#OC - Alexis Dalliance

[druidx]

7 Snippets, 7 People

Thanks for the tag, @artdecosupernova-writing, @eli-writes-sometimes & @late-to-the-fandom. Because I got many tags for this game, I figured I'd throw them together and do 21 excerpts.

Tagging back: @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior @wispstalk @late-to-the-fandom @athenswrites

Rules: Post 7 snippets and then tag 7 people (DW, I'm not expecting anyone else to do 21 snips 😅️)

Once again, all these are from Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan, in my unending quest to edit the damn thing.

One

Alexis hurried off again, every step taking her further from her companions. Halfway down the west corridor, the tapping of claws sounded from around the corner ahead. Alexis' heart sped up. Along the long, straight corridor there was little cover – only the nook where a support buttress met the ground. Quickly, she stuffed herself into it, crouching down, thinking small, invisible thoughts. Two goblins passed her hiding spot. By their conversation, their attention was less on any interlopers and more on what they were having to eat once their shift was done. Alexis waited, hardly breathing, until they had turned the corner. She counted out slowly, keeping her ears alert. When it was clear they'd moved on, she slipped out of the nook, continuing her investigation.

Two

At the corner, turning back east, she noted an alcove on the inner wall. A quick look showed a set of stairs spiralling down into the inky darkness. Not the direction they intended to travel, but worth noting for later investigation. Alexis continued down the corridor, passing a wide door of sturdy, studded wood. It must lead to the outer defences. At the further end, she paused at a door on the outer wall to check the sounds coming from within; a barracks, this one. Once again, the corridor turned sharply right, southwards now. Halfway down was a shadowy alcove. Alexis frowned – that had to be the stairs up. As she approached, the scritching of goblin claws on stone came again. She ducked into the alcove’s far side with only a moment to spare, breathing lightly as the goblin guards rounded the corner on their patrol and strode on past. She waited, eyes on the winding stair above, willing her heart to slow, as the receding click of claws counted down the seconds.

Three

As soon as it was safe, Alexis started to duck out of the alcove but paused. Richard and Ithanor hadn’t come rampaging around the corner yet, and it would be prudent to at least observe the next level… As fast as she dared, she scampered up the stairs, peaking into the next level. The brightly lit corridor led away in the same manner as below, racks of arms and armour lining the way. Odd, that no doors lead off the inner wall… Feeling she was probably pushing the limits of her companion’s patience, she padded back, completing her circuit of the tower.

Four

This floor was well lit, flicking touches replaced with wicked lanterns, the light forced outwards by metal dishes behind each flame. A hacking cough from her left made Alexis freeze. She pulled back into the shadows of the stairs. When the cough didn't get any closer, she peaked out. At the end of the corridor was a barred door. On either side stood goblins with spears. There was no way of her exiting the stairwell without being seen so she retreated back to the others.

Five

"There's some kind of prison cell up there, and it's being guarded by two gobbos. They're looking right down the corridor. I'm good, but not even I can hide in plain sight like that," Alexis told them Richard hefted his sword. "They're evil. We should kill them." With a heavy sigh, Ithanor put a hand on Richard's blade, lowering it. "We can't. It'll create a ruckus and bring the whole tower down on our heads." "Maybe," Nathardin said, running a finger along his bowstring, "we should turn back. Captain Hengar told us not to take any unnecessary risks." As one, the group turned and glared at him. Nathardin held up his hands in defeat. "I'm just saying." "We have made it this far," Victor said with a glance to Richard and Ithanor. "We are strong, brave, and true! I know we have it within ourselves to defeat Zagor. We must continue!" "There was a lot of goblin and orc styled armour on this level. The woodling and I are both reasonably small. I bet we can convince them to leave their post. Right, Half-pint?" Ithanor raised an eyebrow. "It could work. Do you speak the goblin tongue?" Bastet's grin faltered. "No…" "I do," Alexis said. Richard and Nathardrin raised an eyebrow each at her. Alexis shrugged. "To know the language of one's enemy means you can always defeat him. That's what my Uncle used to say, anyway." Ithanor nodded. "Then it's agreed. Go select your new outfits, ladies."

Six

Their old armour shucked, Alexis passed her pack to Ithanor, muttering phrases in Goblinish. "You alright, Sprout?" Ithanor asked. "Yeah. I'm just rusty." Alexis blew out her cheeks. "Listen, Sprout." Ithanor crouched down. "I know you can do this. And you know, if Sindla fails you, we've got your back. You've just got to holler." "Keep forgetting that." "You'll get get used to it, lass." He rapped on the top of her helm. "Off you go. Telak guide your tongue."

Seven

With that, Alexis continued to feel out the lock, brow furrowed in concentration. With a faint clunk, it popped undone. "There." The dwarf shoved open the door. "Well knock me down with Moradin's hammer! 'Tis a woodling after all. Nice job with them green-skins, lass." "Thank you." Alexis' ears twitched, catching the distinctive rattle of Richard's heavy plate armour. "And here is the rest of our group."

Eight

As the others crowded around, Alexis introduced her companions to the dwarf. "I am Magar Silvarius, the boss of this here fort," the dwarf said, reaching up to shake hands with everyone. "I'm right glad you folks have come. My fellows are in the other cells. You think you can get 'em out?" "Of course we can free them," Richard said. With a flourish, he gestured towards the other barred doors. "Alexis?" "Yeah, sure. I'll get right on that," she muttered, heading towards the doors. Over her head, Magar called out, "Worry not lads and lassies. You’ll be out in a jiffy." The lock Alexis was picking popped open. "One down, seven to go…" The dwarves inside pushed out, shaking first Alexis' hand, then bustling over to Magar who embraced them. "Hey," Alexis called, "what happened to the gobbos we sent down to you?" "We took them out, of course," Richard answered. "Right. They have any keys on them? This would go a lot faster if I had help." "I think I saw a keyring on one of them," Nathardrin said. "I'll go check." Alexis sighed and got to work on the second door.

Nine

"Alright now, settle down, settle down!" Magar called after a while. "I've had a wee word with her ladyship-" here he nodded to another dwarf, standing a little apart, dressed in fine velvets, "-and we've agreed it's only right and proper we compensate these fine folk for their work in freeing us and taking our home back from these marauding nuisances." The dwarves cheered. Magar turned to the group. "The next level up contains our vault. But it’s also the most fortified level. There’s a guard post at every corner of the tower, and Moradin knows how many gobbos are in each." "We can take on whatever’s above," Richard said. "But there are still many vermin in the lower levels which stand between you and reclaiming your tower." Victor scratched at his chin, glancing at Ithanor. "A little help would not go amiss," he said and turned his attention back to Magar. "There are arms and armour down below, if you’ve any men still able to fight?" As he spoke, Alexis saw many of the dwarves nodding their heads, some pounding fists into their opposite hands. Magar must have seen it too, as she ran a critical eye over her people. "Aye. I think I’ve a few."

Ten

Soon the dwarves were back, armed and armoured. Five of the dwarves remained with the group; the rest were led by Magar's lieutenant back to the lower levels, set on wiping out the goblinoid invaders. "Here's the plan then," Ithanor said. "We'll split into groups of three. Alexis and Bastet will lead our most stealthy into position outside the furthest rooms. They'll hold until Richard and I can get into position. We attack simultaneously. Agreed?" Ithanor glanced around as the group variously nodded heads or gave murmurs of assent. "Alright, Alexis, take your team and check the coast is clear." "Right. Nathardrin and Victor, you're with me," Alexis said. "We'll take the far left room. What d'you think, Bastet? Five verses of Down in the Square?" "Make it seven," Bastet said, looking at the two dwarves who'd come to stand next to her. "Richard, Ithanor, give us seven verses of Down in the Square to get in place before you come up and give the signal." With that, she scampered up the stairs, and, once sure the coast was clear, called down, "C'mon, lads."

Eleven

The others were similarly successful; by the time the three of them had moved forward, the fighting was over and Magar was dismissing the dwarves to help with the fight downstairs. "Right, then," Magar said. "Now yer all here, let's have a wee look at those feckless beasties have done to my vault." They followed her around to a solid metal door, decorated with ornate geometric designs.

Twelve

"Magar," Ithanor said as they were finishing up. "Thank you for these gifts, and your help to clear the lower levels." "It’s no problem, laddie. You’ve still a few levels to go. Sure you don’t want an extra hand or three?" "We’ll take it from here. With these new weapons," Ithanor hefted his warhammer, "we’ll have the fort freed in no time." "Alright," Magar shook Ithanor’s hand. "Best of luck, all of ye. Moradin’s strength go with ye."

Thirteen

At the final stairwell, they paused, silent. Ithanor motioned for Alexis to go up first. Her heart in her throat, Alexis glided up the stairs, her crossbow primed. The top of the tower was a domed, circular room. To the south, bookshelves stood sentry beside a writing desk, piled high with scrolls and pens. To the north was a gleaming piece of equipment, with balls of multicoloured stones on concentric rings, taking up a large space by itself. But what caught Alexis’ eye was the figure to the east of the room, turned away fiddling with something on a bench filled with esoteric rods and scrolls. It was long and lean, draped in an ill-fitting robe of yellow. This has to be him! Alexis thought. There was no one else in the room, and he certainly fit the ideal of an evil warlock. She breathed out softly and raised her crossbow, training it on the creature’s narrow back. Her trigger finger curled. One good shot could end this now– "There is no point in doing that, little one." His grating voice filled the space. "You’ll find it will not work." Alexis jerked. Her bow triggered. The bolt rattled harmlessly off an invisible shield. Zagor sighed and turned. "What did I tell you? A shame. I thought you were the observant one." He tapped his foot, and it was then Alexis noticed the circle inscribed around him, arcane sigils dancing at its edges.

Fourteen

Alexis shivered. Her hand groped out for her meagre blanket; it found only hard-packed dirt. The air was cold and still and weighty in her nose – like the hours after a snowfall. Her face scrunched up. The middle of summer shouldn't be so cold. She rolled over, hand exploring a different way. Where was her blanket? She'd always had her blanket. After the Wargs and their riders had left, the folks who found her let her take items from her ransacked home. The blanket embroidered by her step-grandmother had been the first thing she'd grabbed, and it had never left her side, ever. So where was it? Her questing hand hit something hard and cold that rang with a dull chime. Smooth, metallic. Round. Alexis opened her eyes. Darkness, pressing in on all sides. A blank, black void. She sat up. If it wasn't for the feeling of her chest rising with each breath, or the sound of her heartbeat drumming in her ears, Alexis might have thought she'd gone to the Here After.

Fifteen

She sat, perfectly still, with one eye squeezed closed. In the incessant dark, she counted out time with her heartbeat. Slowly, she became aware of others breathing nearby. When she opened her eye, lumps appeared a few meters away, softly rising and falling. They were too slight, too low to the ground to be her companions. Confused, Alexis stood, turning to take in more of the strange situation. A chill breeze pricked her flesh. She wrapped her arms around herself, shocked to find she was wearing nothing but her undershorts and shift. Her eyesight more attuned, she searched for her equipment but found only the bars of a cage. The metal was cool and slick under her hands, ringing with a dull chime when she taped it. "Oh," she breathed. "Bollocks."

Sixteen

"Wake up, scum," the guard said, then in a mocking tone: "Breakfast is served." He slung a bowl of thin gruel onto the cell floor, barking out a laugh as half of it split on the floor. The women took turns, each quickly eating a spoonful of the gruel, with Bastet and Alexis last. Alexis tried not to think too hard about the taste or what it may have been made from, as the guards unlocked the cell.

