loves them. He wants someone to look at him that way—he wants to look at someone that way. He wants someone who—

He wants a mate! Nothing has changed about that. He wants love and a fucking mating bond.

“This is for you.” Azriel can’t hear Elain from across the room but he can read her lips well enough and turns away.

“Have you opened Nes‘ present?” Cassian looks so joyful and Azriel wants nothing more than to share this bliss with him, but it is so hard at this moment.

“Loved it.” The shadowsinger forces a smile onto his lips—one that doesn’t reach his eyes but it is the most he can offer his brother.

“She loved yours as well.”

Azriel’s face reveals nothing, but he dips his chin and despite his outer nonchalance, his heart warms. He bought bookmarks for the three Valkyries. Not any kind of bookmarks, but three that specifically represented them. He can’t wait to give Gwyn hers, and see the smile on her face.

Nyx is the one to receive the most presents, no one having been able to resist buying tons of things for him. He looks a bit overwhelmed at one point, just staring wide-eyed at the large pile of all sorts of things in front of him. Nevertheless he seems blissful and content, sitting amidst all his toys and stuffed animals.

Azriel is happy that Nyx gets to experience this sort of childhood and happiness. He is surrounded by nothing but love and joy (neglecting the brewing war and Koschei for a moment). Within the confines of Velaris he is safe and protected and can be a happy child. Something Rhys, Cass and Azriel himself did not have – a happy, careless childhood.

A lump forms in Azriel’s throat and he gets up. He tells Cassian that he will help himself to a drink so he has an excuse to leave the room. He just needs to get out for a moment – needs a moment for himself.

Once in the kitchen, the shadowsinger braces his broad, scarred hands on the sink, staring out of the window into the dark and snow-covered garden, faelight dancing on the endless, glittering white. Tilting his head to the side, he rests it on his shoulder and looses a long breath. Involuntarily, his mind wanders to a certain prince of the Autumn Court and he wonders how Eris celebrates Solstice. Do they even celebrate it in Autumn?

He can’t understand why he kissed him again that night after the ball. What had driven him? What made him kiss the heir again? What is it about Eris that attracts him that much?

Azriel knows that he can’t allow these feelings, but staying away from Eris and trying to clamp down on them, slowly shreds his heart into pieces. As much as he wants to get rid of his desire for Eris, he can’t. He finds himself in a wholly messed up situation, and everything path outwards, turns into a dead end without a hope of escaping.

And furthermore, what if there was more between him and Eris, could he bring him to celebrate Solstice with him? Starfall? Their birthdays?

How would the others react? Would they allow Eris to come here for such a celebration or would there forever be an odd tension? A feeling as is not everything is alright? Of course it would. It wouldn’t be proper. It wouldn’t work out.

But, anyway, it will never come to that, Azriel knows this. Maybe their tension and desire will lead to them eventually fucking one day, but further than that…nothing. They will never end up in a relationship with each other, it couldn’t work out. Not between the two of them. Not with the hate still lingering between them. Too much has happened.

“Thank you for your present.”

Azriel whips around, eyes landing on Nesta who casually leans against the doorframe, her head resting on the dark wood. “I love it, it is wonderful.” A beautiful, warm smile appears on her face.

Azriel bows his head, his shadows swirling around him.

“Especially that it matches with Gwyn’s and Emerie’s.” Her smile brightens.

“I’m glad you like it.” The shadowsinger cracks a small smile and rests his weight against the kitchen counter. In her eyes he sees the silent understanding that always glows within the light blue when she looks at him. Nesta knows that things aren’t so easy for Azriel, and she understands and accepts him the way he is. Respects his silence. Nevertheless, she always looks out for him, asks how he is doing, sits down in the living room with him when he returns from a mission and is just there for him, mostly no conversation passing between them. But Nesta always wants him to know that she is there for him. She is a wonderful friend, and Azriel is happy that he can call her such.

“Do you need anything, Az?” Nesta asks and pushes off the doorframe. “Can I get you something?”

But Azriel shakes his head, shadows gliding down his arms, to his palms and around his hands. “I’m all good. I just needed a moment…”

Her head dips in understanding and with another small smile she slips back into the living room, Azriel’s gaze following her until she is gone.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

“Where are you going?” A cool breeze weaves its way in through the open balcony door, winding its way across the room until it reaches the general of the Illyrian armies, who stands with his wings folded neatly behind his back.

Azriel takes a step back. “I‘m leaving now.”

Cassian’s puckers his brows. “It isn’t even midnight, Az, why would you be leaving now?”

“I‘m tired.”

“Does this have to do with what you told me the other day?”

Azriel frowns, but then the corners of his mouth turn downward and his shoulders droop. There is no need for him to say yes, Cassian can read him well enough, having known Azriel nearly his entire life, and has already seen the answer in his best friend’s eyes.

“Az.” Cassian moves quickly and reaches for his best friend the moment he is close enough. Despite Azriel’s efforts of shoving his arms away, Cassian pulls him to his chest, and holds him. It is all he does. And all Azriel needs. His body reacts and he slumps against Cassian, the last ounce of energy slipping from his body, exhaustion weighing him down like a heavy cloak. And his restraints loosen, given way to all the emotions he has been clamping down on this evening.

“I fucking hate it, Cass,” he finally admits, each word lifting some of the heavy weight from his heart. “Being jealous of what everyone has. I shouldn’t be, that’s not how friendship or family works. I‘m a fucking asshole for thinking that way.”

Cassian says nothing, but he holds him tighter. Azriel’s chest heaves with a deep inhale.

“I can’t do this anymore.” Azriel trembles. “Every step forward feels like wading through quicksand. Everything is pulling me down, until I‘m swallowed wholly, drowning in my fucking despair. Each and every day more of my happiness slips through my fingers, until one day I know nothing will be left.”

“Az.” Cassian’s hand clasps the back of Azriel’s head, holding him tightly. “Why didn’t you come to me earlier?”

“I couldn’t,” Azriel says in a silent voice. “I didn’t even realise what was going on.”

After a moment they part, but Cassian does not let go of his best friend, he grasps his shoulder tightly and says, “You are not an asshole for wanting what others have. For wanting a mate, or love or happiness.” The general smiles kindly.

“You would be an asshole if you didn’t grant us our happiness, but I know you are happy for us and that can’t possibly make you an asshole.”

Azriel tightly holds onto Cassian until he steps out of his embrace. “It’s just difficult for me right now.”

“I know,” Cassian says and Azriel’s heart feels hollow all of a sudden. Cassian says he knows, but Azriel is aware that it's only a fraction of the truth because the shadowsinger can’t share everything with his brother and it slowly destroys him.

Yes, he is feeling this way, sad and somehow tormented because everyone around him is falling in love and finding a mate. Everyone but him. But Azriel also feels that way because of Eris. Because he slowly starts to figure out what that emotion deep within his heart means. And also what the tug at his chest, the glowing of his soul whenever Eris is near, hints at. He doesn’t want to accept it, tries to push the thoughts away, but at some people he will have to deal with.

“I think I just need some rest tonight. Solstice was beautiful, but I am really tired.”

Cassian understands, and of course gives his best friend the space he needs.

When Azriel returns to his flat only moments later, the place so cold and empty even his shadows seek comfort with their owner, Azriel strips out of his clothes, safe for his underwear and pours himself a glass of liquor. Then he walks up to the window, and longingly stares out into the darkness and nothingness of the outside world. He loves to look out on this side of his flat – no city lights, no people. Where on the one side, his flat is looking down upon the city of Velaris, on the other side there is nothing but forest and mountains.

Azriel rests his forehead against the cool glass after having taken a sip of the liquid that now burns its way down his throat.

"If you need to fuck someone, go to a pleasure hall and pay for it, but stay away from her” is what Rhysand had told him the previous year and Azriel also ended up being alone that night of Solstice, staring out of the window for a long time before heading up to the training pitch. He felt so ashamed and annoyed that night, Azriel can barely allow himself to think back to it.

This year it is different. This year he is truly all alone, and despite it being an odd feeling it is simultaneously not unwelcome. The shadowsinger can be alone here with his thoughts that make no sense and his heart that beats an ounce faster when his mind once again strays to Eris.

The Mother isn’t making it easy for him, Azriel knows this. First, Mor. Then Elain. And now Eris. But with Eris it is different. He is a male first and foremost all, and his enemy. Only months ago, he loathed him, hated him so much for what he had done to Mor, what he had said about her.

But slowly realisation is taking root in his brain in that he and the prince to the Autumn Court might have more in common than he used to think.

Azriel releases a pent-up breath and as he holds his gaze through the window, he realises that a darkness gathers in his eyes until it fills them completely.

In the end, it is exhaustion after an emotionally draining day that makes Azriel fall into bed, sheets tucked up to his chin, lids heavy and nothing but Eris on his mind.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

The Autumn Court prince’s eyes follow a single droplet that slides down the floor-to-ceiling window before he turns around, knuckles white from how tightly he is holding onto his glass of wine.

