Unicorn, Potion, Cauldron!

Unicorn, Potion, Cauldron!

Thank you for the ask, @zackprincebooks!!!!

(Ask Game Here)

UNICORN - What makes your WIP and your writing stand out?

And the answer is... I am not sure. I try to make all of my WIPs unique, be it when it comes to plot, setting, or characters, or through the subversion (or by embracing depending on the context) of some tropes. I hope that all of my WIPs have an immersive worldbuilding that feels alive with characters that have rich internal conflict and interesting dynamics, alongside an exciting and intriguing story. At least that's what I hope to achieve.

POTION - If potions exist in your WIP, give me a potion recipe!

Yes, potions exist in almost all of my high fantasy WIPs! For this ask, I'll go with a potion from Song of Thorns (this potion is a product of mixed studies of alchemical sorcery and hemomancy, and is consumed throughout the book by Tarrant to try and ward off his infection by the Blood Plague/Curse while he seeks to break his soulbinding contract).

Elisian's Plea (or Draught of Delayed Sorrow)

Dried out Feyrose petals

Distilled Frost Wyrm's blood

One drop of Nightshade (heavily diluted)

Bone dust (deer bones)

Hangman's Bloom (a rare flower that grows in the cursed parts of the Borderland Forests)

Flavored water

How to Prepare: (according to Tarrant's diary)

"Mix the wyrm's blood and the (deer) bone dust into a fine paste until it becomes an even mixture. Add one drop of diluted nightshade. Ground the Feyrose petals and the Hangman's Bloom into a powder and add to the mix. Add the (vanilla flavored, my preference) water and mix until it's all liquid and glows scarlet like a vampire's blood. Drink one vial between each cycle of the moon. Repeat."

CAULDRON - Give me a fantasy food!

Grilled Sea Monster meat, served with cheesy potato buns.

"A delicacy from Myrwater Harbor, the seaside kingdom where Roselyn and her siblings were born in Song of Thorns. Sea monster meat is one of the main exports of the city, and is at the heart of this backwater harbor's culinary culture. Every month, enormous wood and metal fishing ships return to the harbor with gigantic sea monsters as their day's prize. This dish is typically prepared by taverns, where large chunks of this rare meat are roasted over a wood-fired oven, while fresh cheese and potato buns are prepared. Once cooked, the fish meat is typically cut into small squares and covered with a rich sauce made of a variety of seasonal local spices, and is served along with the cheesy potato buns on a wooden plate"

Smoked venison pie with wildberry and (deer) blood sauce

"From the opposite side of the continent (still in the WIP Song of Thorns), another dish, this time one typically enjoyed by those of Vampyric or simply Fey roots. Being talented hunters, game meat is one of the main sources of food for both faeries and vampyrs alike. This pie takes a long time to be prepared. It is made of smoked venison meat, covered by a sauce made of deer blood, wildberries and a variety of spices, as well as some forest vegetables. The pie's crust is a thin and layered dough, very light."

Character Voice Tag!

Thanks for the tag, @willtheweaver (here)!

By the way, if you like this, please reblog, it helps a lot 💕

I'll go with the cast of Supernova Initiative! Let's go (:

MY LINE WAS: What did I do to deserve this?

YOUR LINE IS: Well. That was horrifying. Anyways, moving on!

I'm gonna put a bit of context in brackets because I think it helps (:

SUPERNOVA INITIATIVE

Jack Tithus (probably in tears, talking to the Director) - "What did I ever do to you, you sick bastard?!"

Artemis Zreeth (deadpan, after Meridian makes a cringey joke) - "What is your problem with me, robot-man?"

Cassiopeia Tithus (pissed off, almost decking Deimos)- "Well we didn't ask you to come back! What the hell is wrong with you?"

Deimos Soll (trying to sound unemotional, actually terrified of General Laylah) - "You have refused to inform me of the purpose of my capture. Until you explain to me what your qualm with my person is, I shall refuse to comply with any orders coming from you."

Vesper Foxx (knife to the person's throat, pinning them to the wall by the scruff of their shirt): "What do you want, fucker? You seem to have a problem with me, so why don't we solve this one-on-one?"