Seventeen

Soon enough the menfolk were brought down. Alexis strained to see in the guttering torches, watching the procession of haggard elves as they passed by. She felt her heart lighten as she caught sight of the rest of their party. Nathardin and Victor looked ragged, but Richard and Ithanor still stood strong and true – though the latter already sported a purpleing bruise on his cheek. Alexis waited while the men's line was secured and the guards passed back, before she gathered up the slack in her line, shuffling to be closer to where Richard stood at the end of the men's line. She hissed up at him, and the elf looked down, relief spreading across his face. "Alexis! Thank the gods!" "Shh! Keep your voice down, you big twit." "Sorry," he whispered. "You have a plan, right? You can get out of this?" Alexis huffed. "No, no plan yet. They took all our gear." "Same here. We woke up with nothing." "There's very little I can do without my lockpicks. Even if I had something to use as a rake and tension, I'm not sure how much good it would do us. I'm sure you've noticed all the heavily armed guards?" Richard blinked and nodded. "Yeah. So even if I could get us out of our cells, we still have to deal with them in nothing but our skivvies." Richard opened his mouth – but was cut off by a whip-crack behind him. "Keep working, scum," a guard snarled. He prodded Richard with the but of the whip. "You – stop slacking!" Richard raised his pickaxe, face contorting, but Alexis put a hand on his knee. He looked down to see her shaking her head, eyes wide. With a growl, he turned the pickaxe on the mine face. The guard watched as Richard hewed huge chunks of rock and opal from the mountain. Satisfied, the guard turned, making his way further up the line. Richard paused. "He's gone," Alexis whispered. Richard dropped his pick. "I know you'll figure something out," he patted Alexis on the head, "cuz you're super smart. I'll pass the word along that we've got a lock-breaker who just needs some tools. Maybe one of the elves has something."

Eighteen

From Richard's other side came a heavy thud. Alexis looked around him to see one of the elves, an older man, collapsed on the floor. "Hey!" called the guard, marching back towards the fallen elf. "Get up! I said, get up you worthless milk-drinker!" The guard pulled back his foot, intending to kick the old elf. Before anyone else could move, Victor was there. The wizard cried out, falling to one knee as he took the blow meant for the elf. "Leave him alone," Victor ground out. The guard laughed. "Look like we got a hero here, boys," he called, summoning three other guards to join him. One of the new guards drew back his lips in a contemptuous snarl. "A good beating will teach you how things work around here." No matter how much she and Richard strained against their bonds, the chain wouldn't budge. They watched, helpless, as the three guards used feet and fist and whip to beat him bloody. Alexis growled – if only she had her tools! In frustration, she spat out a curse. One of the guards turned around. "You want some too, short-arse?" he said, flexing the whips between both hands as he strode towards her. Alexis cursed herself for being so stupid. The guard raised his arm. Alexis flinched back, squeezing her eyes closed. The blow never came. Only a pained grunt from above her. Alexis opened her eyes to find Richard standing between her and the guard. His back was ridgid, his fists clenched. The guard backed away, flicking the whip. "Back to work, cur," he snarled, but Alexis could see the fear in his eyes. Richard's head turned as he watched the guard back away, stumbling over a loose rock, until he was back with his mates. "All of you," the guard cried, cracking his whip again. "Quit gawking. The opal won't mine itself! Go on, move it!" Two of the guards dragged the elder elf away, the other two walking up and down the line, their whips flicking, as they cowed the slaves into action once again.

Nineteen

Back in their cell, the women were given another bowl of slop and a bucket of gritty water before the lights were expunged. The rest of the women curled up, as they had before, against the far wall. Bastet laid down in the middle of the cell, putting herself between the door and the women. Alexis was moving to join her when Nassurae called her name softly. "Yes?" Alexis asked, as Nassurae shuffled over. "I just wanted to thank you for what your friend tried to do today. The old man who fell was my father. He had been growing sicker for the past week. Nothing could have been done to save him – but your friend's actions allowed him to pass in some dignity, and for that I am thankful." Nassurae's green eyes shone in the darkness. "The resistance you showed too… We quickly gave up on our hope. But, perhaps – with your help – we may find it again. Goodnight, sá itil." "Good night." With that, Alexis curled up, back to back with Bastet.

Twenty

The next day arrived and left the same, but on the third Nassurae came to Alexis again. "Sá itil," Nassurae said. Alexis looked up from listening to Bastet's plans for eviscerating their captors. "Yes?" "I have something for you." The woman beckoned Alexis closer, and from the skirt of her shift revealed a flat section of metal and a piece of moulded wire. Alex's eyes grew large, and she hurried to take them, hiding them in the waistband of her shorts. "Where did you get these," Alexis breathed. "They are from my husband," Nassurae said. "He had planned to attempt our escape himself but did not have confidence in his abilities. After hearing your friends' tales of your skill, we agreed they would be better in your hands." Nassurae grabbed Alexis' hands, moss-green eyes mositening, her voice sinking low and shaking. "Please, please get us out of here. I know your people did their best for my father, but I could not stand it if I lost my husband here too." "It's okay," Alexis said. "We'll find a way, I know we will. My companions are resourceful and clever. I'll let them know of these tools and we'll come up with a plan to free everyone. I promise." Nassurae still gripped Alexis' hands, but she nodded, acorn-brown hair swaying with the movement. "Now, you must sleep," Alexis said. "Tonight is for remembering the stars. Tomorrow is for planning." "Of course." Grudgingly Nassurae let go of Alexis' hands and shuffled away to sleep with her people.

Twenty-one

Alexis returned to where Bastet sat cross legged, and lay down behind her. "What did she want?" Bastet asked. "She gave me some things I can use as lockpicks," Alexis said, her voice hushed. "I suppose Ithanor or Richard convinced the men we have a plan to escape. Being able to pick the cell doors is a good thing, but I'm not sure it helps us really." Alexis sighed. "I don't know if I'd be able to find our weapons and the men and free them before the guards would catch me." Bastet leant back against Alexis, her nails sounding a dull staccato on the dirt floor. "What if…" Bastet said slowly. "What if I could create a distraction?" Alexis rolled over, looking up at Bastet's face, creased in thought. "How would you do that?" "Drow men are easily swayed by feelings of power, and it's not often a drow woman will allow a man to have power over her. If I can convince the guards to let me… entertain them, that would give you enough time to get out and let the others out." "But what about weapons?" "Maybe the men have something improvised that can be used while we find our own. We'll need to discuss this with the others. " Bastet yawned. "Either way, it's time for sleep. We're going to be busy tomorrow." With that, she laid down, back to back with Alexis, and fell asleep.

#writing #oc alexis dalliance #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #seven snippets seven people #tag game #wip excerpt #wandering words #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Picrew tag games

@hannahcbrown tagged me in this one, @thewriteflame tagged me in this one, and I yoinked an open tag from @the-void-writes for this one. Thanks all!

Tagging back (feel free to pick and choose between games): @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior @wispstalk @late-to-the-fandom @athenswrites

All of these are variants of Alexis Dalliance, because that's where my head's at these days

This is more representative than anything else. Here, 'Lex is in some kind of official Toreguard military dress uniform, against a dark and hatched background for her mixed alignment activities and own descent into evil-for-good-intentions. There was no option for cornrows so twin braids work and a crown of rose thorns for all her sorrows.

This is closer to how she might dress in a relaxed setting - just whatever shirt she could find. Blue is her fave colour; she's had many fancy dresses in that shade. Again, no cornrows but I think works for her hair. And a green background and acord to show where she's come from.

Orange & dark chocolate swirl ice cream, studded with dried berries.

Orange for her usual sunny nature

Dark chocolate for the darkness/ PTSD hiding inside

Dried berries for trail rations, and the odd spark of tart-sweetness that is nostalgia

Trail of icing leading to the grey paw-prints for the journey's she's taken

Scattered with edible confetti in green leaves for her race

The 4 leafed clover for her insane luck

The blue for Toreguard and the gold pin for her services to the city

Apple for the forest where she came from; and her association with treents

Black plate for her roguish nature, and wooden again for her race/ background

Against a twilight sky again for her roguish nature, and for the way her life has gone

#meta writing #oc alexis dalliance #series ADvEoT #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #picrew tag game #tag game #meta wandering words #this has been in my drafts so long #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

WIP Extract

Thanks for the tag, @bretongirlwrites!

Tagging back: @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior @wispstalk @late-to-the-fandom @athenswrites

Once again, this is going towards the effort of editing Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan.

Outside, the town lay eerily still. As she took a drink from the water barrel, Alexis took stock. Faint wisps of smoke rose through the damp air from charred and sodden wood. Roofs sagged inwards from where the fire had eaten into the thatch and supports. Next to the buildings where the fires had raged hottest, the flagstones were cracked and warped. There was so little the fire hadn’t touched. As she walked to the barracks, a breeze flew through the streets. Alexis stopped, her nose turned to the wind, breathing in the sweet air before, once again, it became filled with the bitter tang of ash. At the militia gate, an exhausted guard let her out of town, and her wandering feet made their way to Hengar’s office. A bleary groan from inside came at the sound of her knock. Alexis opened it a crack and peaked in. "Captain?" Hengar sat at his desk, fingers laced through walnut-brown locks. "Yes?" "It’s Private Dalliance, sir." Alexis stepped into the room. Another vacant murmur. "Have you slept yet, sir?" Hengar made a dissembling noise. "Yes? Somewhen?" "How much?" "I dunno. Hour, maybe?" Alexis shuffled her feet. "I don’t think that’s enough, sir. You should get some rest. Pass command to one of the lieutenants." "Don’t have any," Hengar sucked in a breath through his nose, raising his head enough to look at her through one drooping eye. "All died. Never got around to promoting more before…" He waved a hand. "Oh." In the hallway, Alexis could hear people starting to move around. Someone else was awake who could help. She grabbed the idea with both metaphorical hands. "Tell you what, sir, why don’t I pop along to the kitchens? Grab you some breakfast. A nice cup of coffee to lift your spirits." Alexis didn’t wait for his permission before hurrying out.

#writing #oc alexis dalliance #artemon hengar #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #wip excerpt #wandering words #this has been in my drafts so long #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

FridayKiss Tag Game

Thanks for the tag @spacetimewraithwrites-archive!

Tagging back: @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior @wispstalk @late-to-the-fandom @athenswrites

Rules: post a smooch between your OCs for Friday. It can be as light as a peck or as intense as a makeout. It can be romantic or platonic or familial. As long as a smooch takes place it’s free reign!

Once again, this is going toward the efforts of editing Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan. Here, the party have been shipwrecked and washed up on a giant, island-sized turtle who's now taking them to Atlantis.

After a sparse breakfast of meat and dry biscuits, Alexis used the sunshine and downtime to take stock of her pack. While she was doing so, Goregut sidled up and cleared his throat. Alexis looked up and murmured inquisitively as she shook her compass to get the water from it. "I noticed last night you were using a rock and your dagger to eat with." "Oh." Alexis looked away. "Yeah. Half my equipment got busted or washed away. Mess kit was one of those." "So. Um. Cuz I noticed, I made you these." From behind his back, Goregut produced a white bowl and spoon with teeth, holding them out to Alexis. With a delighted noise of surprise, Alexis took them. Inside the bowl nestled a string of caved pieces in that same white. "Where did you get the materials for this?" she asked, slipping the necklace on. Goregut gestured to the remains of the roasted animal, still hanging over the fire. "Waste not, want not," he said with a grin. Alexis set aside the bone crockery and threw arms around Goregut as he crouched. "Thank you so much!" she said, kissing his cheek. They parted, and Goregut stood, a light dusting of heat to his cheeks. "It’s my honour."

#writing #oc alexis dalliance #goregut bloodfist #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #wip excerpt #tag games #fridaykiss #wandering words #this has been in my drafts so long #we'll ignore the fact it's wednesday. I am incapable of keeping to the weekly schedule and at this point IDC #this WIP seriously needs a better name... #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Last Line Tag

Thanks for the tag @ayzrules

Tagging back: @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior @wispstalk @late-to-the-fandom

Rules: Post the last line you wrote in your WIP (doesn't have to be a good one)

This is from Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan. I literally just wrote it, and it made me laugh so I'm sharing it.

“I see you’ve lost Nathardrin,” Hengar said, returning to his desk. “Yes sir,” Alexis said, glancing at Ithanor. “I’m afraid we lost him in the Darkwood forest.” “Ah, a pity - he was a good marksman. We’ll have his final payment sent to his next of kin.”

For context, Nathardin didn't die - he deserted. The group escaped slavery with a bunch of elves, and rather than return to being a soldier, Nathardin went with the elves to their home in Darkwood.

Alexis is being 100% truthful. Not her fault if the Brass misunderstood 😅️

#writing #tag game #last line tag #oc alexis dalliance #artemon hengar #wip excerpt #wandering words #this has been in my drafts so long #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

ROY G BIV

Thanks for the tag, @spacetimewraithwrites-archive. Another game I can use as motivation to edit Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan!