“I doubt Kallax is coming for Solstice,” he tells no one in particular, knowing his father doesn’t listen and his mother is heart-broken about it but doesn’t let it show.

Beron snarls, “I couldn’t care less.”

But that is wrong, Eris can see it in his father’s eyes, knows that it bothers his father more than he would admit. Despite not having experienced any kind of love from his father when growing up, he knows that for Beron family was always something important. The picture of their family —mother, father and their seven or six strong, powerful sons— always needed to be perfect. It is the kind of thing Beron values greatly.

Eris moves to the table and sits down in silence, once again mixing together most of the food the sentries have placed on his plate.

“The jacket you have chosen is beautiful,” Imala says in a gentle tone, her eyes moving over Eris’ attire. Has he donned this jacket specially for Solstice? No, he hasn’t. Rather for himself.

“Cobalt doesn’t fit the Autumn Court,” is all Beron says, not even deigning his son a real look, merely lifting his gaze from his plate, his tone a mix of annoyance and mock.

He takes a bite of meat, chewing so loudly, Eris has to cringe. He hates the noise of chewing and especially when it comes from his father. He grinds his teeth hard and then pins the High Lord with a look.

Beron ignores it, but eventually swallows only so he can talk again. “It suits the Night Court.”

Eris’ blood runs cold and he has no idea what his father is aiming at. Can he scent Azriel on him? Can he scent what they have done?

“Which makes me think,” Beron continues, speaking in a low, and slow voice, dragging his fork through his mashed potatoes. “Was Lucien there?” The question does not only catch Eris off guard but also his mother.

Eris decides to act dumb, despite that never being a good idea with his father. “What?” he asks, not lifting his eyes from his plate and scooping up a bit of the mashed potatoes (now) mixed with beans and gravy.

“Spare me with your stupidity, son, and answer my question!” Beron spits, voice dripping with venom. “Was Lucien there?”

“No, he wasn’t.”

“Are you sure?”

“He wasn’t there, father!”

Beron shakes his head. “But his pretty, little mate was there.” No question, but a statement.

“I don’t think so.” Eris swallows thickly, the piece of meat nearly getting stuck in his throat. He won’t put Elain in danger. Never and especially not after the kindness she has shown him.

“What does that mean? That you don‘t think so. Was she there or not?!” Beron’s fork clatters to the table, rattling both the plate and his glass of wine.

“I didn’t see her, father.”

Eris doesn’t understand what his father grumbles in answer, but the annoyance and dismissal are loud and clear within the incomprehensible words.

“At least she isn’t inferior scum like Jesminda was.” Beron shoves his plate back, tipping his chin so two of the sentries come rushing to collect his dishes.

Eris veils his face in indifference and says nothing. Everything he could say would lead to a big fight and he is too exhausted to go through this now. And then what follows a fight with Beron – punishment. Whatever he could say wouldn’t change anything anyway – it is useless. With Beron it always is.

Without a word, Eris slowly moves back his own plate, then his chair and gets up.

“Good night, mother,” he says, then turns to his father and dips his chin.

He is alone when he arrives in his room and this is good. He wants to be alone, safe for his hounds, of course, who have already claimed their spots on and around his bed.

He exhales loudly while undressing and untangling his long strands of red hair.

Beron. Lucien. Azriel. It is only males that make his life complicated. Well, not entirely. Mor has also created many complications for him, but still, the great majority of his problems are caused by males, and lie within the males in his life.

He needs to fix it all. He needs to make sense of everything, put things in order. And he will start with Beron. Putting an end to it and then starting anew. Beron’s reign has to end, and it has to end soon. No more time can be wasted.

tag list for ACOCD @hnyclover @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @a-frog-with-a-laptop @queercontrarian @fandomsmultiverse @acourtofbatboydreams @chunkypossum @baileybird71 @beckkthewreck @hells-sluttiest-new-arrival @owllover123 @acotarobsessed @goldenmagnolias @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @v3lv3tf0x @talibunny30 @allyhill @popjunkie42 @skyesayshi @going-through-shit @mybestfriendmademe

general Azris tag list: @azrielsbabyg @lady-riel @moonlightazriel @aayo-whatt @brekkershadowsinger @ladyelain @banasheefan56 @a-frog-with-a-laptop @ofduskanddreams

#acotar #acosf #azriel #azriel x eris #azris #eris vanserra

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catillustrates · 7 months

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“Night Triumphant- and the Stars Eternal.”

Rhysand and Feyre celebrating the winter solstice.

This is November's Patreon print reward! Join now to get exclusive stickers, prints, and bookmarks!

patreon.com/catnillustrates

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mugentakeda · 3 months

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hi i wanted to say i love ur blog and that ur one of the only zuko enjoyers who really get him and wanted to ask if u had any fic recs that focus on him? especially lesser known ones ty <33

THIS IS LIT SUCH AN HONOR OKAY WTF THANK U ANON... I always wonder if how I perceive zuko is in line with his canon self. This pleases me greatly. As for fics recs that focus on him. That is a very general statement because I read ship fics and gen fics and I like a lot of tropes So . I'm literally just gonna go thru my bookmarks and share my favorites with reckless abandon. Everything I'll Never Say by thesometimes warrior (zuko and iroh) -this one is literally so important to my fn royal family hcs. Like the idea that there are things you cant say in the palace so it leaves a lot of room for misunderstanding and drama lol. thesometimeswarrior is one of my favorites and I'd highly recommend their other stuff their iroh pov is REALLY good midnight snack by jammingkambing (iroh and zuko) -features one of my fav headcanons (that zuko likes cooking).... its so quiet and subtle and sad and dear to me... winter solstice: an addendum by parsnipit (zukka + zuko and the b1 gaang) -a zuko joins the gaang early fic!! its what inspired my sketches about the au a couple days ago. its got some zukka slowburn if you're into that. its zuko centric but it's got a very good focus and balance of the whole b1 gaang and their relationships with each other (not just zukos relationships with each of them) and the pacing is well done. the different povs are also sooo well written too. its unfinished and idk if its ever gonna be continued sadly but it does leave off at a pretty good place (b1 finale) so it still satisfies me whenever I reread it Cheating at Pai Sho by MuffinLance (zuko and the b1 gaang) -this one isn't particularly zuko-centric but it is a zuko joins the gaang early fic (???) (kind of.). I recommend it regardless because it is literally so funny. It's ongoing too I'd recommend wayyy more but while I read a pretty fair amount of fic I am actually very picky about ones that I like in their entirety and the ones I like in their entirety are the only ones I bookmark and then rec to people. scratches head

#I hope you haven't read these yet lovely anon.#asks

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katesprydes · 7 months

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RULES: answer all questions, add one question of your own, and tag as many people as there are questions

thank you @good-enemy for the tag <3

coke or pepsi: coke

disney or dreamworks: sorry but i prefer disney i could name maybe like two dreamworks movies off the top of my head

coffee or tea: tea because coffee tastes burnt

books or movies: books

windows or mac: windows

dc or marvel: unfortunately i am a marvel fan

x-box or playstation: i havent used either of these in years

dragon age or mass effect: what

night owl or early riser: night owl

cards or chess: cards

chocolate or vanilla: depends on the food but usually vanilla

vans or converse: docs

lavellan, trevelyan, cadash, or adaar: ⁉️

fluff or angst: angst. hurt that blorbo you know you want to

beach or forest: beach

dogs or cats: dogs by default because im allergic to cats

clear skies or rain: clear skies but like the kind of clear skies when its sunny with no clouds in the sky but its chilly out

cooking or eating out: depends on the food

spicy food or mild food: mild food bc im a picky eater and also white

halloween/samhain or solstice/yule/christmas: hanukkah

would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot: a little too cold

if you could have a superpower what would it be: telekinesis but that might just be because im a jean grey girlie

animation or live action: live action

paragon or renegade: ⁉️

baths or showers: baths but unfortunately showers are more convenient

team cap or team iron man: i hate both of them

fantasy or sci-fi: anyone who knows me knows i am the biggest fantasy lover out there

do you have three or four favorite quotes, if so what are they: idk i have a lot but i couldnt name them off the top of my head

youtube or netflix: youtube

harry potter or percy jackson: percy jackson obviously. he'd also kick harry potter's ass but thats a whole other conversation

when do you feel accomplished: when i succeed

star wars or star trek: ive seen bits of star wars so that one

paperback books or hardcover books: hardcover books because they have built in bookmarks and also theyre pretty

live in a world without literature or music: nice try but no

who was the last person to make you laugh: i dont know probably my dad

city or countryside: city i love the city i am a big city person (i dont live in a big city)

favorite chips: baked lays

pants or dresses: pants

libraries or museums: museums we have no good libraries here

character driven stories or plot driven stories: oh thats hard. probably plot but i do love a good character driven story

bookmarks or folding pages: bookmarks

dream job: music therapist

what gives you comfort: my dog. also music

what are you currently having brain rot levels of interest over: the once upon a broken heart series by stephanie garber and also maisie peters's music

what is your current favorite song: coming of age by maisie peters

(added question) how many books have you read this year?

tagging @henwilsons @napollya @thegoosewitch and whoever else is interested

#this took me so long #tag game #karolina.txt

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vulpes-fennec · 5 months

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A Return to Autumn's Roots (1/3)

Summary: Eris Vanserra, the new High Lord of Autumn, has extended a Solstice ball invitation to Elain Archeron and Gwyn Berdara. Will a Court frozen in perpetual change break the stagnant mating bond between Elain and Lucien?