Pax Stellaryn (mildly annoyed but chuckling after his brother pranked him): "Gosh, what did I do to deserve that this time? What is your excuse (chuckles)?"

Aleks Keldora (genuinely concerned): "Did I do something wrong? I must have. Can you please tell me so I can make it better?"

Ethean Mirannir (done with everything): "Why are you like this? Just why. What did I ever do to you?"

Noctus (seemingly unemotional and slightly cheeky): "If you have any problems with my work, do take it up with my supervisors at the Junction. I'm sure they would be pleased to redirect you."

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart

@leave-her-a-tome, @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid

@lassiesandiego, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams and OPEN TAG

For the pride asks!

16. Did you ever change an oc's identity when they were already established? Why?

18. Do you prefer to give your ocs specific labels, or keep it unspecified? Why? If applicable, do you change their labels depending on circumstance?

Thank you for the ask, @eccaiia!

16. Did you ever change an OC's identity when they were already established? Why?

Not recently that I recall! Usually my character's sexuality or identity simply "clicks" as I'm developing them - I get a "vibe" from their personality traits or sometimes I just know it's difficult to explain. What does happen quite often is that I'll have developed a character and won't be sure of what their identity or sexuality is because it hadn't yet been relevant to the plot, but then I'll be writing the book and be like "heck yeah, this character is gay" or "this character is as asexual as me", or "this girl would have a gorgeous girlfriend", etc. It's typically that "click" moment I mentioned before.

18. Do you prefer to give your ocs specific labels, or keep it unspecified? Why? If applicable, do you change their labels depending on circumstance?

Usually my OCs don't have labels within canon - mostly because most of my WIPs take place in medieval settings where our modern labels would be out of place. All of them have a clear label or sexuality in my mind as I write them once they've been fully developed. But some do have labels (namely some characters from Supernova Initiative and Mutant Inquiries, which are both futuristic settings, so our modern labels fit right in). For example, there's a line in Supernova Initiative where Jack says "I'm Asexual"! (:

Ask meee....

OC Duo Answers Ask Game

So because I'm incapable of doing things the conventional way, here's an idea: for these asks, instead of picking an OC and just saying things (which I like, don't get me wrong), to answer these asks pick two characters, and answer the questions as if each character were talking about the other. These answers don't have to be accurate; they reflect each character's perceptions of the other. They can be friends, family, enemies, anything to each other.

😇- What's their best trait?

👿- What's their worst trait?

⚖️- Are they a good person?

👁️- Do you really know them?

👥- What are they to you?

❤️- What are you to them?

🐺- What animal do they most remind you of?

😘- Are they your type?

😨- What's their greatest fear?

🧠- What's your best memory with them? Worst?

👣- How long have you known each other?

🫂- How has your relationship changed recently?

🫡- Are they a good leader?

If you guys have asks you want to add in the reblogs, go ahead, ik this isn't a lot.

Gonna tag people below the cut to get this started:

@the-ellia-west, @somethingclevermahogony, @thewritingautisticat, @smudged-red-ink, @aesthetic-writer18

@tildeathiwillwrite, @agirlandherquill, @illarian-rambling, @corinneglass, and @diabolical-blue!

Your characters are attending a wedding! What are they wearing, what present are they giving the couple, and what do they get arrested for when the night is over?

I'll go with a few of my characters from my WIPs!

Tarrant (Song of Thorns) -

What he is wearing: An impeccable blue robe with gold trim and delicate embroidered details, with a ruffled white shirt, tight black pants, and delicate boots. He also has delicate black silk gloves and golden jewelry. He may or may not be wearing light traditional makeup. His long strawberry-blond hair is either loose and styled with delicate silver chains or tied into a neat ponytail.

What present is he giving the couple: Something expensive but standard. He probably doesn't have time to spend choosing something incredibly specific, so he chooses the next best thing: something of quality that he knows will be considered useful by the wedded couple.

What does he get arrested for when the night is over: Getting into a fight with an important guest who got too drunk and tried to hit on him inappropriately.