Tagging back: @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior @wispstalk @late-to-the-fandom @athenswrites

Rules: Search your WIP for the colours of the rainbow and post the excerpt

Red

As Captain Hengar poured himself a drink, Alexis eyed the others who’d been pull into this… Whatever this was. Lounging against a shelf filled with parchments, ink pots and other errata was a tall, broad human. He wore rough-treated hides, his flame-red hair and beard woven through with beads and bones. A barbarian then.

Orange

(Didn't need editing; no synonyms found)

Yellow

The journey back took many weeks. Slowly the dusty yellow of the Desert of Skulls gave way to the khaki and dun greens of the Flatlands, which melded into the lush waving grasses of the Pagan Plains. The humping grey stone of Toreguard’s walls were a welcome sight as they grew larger on the horizon.

Green

Alexis turned her attention to the blond elf who leant next to the door, his arms crossed. At his hip was a quiver of arrows, his bow propped within easy reach. From the mottled green of his armour he could only be one thing: A forest ranger.

Blue

At the entrance to the great hall their envoy stopped, halted by the castle steward. The Lieutenant rapped out a series of commands. His men scattered in an orderly fashion to disparate points of the room as he and the steward spoke. To keep her heart from racing, Alexis glanced over the room. It was tall and narrow, a long carpet of rich blue and gilt edges forming an aisle over the parquet flooring. High along the walls rose a series of etched windows. One single, giant window of stained glass rose behind the throne on it's little dais, framing the figure who sat there.

Indigo

(Didn't need editing; no synonyms found)

Violet

(Didn't need editing; no synonyms found)

#writing #oc alexis dalliance #artemon hengar #Ithanor Togeral #Nathadrin #roy g biv #tag game #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #wandering words #this has been in my drafts so long #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Heads Up, Seven Up (7 lines), Nine Lines, & Last Line tag games

As might be obvious, I’m really bad at getting around to doing things. I’ve been saving up all my Seven Lines, Nine lines and Last Line tag games because “I’ll get to it someday. Honest!”

I’ve now got so many, I figured out I could just mash them together to help me finish editing Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan, and call it good.

I took 5 random pages from the work and used a nice online tool to work out that I write an average of 9.8 words per line, which means I need to complete 2,166 words of editing.

Thank you to everyone who’s tagged me in one of these games (it's been so long, probably some of you don't even remember, and some of you no longer seem to exist any more):

@aetherwrites, @alexsidereus x2, @alias-levi, @aquadestinyswriting x4, @artdecosupernova-writing x2, @autumnalwalker x3, @blind-the-winds X3, @chauceryfairytales, @corkythewriteblr, @eli-writes-sometimes x3, @faelanvance x2, @lake-arrius-caverns, @laurabwrites, @mariahwritesstuff, @odysseywritings x2, @oh-no-another-idea x2, @rewrit, @ryns-rambling, @shadowlight-inkedthoughts, @sleepyowlwrites, @spacetimewraithwrites-archive, @strosmkai-rum, @toribookworm22, @tracle0 x2, @viawrites-andacts x2, @whimsyqueen, @winglesswriter, @writingamongther0ses x6, @writingmaidenwarrior, @writingonesdreams, @zmwrites x2, @iparisaltanwing

I ended up writing a little over the target; this is 2500 words.

CW war crimes, slaughter of innocents, a falling Paladin, unusual dialogue marks, swearing

"What do you mean?" Alexis asked after she’d overcome her surprise at seeing the gnome, "How is it sick?" "It’s the lizardfolk who live in the center of the swamp," the gnome said. "They used to live in harmony with the swamp, but recently…" He sighed. "I don’t know what’s wrong. Something’s gotten into them, something evil. They’re destroying vast swathes of the swamp, cutting down trees, burning the brush, befowling the waters." Alexis glanced over at the others. "We might know the reason for this change. The lizardfolk have been drawn into a cult which worships a Demon Prince from the Pit. They must be working on the Demon’s orders." The gnome paled. "Yes. I understand now. I have seen great holes carved in the ground, blocks of stone being dragged to a central site." "They must be constructing a new temple to base their portal on," Richard said. "My friend, we aim to stop these bloodthirsty monsters from bringing the Demon Prince through to this world and destroy the cult." "Stopping the cult will mean the swamp is safe again," Alexis added. The gnome lit up. "Then you have my thanks, Paladin!" "Call me Richard," he said. The gnome shook his hand. "And I am Wurzle Moslicker." "We aim to stop the lizardfolk," Alexis continued after introductions had been made, "but we’ve run into a small snag. The boat we were told was here isn’t, and we cannot cross into the swamp." "Oh!" Wurzle said. "Dear tree-child, you should know there are other ways to cross a watery path." Alexis frowned as Wurzle gave a peculiar call. A cluster of cypress nearby began to shake and shift. Bastet and Richard both reached for their weapons. Alexis gasped as she realised what was happening. "It’s alright!" she cried. "Don’t hurt it!" From the thicket, strode a tree. «You called, Wurzle?» it said, its voice a long and creaking thing. Richard leaned down to Alexis, hissing, "What is that?" "It’s a treent!" she squealed, face filled with wonder. "I’ve heard about them, but never met one before! Galana’s blessed hair, this is amazing!" "Mudwood," Wurzle was saying, "These fine folks need to get across the swamp to the lizardfolk settlement. They’re going to stop them from destroying the swamp." The treent grumbled and harrumphed as it gazed over the group, lingering on Alexis. «This I will do,» it said eventually, «For the presence of the tree-child tells me their intent is true.» "What did it say?" Richard asked. Alexis cocked her head. "You don’t speak sylvan?" "I barely speak elvish," he retorted. "It said it’d take us, but only cuz I’m here." Bastet rolled her eyes. "Of course it did." Alexis bounced on the balls of her feet, wide, pleading eyes focused on Richard. Richard sighed fondly. "Go on, then." Alexis gave a squeal of excitement, racing away. Richard watched her scamper off, springing into the branches of the treent, and scurry up the trunk like a squirrel. "My good sir, is there an easy way up for those of us not inclined to tree-climbing?" Victor asked. Wurzle chuckled. "Yes, of course." He gave another of those strange cries, and Mudwood stooped, holding out a limb for the others to climb on.

For the others, the treent crossing was dull or sickness-inducing, but for Alexis it was heaven. In between scurrying through the branches, relishing the feel of the breeze through her hair and bark under her hands, she pestered Wurzle and Mudwood with questions, some asked by Richard, pressing for more details about the lizardfolk, their numbers and armaments. The morning was wearing on by the time Mudwood dropped them off as close to the lizardfolk settlement as Wurzle would let him. Alexis was the last to dismount, dropping from the lowest branches with a happy sigh. «For you, little one,» Mudwood said, handing Alexis a small wooden pipe, a notch taken from just below a craved mouthpiece. «Blow this when your work is done, I shall return for you. The trees name you ‘friend’. We will pass this by root and leaf. Wherever you are, this whistle will call the nearest treent to your aid.» Alexis stared at the whistle, then hugged the treent. «Thank you for this gift.» "Lex, c’mon." With a final bow to the treent, Alexis took off after her friends.

They trekked through the dense undergrowth of the swamp, hacking at long vines and lush brush, the humidity mingling with sweat making everything uncomfortably damp. As the sun reached its zenith, the lizardfolk’s newly built ziggurat came into view over the tops of the trees. "We’re nearly there," Bastet said, relieved.

They pushed on and soon found their way blocked by a great wall. "Piss and blood," Bastet cursed. Alexis tilted her head back. "I don’t think even I can climb that." "Maybe we can tunnel under it?" Gorgut said, stepping over and using a dagger to dig at the dirt. "We don’t have the equipment," Richard said. "Victor, what about that muddy spell?" "Rock to Mud?" Victor scratched at his chin. "Could work. It depends on how they’ve structured the wall, and if I can get deep enough to find the unworked foundations." "Right. Alexis, you scale that tree to scout the lay of the land. The rest of us will investigate the foundations of the wall. Then we can make a plan of attack for once we’re inside."

Once at the top of the tree, Alexis surveyed the area. Some ways from the base of the ziggurat was the lizardfolk settlement. It looked like a normal village from this high up – low cottages of local foliage gathered around a central open space, one grander than the rest. Drying linens hung from lines on tall poles. Pens of animals and crops surrounded the village. People came and went, carrying pots or pushing hand carts. It could have been any village on the Pagan Plains. It could have been Toreguard. In the time it had taken them to travel down here, the ziggurat had been completed. Despite its apparent completion, people still worked on it, looking like ants scurrying over stone steps, adding carvings and other refinements to the bare faces of the stone. Under an open-sided pagoda at the top, Alexis could just about make out the workings of magic. A structure of bones stood over arcane markings, fires set at junctures of the markings. A priest, delineated by his golden, feathered headband, threw something into the fires occasionally, making them spark and flare unusual colours.

She slid down, relaying this reconnaissance to the others and Richard laid out the plan.

As Victor chanted out his spell, Richard and the others stood back, readying the weapons. Benevelor was summoned from the celestial realm. As the spell took effect, the wall wobbled and crumbled, the mortar loosening. "It’s now or never!" Victor cried, hurrying back to join the others. "Benevelor," Richard commanded, "kick it down." The holy oxen took up position and lashed out with its hind legs. The crumbling blocks shook and with a thundering crash toppled inwards, landing into the mire below. Richard raced forward, leaping onto his mount’s back. "Charge!" he yelled, as the pair of them vanished over the rubble, Gorgut and Victor following close behind. Alexis looked at Bastet. "Ready?" "Give them a few moments more to really grab the attention," Bastet replied. Alexis grunted in reply, finding the bush at her feet of vast interest. Bastet sniffed, looking up at the broken corner of the wall. After a moment, she said, "We’re both professionals." "That we are." "So are we-?" "Absolutely fucking not." "Right." Distantly the sounds of battle reached them. "Sounds like our cue." "Yep." With that, Alexis led the way over the rubble and toward their objective: the temple.

While the menfolk battled with the temple masons and the warriors who protected them, Alexis and Bastet crept behind enemy lines and up the ziggurat. As they approached, the scent of burning spices grew thicker as perfumed smoke wafted out of the pagoda, followed by an undulating chant. As Alexis and Bastet peeked into the pagoda, they saw the head priest, his headband glinting in the firelight, had been joined by two lesser priests wearing wide golden neckbands embossed with the Eye of Muyrr symbol.

With a signal to Bastet, Alexis fired through the smoke and the portal ring, her bolt driving through the head priest's neck. Bastet leapt from cover, her daggers flashing as she took out one of the lesser priests. As Alexis reloaded, Bastet turned towards the last priest, only to find he had armed himself. He slashed out at Bastet, catching her arm. She cried out, falling back against a pillar. The bolt from Alexis' bow took him between the shoulder blades, and he fell, hitting the steps with a wet crunch. "Thanks," Bastet said as Alexis moved up into the pagoda. "Don't mention it." Alexis glanced around. "You wanna deal with the fires while I deal with the lines? Then we can deal with that," her face scrunched as she waved at the bone structure, "together." With an affirmative grunt, Bastet turned her attention to extinguishing the fires, while Alexis scattered the red and grey powders forming the lines of the summoning circle. On a ceremonial table to one side, she found more of the dust and blocks of perfume on tarnished golden dishes. Collecting the plates together, she took them to the edge of the pagoda. The cloud of powder spread like blood in the air as she tossed the dishes away, down the ziggurat. "Lex," Bastet called, urgency in her voice. Alexis turned back to see Bastet was next to the table she’d found the powders on. "Yes?" Bastet held up parchment scrolls. "Can you read these?" Alexis took one, scanning the strange writing. She shook her head. "This is like no script I’ve ever seen. But these diagrams… they’re the same as the floor markings I destroyed. And this looks like the portal edifice." She held them up for comparison. "This one looks like a map," Bast said, spreading it on the table. It was indeed a map of Titan. Parts of the continents were crosshatched with different patterns, and arrows moved from the south of Allansia up and outward. "I might not know what it says, but this looks alarmingly like troop movements, like the ones Captain Hengar has in his office." She glanced at Bastet. "Whatever it is, it can’t be anything good." "Maybe Vic can read them," Bastet said. She tucked the scrolls away and looked at the mound of bound bones. "Let’s destroy this thing so we can get out of this place." Together they turned to the portal ring, a series of long bones lashed together with twine which stood on a small dais of skulls and pelvises, and began to hack at the binding ropes. When the ring was nothing but a pile, they used the table as a shunt, shoving the bones away to clatter down the sides of the ziggurat. Bastet raised a hand, shielding her eyes. "It looks like the fighting's stopped. They're all clustered near the houses." Alexis listened. A few screams and raised voices carried on the wind, echoing the calling of birds and rush of wind in the trees. "I don't hear any fighting. We should get down there and find out what's happening."