A lil @acotargiftexchange present for @sunbrightheart! I hope you enjoy this as much as I've enjoyed writing this for you! 🎄

Read on AO3

***Winter Solstice | Location: Velaris***

Elain managed to time Feyre’s cake perfectly, leaving at least an hour to get ready before the Solstice party started. It was chilling in the icebox as she took a hot bath in her suite. The warm water soothed her tired hands, hands that had been busy putting up finishing decorations and baking the last 24 hours.

She washed her hair carefully with sweet-smelling soaps, and climbed out of the tub wrapped in a soft pink robe. As she waited for her curls to dry, Elain placed her presents in the basket for Rhys to hold onto. A sleek onyx fountain pen for Rhys, three pots of shimmering paint “dust” for Feyre, and a knitted cap with bear-shaped ears for Nyx’s first Solstice. An embroidered ribbon bookmark for Nesta, wool scarf for Cassian, a gold-embossed mystery classic for Emerie. Gold hooped earrings for Mor, perfume for Amren, special treats for Varian’s pet fish. Azriel would be receiving an exfoliating scrub for calluses, Gwyn a seasonal assorted chocolate basket. Elain hadn’t felt like giving Azriel a gift, and felt even more ill at ease when it came to choosing Gwyn’s.

Elain had never given everybody presents before. Something curdled inside her when she looked at the final present. Buying everybody a present was the excuse for this particular gift. It was a fox plushie for Lucien, awkwardly wrapped because of its shape.

She picked it up and placed it into the basket. It was such a stupid present. Grown males had no need for stuffed animals. She barely knew Lucien, so it was difficult to think of something for him.

Elain had mainly gotten the stuffed animal because it was something that could keep him company. Her note had said, “So you’re never truly alone.” She’d loved playing with dolls when she was young, would bring her stuffed bear into the garden and imbue it with its own personality to feel less lonely.

Maybe she was making a mistake…Lucien was closely associated with foxes, but he’d been stuck with a fox mask for 49 years…perhaps he didn’t like foxes so much anymore. Drat. She couldn’t not give him anything now. Maybe she could replace the fox stuffed animal with something else in her room. Elain scanned the shelves, which were filled with small plants and trinkets.

But the basket was gone. Rhys must have thought she was done and whisked it away. Elain sat down on her bed, fighting the urge to cry. Did Lucien feel this stressed when he was deciding which present to give her last year? And the year before that? If he didn’t like the fox, or worse, if he laughed at her, she’d truly cry.

Glancing at the amount of time on the clock had her wiping the tears away. There were only thirty more minutes until the party, and crying would only make her eyes red and puffy. Elain sat at her vanity and carefully applied some color to her eyes, cheeks, and lips. She enjoyed using orange and reddish colors to bring out the different hues in her brown eyes, eyes that were more warmly colored compared to her sisters’ blue-gray. Though, looking at orange and red makeup only seemed to remind her of her mate’s home court. She sighed.

After twenty minutes had passed, Elain was satisfied with how she looked. Her lilac-purple dress had flowers embroidered with silver threads, staying in-theme with the winter color palette. It hugged her bodice well, but flared out gracefully with long sleeves and a floor length. She’d purchased it two weeks ago specifically for Solstice. Her soft curls lightly cascaded down her back. Elain was always a little vain when it came to her hair; she liked it long and loose, and felt it looked best that way. Again, so different from Feyre and Nesta, who preferred to have their more golden locks up in braids or buns.

Elain padded downstairs in her silver heels. Mor, Amren, and Varian were already in the large sitting room, drinking wine. “You look so pretty!” Mor exclaimed. Elain blushed. A compliment from the glamorous Morrigan always made her feel special. “Care to have some wine?”

“No thank you, maybe later,” Elain declined. She sat down next to Mor, facing the doorway. The door opened, revealing Rhys with Nyx in his arms.

“Feyre is still getting ready,” Rhys explained. There was a knock on the front door down the hall. Elain sat up a little straighter. If it was Lucien…

Her hopes were dashed when Cassian and Azriel bustled into the room, both Illyrian warriors wearing black. “Nyxie!” crowed Cassian as he ran towards Rhys, his arms outstretched. “Your favorite uncle is here!”

Azriel only rolled his eyes as Nyx let out a burst of bubbling laughter at Cassian’s goofy expressions. Elain noted that the shadowsinger’s black shirt was cleanly pressed, his shoes polished clean. Interesting. And Azriel’s shadows, always wreathed around the top of his wings, were on full display tonight. They always unnerved Elain a bit, even as he offered the group on the couch a small smile.

It was five minutes until 7 in the evening when the door knocked again. Elain snapped her head to the hall, holding her breath. But her Fae ears picked up three sets of feet walking towards the living room, and she tried not to appear too disappointed.

The Valkyries. Nesta was wearing a holly red dress that matched Cassian’s red Siphons. She had her arm hooked around Gwyn and Emerie’s arms, as if to provide assurance, for it was Gwyneth’s first time meeting the Inner Circle.

Gwyneth’s coppery red hair shimmered in the warm faelight. It was long and straight, almost like Lucien’s…except Lucien’s hair was a more vibrant, ruby red. Two small braids framed her face, which was freckled and pale. The teal dress she wore almost matched the shade of her round, saucer-like eyes. Elain glanced at Azriel. He was standing across the room, holding Nyx, but looking at Gwyneth with admiration and a hint of pride.

“Everybody, this is Gwyn,” Nesta announced.

Varian politely shook Gwyn’s hand, and Amren gave the priestess a rare smile. Mor beamed, “Hello Gwyn, please call me Mor. I’ve heard so much about you!”

Gwyn’s smile was charming. “I’ve heard so much about you as well, it’s nice to meet you.” Her slightly nervous gaze turned towards Elain.

Elain struggled to find her words. “Hi,” she began lamely. “I’m Elain…Nesta’s younger sister.” She felt self-conscious. Did she have a judgemental look on her face?

“Hello Elain. It’s good to meet you at last,” Gwyn replied with a shy smile. Elain returned the smile nervously, wondering how much Gwyn knew about last year’s tension between her and Azriel.

Gwyn and Nesta moved on to talk to the Illyrian warriors. For once, Elain paid them no mind. Her stomach was making somersaults as she glanced at the clock. It was time for the party to start, and Lucien wasn’t one to be late. She tried to engage in the small talk with Amren, Varian, and Mor, but found it hard to concentrate on the topics at hand.

It was usually this way whenever she anticipated Lucien’s arrival. Elain would pretend not to know when he was coming, but would always closely track the time. The fated mates would glance at each other quickly, then avert their gazes. Thus began the dance of avoidance, where Elain and Lucien, acutely aware of each others’ positions in the room, would navigate to be furthest away from each other. The heavy awkwardness would drag on and on, until Elain or Lucien decided to take their leave.

Tonight, however, she felt strangely giddy with anticipation.

At ten past 7, Feyre breezed in, looking magnificent in a rich navy gown and tiara. “Sorry I’m late, darling,” she said, pressing a kiss to Rhys’s lips.

“Happy birthday!” everybody exclaimed. Feyre’s eyes grew bright with emotion.

“Thank you, thank you,” she said, clapping her hands. “I love each and every one of you all. Let us have some cake before dinner, shall we?”

“Oh!” Elain blurted suddenly. Everybody in the room swiveled their heads to look at her. “I-I think we’re missing someone? Lucien?”

“Elain, I’m so sorry I didn’t have a chance to tell you this earlier. Lucien sent a message saying he wasn’t coming,” Feyre looked at her apologetically.

Elain was stunned. “Oh…Did he say why?” Feyre shook her head. “That’s alright. I just…I just wanted to make sure before we cut the cake. In case he didn’t want to miss out…” she felt herself rambling so she quickly closed her mouth.

As everybody bustled into the dining room, Elain couldn’t help but feel hollow inside. And worried. Lucien wasn’t coming. Surely he was not in any grave danger if he could send Feyre a message…which meant he probably didn’t come because of…her. And Azriel. Though, judging by how closely Azriel drifted to the young priestess, there was nothing for Lucien to worry about. Nearly everybody in the room had found the people and place they’d belonged with…except for her.

***One year later | Location: Forest House, Autumn Court***

“Oh!” Elain let out a small gasp as the door swung open to reveal a shirtless Lucien lounging on a bed. For a split second, he was a creature of myth: eyes half-closed with rest, molten-red hair, his angular face soft with the kind of rest that only privacy could bring. Lucien sat up immediately, his eyes wide. Elain quickly averted her eyes from the broad, dusty brown expanse of his bare chest, her heart galloping fast as a horse.

