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#fiction prompts
scuttlingcrab · 1 month
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Raphael going to a noble party of some kind, disguised as a human, in order to find and schmooze with current and potential clients. While engaging with one such individual who seems particularly taken with him, from across the room he spots Tav, for once not dressed in adventurer's gear but decorated with finery. The Hero of Baldur's Gate is so radiant that, at a glance, one could be forgiven for mistaking the mortal as an angel in disguise. However, like the cambion, Tav also has noble-born partygoers vying for their attention, asking (and more often than not being granted) a dance with the hero, and perhaps gossip of nobles approaching the hero with dowry proposals and attempts at wooing this illustrious guest begin to reach the fiend's ears.
You're the best, thank you so much for sending me this prompt! x
Summary: Raphael attends the annual Baldur's Gate Masquerade Ball and accidentally runs into his little mouse.
Dance with the Devil
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(Image via venenum-cadaverinus)
All the world's a stage, and all the men and women and devils merely players. 
It was a warm summer’s evening. A gentle breeze came from the sea, as frequent as the lapping waves, temporarily relieving the heavy layer of humidity that hovered in the air. The full moon blazed, illuminating all below it like a spotlight.
The annual masquerade ball had begun, attracting not only the richest, noblest citizens within Baldur’s Gate, but of the entire Sword Coast. They all flocked to Wyrm's Rock Fortress, togged up clad in glittering gowns, spectacular silk suits, and meticulous masks that expertly hid the true identity of every guest.
Per annum, the masquerade highlighted the achievements of Baldur’s Gate, from elections won to cities conquered, and what a year it had been for all mankind. With the narrow defeat of the Elder Brain the city undoubtedly had something magnificent to celebrate. Despite more than half of the city still in ruin, Wyrm's Rock itself littered with holes, and the political climate in bedlam; there was hope. And with hope, lies potential. 
Raphael arrived at the ball not in his usual show of sparks and embers, but by modest carriage. He smiled to himself, finding amusement in this mortal way of traversing the planes. These simple minded creatures always had such an imaginative way of thinking. He exited the coach and took a deep breath, absorbing the salty sea air and the multifarious scents of the mortals swimming past him. He had come concealed as a human, but his clothing was nothing but lavish. He couldn’t resort to anything less than that. 
He wore a red velvet three-piece tuxedo with a form fitting tailcoat. The colour was bold, yet the details simplistic, he wouldn’t dare distract from the show-stopping piece of his costume: the mask.
Raphael was hidden behind a horned gold leaf mask, the horns replicating the very ones from the Crown of Karsus. He made the mask himself, the artistry immaculate, showcasing Raphael’s pristine attention to detail. The intricate floral designs carved into the mask not only added panache but amplified the aesthetic beauty of the disguise.
A gaggle of women stopped to take in Raphael’s outfit, nodding to him in admiration. He returned their stares with a polite bow, before they moved along, giggling. Raphael’s body increased in warmth, his cheeks flushed with pride. 
This was a night of celebration not only for Baldur’s Gate, but for Raphael. Since acquiring the Crown of Karsus, he barely had a moment to himself. There had been no celebrations awaiting him in the House of Hope, no companions to congratulate him on his arduous labour. The very nature of his ambitions subjected Raphael to secrecy and solitude, he was forced only to rely on himself. Naturally, as soon as his hands cradled the Crown, he went straight to work, preparing for the next course of action in his ongoing plans to conquer the Hells. The Crown was just the beginning. 
Symphonious music, exuberant laughter, and the electrifying hum of excitement could be heard even from the outskirts of the Fortress. The entire fortification was vibrating, brought to life by the very nature of the ball.
As Raphael showed his invitation to the guards, and passed successfully through the security checks, he bit his tongue to stop himself from prematurely combusting into flames. His chest rattled, as if it might burst open at any second from the thrill of the evening to come. 
Raphael made his way through the interior of the fortress, completely anonymous, blending smoothly into the crowd. No room was off limits, he was free to roam where he pleased; to indulge in the festivities, and even prey on guests without suspicion if he felt so inclined.
He soon found himself on the upper floors, walking into the Audience Hall. It had been turned into a ballroom, the hive of the masquerade. A band was comfortably sitting where the throne would’ve been. The walls behind them had yet to be repaired from the blasts that sieged the fortress when the Elder Brain attacked. It quite suited the occasion, bringing in the cool evening air and offering a dramatic view of the oceanfront. 