The sun was dipping lower in the sky, the tall trees casting shadows as they drew lower. There was indeed a group of people gathered close to the village. Alexis frowned. No, there were no sounds of fighting. But there was wailing. Sobbing. The high cry of a child. The sounds of terror. Fear gripped Alexis’ heart. She picked up the pace. The people were kneeling. Their hands raised, supplicant. Richard stood before them, sword unsheathed. Victor stood at his side, leaning close. Her feet pounded at the leaf-strewn path. Metal glinted. Pleas became screams. Alexis’ voice joined them. "No!"

By the time she arrived, there was nothing but corpses and blood.

Alexis dropped to her knees, voice rasping. "Richard… What did you do?" His eyes were hard as he turned to her. "What I had to." "But they- They were harmless. " The scene wavered in her gaze. "They were innocents!" "Ah, but there’s no such thing as an innocent lizardman, is there?" Victor said, grinning wickedly. "No. Alexis, you’ve seen for yourself what they’re capable of," Richard said. "They had to die." "There were children!" "Better to stop them now then," Victor said. "Richard… This is wrong. You must see that?" "All I see," Bastet said, coming to a panting halt, "is a hero doing what’s needed to keep our world safe." She waved the scrolls found in the temple. "We found evidence they were going to bring the whole world under their heel." Alexis gaped. "That’s not- We don’t know-!" Richard spat on the corpses. "That sounds like something these filthy rotten snake cultists would do." "Where’s Goregut? He’ll make you see-" "Goregut’s dead." Richard’s voice was hard with the faintest of tremors, his face turned to the jungle. "Stabbed through the back by one of these putrid cunts." He turned to Alexis and swallowed. "I’m sorry. I know you liked him. But now, do you see? They had to pay. They all have to pay!" Alexis’s mouth moved. She clutched a fist over her heart. Bastet crowded in onto Richard’s other side, her eyes alight. "Yes! Yes, you are so brave taking on this burden." "Such a true paladin!" "What can we do to help?" Richard kicked at one of the bodies. "We should move deeper. Take them all out. Stop them for good! Yes," he looked back at the others, "we must keep our people safe. We’ll keep all of Allansia safe forever from this evil!" Alexis pulled herself to her feet. "We can’t!" Richard turned back. The hate in his gaze took her breath away. She swallowed. "We, um, we need more provisions. We don’t have enough. To carry on. We should go back to Toreguard-" "To Port Blacksands!" Bastet crowed. "An excellent idea! We can find men and supplies!" "No… That’s not-" But Bastet and Victor were already guiding Richard back the way they’d come, already discussing what they’d need for such an excursion. Alexis watched them stride past, mouth agape, hands clenched and tears in her eyes. "Alexis. Come on," Richard called back over his shoulder. Mute and staggering, Alexis followed behind.

#writing #oc alexis dalliance #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #tag game #7 lines #last line game #nine lines nine people #wandering words #richard tetherson #bastet #victor with a monocle #original character #I was rather hoping I wouldn't have to write the war crimes. Fully open to concrit - LMK if this is handled badly #FYI - this is why we have a session 0 in TTRPGs now #this has been in my drafts so long #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Me, writing Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan: Am I going too on the nose with all the plant related imagery vis-à-vis Alexis? Alexis: *wilts* *blooms* *sighs like the wind in trees* *laughs like a small brook* Me: naaaah

Also, it's not a new headcanon, but eshen (woodlings) definitely do not do well outside their natural environment. Not enough sun makes them go doo-lally, not enough lush plant life makes them sick etc. This is one of the reasons they're rarely seen outside forests.

Even those that have been forced out of the forests feel a pull towards the greenest area they can find and prefer not to stray too far from its bounds (see: the O'Toreguarde family, driven from their home and living within the Gardens of Galan inside Toreguard).

In Alexis' case, her resilience may come from having a mothers with similar wandering tendencies; or a father who isn't eshen (? no one - especially not 'Lex, especially not me - knows who her dad was).

In Elowyn's case, I think having a stick so far up her arse she'll try and fight a god has given her some kind of natural resilience. (Also I'm not sure she's been subjected quite so much to non-eshen-friendly environments; in the case of Fangthane, allowances have been made).

#meta writing #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #oc alexis dalliance #oc elowyn o'toreguarde #wandering words #from an objective pov alexis is a sopping wet cat and elo is a lawful good Karen #you know if I could draw I'd do that 'they asked for no onions' meme with Elo and [insert any other character here] #series ADvEoT #FF headcanon #series DNS #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Seven Snippets, Seven People

Thanks for the tag @eli-writes-sometimes <3

Tagging back: @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior @wispstalk @late-to-the-fandom @athenswrites

Rules: post seven snippets and tag seven people.

Once again, all these are from Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan, in my unending quest to edit the damn thing.

One

The other elf… Now he was a conundrum. He stood, ramrod straight, directly in front of the Captain's desk. He'd yet to change into any issued armour, and still wore what amounted to peasant rags – a tatty, oversized, undyed shirt and brown woolen trousers darned to an inch of their life, the whole ensemble held together with rope suspenders. Alexis squinted, sniffing suspiciously. Yes, there was also a faint miasma of animal dung from his direction. An elven farmer was a distinctly unusual thing. One to keep an eye on, that was for sure…

Two

On her way to the mess hall Alexis ran into Ithanor and Richard. It was Ithanor who heard her yelling to wait, where Richard would have sleep-walked on. Richard's limbs drooped, reminding her of a weeping willow, but Ithanor was as bright and alert as a holly tree in Autumn. As they made their way to the mess hall, Alexis told them about Captain Hengar. "I don't think he's fit for duty," she said. "But the townsfolk need organising to start work on repairs. I think I can convince him to eat and sleep. Richard, after last night you'll have their respect. You should coordinate the people." "Me!" Richard stopped coming alert as if he'd been slapped. "But… I don't know how. I wouldn't know what to do or what to say or-" "I'll do it," Ithanor said, holding up a hand to slow Richard's panic. "It's fine. They saw the three of us together, so if they respect and trust Richard, it should carry over. We'll get you to do a little speech and then I can take over giving the orders." "Good plan. If you see Yazty, send him my way?" Ithanor nodded. "Right then lads, let's get it done."

Three

Between the three of them, they managed to wrangle Hengar into bed, get the townspeople motivated, and begin work on the town’s reconstruction. Soon the air was filled with the sounds of workmen calling, rubble being shifted and sawing as seasoned timbers were brought out of storage. Once Hengar was deeply asleep, thanks to some concoction from Yaztromo, Alexis took any spare hands from the militia buildings to help with the town's efforts. Of Victor and Bastet there was no sign. But it didn't matter; Alexis knew that now Zagor was dead, they had some loose ends of their own to tie off.

Four

Following the Quartermaster's directions brought Alexis to a long room, filled end-to-end with bunk beds. A human with black hair and lieutenant's stripes held a slate, marking off filled bunks as he directed the recruits to their new sleeping places. Alexis froze in the doorway – there were so many people, so many sounds, so many smells. Talking and laughing, the tang of metal polish and reek of bodies. "Next! You there, don't dawdle." Alexis looked up at the lieutenant, eyes wide. "Not seen anything of the like before, eh?" he asked. Alexis nodded. "You'll get used to it, lass. Sixth on the right, against the wall." He squinted down at her. "Lower bunk." "Yessir," Alexis squeaked, and made her way to the assigned bunk.

Five

A half-elf followed shortly after, arriving as Alexis was trying to figure out which chest was hers. "You're my bunkmate, huh?" he asked. "Yeah. Alexis Dalliance." She held out a hand. He shook. "Holger Brodanic. I think that one is your chest," he added, pointing at the one against the wall. "Ta." "So how come they let a kid in? You lie about your age?" Brodanic asked as he put his own equipment away. "I'm not a child, I'm a full-grown adult." "You're awful short. You got some kinda sickness?" Alexis balled her hands, then released them slowly. "No. I'm an eshen. I'm actually tall for my kind." "Huh." Brodanic perched on the edge of the lower bunk with a lopsided smile. "My mother used to tell me stories about your lot. Mostly that if I didn't stay close to the village, an eshen would turn me into a tree." Alexis gave a puckish smile and wiggled her fingers. "Who's to say I won't?" For a split second Brodanic's face dropped, then he gave a tittering laugh. Alexis winked. "Nah, that's not something we can do." Brodanic stood, chucking her on the shoulder before bouncing up to his own bunk. "We're gonna make great bunkmates, Dalliance."

Six

Alexis smirked as she finished putting away her gear. Her ears twitched, making her stop and listen. Through the general hubbub of the barracks came the sound of angry, raised voices. Ensuring she could remember which bed was hers, she left, following the sounds of conflict back outside. In front of the the awning where the human had been taking in the recruits, an elf and the half-orc officer argued. The human – she’d overheard some of the other militia say he was the Captain of this outfit, a man called Hengar – sat back in the chair watching the kerfuffle. Also joining in on the argument was another human, tall and broad, and another elf. Abruptly the Captain stood up. "Enough." He laid his hands flat on the table. "I won’t have dissent in the ranks before we’ve even gotten anywhere. Vrog, take over. You three come with me." With that he left the half-orc standing there, striding towards the entrance. Alexis tried to back away, not wanting to be in trouble already, but she wasn’t fast enough. "You there," Hengar pointed at her as he approached. "How much of that did you hear?" "Nothing, sir. You stopped as I arrived." Hengar grunted. "Where were you before?" "In the barracks, sir." An eyebrow raised. "Good ears on you, eh? You too then, come along." Alexis gulped, but dutifulled trailed along after the group, as Hengar lead the way to his office.

Seven

The end of the sewer pipe lead into a small alcove filled with long brushes and leather gauntlets and aprons. Quietly, they used these tools to remove the effluent from their legs. "I should scout ahead," Alexis said. "No offense but I’m less likely to make a lot of noise while doing so, and I suspect my senses are more keen than yours." Ithanor glanced at their companions. No one disagreed. "Very well," he said. "We shall await your return. If you run into difficulties, holler, and we will come." Alexis nodded, her mouth set in a grim line. In a moment she was gone.

#writing #oc alexis dalliance #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #seven snippets seven people #tag game #wandering words #fuck the rules I say as I just tag everyone in my list and not 7 special people #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Editing a NaNo novel, and

alexis had found it difficult to say goodbye to her riding dog whose name the author cannot recall right now but is further back in the story, just look for it.

I said, like a liar.

This dog has never been named, AFAI can tell. I have no notes revealing the dog's name, and the TTRPG this is based on was from 2006 so. Yeah.

Doggy needs a name!

#writing #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #original character #oc alexis dalliance #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Snippet Someday

Tagged by @dirty-bosmer, TY!

Tagging back: @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior @wispstalk @late-to-the-fandom

I assume this is a bit like WIP Whenever, where you share any bit of writing whenever you fancy?

This is from Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan. It's not in with the monumental 'find the word' game because it contains none of the words I have to find, but I'm really proud of it so it gets shared here instead.

“They were spouting some rumour that the Blackguard which attacked Toreguard was from your village. But, y’know, they’ve got it backwards!” she said hastily at the dismay which filled Richard’s face. “We know the truth.” Richard’s eyes became distant as he gazed at a corner of the room. “Maybe it’s time to make a trip back home,” he said, an odd sort of longing in his voice. “It’s been a while since I left. I should let my family know I’m still alive, and take them the money I’ve been saving for the farm.” Alexis raised an eyebrow. “That’s why you never spend any coin? It’s all for your farm?” Richard nodded. “Yes.” “That must be nice,” Alexis said letting out a small sigh. “To have someone out there who’s missing you. Someone you can go back and visit.” Richard titled his head. “You don’t have a family?” Alexis pursed her lips, glancing away. “No. I don’t.” “Oh.” Richard clasped his hands, frowning down at them. “What happened to them?” Alexis's mouth worked. She shook her head and swallowed. "I can't…" “It’s okay-” “I’m going to bed.” “Oh. Okay. Good night,” Richard said, but Alexis was already marching away.