“I-I’m sorry!” she stammered. “I forgot which room was mine and I was testing the spelled locks and I—” She stole a look at Lucien’s tight-lipped expression. “I didn’t mean to intrude,” she finished.

“No need to be sorry, my lady,” he said quietly, his voice low and stiff. Lucien quickly pulled a shirt over his head, and the sudden urge to pout at the loss of his sculpted body left Elain reeling. But how could she think such scandalous thoughts in the midst of this social blunder?

She stepped back into the long hallway, unsure of how to extricate herself from the situation. It was her first time in the Forest House, first time in the Autumn Court, really. It was the Autumn Court’s first Winter Solstice under its new High Lord, and Eris Vanserra had invited both her and Gwyn Berdara for the Winter Solstice. Gwyn, because her grandfather hailed from Autumn. Elain, because she was Eris’s supposed sister-in-law.

Eris had also invited Helion Spellcleaver. The revelation that he and the former Lady of Autumn were mates, and the fact that he was Lucien’s true father, sent shockwaves throughout all of Prythian. The gossip was still going strong after all these months—every time Elain went to the market, there was always someone chattering about it. Lucien Spellcleaver, Elain had whispered to herself whenever she was alone. Lucien Spellcleaver. Her mate’s true name.

Lucien had arrived with Jurian and Queen Vassa in tow last night. Aside from a swift look and cordial “my lady” that sent Elain into a flushed mess, Lucien had not interacted with her since. And now, she had stumbled into his room.

Lucien eyed Elain’s flushed cheeks warily. She was in a simple cotton dress of plain yellow, her brown curls pulled back with a sage green scarf, and yet she was still the most beautiful female he’d ever seen.

Lucien had scoffed when Eris informed that he’d invited Elain Archeron to the Autumn Court’s Solstice Ball—his brother was being his usual meddling self. What shocked him more was that Elain had accepted the invitation.

Now that he thought about it, she was much more present during his short visits to Velaris this past year, even going so far as to initiate small talk. And the way she’d openly stared at him last night seemed promising…but Lucien didn’t want to get his hopes up.

He decided not to mention that this was not just some random room he’d been assigned; this was his old room in the Forest House. A room that he’d carefully spelled to allow only him through the threshold. It was likely that the wards recognized Elain as his mate, recognized the imprint of his soul on hers, and let her in unexpectedly. She’d likely have an aneurysm after hearing that, so he kept his mouth shut.

“Would you like me to accompany you to your room, my lady?” he offered.

“It’s alright, I don’t want to impose…” she trailed off, biting her bottom lip subconsciously. Lucien glanced away quickly, fighting the urge to kiss her on the mouth and take that plush bottom lip between his teeth. Touch her, smell her, taste her, his instincts urged.

“It’s not an imposition. I’m taking Helion on a short tour of the forest in ten minutes anyways.” Lucien hoped it didn’t sound like he was pressuring her into spending time with him.

“Actually, I am supposed to meet your mother for tea in the Maple Room and I’m not too sure where it’s located,” Elain said softly. After a moment of hesitation, she added, “you may call me Elain.”

“Do you dislike it when I say ‘my lady’?” Lucien asked.

“No, no, I do!” She blinked rapidly, flustered at her admission. The tips of Elain’s pointed ears turned pink. Oh, she definitely likes it, Lucien thought to himself with a satisfied smirk. “I just feel it’s too formal.”

“As you wish. I can take you to the Maple Room, it’s on the way to Helion’s guest quarters.” It was still hard to refer to Helion as “his father”, Lucien thought. Over the last few months, he’d become more familiar with Helion’s boisterous, joking side. And Helion’s affectionate side that came out with him and his mother, as if to make up for 400 years of lost time. But…father? No, that was a term more closely associated with Beron.

Elain kept a measured distance from her mate as they walked down the Forest House’s corridor. Acorn-shaped glass sconces filled with faelight cast a golden light, the hall was padded with soft burgundy carpet, and the walls were tastefully decorated with wood carvings and oil-painted art.

“How’s it going with your father?” she ventured after a few moments of silent walking.

“What do you think of the Autumn Court?” Lucien asked at the same time.

“No, you go first,” they both said in unison. Elain and Lucien glanced at each other, doe brown eyes meeting mismatched amber and gold, before chuckling softly. It eased some of the tension between them, softening the tightness in Elain’s chest and making the corners of Lucien’s eyes crinkle.

“Ladies first.”

“So I get my question answered first,” Elain prompted with a small smile.

Lucien sighed, with somewhat of a dramatic effect. “It’s going well,” he said. “Helion is…he makes my mother happy. And he’s been good to me, but of course the bar was always low with Beron in the first place.”

“You just call him Helion? When you’re with him?” Elain was taken aback by how directly she was speaking to Lucien, given how short and tidy their previous exchanges were.

“No…I call him ‘Dad’ but it feels strange in my mouth.” Lucien shook his head. “I don’t know what a normal relationship between sons and fathers should be. To be honest, I don’t think any of us do.” Elain’s fists clenched, as if readying to fight a long-dead and buried High Lord for the pain he inflicted upon her mate. She trembled slightly, reminding herself to calm down and take some deep breaths.

“It’s only been a few months,” Elain said softly. “Relationships take time.” Our relationship has been in a gray area for almost three years, she realized. Lucien must think I’m wretched for saying that to him.

If he thought there was an underlying meaning to her words, he did not show. “Well, what do you think of the Autumn Court?” he asked again, switching the subject.

“It’s beautiful, I wish I had more time to explore the woods,” Elain replied. As much as she’d tried, she couldn’t keep Lucien out of her mind when taking in everything. She walked the halls imagining how his younger self would have roamed, touched the trees so similar to the ones he saw every day, savoring the constant chill he would have felt on his skin day in and day out. Did he jump into piles of leaves? Play hide and seek behind statues? “Everybody has been very kind. I was expecting…something worse. More stiff and traditional.”

Lucien shrugged. “Eris has done a decent job of changing the atmosphere of the court with his leadership. How is Gwyn? She came here with you, right?”

“Gwyn is off visiting her cousins…she’s very excited to meet them. She misses Azriel, but they talk every night through the scrying mirror.” Truth be told, Elain was a bit stressed that Gwyn had a full itinerary of plans during their visit. She’d grown close with the priestess, and was feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of interacting with Lucien’s family on her own.

“We’re here,” Lucien announced as they rounded the corner. A light brown door with a simple placard that said “Maple Room”. He knocked, and proceeded to open the door for Elain when Daphne Spellcleaver’s lilting voice beckoned them in.

***

“Elain Archeron,” Daphne Spellcleaver greeted her warmly. The Maple Room, like all other rooms in the Forest House, was excessively grand. It was meant to be a sitting room, but the massive rugs, the vaulted glass ceiling, the literal maple trees growing in the corners of the room, and the plush furniture elevated it beyond just a sitting room. Unlike some of the other rooms, however, the Maple Room was filled with plenty of natural light. Two massive windows opened out onto one of the Forest House’s many gardens, filling the air with the smell of roses and dahlias.

“Lady Spellcleaver,” Elain murmured, dipping into a curtsy. It was her first time interacting with Lucien’s mother, the former Lady of Autumn. She had met Graysen’s parents before, but this felt different.

“Oh Elain, no need for formalities. Please, call me Daphne.” Elain rose to see that Lucien had gone straight towards his mother for a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “My sweet boy,” Daphne murmured, ruffling Lucien’s hair as if he were a youngling. “Shouldn’t you be meeting with your father at this time?”

Lucien grinned wryly, making Elain’s heart flutter just slightly. His demeanor had switched instantly, becoming more easy-going around his mother, all loose shoulders and shining eyes. “I was escorting her to you,” he replied. “I’ll be on my way now.” He stepped back, dipping his head towards Elain. “My—I meant—Elain.” Shit. There went another skip of her heart when he said her name.

That russet and gold gaze met hers briefly, before he turned and left swiftly.

“Let’s have some tea. Although I am no longer Lady of Autumn, old habits of welcoming dignitaries are still difficult to break. Especially when we are hosting the High Lady of the Night Court’s sister.”

A female well-versed in court maneuverings, Elain noted. By regarding her as Feyre’s sister, Daphne had indicated she wasn’t here to talk about Elain’s mating bond with Lucien. Despite this formal acknowledgement, the genuine kindness in Daphne’s russet eyes putting Elain immediately at ease. It was easy to pick out what traits Lucien inherited from his mother: her red hair, obviously, her russet eyes, those high cheekbones, and the easy grace.

The maple-flavored tea and selection of desserts were delicious, and Elain found Daphne exceedingly easy to talk to. They had a shared love for baking and fine clothing, which made for easy conversation. Daphne asked Elain questions about her human life, how she was adjusting to being Fae, what Velaris was like, and if she had anything interesting planned for the upcoming year.