Raphael leaned against a stone wall towards the edge of the room, observing the mortals mingling and twirling. Everyone’s movements were synchronised effortlessly, there wasn’t one person who didn’t belong. He must throw a ball like this in Avernus once Zariel is defeated. Yes, it would be most joyous indeed. 
His toes tingled as he watched the gowns swirling, his body attracted to the movements like a moth to a light. As he took a step forward, he was suddenly blocked by a mysterious woman. She wore a tall lace headdress that made it appear as if she was looming over Raphael. Her blue gown hugged her bosom, revealing a little too much to those who happened to sneak a peek or two. Her face was completely obscured by a white porcelain mask, the lips painted red. She bowed to Raphael and he returned the motion. 
“I was quite taken by your ensemble.” The woman began, her voice deep and rusty. 
“I am most honoured, my lady. “
“It smells of money.” The woman’s eye’s twinkled behind her mask. 
Raphael raised an eyebrow, amused at the bluntness of this woman. He couldn’t help but respect the efforts, despite her obstructing his path to the dance floor. 
“My accounts are indeed… healthy.” Raphael responded. 
“Mmm. And what of your relationship status?
“I am unfortunately married to my work.” 
“As they all say...”
The woman began to say something else, but her voice faded as Raphael caught wind of something stirring at the far end of the hall. His ears twitched as the murmurs rose, the distant rumbling growing like a massive wave, enveloping the entire ballroom.
Raphael turned to find the source of the commotion, his eyes immediately falling on heaven incarnate. His mouth fell open as he took in this new creature. He delicately placed his hand on his heart, to make sure it was still beating.
She was stunning, the most beautiful thing he had laid eyes on in this mortal plane; every movement she made was graceful, dignified, and had purpose. Her black strapless gown glittered under the candlelight, showcasing her broad shoulders and pale skin. The train on her gown seemed to levitate as she moved across the room. The mask she donned was made of silver feathers that fanned out towards her forehead. Truly, a celestial in disguise.
“If you will excuse me. It has been most illuminating. May your future be… opulent.” 
Raphael dismissed himself with a bow. He was certain he heard the woman tut in disapproval, but he was already in pursuit; halfway across the hall to his new target.
A crowd was forming around the mysterious creature, growing with more eager souls as every second passed. Raphael lingered around the throng, trying to find an opportunity to strike. He edged his way in, closer and closer, his chest expanding, eyes glowing, as he focused his listening. Raphael needed to hear the creature’s voice, which was no doubt as angelic as her appearance.
As he approached the centre, he was bombarded by mundane talk from the vultures circling the creature; dowry proposals and failed attempts at wooing her with what sounded like children’s rhymes. Cheap tricks!  
Raphael instead titled his head towards the creature in another attempt to identify her. His nose picked up the delicate scent of cloves and roses. Cloves and roses… he gasped. He searched the creature’s face again and instantly recognised the pale scar on her chin. It was minuscule, but Raphael never missed a detail. Could it be… Tav? The little mouse?
It felt like a lifetime ago since their last encounter when she so valiantly delivered the Crown of Karsus to him. Raphael’s pride and glory, his ascension. Their exchange had been brief, but Raphael would always be eternally grateful.
He often had Tav in his thoughts long after they parted, wondering how she coped; but she soon occupied less of his mind the more fires he had to put out, the more he had to focus on preparations against Zariel’s forces. This evening he would rectify his error.
Raphael beamed as he watched Tav deny one vulture after another. Such confidence, my how she’s grown. His little mouse, so furious, so brave. 
Without hesitation, Raphael swept in, lightly tapping Tav on the back. Her skin felt cool against his touch, and he fought against his temptations to leave his hand resting on her shoulder.
“May I have this dance?” Raphael asked. 
Tav froze at Raphael's touch, stopping her dialogue with the random mortal. She bowed in an apology to them before turning around to face Raphael. Tav’s nose twitched as she took him in, her eyes slowly lighting up in recognition. Raphael gave Tav a cheeky smile, extending a hand towards her. 
There was a pause before Tav nodded, placing her hand upon his. The whispers hushed and silence filled the hall as Raphael guided her to the centre of the ballroom just in time for a new song. 