#writing #oc alexis dalliance #titan fighting fantasy #fighting fantasy #wip excerpt #snippet someday #tag games #wandering words #richard tetherson #original character #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

WIP Intro - Young Dagger, False Dream

➸ SYNOPSIS

"Allansia - the Land of Danger. Throughout ..., the Forces of Evil are drawing together, growing ever stronger. ... Creatures are stirring in the southern swamps, things that will ultimately affect [the whole continent]!" ~ The World of Titan, Scholars Jackson & Livingstone, 284 ac

Alexis Dalliance is many things: Thief, wanderer, homeless, hungry. When a chance to alleviate these comes at the low price of risking her life for the Toreguard Militia, she signs up.

As the threat against her homeland grows in the form of a Demon Prince and his cult, she and her companions pursue increasingly desperate means to defeat these evils and keep Toreguard safe.

Based on a true TTRPG adventure.

➸ DETAILS

Genre: High Fantasy Type: Novel POV: Limited 3rd (Alexis') Themes: Going against the odds, Overcoming adversity through skill and wit; Betrayal & loyalty Aesthetic: Lord of the Rings/ The Hobbit, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Soaring overdramatics, flashing swords and shadowed sneaking Status: Editing/ minor rewrite (Also a working title)

➸ MAIN CHARACTERS

Alexis Dalliance - F/'Halfling'/Rogue

Richard Tetherson - M/Elf/Paladin

Bastet - F/Drow/Rogue-Fighter

Victor (with a Monocle) - M/Human/Wizard

➸ MINOR CHARACTERS

Ithanor Togeral - M/Human/Barbarian

Captain Artemon Hengar - M/Human/Warrior

Gereth Yaztromo - M/Human/Expert

Nathadrin - M/Elf/Ranger

➸ EXCERPT

"I suppose you think you are here to kill me?" [Zagor] asked. When no one else spoke, Alexis, emboldened by the two hulking warriors at her back, piped up. "Yes! We have been sent to rid your menace from the face of Titan." To her surprise, Zagor laughed. "Oh my," he said, wiping away mock tears of mirth. "What an adorable notion. Whilst you all look the part, I doubt you have the skill. So you are welcome to try, but do not think you will succeed." "We have might and right on our side!" proclaimed Richard, raising his sword. "We cannot fail!" At that signal, he and Ithanor made their charge The villain’s smirk dropped and his black eyes became those of death. He flicked out a hand and the last thing Alexis felt was the hissing and boiling of an orange inferno headed straight for her.

#meta writing #wip intro #titan fighting fantasy #fighting fantasy #ttrpg fanfiction #oc alexis dalliance #richard tetherson #series ADvEoT #wip in progress #this has been in my drafts so long #meta wandering words #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Find the Word Tag - Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan - Part 2

I have a lot of Find the Word tag games. So I decided to put them all together to make me edit the Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan, a NaNoWriMo novel from 2012 based on the first TTRPG campaign I participated in the Fighting Fantasy World of Titan setting.

There was a total of 145 words to find so I've split these into batches of ~50. I've not removed any duplicates, and where there's not an exact match I've used synonyms instead.

I've grouped the words by the original tagger - though some of these are old enough the tagger has changed URLs...

Fair warning before you click:

I have tried to keep the snips short, but at ~8,320 words, this post is 'colour of the sky' long.

Well, if we're sitting comfortably, I'll begin.

➤ @autumnalwalker

Advice (Instruction)

The group once more reached the gates of Castle Dire “Ho there!” Richard hollered up at the guards stationed above. “We return on the instruction of Corporal Janz, bringing the gift from my lord, Zharradan Marr, to his Lordship Balthus Dire.” A cautious face popped up over the battlements. “Good Gods,” said Janz. “Is that it?” Alexis clenched her jaw at his tone. “Yes, it is,” Richard yelled back. “Now let us in, if you please.” “Alright, alright. Keep your pants on.” Janz vanished from view.

Alright

Alexis woke from where she’d curled up under a table. As she crawled out from under the table, she found Victor still drinking, helping himself to a barrel of ale with its top stoved in. “I’m going a-bed,” she declared, her words slurring together. “You should do the same.” Victor grinned, singing something unintelligible in an off-key warble. Alex waved a wagging finger at him. “You better pay for that barrel you’re draining.” “Course!” Victor beamed at her. “We were ordered t’see Yazty and the Cap’n. You better be at Townhall by noon. Got it?” “Aye, aye, sir!” Victor gave her a lazy salute. “Well, alright. I’m going t’bed,” she said and left him to it.

Bite

Back at the inn, Alexis hitched the horses outside and went in, finding Richard in the middle of breakfast. As soon as he saw her, he unfolded himself from the low seating, and they met in the middle of the carpeted space. “Alexis-” Brown hair flopped into his face as he bowed his head, his shoulders slumping with relief. “I… I thought you might have left us.” Awkwardly, he places a hand on her shoulder. “Psh. Never,” she said. “You’d trip the first trap you found and get yourself killed if I wasn’t here.” Despite her flippant words, Alexis squeezed his hand and grinned. He smiled back. “Probably.” “Definitely.” Together they returned to his table, and Richard took a bite from his flatbread. "I’ve sent Bast and Victor to get trail rations and other supplies. Um. I’m afraid Goregut won’t be joining us. He’s decided he’s quite fond of the desert and has joined a mercenary band. He left with a caravan at first light.” His brown eyes regarded her over the bread, lips pursed in a silent question. “Oh.” Alex’s hand found the necklace of bone Gorgut had given her. “A shame. I should have liked to have said goodbye. I guess this means we have an extra horse then.”

Connection

Victor turned away from where he’d been poking at the bottom of a wall and grinned. “Why, Rock to Mud, of course.” “And what is that?” Richard asked. “A spell. If I use it on the base of the walls, the unworked stone here, see? The foundations will collapse, the temple will fall in on itself, be swallowed by sand, and we can be on our merry way.” He dusted his hands off with a grimace. “I don’t know about you, but the heat and dust and significant lack of beer is becoming increasingly tedious.” "I don’t see any other options,” Alexis said. “All right then, let's do that.” Bastet stood, walking over to the tunnel connecting the chamber with the outside, and Alexis joined her. “Whenever you’re ready,” Richard said, motioning the other two up the tunnel to give Victor room to work.

Duck

Victor continued, unfazed, “It seems we were expected, presumably by Yaztromo’s mysterious source. The chappy over there said he would only speak to us together." "Let’s not leave him waiting then," Richard said, leading the way across the street towards the man in question. The man lifted his chin as he saw them cross and ducked down the alley behind him. He led them, keeping his distance, as the alley jinked back and forth, past the occasional body or sack of detritus. He stopped, finally, next to an unremarkable wooden door. Alexis squinted. In the gloom opposite the obvious door was another of dark metal, recessed into the dank brick.

Initially (Introduce)

"Where in the hell are we?" Alexis asked. Despite the guard, Bastet stood up and went to the bars to look around. "What are you doing? Get her back from there. Do you want to get us all in trouble?" came a new voice, hissing from the corner. Alexis turned. In the faint light of the torches, she could just pick out the pale, emaciated form of an elven woman. Her wide, fearful eyes were fixed on Bastet. “You’d better come away,” Alexis said, poking Bastet in the leg. “I’d guess we’re in some kind of drow-run mine,” Bastet said as they sat next to the woman. “Yes,” she said. “We’re on the outskirts of the Darkwood Forest. They have us mining for moonstones.” Alexis held out her hand, introducing herself and Bastet. "I’m Nassurae Talloth," the woman said, ignoring Alexis’ hand. "Now, please, you must get some sleep. Don’t make the guard come back.” Alexis and Bastet glanced at each other as Nassurae moved to the back of the cell, cuddling down with her fellows. “I can’t do anything without my tools,” Alexis said. “We may as well get some rest then,” Bastet said. “I was never stationed at a place like this, but I’ve heard the rumours. We’ll need all the strength we can muster to survive.” So saying, she laid down. Alexis followed suit, trying to get comfortable on the cold, stony ground.

Not

As Richard paid for their meal, Alexis rolled the map up, stuffing it into her pack. “Let’s see if we can drag those two away from their entertainment,” Richard said dryly. Alexis glanced out. The tiles had been put away in favour of a pack of cards and a bottle of pale golden liquor. Bastet now sat, engaging in a drinking contest with a burly half-orc woman. Alexis snorted, and they left the tent. Richard was ahead of her, striding over, no doubt with an admonishment on his lips, when Alexis felt the back of her neck prickle. She stopped, looking around, as twiclings shifted around her. The crowds parted, just for a moment, and she spotted people in what appeared to be clerical vestments. She squinted. Except, something wasn’t quite right… One of them twisted, looking straight at her. “Shit…” He nudged his companion and pointed. “Richard!” she yelled and ran. Today was a day when being small worked in her favour. Alexis shot through the crowds, darting this way and that, winding through the legs of people and animals alike. But though it might help her lose the cultists, she’d also lose her backup. Eventually she was going to run out of legs to hide behind and have to face the cultists on her own – a prospect she did not look forward to.

Once

The blanket of night was once more drawing over as the group approached the flickering lights of Castle Dire. A blanket was thrown over Three and coin exchanged with the duty guards to smuggle him through the gates and into the city. While Richard and Victor stayed in a shadowy nook with Three and their mounts, Alexis and Bastet ventured into the bustling city to find a place for the night. They followed the smells of late-night street food stalls to a place where the cobbled road turned to dirt and the pub signs creaked and flaked as they swung. Two men, in the midst of a fight, tumbled out of one of the myriad drinking houses, followed by a small cheering crowd. In Thieves Cant, Bastet signalled that it advertised stables as well as room and board. A female orc came blundering out after the two humans, grabbing them by the collar. As the pair watched, the orc slammed the two men together, dropping them in a lump at her feet. Their coin purses were removed, the orc yelling for them to never darken her door again. Alexis tilted her head towards the establishment, eyebrows raised in question. Bastet gave a shrugging nod. Silently, they split up – Bastet into the inn, and Alexis to retrieve their fellows.

Pass

“So, how are repairs going?" she asked as the barman began to draw their drinks. "Good. Very good," he replied. "We’ve been one of the first they’ve set to work on. Can’t think why.” He winked as he set Richard’s beer on the counter and moved to draw Alexis’. “Now the pub’s passed to me after old Finnley lost his life in all the troubles, I’m thinking to rename her. Fresh start and all.” He put Alexis’ drink down. “That’ll be a silver bit for the beers and meals then.” “Oh really?” Alexis gave a puckish smile and slid a gold piece over the counter. ”Are you taking name suggestions?” The bartender gawped. Then his hands flashed, hurrying to hide the coin. “You keep tipping like that, love, you can name her yourself.” Alexis grinned broadly, sending another gold after the first. “I think The Plot Hook has a nice ring to it myself. How about you?” “Aye, my lady, aye,” the barman said, eyes wide, pocketing the coin. “I’ll have the sign writers in first thing tomorrow.” “Excellent,” Alexis said, still grinning, and jumped from the counter. The barman passed down her beer. “Food’ll be out in a jiffy.”

Recommendation (Charge)

Richard came back in. He took one look at his empty plate and Alexis rubbing her full belly, and sighed. With a wave to the server for more food, he took his seat.

"Those are fine-looking beasts. Well kept and well trained," he said. "The trader must have charged you a fortune." Alexis gave a small, secretive smile. When Richard raised an eyebrow at her, she laughed, a rare tinkling sound. "Actually, no. We, ah…” Heat rose to her cheeks, and she glanced away, still smiling. “He enjoyed our conversation and cut the price on that account." Both of Richard’s eyebrows shot up and he gave her a long, incredulous look before laughing. “I’m glad you’re on my side,” he said with a grin.

Sat

Richard knocked on the Captain’s door From within came Hengar’s voice, "Come in." Inside the cramped office, Hengar was sorting slates on his desk, Yaztromo behind him, looking out of a window. Hengar looked up from his slates and grinned. "Ah, just the rabble-rousers I was hoping to see. You did a very thorough job of giving half the town a hangover. The other half seem to still be inebriated." Hengar gave them a smirk. "I trust that you, my elite squad, are feeling fit as fiddles, and are keen to continue your duties?" The group glanced at each other, sharing trepidation looks. Alexis nodded carefully. "Ye-es?" The Captain sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers and his expression sobered. "Good. Because I’m afraid I have some troubling news for you. The demon Myurr is as tenacious as he is evil. The Eye of Myurr cult has risen again, this time in its ancestral homeland – the swamps of Silur Cha. I’ve had word from the local militia in the area that there has been unusual activity concerning the lizardman population. This has been confirmed by Yaztromo’s colleagues, who’ve also provided intel about a temple in the depths of the swamp which may be used as another portal staging ground. I’ve agreed to send you down there as you’re the only ones in the militia network with the skill and experience to tackle this.” Hengar sighed. “I don’t suppose you’ve kept hold of that nifty little device that you told me about?"