Elain was dying to ask Daphne about Lucien, but since Daphne did not bring up a single thing about her son, Elain was hesitant. Since Elain and Lucien’s mate status was a fraught relationship, it was possible that Daphne did not want to make her feel uncomfortable. Still…there had to be a way to pivot the subject…

“What was Lucien like as a child?”

The Lady of Day smiled fondly. “He was a mischievous and observant child,” she replied. “Always running around, playing little tricks. Asking a million questions, chattering with anybody who would give him a minute of their time.”

Elain found herself smiling as well. Lucien seemed to be that precocious boy who would ruffle her feathers at the formal events her parents used to bring her to. “I’m sure those played a part in how he became a courtier.”

“Oh yes,” Daphne agreed knowingly. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be talking about my son so much…”

“Oh no,” Elain reassured her. She smiled conspiratorially at the Lady of Day. “In fact, you should tell me about his most embarrassing incidents…”

Read Ch 2

#elucien #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #acotar gift exchange #elucien fanfic #acotar

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onthearrow · 4 months

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hello! :) i wanted to ask if theres a masterpost for the art in tiny anthem, and if you have some sort of list/masterpost for cool locations in NYC you mention in your fics? i loved corps-a-corps too and i just want to write it all down!!:D thank you <3

Hi! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to answer this--part of the problem is most TA fanart is scattered around my Twitter bookmarks. That said, I took the time to gather up the links for you:

Levi and Beast here

Levi discovers Erwin is the Beast Titan from chapter 1 here

The bottle pub dancing scene from chapter 6 here

Erwin's near-miss in chapter 7 here

Levi's goodbye to Erwin in chapter 8 here

Beast Titan in the airship hold in chapter 11 here

Another version of Beast Titan in the airship hold (this one ripped straight from my brain, amazing 10/10) here

"This would-be devil is the most beautiful man he's ever seen" (chapter 11 airship hold as well) here

"You will refer to me as commander" in chapter 12 here

Erwin's return to Paradis in chapter 12 here

Levi lies to Erwin about their history in chapter 12 here

"You are the one thing that makes me happy" chapter 13 then and now here

Erwin with Beast aka "Susan" in chapter 13/14 here

"Buy Tea for Levi" from chapters 4/14 here

Levi and Erwin's blow-out fight in chapter 15 here

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE because it is exactly what I pictured, Levi's dress whites from the Solstice Ball here

Another absolutely regal take on the Solstice Ball dress whites here

More chapter 16 Solstice Ball fallout here

Various chapter 16 sketches by ginger here

A cosplay of those same dress whites (I am SO freaking flattered) here

Erwin asleep in the carriage in chapter 17 here

The chapter 17 cliffhanger here

THE getting together kiss from chapter 19 here

NSFW doodle of Levi and Erwin in chapter 21 here

A drawing of our favorite OC Hizuran Takuto here

Erwin in the Season 4 uniform here

The kiss Levi and Erwin share after Erwin comes out of his titan in Hizuru in chapter 22 here

This isn't even all of the art...just what I have bookmarked. If you did art for Tiny Anthem and I haven't linked it here, please message me and I'll add it to this post!

Also, seeing all this in a list is just...astounding. The love this fic got was so humbling, I am truly so grateful to have reached so many people with it.

As for NYC spots...CAC is the master list, but if anybody ever wants a few NYC haunts off the beaten path feel free to message me, I'm happy to oblige.

#tiny anthem #eruri #eruri fic #master list #art #oh my GOD fanart is truly the best gift an author can ever receive #any time i got something it made my entire week #and compiling this post now has just made my night #thank you thank you THANK YOU

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inevitably-johnlocked · 2 days

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Hi Steph! I just finished an amazing fic where the boys had broken up but got back together in the end and I wondered if you had any lists of this sort? 🌺

Hi Lovely!!

You know, I get asked this a lot so I FINALLY SAT DOWN and compiled all the fics I have on various lists relating to this! So this list is a mix of the ones I remember on my bookmarks, and the ones suggested to me in past posts!!! Hope you'll enjoy this list!! :D

SEPARATION THEN RECONCILIATION FICS

See also:

Reunion and Other Post TRF Fics

Reunion and Other Post TRF Fics Pt. 2

Reunion and Other Post-TRF Fics Pt. 3

John Finds Out About Hiatus

John Joins Sherlock During Hiatus

Sherlock Returns from Hiatus Injured

Serbia / Aftermath of Hiatus Fics

The Empty Hearse-Related Fics

A Shipless Ocean by myswordfishmind (M, 22,135 w., 4 Ch. || Post-TRF, John has a Kid, Angst, Reunion, Falling in Love, Open Ending) – Ten years after the fall Sherlock goes back to London to find that John no longer lives there. Instead, he resides in a seaside town, a widower, and the father of a seven year old son. Now, Sherlock must struggle with the fact that there may no longer be a place for him in this new world.

carrying up his morning tea by darcylindbergh (E, 34,504 w., 5 Ch. || Post S3, Minor Character Death, Grief/Mourning, Wakes/Funerals, Estranged John, Pining Sherlock, Depression/Insecurity, Slow Burn, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Chronic Pain/Injury, Reconciliation, Awkwardness, Loneliness, Scars, Angst With Happy Ending) – His fingers tremble as he dials and he can’t force them steady. Familiar number, even though he hasn’t used it in two years. He isn’t even sure he should be calling it now, but she’d asked. She’d made him promise.

Nothing to Make a Song About by emmagrant01 (E, 36,833 w., 10 Ch. || Post-TRF, First Time, Reunion, Jealous John, Pining Sherlock, Romance, Angst with Happy Ending, Sherlock Has a Boyfriend) – When Sherlock returned from his faked death, John could not forgive him for the deception and broke off their friendship. Ten years later, John returns to London in search of yet another new beginning. Sherlock, not surprisingly, is waiting.

The Homecoming Series by sussexbound (M, 51,744 w. across 12 stories, WIP || Domestics, PTSD, Love Confessions, Hurt/Comfort, Cuddling, Jealousy, Family Issues) – Sometimes home is all you need. After three years of horror, betrayals, and crushing loss, John and Sherlock find their way back home to one another, and together find new footing in a world that has changed forever.

Albion and the Woodsman by Glenmore (NR [E], 54,437 w., 50 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post S3, Parentlock, Pining Sherlock, Angst, Family, Drug Use, Depression, Sherlock POV, Light Humour, Reconnecting, Declarations of Love) – Sherlock and John are devastated after Mary Morstan makes her final moves. Sherlock relapses at the crack house, John walks around the world … and a lot happens in between. Parentlock, in the good way.

MARKED FOR LATER / WiPs

The Walking Man by suitesamba (T, 2,200 w., 1 Ch. || Post S4, Retirement, Fluff and Angst, Sussex) – When it was all over, when the east wind had blown through and they picked themselves off the pavement, Sherlock said enough. Eighteen years later, the real journey begins.

The Tarmac by Calais_Reno (T, 5,662 w., 1 Ch. || HLV / Tarmac Scene, Separations, Angst, Pining, Love Confessions, Reunions, True Love) – There are things that need to be said.

Solstice by Calais_Reno (T, 6,875 w., 1 Ch. || Post S4, POV Sherlock, Winter Solstice, Separations, Lost Love, Eventual Happy Ending) – It feels like the onset of winter, so gradual that you wake up one day and see ice decorating the windows and wonder when it suddenly became so cold... He lost John slowly, without either of them deciding that’s what would happen. The way to come back together must be so gradual that it’s almost imperceptible. Part 12 of Just Johnlock

Unsettled by suitesamba (M, 7,879 w., 3 Ch. || Pining, Angst, Jealousy, Retirement) – Recently-widowed John takes a look at his life and finds it lacking. It's been twenty years since Sherlock returned from the dead, but he's never stopped thinking things should have turned out very differently. Sherlock has been living in Sussex for five years now, but it takes the news that he has a new partner in crime to get John out of London. A tale of pining, and jealousy, jumping to the wrong conclusion, and old men in love.

Always a Neverland by suitesamba (M, 11,375 w., 1 Ch. || Post TRF, Drug Use) – John is living a quiet life at 221B with his son when Sherlock Holmes, dead and gone ten years, appears at his door. There’s an excellent reason he’s been gone, and several very good ones for taking him back, but the best one of all is Will, who falls in love with Sherlock as surely as John once did.

Where You Hang Your Heart by suitesamba (M, 13,524, 2 Ch. || Post S4/S4 is Canon, Angst, Sussex, Injury, Aging, First Kiss) – When it was all over, when the east wind had blown through and they’d picked themselves off the pavement, Sherlock said enough. When it was all over, when Mary was dead and Rosie didn’t have enough family left for John to risk even an adrenaline high, John watched Sherlock go. Eighteen years later, the real journey begins.