Jack (Supernova Initiative) -

What he is wearing: An elegant white suit or a pitch black smoking, with a loose "button-up" shirt and no tie. He wears well-tailored pants and fancy shoes. He probably has styled his hair a bit more than usual with gel but otherwise keeps his same usual hairstyle. He still wears his trinket necklace. Most of his fancy "black-tie" clothes are likely rental, except for the shirt.

What present is he giving the couple: Something that will impress them, likely something incredibly unique or at least unusual. Very likely stolen too, given his occupation is literally being an "intergalactic thief".

What does he get arrested for when the night is over: Doesn't get arrested because he is way too good at what he does. Since he most likely doesn't know the bride and groom, he probably has robbed them blind and is halfway to a space diner with his sister and friends right now to celebrate another successful heist.

Masen (Of Starlight and Beasts) -

What he is wearing: A pristine and intricate red and gold bard's robe with simple grey pants and leather boots, along with a fancy fur cloak. His long curly brown hair is loose but styled with two simple braids and iron jewelry. He also carries his best lute.

What present is he giving the couple: A cask of the finest and most exquisite wine of the land, which he hopes to enjoy during the celebration as well.

What does he get arrested for when the night is over: Trying to use his bardic magic (literally) to enchant the crowds at the wedding into giving him all their money and then trying to make a run for it.

Kane (Song of Thorns) -

What he is wearing: His finest suit of armor, polished especially for this occasion, along with his famous bear fur cloak and his silver sword proudly on display at his side. His hair is loose and combed into semi-perfection.

What present is he giving the couple: A finely crafted duo of swords - one for each one of the duo.

What does he get arrested for when the night is over: Having a little too much to drink and then getting into a brawl with someone who tried to insult his family name.

Cassiopeia (Supernova Initiative) -

What is she wearing: A glittery dress with their galaxy's constellations perfectly etched onto it, with delicate party slippers. She also wears her half of the trinket necklace.

What gift does she give the couple: A newly built robot of her own making possibly one to help around the couple's house.

What does she get arrested for at the end of the night: Same answer as Jack's (her big brother). Doesn't get arrested and flies away on their spaceship to a space diner to celebrate a successful heist.

Elodie (The Forgotten Ones) -

What is she wearing: A ruffled shirt with tight black pants and a fancy green vest/corset, with new leather boots.

What gift does she give the couple: An enchanted and rare kind of butterfly that is said to grant wishes. It's known as the Moonflight.

What does she get arrested for when the night is over: Getting too carried away and trying to steal some of the silver cutlery and small ornaments from the party.

Writing Share Tag

Thanks for the tag, @talesofsorrowandofruin (here)!

I'll go with the turning point for Kane Mylestrom's character arc in Song of Thorns! (Spoilers Ahead)

By the way, if you like this, please reblog, it helps a lot 💕

Kane walks into the King's study, posture as immaculate as his robes, silver sword at his side. His expression was unreadable, but behind it hid the storm of anxiety and worry at being summoned by the Head of State in the middle of the night. Especially after what had happened.

Keeping his nerves out of his voice, Kane asked, in his usual 'can-do' tone. He tilted his head slightly to the side. "Your Majesty. You summoned me?"

The King did not turn around immediately to greet him, sitting on an ornate chair in front of a great oak study desk, his signature golden goblet of wine on the table. The man was seemingly busy signing some kind of document and patiently took his time rather than answering the other's inquiry right away. Kane bit back the urge to hurry him up, forcing himself to stand at attention by the door.

Finally, after a drawn-out minute that felt like an eternity, the King took a sip of his wine and stood up with a look of... disappointment. Mocking him, Kane realized.

"Ah, yes. Kane. My most trusted war hound ..." The older man spoke in a languid, bored voice, that hid a snake's malice underneath. The King smirked as he continued. "And the most wayward fool I ever had the pleasure to place upon my chessboard."

Kane drew in a sharp breath, trying to keep his composure.