Think

“I’ve not had chance to scout this level completely,” Alexis told the group as they gathered in the stairwell, “but I’m confident there’re no patrols. We should remain quiet and vigilant all the same.” “Agreed,” Ithanor said. With that, Alexis led the party out and along the long dim corridor. Here racks of equipment lined the walls. Alexis steered clear, but Victor, close to the back, paused next to one. “I could do with a sword," he muttered and tugged at a shortsword. The rack toppled and fell. Metal hit stone in a cacophonic tangle. Everyone froze, hands on weapons. The last sounds of spinning metal tapered off and their breath rasped harshly in the silence. Alexis strained her hearing. “I think we’re in the clear,” she whispered. Ithanor shot a glare at Victor. "Do not do that again.” Victor backed away from the rack, the sword still in his hand. "Sorry! Sorry," he said. “At least I got a weapon?” “Could we please continue?” Nathardrin asked, gesturing to Alexis. “Dalliance?” Alexis nodded. “C’mon.”

Under

Presently, the Captain was refreshed and began speaking. "I have a proposition for you all," he told them. "As you may know, we have started this recruitment drive on information that Firetop Mountain, a dwarven settlement a few leagues away, has become overrun by goblins under the leadership of an evil wizard named Zagor. However, I am reluctant to lay siege to this place or approach it under the banner of war without knowing what I am sending my troops into. "You four have recently come to my attention as potential candidates for a special mission, especially you, little one." He stopped and looked pointedly at Alexis before continuing. "The basic is this: I would like you four to infiltrate Firetop Mountain and gather reconnaissance. This is completely voluntary and if you wish, you may leave this room now."

Wake

Morning – or what Alexis presumed to be so; it was impossible for her to tell from underground – came, and Alexis was woken by Nassurae. As she came awake, scrubbing tiredly at her eyes, she saw that Bastet was being woken by another elven woman. "Come, little one. You need to wake up now," Nassurae said, encouraging Alexis to stand. "They will be bringing food soon. If we do not eat it quickly enough, they will take it before we have finished." Alexis nodded. "Will we be able to see our friends when they take us down to the mine?" "Yes," said Nassurae. "But you will not have any opportunity to talk to them. The work is gruelling. You won't have the breath for talking, if you can even get close enough without the guards seeing. They're very strict – if they see the slightest flagging, they will whip you" Alexis nodded. "I'll have to manage. My friends and I have to find a way to escape. We have people relying on us." Nassurae looked like she was about to say something else but then the guards banged on the bars of their cage.

➤ @oh-no-another-idea

Black (Blackguard)

"Why?" he asked. "What did I ever do to you? For that matter, what did the people of Toreguard do to you?" The Blackguard laughed. "In answer to your second question: nothing. But it got your attention, did it not?" He took another step towards them and Richard did the same, drawing his sword. "As to your first question," the Blackguard continued. "You killed my master and mentor. Twice no less! I should thank you for that, but there was still so much I had to learn. And you took that from me!" So saying, Alexis saw rage cloud his eyes and he launched himself at Richard. Their swords clashed and Alexis found herself moving. "Just because he’s here for Richard, doesn’t mean we can’t help our friend!" she yelled, reaching for her crossbow. Bastet put her hand on Alexis’ arm. "No, we shouldn’t interfere. This is a personal journey. Richard needs to do this by himself." "Screw that!" Alexis said, loading her bow.

Deep

"My lord," the steward said, dipping to one knee and bowing. "I present to you emissaries from your brother in wickedness, Zharradan Marr. They bring you a gift of Marr’s design." "Oh ho?" said Dire, standing to stride down the dais towards them. Where Zagor had been the husk of a man long since departed, and Zharradan covered in so many bodily modifications he was more machine than person, Dire was the direct opposite of his brothers. He wore a well-tailored and debonair robe of azure and gold, cinched at the waist with an exquisitely tooled belt; the robe skimmed the ground as he walked towards them. His neatly trimmed hair and beard were a deep, shimmering black, and the nails that traced his cheek in a thoughtful brush were even and manicured.

Hair

"Hail and well met, fair maiden," came a voice from her left. Alexis glanced over to see an elf come from a small, brightly coloured tent. For a moment, she could only stare, jaw slack. The elf was stunning. Hair like golden honey dripped down his back and shoulders, partly plaited and ornamented with beads of turquoise and lapis. Eyes, the deep green of herbs, smouldered from behind pale lashes. His chest was bare, water droplets caught in soft curls of hair shimmering like dewdrops across his tanned skin. Alexis sucked in a breath, biting her lip and the elf flicked a skein of hair over his shoulder, revealing solid biceps cross-crossed with scars. "Hail and well met," she managed to murmur.

Hands

"I shall be sending an extra man with you," Hengar said, waving forward a human with coppery hair. "Since you’re to make your final approach to the fort on foot, Corporal Durnin here will bring your mounts back to town." "We’d best get going then," Nathardrin said, swinging himself up onto a blue roan. Yaztromo stood next to a chestnut mare, speaking softly to her before mounting. Ithanor cupped his hands, helping Alexis to mount up in front of the wizard, before swinging himself onto a handsome grey charger. Richard stood in front of the mount assigned to him, looking at it with some distrust. The bay shook her mane at him. Richard nodded and, with some difficulty, mounted up. With everyone astride, they set out, leaving Toreguarde in the dust.

Ink

Mess

The clamour of the wake-up bells drilled into her skull. Cursing and groaning, Alexis dragged herself to the Mess Hall, wishing her mouth didn't taste like a desert. She dropped down onto an empty bench, resting her head on the rough wooden table. A cup of strong chicory coffee and a plate consisting mostly of grease, with a side of bread and meat, landed in her eyeline. She rocked her head, following the arm to the amused face of Richard. "How do you not have a hangover?" she asked, glaring up at him through one squinting eye. "Because I didn't drink nearly as much as you or the others," he said smugly. "But you were wasted!" Alexis said, wincing at the loudness of her own voice. "I saw you." "No, you only saw what your wobbling vision allowed you to see. Now, eat up. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us, and we still need to go and wake the other two."

Midnight

Once they were all seated, with a small glass of brandy each, he addressed them properly. "What has my elite squad been up to these past months?" Captain Hengar asked. “I send you off to gather intel about the Eye of Myurr cult, and hear nothing of you until you show up in High Creek.” Alexis took a breath, sharing a side glance with Richard. “It’s, ah. Been a… bit of a time, yes. Port Blacksands then…” she said, and between the four of them, they launched into the full tale. Food was brought as morning turned to afternoon, and again as the evening turned, along with fresh bottles of brandy. Each added their own words to the winding story, and even after the tale was done, Hengar asked follow-up questions, having them retell parts he wanted clarity on. By the time they finally finished, it was gone midnight. “Thank you,” Hengar said, “for your patience in explaining this extraordinary affair. I’ve got a lot to think about with this information. Please, get some rest. We’ll talk more about our next steps on the morrow.” With that, they were ushered from the office and back to the barracks, to collapse into deep and dreamless sleep.

Murmur

The sun had barely risen by the time Richard was waking Alexis. After breakfast, the cook handed them packets of prepared trail rations, and they made their way out to the courtyard, where they found the most unusual sight. Next to a pair of horses, there stood a large dog and an oxen. The stable hand saluted them, as Bastet and Victor came sauntering into the yard. "Sirs," said the stable hand, "I took the liberty of sending a runner to wake your friends and bring them here. I have also prepared mounts for you all." Alexis nodded. "Very good, Private… ah?" "Keld. Ceri Keld," said the stable hand. "Thank you, Private Keld." Alexis put her hands on her hips. "What I would like to know, however, is what the hell is that cow doing here?" "Ah…" Keld paled. "I’m not sure, ma’am. It just… sort of… trotted in, and lowed every time one of the other mounts was saddled. So we saddled it, and it went quiet." Alexis raised an eyebrow. "Richard…?" "Umm, yes. This may be my fault," he said. "I do seem to recall, fuzzily, that I left last night and, umm, called for it. I had a feeling, I needed a mount for my paladin-ness. And, well. Oxen are good strong beasts." He walked over. Cow and elf regarded each other, then Richard reached out and gave it a pat on the head. "I shall call him ‘Benevelor’ because he is a holy cow." Victor sniggered a bit before Bastet elbowed him in the ribs. Alexis sighed and shook her head. "Well, it’s nice to meet you, Ben," she said and patted the cow on the leg. it looked at her curiously and then turned away. Richard frowned at her, as she and the others took to their mounts. "It’s Benevalor," he murmured grumpily. "Shall we get this show on the road, lady and gents?" Alexis asked and with that, Richard mounted, with some difficulty, and the four of them set out to Trolltooth Pass.

Sass (cheek)

The pair made their way to the bar – a simple plank supported by several barrels – and were greeted by a rotund human with a thatch of whitening hair. “Ah! ‘Tis our heroes. Welcome home!” he greeted them with a beaming smile. “And what can I get for you fine folks this evening?” Alexis used Richard’s arm to bounce onto the counter. “Dinner and an ale each, if you please.” The barkeeper frowned, his gaze flicking between Alexis and Richard. “A bold little one you’ve here, sir, eh? Though she’s a mite-” He trailed off catching sight of Alexis’ deepening scowl and Richard’s frantic head shaking. His mouth worked as a tense air filled the pub. “I’ll just be getting that for you then.” “You do that,” Richard said, tapping the counter. Alexis blew out her cheeks as the barkeeper turned away.

Shark (Astute)

"Why don't we take this discussion into my tent?" he asked. "It seems so gauche to discuss business out here." "Ah… I would rather not. No offence, but one can never be too careful. You’re charming and beautiful. But so too is a dryad before it strikes." The elf pursed his lips and, with a small sigh, looked away. "Ah, so astute and practical." He turned back. "Very well. Four fine steeds and one fine pony to go to the Pagan Plains." The elf reached behind his head, putting his full chest on display, and bundled his hair into a bun as he walked to the corral. With an unnecessary leap, he vaulted inside, causing a horse to wicker and shy away.

Smile

In the silence, every displaced rock sounded like a boulder, and every tinkle of the picks in the lock sounded like the rattle of chains from the Pit. Alexis breathed slow and even as she felt her way around the inside of the crude lock. But as seconds seemed to stretch for hours she struggled to keep the wave of anxiety from overwhelming her. Bastet was keeping a lookout, but Alexis found little comfort in that fact. What if she missed a signal, what if she couldn’t move fast enough? Never before had so many relied on her skills. Never before had it meant the difference between life and death. The sudden clunk of the lock seemed to reverberate through the darkness. Alexis glanced over at where she knew Bastet stood. The drow flicked a skein of white hair as she turned, her hands flashing the all-clear. Alexis let out a controlled breath and pushed open the cell door, once again waiting for Bastet’s hand signals. When the corridor remained still and silent, the pair slipped out. Nassurea pulled the cell door closed behind them, and Alexis gave her a reassuring smile. Bastet nudged her arm, and Alexis nodded. With one last look at Nassurea’s wide eyes, Alexis took off down the corridor towards the other cells.

Son (child)

CW Slavery

"Bastet, what is the meaning of this?" Richard said, tone hard. "This is Brian. I bought him," Bastet said, preening with the satisfaction of a cat who’d gotten the best bit of fish. Alexis shot Richard a look, trying to convey with the out-jutting of her chin, Now do you believe me she’s Pit-spawn? Richard’s jaw tensed. “You bought him.” “I wasn’t, y’know, gonna keep him,” Bastet said with a derisive huff. She shot Alexis a cold look. “That would be evil.” She returned her attention to Richard. “I was gonna let him go.” Richard crossed his arms. “Alright. Do it now then.” Bastet opened her mouth. “I assume they gave you a key? Get him out of those chains.” “Fine,” Bastet whined like a petulant child. From her brassiere, she plucked a key. The man looked at her with unrestrained hate as she unlocked the heavy manacle around his neck.