When All is Said and Done by sussexbound (E, 19,570 w., 3 Ch. || Post T6T, John’s Letter, Estrangement, Reconciliation, Hand / Blow Jobs, Make-Up Sex, Frottage, Inconvenient Erections, Implied / Referenced Drug Use, Implied / Referenced Alcohol Abuse, Light Bondage, First Kiss, Love Confessions) – Sherlock sits down on the bench in the middle of the pod and fishes around in the pocket of his coat for the cigarettes he keeps there. There’s a decal on the window that says ‘no smoking’ of course, but… “Do you mind if I smoke?” He sees the sound of his voice register in the man’s body like a bolt of lightning.

The Golden Cottage by AlessNox (T, 20,201 w., 10 Ch. || Post S3, Injury, Cabin, Composing, Sherlock's Violin, Love, Friendship, Hope, Platonic Life Partners, Music) – In a golden cottage deep in the English countryside a man comes to visit and to ask what went wrong with a friendship that once seemed so bright.

The Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Misfortune by Sherlockwatsonholmesblog (M, 20,455+ w., 4/7 Ch || Post TLD, Five Stages of Grief, Estranged Friends to Lovers, Implied / Referenced Suicide, Self Hatred, Slow Burn, Emotional Trauma, Recovery) – There seems to be something tragic in a friendship so coloured by romance, for they have loved each other immensely. However, Some Days, love isn’t enough. Sherlock and John persevering, as always.

Something Like Love by Calais_Reno (M, 28,553 w., 7 Ch. || Alternate Universe || Pre & Post TRF, Canadian John, Victor Trevor, Texting, Hotel Sex, One Night Stands, Guilty Pleasures, Angst with Happy Ending, Grief/Mourning, POV Alternating, Separations, Infidelity) – A year after a one-night encounter in a hotel in Germany, Sherlock texts Watson.

We'll Meet Again by isitandwonder (E, 29,306 w., 7 Ch. || 1940′s WWII AU || Semi-Public Sex, Blow / Hand Jobs, Anal Sex, Period-Typical Homophobia, Love Letters, Prolonged Separation, Implied/Referenced Rape, Epistolary, War Crimes, Infidelity, Reunion Sex, Magical Realism, Ghosts, Suicide, Sad with Happy Ending) – London during WW II: Doctor John Watson has a hot, anonymous brief encounter with a beautiful stranger during blackout. But they get interrupted. Will they ever meet again? Bittersweet Johnlock WWII AU with a twist to the present day in the end.

This Time No (Forgiveness) by AtlinMerrick (E, 29,464 w., 2 Ch.|| Angst, Redemption) – It was Sherlock's fault. It usually is. And though he'll ask forgiveness for what he's done, for the very first time John will say, 'This time no, Sherlock. This time, never.' And maybe, just maybe, John Watson is going to mean it. [TRANSLATIONS: Русский]

If Equal Affection Cannot Be by blueink3 (E, 31,156 w., 3 Ch. || Post S4, Family, Retirement, Grown Up Rosie, Angst, Reunion, Loneliness, Sussex, Fluff, Sexy Times, Happy Ending) – Sherlock fled London a couple of years after John left him in hospital with nothing but an old walking stick and a half-hearted goodbye. Rosie grew up thinking that Sherlock died when he committed suicide in front of her father by jumping from Barts' roof. So it's somewhat awkward when they run into each other in a Sussex general store between the loaves of bread and the Mars bars...

Little Contributions by DiscordantWords (T, 43,710+ w., 39/? Ch. || Ficlet Collection) – Rounding up my Tumblr ficlets and odds-and-ends to keep them all in one place. Some are Johnlock, some are gen, each one stands alone unless otherwise indicated. (Chapter 27: The One to Leave)

Borrowed Ghosts by DiscordantWords (M, 57,216 w., 10 Ch. || TLD Divergence / TFP Doesn’t Exist, Minor Lestrolly, Pining Sherlock, John’s a Mess, Heavy Angst with Happy Ending, Implied/Referenced Drug Addiction, Ghost Mary, Guilt, Forgiveness, Drinking, No Hug Scene) – In the aftermath of the Culverton Smith case, John spent one painfully stilted afternoon hanging out with Sherlock. He counted the minutes, finished his tea, and left for home without ever clearing the air between them.And once he'd left, he found it very hard to go back.

The Sweetness Makes the Smoke and Stings Worthwhile by 221b_careful_what_you_wish_for (M, 70,032 w., 31 Ch. || Historical 1920′s Unilock AU || Summer Romance, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, First Kiss/Time, Inexperienced Sherlock, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Drinking, Period-Typical Homophobia, Sexual Tension, Hand/Blow Jobs, Dancing, Secret Relationship, Skinny Dipping, Angst with a Happy Ending, Closet Sex, Hotel Sex, Emotions, Falling in Love, Mutual Pining, Letters/Epistolary, Heartache, Minor Violence, Separations, Reunion Sex, Love Confessions, Victor & Mary in this Fic) – After nearly being expelled from university, Sherlock is banished home to Musgrave Hall for the summer. A friend introduces him to John Watson, a handsome medical student visiting the area. Sherlock and John find themselves drawn to each other, falling into a summer romance that may be as painful as it is sweet. Although they follow different paths, their feelings for each other still haunt them, their love finally coming full circle years later. For those concerned about Mary and Victor, they appear only briefly and as very background characters. My version of Mary is not modeled on the BBC version. She is more of an original character, if anything.

The Case of the Green Gown by splix (E, 209,261 w., 29 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post S3, Case Fic, First Time, Action/Adventure, Angst, Peril, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Slow Burn, Torture) – ...Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife, the only selfish action which I can recall in our association. I was alone. –– Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier

#steph replies #johnlock fic recs #separation and reconciliation fics #reunion fics #my fic recs #reconciliation fics #separation fics

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zeldaelmo · 9 months

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Rules: Give us the links to your fics with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and your fic with the least amount of words.

Thank you for the tag @drsteggy!

Most hits:

Stolen Kisses [In a quiet moment, Zelda confesses her love to Link before it's too late. But what happens to whispered promises and breathless kisses when the world doesn't end?

The King, the council, the nobles - none of them seem ready for a courtship between a princess and a commoner, but giving up is no option for Zelda and Link.

Saving the world is only the beginning.]

Second most Kudos:

How to name a royal child [No one in the newly established court ever asked Link and Zelda about the character of their relationship, so they didn't tell anyone that they were married. When Zelda is finally expecting a child, the council meetings become more fun for the two of them from month to month.]

Third most comments:

Flour, water, salt, yeast, love [As a regular in Link's bakery, Zelda asks him for a favor for Hylia's day. A mistake leads to them fake-dating until at end of the holidays neither of them knows what is fake and what is real anymore.]

Fourth most bookmarks:

It's in his kiss [Valentine's Day traditions of Hyrule's castle or: Zelda makes an airtight plan to get rid of her appointed knight.]

Fifth most words:

The Promise [An old promise forces Link into a betrothal with Zelda, the daughter of his father's friend and the center of Castle Town's rumors. At the end of the winter solstice ball, however, he makes his own, rushed promise to her. He soon discovers she might be worth holding it no matter the trouble that seems to follow them like a shadow.]

Least amount of words: Sneaking Suspicion [Prompt: How about Zelda's maid being sus about her and the Hylian Champion?]

Tagging @ladyhoneydee, @1up-girl, @linktheacehero, @nocturnalfandomartist and @rachaeltad!

#zelink #zeldaelmo writes #legend of zelda #Tag game #Yes I wanted to show off all the shiny new banners I made the other day #So what about it 😂

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a-dream-bookmark · 1 year

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a dream bookmark presents:

it's vacation time!

Welcome to our first writing event, Solstice: The Long Break. The theme for this event will be the break you will be taking for summer/winter later in the middle of the year or what one can supposedly call "the long break".

Write about that tour you wanted to join, a supposed vacation to a beach or the mountains, or a moment in time when you just want to have fun with your loved ones or even find one. It's all up to you!

Rules:

You must be a member of the circle to participate. Guidelines for the membership is linked here.

Following the guidelines set, participation is highly encouraged if you want to keep your membership.

The pairings written can be either reader insert x idol or oc x idol. The reader can be any gender you prefer.

Only drabbles & full-length fics are accepted. Any other forms won’t be accepted.

Minimum word count is 500 words with no maximum.

We allow any AUs as long as it is related to the theme of "the long break"

Plagiarism is extremely prohibited and not tolerated. Following the rules that have already been set, if any writer is found doing so, they will get their membership removed. Please credit where credit is due if you are inspired by any content.

The deadline for the event is June 19th, 2023 and all works written will be included in a masterlist that will be posted on June 22nd.

Make sure to tag your work with #solstice: the long break to make it easier for us to track!

Have fun and Happy writing! Remember, this shouldn’t be an event that would cause you pressure. Let your creativity and passion guide you!

How to join?

Reblog this post and send the member, group, and AUs you'll be writing on the Discord server's channel. Remember that this is the circle's event and you have to be a member first before joining. If you have any other questions, feel free to send an ask so we can answer it right away.