"I'm not sure I follow, sire"

The King groaned, like an annoyed teacher "Of course you don't. You're not paid to think - you're paid to obey." He punctuates his words tapping his jeweled fingers at the oak desk behind him. "But you had to go snooping around. A rogue pawn is a useless one, you know. Alas, you had one job. Orders to follow. And you had to go and fuck it all up."

This time, Kane did not restrain himself from glaring daggers at his superior, but his military training forced his answer to be formal.

"With all due respect, I have been nothing but loyal ever since I was knighted at the Tempest's Keep ."

At that, the King chuckled, a rumbling sound that made Kane want to deck him right then and there for a split second. As the man continued, there was a condescending lilt to his voice as if he was having fun making a fool out of him.

"Yes." Larkin, the King, said. In the tone one would use to talk to a misbehaving child, "But also a curious one. And stupid enough to get involved. You saw the heart of the Sanguinex didn't you?" The man asked, a question rhetorical - as they both knew the answer to it "You saw the truth about my family's most prized art. And I haven't had a reign so everlasting by not cutting off threats to our prosperous land before they even present themselves"

Kane says nothing, realization dawning on him like a winter wind that was going to knock him to the ground. He knew precisely what Larkin meant - he had feared that would be the case ever since the mistake he made last week. So, the knight simply let the man continue to talk, trying to gauge how bad his situation would get before making any decision.

It was then the King said the only words Kane would've killed to not ever hear. "It's only a pity your ward will have to pay for your transgressions soon. Such a lively young girl, that Lyra. She had such promise - what would your adoptive brother say? Or better yet, what would your mother think if she could see you now? You, the Dragon of the Golden City, who failed to keep the only promise he ever made." The man chuckled, as someone would when hearing a bad joke. "That's so pathetic."

The last sentence was the tipping point for Kane. Knowing his life was already forfeit, he didn't care enough for the consequences that could follow anymore. "Touch my family and I'll kill you, bastard!"

However, as he reached for the sword at his side, Kane felt his limbs go stiff as if his blood had been turned to ice. He tried to force his body to move, but he was stuck in place. Paralyzed. With some effort, he was able to move his gaze toward the King, the answer immediately clear from the pulsing, crimson-red glow around Larkin's outstretched hand and eyes.

Of course, the man would use his petty excuse for hemomancy on him. Just peachy. Kane tried to scream, but little more than a muffled whisper came out. His voice, much like his body, refused to obey him.

Victorious, the King shook his head, walking towards the young man he just trapped. "Tsk, tsk." It took no effort for him to maintain focus on the spell, like a second-nature thought.

He circled Kane, like a prowling wolf stalking his wounded prey. Terrified, the young man tried everything he could to move away, but to no avail, frozen like a statue. Larkin put a hand on his shoulder - and the gesture would have been placating if it wasn't for the context, and for what he said next. As it stood, Kane would've cut off the King's hand if he could.

"Such spirit! It's almost a shame I'm about to lose a fighter like you. At such a young age too." He said, in a falsely impressed voice "Maybe your ward can yet prove to be useful. If she has your fire. With a bit of training, I'm sure my instructors can tame her into the weapon you could've been." Larkin leans closer, whispering in his ear "I'll make sure she knows well about how you abandoned her too. Can't have her following in your footsteps, that's for sure."

Kane protested fiercely at that. Or tried to. What sound he could muster came out more like an indignant whimper than the wrathful string of profanities he intended. It only made the King laugh more at his predicament.

After a moment more of this dynamic, of Kane trying to free himself while the King watched amused, Larkin stretched himself and walked to the door with a clap. "Well. Now that's out of the way... Guards!" As soon as he called out, two armored soldiers stepped into the room, with the same perfect posture as Kane had only moments prior. Larkin gestured towards Kane, dismissively "Take this one away, will you? I have more important matters to attend to."

Once Kane's arms were secured in shackled and held by the two soldiers, the King dismissed the spell and walked out without a second glance at the former commander. Kane, now freed from the enchantment, intended to cry out and curse the King's name - but strangely, his mind seemed foggy, and all too soon he was engulfed by darkness, as conscience slipped away from him.

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart

@leave-her-a-tome, @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid

@lassiesandiego, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams and OPEN TAG