Sprint (dart)

The main corridor of the fort was dark, filled with dancing shadows from the smoking torches. From the side passage, the corridor marched both left and right, sharply turning away from her at either end. With a glance, Alexis noted the corridor as empty. Cautiously she padded out to the left, passing under each puddle of light with quick, light steps. At the corner, raucous laughter drew her attention towards a door on the outside of the corridor. With another swift check that no patrols were about to discover her, she darted over, peeking through the wide keyhole. The room inside was well lit by large windows, filled with all manner of green-skins at banqueting tables, hurling food and sloshing ale, tormenting each other with good-natured abandon. Though she wrinkled her nose at the waste of good food and beer, Alexis was pleased to see they were off-duty, and thus less likely to chance on her or her companions.

➤ @spacetimewraithwrites-archive

Cord

Ithanor set to searching the body for Zagor’s phylactery, while the others investigated the room. "Do you think this is it?" he asked, holding up a tubular object on a leather cord. Victor set down the book he was flicking through and walked over. “May I?” Ithanor nodded, holding it out. Victor took it, holding it by the cord as he muttered something under his breath and snapped his fingers. “I think so," he said, handing it back. “It does have a magical aura. We should destroy it anyway. If it was around that abomination’s neck, it can’t be anything good.” “Right.” Ithanor scratched his chin. "How?" Victor opened his mouth, took a breath, and closed it again with a frown. He walked around Ithanor, stroking his chin. Eventually, he stopped and looked at Ithanor. "Hit it with your hammer," Victor said, tone faintly questioning.

Fail

Night was falling by the time they reached Coven, coating the squat buildings in shadows. People – humans and dwarves both – hurried past with suspicious eyes as they made their way up the main street towards the Inn, a tall edifice carved, like the other buildings, from the sharp rock face of the Moonstone Hills and advertised by a swaying sign of a long, greenish tooth. If the outside had been impressive, the inside failed to live up to the standard set. It stank of stale beer and stale bodies, the villagers speaking in hushed tones. Richard went straight to the counter, ordering them rooms and dinner, with Bastet and Victor trailing behind him to order beers. Alexis veered away to read the noticeboard, keeping her ears pricked for any conversation about the fort spanning the pass, or the monster therein. After they’d eaten, Victor took to wandering between the tables, showing off his prestidigitation and other parlour tricks. Alexis trailed behind him, collecting the odd coin and listening hard for any gossip they may help them, but all she heard was related to the daily lives of the villagers. Not long after Victor wrapped up his ‘show’, she headed to bed.

Fault

(Word edited out for better prose)

CW screen readers, unusual dialogue punctuation

Alexis and Bastet approached the door, swaddled in the armour of their enemy. Two goblins stood on either side. One was picking his nails, the other humming some kind of ditty. ⟨Hey up.⟩ The goblin picking his nails stopped, twitching his ears. ⟨What’re you doing here?⟩ Alexis puffed out her chest, summoning her courage from her boots, and prayed she didn’t forget a word or trip over her tongue speaking the goblin’s language. ⟨Whaddya mean, what are we doing here?⟩ she asked, as brazenly as she could. ⟨What’re you two still doing here? It’s your break, innit? Go on, skedaddle.⟩ The goblin lifted his chin, narrowing his eyes. ⟨You’re early.⟩ ⟨Yeah?⟩ Alexis put her hands on her hips. ⟨Dunno what to tell you, mate. Bigboss sent us up here. If he got the times wrong, then that’s on him, innit?⟩ The goblin titled his head, red eyes still narrowed, but the one humming the ditty had stopped, and was leaning forward, twitching his ears. ⟨You really wanna quibble a few extra hours free time? I was you, I’d just take it, mate. 'Specially since they cracked a cask just as we left.⟩ The ditty-singer smacked the nail-picker. ⟨C’mon, lad. S’better than standing around up here. Anyone asks, it ain’t us what’s gotta sort it out.⟩ The nail-picker sniffed, his long nose wobbling. ⟨Fine.⟩ The two left their station and headed down the stairs. Alexis almost felt sorry for what was waiting for them. Almost.

Favour

The ship lurched. Bastet looked up from where she was stowing her pack, gazing out of the porthole. "It looks like we’re on our way," she said. “I’m gonna go check on the boys.” Alexis hummed and Bastet left. Even though Alexis had always been a wanderer with no real home since she’d left the Forest of Night, she still felt a pang of sadness as she watched the quayside slip away. It was going to be a long time before she saw Toreguard or Allansia again. Alexis climbed up on the chest, pressing her hands on either side of the porthole and gazing down at the jumping white flecks caused by the boat’s movement. “Greg,” she whispered. “I’m finally travelling on your favoured domain. No, I know I’m not skating the waves as you would. But, since we’re here, please keep an eye on us during this long journey. Thank you, amen.”

Glow

Alexis and Nathardrin stepped forward, loosing off a round of arrows each, then fell back to let Richard and Ithanor charge forward. The fighters began to pound the hell out of the drow, dropping three before they moved out of the way to let Victor, his hands glowing ferociously and chanting like the wind, cast a sphere of flame that levelled the remaining two.

Make

The wind whistled through the cracks in the door. "A what?" asked Alexis. "A lich. It is an undead creature who has crafted unholy and powerful magics upon itself, removing its soul from the confines of its Titan-bound shell, and placing it inside another item. Until this ‘phylactery’ is broken, the lich can not be truly killed." The group looked at each other. "I had heard of these such beasts, but thought never to encounter one," Ithanor said. "How will we know what the phylactery is, what will it look like?" Alexis asked. "I do not know, I am afraid," Yaztromo said. "They come in many forms, often some item that is important to the owner. It should be on his body, however. All you must do is destroy it and we will be free of his tyranny. Come. There is much to do. We should make ready."

Mark

They waited in the late afternoon sun, Bastet leaning back in her saddle, and Victor playing with a pack of cards. The groaning of wood reached them, quietly at first, then louder as the great gate began to creak open. A platoon of guards appeared in the arch. One, his open helm decorated with curling markwork, stepped forward and saluted. “Ma’am. We’re here to escort you and the gift directly to the castle and Lord Dire.” He looked up at Three. “Is that it?” “It is,” Alexis said, her voice dripping with ice. “And it is to remain in my custody until we are met with Lord Dire. The guard nodded. “Very well, my Lady."

Minute

“You know, we could leave them here?” Alexis suggested. “They still give me the heebie-jeebies, and I just think that maybe-” “Alexis,” Richard snapped, his face creasing into a ferocious frown. “There is nothing wrong with either Victor or Bastet. They’re perfectly normal people. Besides, we need them and their blades. Don’t bring it up again.” “O-okay,” Alexis said, leaning back in her seat, surprised by the vehemence in his voice. “Jeeze, I was only thinking out loud.” His hand landed on the table, rattling the crockery, as he leaned in, still scowling. “Don’t.” Alexis stared, open-mouthed, as he stood. “You have twenty minutes to finish your breakfast, then I expect to see you in the barracks.” With a sharp about-turn, Richard strode off, leaving Alexis hunched into her seat, and reaching for her coffee to calm her frayed nerves. She took a slug of the drink. It had to be the lack of sleep making him crotchety. She dug into her breakfast. Yeah, that had to be it…

Miss

Crackling stacks of papyrus, held down by painted stones, and rolls of parchment lay across the stall’s table. Idly, she picked up one of the rolls, peeking at its contents – a map, of some kind. “Can I help you, little miss?” Alexis looked up to see she was being addressed by an elf, skin and hair like roasted bark, dressed in a squat hat and brightly patterned robe “Yes. I’m looking for a map of the desert. I need to find a particular temple.” “Oh ho! Treasure seekers! Adventurers!” The man grinned widely, spreading his arms to gesture at the stall. “You have come to the right place, little miss. You will not find better maps of this dry and dusty land, than at Hassan’s World of Treasure!”

More

“It’s too powerful. There would be Titan-shattering consequences if it were to be destroyed. And I mean that in its most literal sense.” Victor wrapped his arms around his shoulders. “No. You keep it for now. We’ll give it to Yaztromo. He’ll know what to do with it.” Alexis looked down at the dagger in her hands, eyes widening, breath coming in little gasps, and slowly moved it away from herself. “Richard?” she said in a panicked voice. “It’s just an item,” he said soothingly. “Just... pop it in your pack for now.” Fighting the urge to drop the thing and run, Alexis shucked her pack and buried the dagger the furthest down she could manage. Once she was satisfied, Alexis rose, slinging her pack on, feeling as if it were a hundredweight heavier. “What now?” she asked. “Now, we need to get our mounts and get the hell out of here,” Richard said, moving to help Bastet bring Victor to his feet. “There’s bound to be more dirty rotten cultists running around this place, and I do not want to run into them.”

Morning

Over breakfast the next morning, Richard set down his mug and cleared his throat. “Um. I heard a worrying rumour about my home village last night,” he said. “Would anyone mind if, before reporting back to Captain Hengar, we took a trip to High Creek. I found someone with a bit more information about the rumour, and I’m very worried that something isn’t right there.” Alexis shook her head. “That’s fine with me,” Victor said. Bastet nodded. “Me too.” "Thank you," Richard said with a smile.

Old

When Richard, Bastet, and Goregut showed up at the stables, Victor explained what Bloodbeard had told them about their mounts. Goregut had walked, and Bastet sold hers the moment she could find the stable master. Richard stood stroking the neck of his ox. “Benevelor, my faithful friend, I must send you away for a little bit.” The ox lowed disconsolately, butting it's snout into Richard’s shoulder. “I know old friend, I know. I will call for you as soon as I can. It won’t feel like any time has passed at all, I promise.” The oxen lowed again, and with a heavy sigh, Richard stepped back. He straightened his back, and held his hand out, palm up. “Benevalor,” he said, “I bid thee away to the celestial realms, until a time when I can call for you again." The ox was surrounded by a suffusion of golden light, and with one last dismal moo vanished in a flash of light.

Out

(Edited the word out for better prose)

The pub was looking a lot better than the last time Alex had seen it. The charred wooden pillars had been sanded down, patched up, and varnished. The barrels and haybales masquerading as furniture had been replaced by sturdy chairs and tables. The floor was now stone flags, and the counter was a lovingly crafted piece of art. "Roderick!" she called to the barman as she vaulted up onto a freshly upholstered stool. "Beer me up, man!" Roderick grinned and pulled her a jar of the house special. "Well now, if it isn’t our very own hero. How have you been, milady Dalliance?" he asked, handing her her beer. "Oh, you know.” Alexis flipped a hand. “Running around, saving the world, drinking substandard ale." She took a sip of her beer and smacked her lips. “Damn, but it’s good to be home.” Roderick blushed. “Thankee kindly, m’lady.” Alexis winked. "And you, my friend? How has business been? Did you find a lass to let you be her husband yet?" "Oi you," he said with a blushing smile. Over his shoulder to called into the kitchens, “Nadia-Rose? Are you free a spell?” A woman appeared at the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. “Yes, love?” She had coppery skin and shining eyes under a cloud of wispy brown hair. “I’d like you to meet someone,” Roderick said, waving her over. Nadia-Rose smiled as she came to the counter, her cheeks dimpling, bringing with her the smell of bread and stew. "Alexis, this is my lovely new bride Nadia-Rose. My darling, this is Alexis Dalliance. When she can, she’s one of my best regulars."

Salt

“Don’t just stand there, ye daffies!” Bloodbeard called, waving them up the gangplank “Come aboard, my lovelies.” Richard led the way, carrying the heavy pouch of money they’d pooled together. “Your payment, as promised, Captin.” “Thankee kindly, lad,” Bloodbeard said, making the vast pouch vanish into his greatcoat. “Mate Arts!” A man with bronzed skin bringing with him the scent of salt and tar appeared with a snappy salute. “Aye, Cap’n?” “Arts, show these lubbers to their quarters, then report back to deck. We’ll be setting the sails in half a turn of the clock."