Navigation | Events

#kpop imagines #enhypen imagines #txt imagines #stray kids imagines #ateez imagines #the boyz imagines #treasure imagines #ive imagines #aespa imagines #le sserafim imagines #newjeans imagines #oneus imagines #stayc imagines #itzy imagines #nmixx imagines #bookmark: event #bookmark: solstice #solstice: the long break

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tracingpatternswrites · 7 months

Note

Have you posted the angsty, toxic jegulus fix on ao3 yet, or is that still a wip on your end? It sounds amazingggg so I wanted to bookmark and subscribe cannot wait to read it 🫶🏼😍

Hello, dear. It's not posted yet, it's very much a WIP, but it is pouring out of me so I do hope I'll get it finished soon. I'll definitely update here when it's done. Meanwhile, have another little snippet:

It takes three more weeks before he sees James, hanging by the stands and watching rather than flying himself. Regulus pretends he doesn’t notice, pushes himself further, forces himself to go through his rigorous session until the very end before he allows himself to land. He doesn’t look at James, can’t look at him, refuses to look at him. No, he thinks, his heart pounding in his chest. No, not again, never again. “Regulus,” James says, and his voice is achingly familiar and also foreign, it chafes against Regulus’ ears. He ignores him, walks away, heading straight for the changing rooms. He doesn’t think James follows him, but when he steps back out after his shower, he’s there. He’s sitting on the bench next to Regulus’ things as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. Regulus can tell the second his gaze snags on the mark on Regulus’ left arm, the scarred redness a sharp contrast to Regulus’ otherwise pale and smooth skin. Something that Regulus can’t read flickers across James’ face, and then he’s standing so quickly that Regulus takes a step back before he’s even consciously aware of having moved. Regulus doesn’t object as James grabs his wrist, turning his arm over to inspect the mark. His grip is hard, too hard, and Regulus knows he’ll probably bruise. Neither of them speak, but James’ gaze is piercing and sharp. Regulus raises his chin in a haughty sort of challenge when James looks at his face. James has grown over the summer, but so has he. The height difference between them is roughly the same as before, but James is even broader, his muscles flexing underneath the flimsy fabric of his Muggle shirt. “When?” he asks, his voice rough. “Summer solstice,” replies Regulus, his voice tight. James doesn’t speak, not for a long time. He doesn’t move either, doesn’t release Regulus, and Regulus doesn’t try to pull away. The silence is mounting, building, settling across Regulus’ chest until he struggles to draw a breath. “Don’t tell Sirius,” he says, which isn’t at all what he wanted or planned to say. James’ eyes remind him of the hot chocolate Kreacher used to make him as a child as he studies Regulus before shifting his gaze back to the mark. “I don’t keep secrets from Sirius,” he replies after what feels like hours but is probably no more than seconds, and he runs the tip of a finger down Regulus’ arm, watching as goosebumps break out in its wake. “You don’t?” Regulus asks, the question heavy, dropping between them like led. James doesn’t reply.

#toxic jegulus #jegulus #regulus black #james potter #sunday snippet #my writing

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redstrewn · 10 months

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My personal Leander bookmarks

Tumblr told me "fuck you" and search no longer works reliably on my blog, so I'm now manually organizing all the posts I reference a lot.

Still not finished with this; will keep editing over time.

Compilations

- @/senobium's collection (there's a long list!)

- astranautic & anam-mana: femininity, divine feminine, triple moon, ouroboros, lily, chatelaine, fool's journey/high priestess

- lesbianrumi: pagan symbols, ouroboros, immortality, rebirth, cycle of life, triple moon, white lilies, elements, fertility, youth, femininity, divine feminine, purification, green, unicursal hexagram

Red Spring Studio

- character description: kindness comes with a price, expects something in return

- character reveal: as long as you trust me, a darkness haunts his chivalry

- character teaser: mages lust for power. It's always their downfall

- character profile: likes and dislikes

- MC's responses to touching Leander

- in-game opinions on Leander

- relationship charts

Manipulation

- stylographic-blue-rhapsody & @/senobium: the magician tarot, personality and nature of character

- rubyfunkey: swaying MC's opinion

- @/leaiss: dagger as deception/treachery

- owlespresso & me: Leander intentionally putting MC in danger

Endlessness

- anon & heavensickness: LoveWillNeverEnd (prologue Leander music)

- Red Spring Studio: Did you think this would end?

Playing god

- Marlowe's Faustus (thanks to heavensickness)

- @/senobium: as above so below and more

- @/senobium: ruling the underworld

Bluebeard

- Red Spring Studio: "...as long as you trust me."

- To accept love is to accept being god: love as a matter of faith like the garden of eden, without eliminating risk

- Bluebeard as God (cw patriarchy)

- Bluebeard as God, collection

- play loops, a cycle

Chaos magic

- lucyofasgard & me: chaos magicians, gnosis, as above so below and the unknown, belief, magic and fogfall as weakening of reality

- Phil Hine: the magician as inhuman and feeling separate, sacrifice, neverending consequences, "one cannot reshape the world without being reshaped in the process"

- Phil Hine: a magician "by necessity, is continually on guard against that which might limit his ability to adapt and survive in this world."

- Phil Hine: pushing boundaries

- Phil Hine: belief and interpretation

The myth of Hero and Leander

- cvhenia's excerpt from a book

- stylographic-blue-rhapsody

- reo-the-leo: Ais nicknaming Mhin as "Dove" and MC as "Sparrow"

- peppermintbiotics & anam-mana: crossing planes/borders, barrier maiden

Flower/lily of life, dragonfly

- @/senobium & junebean1782: flower/lily of life

- pinkpruneclodwolf & reo-the-leo: dragonfly

Cycle of life

- n--n: leander's birthday is on the summer solstice (rebirth/duplicity)

- endless knot: cycle of life and more

Curses

- crying--crow: left-hand path and right-hand path, absorb/inflict curses

Jealousy

- green, othello (ouroboros, green-eyed monster), uquiz results ("dont retake")

- heavensickness: awkward silence that he doesn't smooth over

#leander ref #leander

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that-one-empty-skull · 7 months

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Got tagged by @dingbingbats

Rapid fire questions go

coke or pepsi? Bepsi :)

disney or dreamworks? Dreamworks have dragons so

coffee or tea? Coffee for utility tea for pleasure

books or movies? You can't make me choose

windows or mac? Windows, Mac scares me

dc or marvel? DC ig, I like Harlivy

x-box or playstation? PC and Nintendo consoles

dragon age or mass effect? Never played either of them

night owl or early riser? Born to night owl forced to early rise

cards or chess? Cards, I suck at chess :(

chocolate or vanilla? Depends, mostly chocolate though

vans or converse? Vans are more comfy but I love my Converse to death

Lavellan, Trevelyan, Cadash, or Adaar? Don't speak French

fluff or angst? BOTH

beach or forest? Forest

dogs or cats? Both are lovely beasts but I have a slight cat bias

clear skies or rain? Rain 100%, not to be too emo but I love the sensation of raindrops falling on my back

cooking or eating out? Cooking all the way if it wasn't for executive dysfunction

spicy food or mild food? I like it a bit spicy. Like "spicy at a Turkish restaurant" not "spicy at an Indian restaurant"-levels

halloween/samhain or solstice/yule/christmas? Halloween:)

would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot? The latter is just menopause so that one ig???

if you could have a superpower, what would it be? Shapeshifting or invisibility, you're on the trans loser website

animation or live action? Animation

paragon or renegade? Don't speak Italian

baths or showers? Showers

team cap or team ironman? Unchecked nationalism or hypercapitalist libertarianism. Captain America I guess because I cannot imagine a single emotionally resonant story that could be told with the current iteration of Ironman

fantasy or sci-fi? fantasy but I've been getting more into sci-fi lately

do you have three or four favourite quotes, if so what are they? The Sappho quote, you know the one;"[…]Heaven and hell are the same but in heaven they feed each other";The good ol' Memento Mori

youtube or netflix? Youtube

[REDACTED] 👍

when do you feel accomplished? God has cursed me for my hubris, and my work is never finished.

star wars or star trek? Horny Space Fleet

paperback books or hardcover books? hardcover, I'm too clumsy for paperbacks

to live in a world without literature or without music? You cannot meaningfully separate one from the other

who was the last person to make you laugh? Probably the dingus who tagged me

city or countryside? city

favorite chips? Those corn based chrupki that come in bags the size of a small child

pants or dresses? Pants

libraries or museums? Libraries

character driven stories or plot driven stories? Character driven

bookmarks or folding pages? Bookmarks

Dream job? They should pay me for being a special little boy, so ig Court Jester

What gives you comfort? Art, friends, pillows to hug

what are some of your favorite song lyrics? My theology/ I like to know that he's watching me/ Fulfill me up like a prophecy/ put the fear of God in me ; Sodom & Gomorrah by Dorian Electra my beloved

favorite ice cream flavor ever? Can't go wrong with mango

first fandom?

tagging others, add your own new question at the end if you follow up:

@vikugnavikugna @vzajemnik @nectadraws @sephinot @immortalsapphics @randomarcher2013 @asphyxi-art

#🦴#Tag games

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bitsandbobsofwriting · 2 years

Note

Thoughts on everyone’s favourite Christmas/Yuletide/winter solstice gift? ( either cannon era or modern times)

(Headcanon Masterlist) (Full Masterlist)

This is interesting to think about... so let's think about it!!

Arthur's is definitely something sappy that Merlin got him one year, not that he'd EVER tell Merlin that. Either something that Merlin found in the castle that belonged to Arthur's mother (like at the end of Marksman!Merlin), or something really small; handmade but thoughtful. A ring or a chain for his neck or something; he either had Gwen teach him how to forge simple things and figured it out from there, using pieces of scrap metal that the forge can't really use (meaning whatever he makes is actually worth quite a bit, overall, not that Merlin intends that, or is even aware of it), OR he makes something with his magic post reveal. Arthur wears whatever it is practically everyday, and Merlin only points it out on days the two of them are being particularly... friendly.

Merlin's is probably something from his mother or Gwen. Arthur like... tries? And it's adorable?? But he normally just buys things because he's terrible at being creative/making things, and as much as Merlin treasure the new boots or jacket or whatever, the hand sewn, hand embroidered neckerchief from Gwen, or the little package of treats that you can only find in Ealdor that his mum sent, are treasured just a little bit more. Arthur is not bitter about this. Not at all.

Morgana's is probably also something from Gwen. It'll be a small trinket, a little hairpin or bracelet that she picked up from a travelling merchant and personalised herself. Morgana will wear it at every opportunity, and definitely finds herself buying/commissioning clothes in certain colours so that she can wear it more often.

Gwaine got a personalised water skin. Of course what he actually puts in it is booze, but that was intentional on the gifter's part (Elyan probably, or whoever in the group is least against his drinking lol). It has his name embroidered on it all nicely. Gwaine gets to have something that feels kind of nice and posh, without feeling like he's a noble again, because he fills it with ale or liquor.

Gwen’s is either something from one of her parents, likely her mother, from a long time ago that she cherishes, OR it’ll be something super sappy from Merlin. I reckon Merlin, in his hopeless romantic (even in his platonic relationships) way, collects a little group of all the types of flowers Gwen has given him over the years and dries and presses them to make something nice. Probably just something decorative that she can put on a wall or use as a bookmark, but it’s a symbol of their friendship that she hadn’t even considered that important, but Merlin evidently had, and she LOVES it.

Leon’s is something meaningful, or stupid. He’s technically a Lord, so no one bothers buying him anything valuable because it’s kind of pointless, so it’s either something really thoughtful and handmade, or a joke gift that he adores. I reckon from Gwaine. Yeah. Gwaine got him something absolutely ridiculously stupid one year—I’m thinking a handstitched (by Gwaine, so it’s legitimately terrible) handkerchief that says “To Mother, happy Yule (or Birthday/Christmas/whatever), love from the problem child” —and Leon carries it EVERYWHERE.

Elyan’s is something that used to belong to his father, given to him by Gwen a couple of years after he came home. He knows it took a little while for Gwen to forgive him for leaving, so the gift is important on multiple levels. Firstly, Gwen personally letting go of something that belonged to the father she lost is a pretty big sacrifice on her part, secondly, it’s like she’s forgiving him from going and finally just accepting that he’s back and part of the family again, and thirdly, it’s something from his father... who he misses terribly and has a lot of unsolved issues with.

Percival... maybe something from his family before they died? Something small and cheap and in bad shape, but whatever it is, it’s important on so many levels and he’ll never get rid of it. It’s kept very secret and safe and private, but he won’t lie if someone were to find it and ask what it is/why he keeps it.

Lancelot’s is probably something from Merlin? It’ll be something so silly and pointless, but with a lot of meaning behind it. Maybe something from Frankia? Lance hasn’t been home in so many years, and Merlin manages to do some trading with some, luckily clueless, travelling merchants who didn’t know that the herbs/candied fruits/wine/whatever only came from Frankia, and were worth quite a bit more than the dozen eggs and handful of coppers Merlin had given them as payment.

Gaius.... something from his sister maybe? Hunith sends him a sketch she did of them and their parents, or half of a blanket they used to share when they were kids, something super sentimental like that. No one knows he owns it, he keeps it in a crate under his bed and only ever takes it out when it’s been a tough week.

Mordred’s will definitely be something from his family. They’ve all gone now, all quite traumatically, but when back with Iseldir he gets given a memento as a gift the next Yule/birthday, to make him feel better, something small that had belonged to his parents before everything went to shit. A specific mortar bowl, a herb jar, a pocket knife, something mundane and boring that his parents never considered important, that would normally never be gift material.

This has been half finished in my drafts for MONTHS so I’m glad I finally forced myself to finish it lol, I hope you enjoyed it anon, if you stuck around long enough to read it😅!

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n0brainjustvibes · 7 months

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Tagged by @vikugnavikugna!

coke or pepsi? beverage BITE miette?? beverage STING her tongue like the insect??? jail!!! jail for beverage for One Thousand Years!!!

disney or dreamworks? dreamworks did HTTYD, right? them.

coffee or tea? tea

books or movies? books hehe

windows or mac? never used mac so windows it is

dc or marvel? ok, exposing myself here, worm was like my 2nd superhero media ever. i haven't read either 🙈 i have seen a few marvel movies but i'm not sure whether that should count for or against them

x-box or playstation? mine crafdt on my laptop

dragon age or mass effect? mass effect bc incuriouscat on youtube makes sick ass fan PMVs

night owl or early riser? night owl

cards or chess? chess, you can narrate stories about the pieces and thoroughly annoy your opponent (sibling) even as you lose >:3

chocolate or vanilla? chocolate all the way!!

vans or converse? wgat

Lavellan, Trevelyan, Cadash, or Adaar? I can't tell if these are fantasy names or antidepressants

fluff or angst? uhhhhdfcgvhbjnk gonna have to say fluff

beach or forest? beach

dogs or cats? cats 100%! (or secret third option: fish...)

clear skies or rain? clear. god. please... 🙏🙏

cooking or eating out? cooking :P

spicy food or mild food? Mild by any sane standards, but spicy according to my family and/or BBC Food haha

halloween/samhain or solstice/yule/christmas? chris mas :))

would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot? uuuhhhh .. hh. hard one here. gonna have to also go cold

if you could have a superpower, what would it be? SUPERSPEED!! Or time powers. My irl friend has convinced me of their usefulness.

animation or live action? animation

paragon or renegade? renegade, it's the name of my serial killer dark forest!hollyleaf fanfic (only half kidding...)

baths or showers? shower

team cap or team ironman? hm. remember when I said I watched a few marvel movies? yeah none of them were this one :(

fantasy or sci-fi? fantasy baybey!!! but I adore both

do you have three or four favourite quotes, if so what are they? oh god okay. hm... "Where did we learn it, this talent for insatiability?" from The Handmaid's Tale still Lives In My Head from high school english. If song lyrics count, then, "You don't know me / don't you question my love" from Berlin, Without Return. "Sometimes a hypocrite is just a man in the process of changing" (I don't recall the exact wording) from... Oathbringer? is my fav cliche cosmere pick. Oh! And I forget the episode or even who said it, but at some point during the s3 All Might/AFO fight in MHA, one of the side characters stuck on guard duty said "You're confusing difficulty with importance", and that changed my life.

youtube or netflix? youtube :) it has fun little AMVs

[REDACTED] [Clearance Level 9]

when do you feel accomplished? when I bake something! making concrete stuff is really fulfilling, especially if I'm baking for other people.

star wars or star trek? spaceballs (jk, star wars, but I haven't seen star trek so sw wins by default)

paperback books or hardcover books? paperback

to live in a world without literature or without music? [sad character song assigner noises]... without music.

who was the last person to make you laugh? that would be @ty-bayonet-betteridge with several lines in their riley fic hehe

city or countryside? city! much as I complain about missing nature :') ideally a city that's near the sea

favorite chips? anything plain sea salt and properly crunchy 🤌

pants or dresses? pants, though dresses are fun for fancy occasions!

libraries or museums? is it a natural history museum? pleamse?? if so museum! otherwise library all the way.

character driven stories or plot driven stories? I don't really have a preference ngl

bookmarks or folding pages? i was one of those heretical kids who just plonked their books face down open 🙈😭 and now I mostly read online so... idk? Probably bookmarks.

Dream job? honestly would love to be on the management council for a small nature conservancy. second choice would be ecological research, but data-based, not fieldwork (animals scare me >.<)

What gives you comfort? thinking about The Characters...

what are some of your favorite song lyrics? literally ANY pun or double meaning lyric by idkhow!! gonna go with "lose yourself inside the city / lose your mind inside a week".

favorite ice cream flavor ever? chocolate my beloved...

first fandom? warrior cats......

deep ocean or deep space? (personally, i gotta pick ocean, because theres fish in there 👍😊)

Your desert island band?

@thesternest @seroquelfan @chaoticrushu, but no pressure to answer, and anyone is welcome to join! add your own question at the end if you answer :]

#tag game

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