Scream

Once more Merickson coughed, breath rattling now. “Ah, child. If only it were that easy.” He cupped her face. “I betrayed everything for my own selfish need. That can never be forgiven.” “It can. It can!” Alexis cried, twisting to look at Richard. “Tell him!” Richard looked down at them, face impassive as a stone, eyes like gimlets, trained on Merickson. "You are forgiven, if you want to be," he said, voice flat. "I am beyond forgiveness," Merickson said, and before she could do anything, he put his hands over Richard’s and plunged the sword deeper within himself. "No!" Alexis screamed. "No!" She shook the Blackguard. "No…" Richard withdrew his weapon and wiped the blade. Gently he pulled Alexis away from the body. "It was his choice," he said softly. "But it was wrong and you could have stopped it!" Alexis sobbed. The rain mingled with her tears. She swiped at her face, pushing wet strands of hair away. "It may not seem like it," Richard told her, "but he returned to himself in the end. You had a part in that. In your own way, your forgiveness of his terrible acts let his spirit move on. You should be proud."

Sing (Song)

Richard stood and clasped Ithanor’s free hand. "Of course we’re not upset! I wish you all the best with your new life. We shall see each other again, I am sure of it." Richard grinned, clapping Ithanor on the back. Alexis stood up on her stool and walked along the bar counter to Ithanor. "Fair fortune, my friend," she said and hugged him. "Now finish the goddamn speech!" Laughter rippled through the assembled townspeople. Ithanor guffawed and raised his glass again. "To Toreguard! Fair fortune attend her and her people!" he cried. "Fair fortune!" the crowd called back. The room settled back into laughter and eating, snatches of song stirring as the beer flowed.

Sink (sunk)

"I hit my head as I fell," Victor said, indicating the poorly wrapped gash. "I don’t remember anything." Richard nodded. "I found him unconscious, draped over a bit of wood. He’s lucky though – a moment later and he would have sunk. I managed to drape him over a lost barrel, and swim us both away from the ship."

Smile (Beam)

Alexis blushed and bowed back. "The pleasure is mine, I can assure you. How’s business, Roderick? While I was out shopping earlier, I noticed the town’s starting to look like its old self again.” “Oh aye, things are booming,” Roderick said. “I’d dare say that fire did us a world of good. Everyone has been getting upgrades. You may’ve noticed the town hall and library are stone-clad and tile-roofed now.” “I did indeed. And there’s so many more shops and services.” “There’s been many folks moving in from the villages around, lots of new talents too. Your mate Ithanor’s been struggling to get housing up fast enough. Nadia and I have been helping out with getting the new folks settled, and all this cash flow means we’ve been able to expand the pub too. Your investment’s doing the town right well, milady.” Alex beamed. “I’m so pleased to hear that. From what I can see, everything is working out great. I’m really happy our home is doing so well.” “Oh aye,” Roderick lifted his chin behind her. “Looks like we’re not the only ones who want a chinwag.” Alexis turned to see Ithanor waving. “Ah, yeah. I’d better go say hi,” she said to the couple. "Congratulations again on your marriage.” “Thank you, milady.” Nadia reached across the counter to clasp Alexis’ hands. “You've done a world of good for our town. I hope your luck stays just as strong.” Alexis ducked her head. “Thank you. I try my best.” With that, she slid off the stool and went over to see Ithanor.

Soak

Mid-way into the journey, the clouds covered over and the Captain looked anxiously at the sky all the long day. The seamen were jittery too, making distracted mistakes, and dropping their tools. Mid-afternoon Bloodbeard ordered everything to be tied down and the sails to be furled, except for the main mast. It wasn’t until evening chow when the winds picked up, large globs of rain hammering into the deck and soaking anyone foolish enough to not have an oilcloth.

Sour (Acidic)

(Edited the word out for better prose)

“Those who would come to Atlantis need to prove themselves worthy of our time,” the apparition said. “Ahead you will find three tests: one of your wits, one of your knowledge, and one of your courage.” “Oh, great,” Alexis muttered. “They bring us here and they still make us fight our way to them.” Richard shot her a look, but they carried on. Alexis went ahead followed by Richard and Victor, then Bastet and Goregut. Their going was slow, as Alexis paused them several times, studying the path and disarming traps. They were so close to the end of the Test of Wits when Alexis made a mistake. The trap she was disarming instead triggered, sending an enchanted arrow to strike her down. Alexis staggered to her feet. “I think I’m-” The arrow dripped a viscous green slime, the leather cuirass smoking where the slime touched. “I’m… Ung!” Alexis doubled over and dropped to the floor.

Tree

They stood on the edge of the swamp, gazing into its shadowed depths. The stench from the mire rose high in the air, followed by clouds of tiny biting insects. “We’ve got to go in that?” Bastet asked, grimacing. “Unfortunately so,” Richard said. “Does anyone have any ideas?” Alexis wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t like it here,” she said. “But it’s full of trees,” Victor said from where he was investigating a large fallen log with Gorgut. “Aren’t those kinda your thing?” “It doesn’t feel right,” Alexis said with a shake of her head. “It’s a swamp. What were you expecting?” Bastet said. “There’re swamps back home. They didn’t feel like this. This feels… sick. Like it’s being poisoned.” “Indeed it is, little maid.” The group jumped at the voice, soft and sad. The treetops rustled and from a low branch jumped a gnome in a pale green robe.

Trick

The next day went the same. The drow woke them early, they received their slop and were taken down to the mine in chains, the menfolk not long behind. Richard was stationed several people down from where Alexis stood at the end of the women’s chain. Through a game of whispers, she shared the plan with him. “It could work,” he sent back. “If she can distract them long enough for you to get our weapons, Ithanor and I can deal with the rest.” “The tricky part will be finding our equipment,” she sent back. The line went quiet as the guards made their patrols. Once they’d left, a message came back, “The men have prepared shivs. They know the guards' rotations. We strike in the early hours, before feeding time. Just get us out – we’ll manage until we have our weapons.” “How will I know when that is?” Alexis asked. The man in line next to her smiled. “Ask Nassurae. She’ll be able to help you with that.” “Right. One last thing – Bastet will need a shiv. She needs to be able to protect herself while ‘entertaining’.” The man nodded, sending the message up the line. A few moments later he said, “We’ll get one to her.” Alexis nodded. Perhaps they’d pull this off after all.

Try

(Word edited out for better prose)

"We need to get everyone out now," Ithanor said, panting. "Before they send more troops." "Nathardrin, Bast and Victor,” Richard said, “go retrieve the rest of our equipment." “Aye,” Nathardin said, and the three of them took off. "All the cages are open," Alexis said. "I’ll go on ahead, make sure the way is clear." “Be careful!” Ithanor said as she set off.

Behind her, Alexis could hear the murmurs of her friends encouraging the other prisoners out of their cells. She ignored them, putting all her efforts toward finding the way out. So far their jailbreak had gone unnoticed, but it couldn’t remain so for long. She kept her ears open listening to the corridors ahead for sounds of discovery, and a watchful eye for the glint of metal from a guard’s blade.

Young

(Avoiding the 'red shirt' issue)

"This acolyte will transport you back to the temple, and assist you in sealing this portal forever." A young man stepped forward. He wore dusky rose robes which stood out starkly against his dark skin and dark hair. His eyes were like birchwood, and he smelt, incongruously to Alexis’ newly-remade nose, like fresh snow. "What’s your name, Acolyte?" Bastet asked. The boy stuttered. “I don’t have one, Miss. Acolytes give up their names on admission to the order.” “What was your name, then?” “I do not recall it. Our names are returned when we reach a high enough proficiency to be worthy of them.” “Well, we have to call you something. In my culture, not having a name is bad luck. If you don’t have a name then you’ll die a gruesome death the moment you’re in peril. Such as,” she flipped a hand, “entering a temple to a demon filled with murderous cultists.” The boy paled. "It’s fine. We won’t let that happen," Bastet said. "We shall call you… Cee Jay." The young man sighed. "Very well, miss. To you and your friends, I shall be Cee Jay.”

#writing #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #oc alexis dalliance #wip excerpt #tag games #find the word tag #wandering words #original character #Richard Tetherson #Bastet #Victor with a Monocle #Yaztromo #Artemon Hengar #For context: Richard Bast and Victor are all Player Characters #well there's a few other PCs but they're the main ones #everyone else is an NPC #this has been in my drafts so long #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Hi dru

Your blorbos have to go to the grocery store. How does it go?

Howdy Sleepy!

Since I am on my older Titan kick, I'll answer for the RPG group (not all technically my blorbos, but close enough)

Richard is the one who's made the meal plan, the shopping list, and who has control of the trolly and the money, and who is also doing 99% of the work.

Alexis is trying to help, but she's either being pulled away to look at something else by Bastet, or is getting distracted by the knives in the equipment aisle or the confectionary aisle.

Bastet and Victor aren't helping at all. Instead they're poking around the confectionary or the ice cream and party food aisles, either sneaking extra stuff into the trolly or doing a little light shoplifting. If this supermarket is the type to have a huge toy aisle, then they are 100% finding all the things that make noises and setting them all off before running away.

By the time Richard has finished and Alexis is helping him get everything to the car, something has been set on fire, security has been called, and Bastet and Victor are leaving through a different exit whistling surreptitiously. They'll eventually make it back to the car, giggling between themselves, and Richard will know better than to ask.

Thanks for the question & happy wording! 🫖️🌿️

#meta writing #oc alexis dalliance #original character #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #answered ask #sleepyowlwrites #meta wandering words #the sad thing is I remember shopping trips with the players that also went like this - just swap richard and alexis' positions around #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

WIP W-Monday

Thanks for the tag @choilacanth!

Tagging whoever fancies sharing.

This is again from Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan, and another snippet I like which won't be covered by the monster Find the Word game.

CW swearing

"Are y'trying to suggest that I, Captain Dragan Bloodbeard, of the beautiful Oaken Rose, is not fit to take a couple of poncy humans over the seas to Khul?" The captain took a few, stalking, steps forward, glaring down. "Well, are ye?" “Firstly!” Alexis yelled, “I am a sodding eshen! Not a child, not a half-pint, not a loud-mouthed clumsy twiceling. Not a fucking woodling! “Second! I am not just trying to suggest it. I am bloody saying it. You bunch of loudmouthed blaggards have no manners, and no skills beyond mocking travelers and drinking yourselves into a puddle of piss. “I’m going to go find a capable crew with a seaworthy vessel to take me where I want to go.” Bloodbeard stalked forward, leaning down to wave a beringed finger in Alexis’ face. “Now you listen here, missy. I won’t have you disparaging me crew and me ship. We can ship over to Khul, and we can take you and your poncy boyfriend to boot! And I’ll do it for half the bleedin' price, just t’prove you wrong!” Alexis gave a slow smile, the anger dropping from her posture like a shroud. “Excellent,” she said, shaking his previously wagging finger. “I believe we have an accord then, sir. We’ve a few others to come, and our mounts. I trust the extra bodies won’t be a problem. What time should we make ready to leave for?” Bloodbeard blinked. He stood back, jaw dropped. Then he laughed, at first a bark of surprise which grew to a loud and hearty thing. "Well blow me down and call me Aunt Fanny," he said. "You’re a right cad there lassy, and no mistake." "So I’ve been told," Alexis agreed.

#writing #oc alexis dalliance #dragan bloodbeard #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #wip wednesday #wip whenever #tag game #original character #wandering words #series ADvEoT #wip 'Young Dagger False Dream'

[druidx]

Good Lines Tag Game

I got tagged in this game by @inkwell-attitude

What’s a line that you’re tremendously proud of writing, and what’s a line that’s just out-of-context ridiculous?

Tagging: @aalinaaaaaa @thewriteflame @wildswrites @aquadestinyswriting @artdecosupernova-writing @autumnalwalker @blind-the-winds @eli-writes-sometimes @hannahcbrown @oh-no-another-idea @rhikasa @swordsoulwrites @winglesswriter @andromeda-grace @writingmaidenwarrior

Line I’m proud of

Well, I don’t know if I’m proud of it, or if it’s just one of my favourite lines, but this is from What Alexis did Next:

I took another step back, not yet willing to look away from the sight of him, flame-gilded and dark, like brandy pudding.

Line that’s ridiculous out of context

"I popped him, like a fat-filled sausage skin" - King Storri, What Alexis Did Next

IDK if we’re supposed to provide context, but here Storri has broken the vision that Myurr, Demon Prince, was using to maintain the illusion he was whole and unharmed. Myurr subsequently turned into a vaporous substance and vanished.

#writing #tag game #good lines tag #fighting fantasy #titan fighting fantasy #oc alexis dalliance #Storri Nargondsson #meta wandering words #this has been in my drafts so long #series ADvEoT #wip 'Her Lonely Shadow'