Raphael whirled Tav into his arms as soon as the music began. She fit perfectly against him, like a missing puzzle piece. Tav squeezed his hand as Raphael led and she followed, never missing a beat. 
“I almost didn’t recognise you without those tattered blood stained clothes, little mouse. You clean up well.” 
“It’s been a long time since anyone called me that, ” Tav said, smiling fondly. “You are a sight for sore eyes. Thank you for rescuing me from those creeps.” 
Raphael chuckled. 
“And you are a most welcoming sight indeed. Positively ravishing. I never thought I’d see you attending an event such as this.”
“I could say the same of you. Don’t you have more important things to be doing than playing dress up?”
“Ever so perceptive. This evening I am merely here for entertainment, taking note of my stock. It pleases me to see some of my most prestigious, favoured clients doing so well for themselves.” 
“Our deal is done.”
“Yes, in truth, but you are an alumni, so to speak. It’s only natural for me to check-in from time to time.”
The dance grew more intimate as they continued. The world around Raphael vanished as he stared into Tav’s eyes. It was just the two of them, how it was always meant to be. Raphael was connected to Tav, their movements fluid as they circled the dance floor. He could feel Tav’s breath on his neck, her breasts pushing against his chest, as he let the rhythms direct their next steps.
“You are a natural.” Raphael said, breaking the stillness.
“Don’t act so surprised.” 
“Here I was thinking I knew everything about my favourite client.”
“Surely I won’t be your favourite forever?"
“Some have come close since we last spoke, but you still have top billing.”
Tav's cheeks unexpectedly blushed as she stared at Raphael through the mask, her eyes softening. Raphael stared back at the creature, bemused. He attempted to open his mouth in response, but found he was at a loss for words.
Instead his stomach fluttered, his own skin burned hotter than Avernus, nearly causing him to miss a step. He had to focus, now was not the time to get lost in these emotions, to think about romancing a mortal. It was a sign of weakness. 
The music ended and the ballroom erupted into applause. Raphael bowed deeply and upon looking up at Tav, noticed tears in her eyes. Without warning, Tav hugged Raphael, pulling him in close. 
“Now, now... this evening is not for tears but for celebration,” Raphael whispered into her ear. 
She laughed before releasing Raphael from her embrace. Raphael quickly snapped his fingers, a fresh rose appearing in his hands. He bowed a final time, presenting it to Tav.
“To the hero of Baldur’s Gate!” Raphael roared.
The applause continued, getting louder and louder. 
“And to the bearer of my future.” Raphael continued, in another whisper. “I must bid you adieu. Please don’t let me keep you any longer.” 
“Thank you again, Raphael. I’ll make sure to pay you a visit.”
“And I’ll always be waiting, little mouse.”
Raphael promptly took his leave, vanishing into the crowd. He paused before exiting the Audience Hall, watching Tav from the shadows. She continued to hold herself high as she welcomed another dance.
Perhaps he would invite her to dinner. After all, it was long overdue. 
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lyralit · 1 year
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waking up... prompts
in a stranger's apartment
accused of murder in a police department
in someone else's body
to a hand clamped over your mouth
and the clock reads yesterday
in your mother's arms
in a casket
in a hospital
and you're in a new country
and people have mistaken you for someone else
and people have mistaken you for a god
in a fire
feverish, but someone holds a cold towel to your forehead
in a yelling stranger's arms
in the middle of the road, headlights flashing
and you smell poison
in the villain's lair
kicking and screaming to someone with a knife in hand
and you've missed the battle
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ahopelessromantika · 24 days
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"You're a maniac," he spits, blood dribbling down his chin and hatred alight in his eyes.
Playfully, she smiles and crouches to his eye level, a dainty finger coming to hook his chin, tilting his head up to meet her gaze.
"Why, darling, you didn't complain about that in bed."
-by ahopelessromantika-
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godlesshasideas · 4 months
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Random Character Prompt #2
Either the character faked their death or came back from the dead and instead of going back home and potentially risk the lives of their friends/family/lovers. They stay close to keep them safe, and they aren't one to hide in the shadows. They make it obvious (ex. they're the guitarist playing in the club their friends frequents) and are literally hiding in plain sight. Maybe they aren't recognized because of magic or maybe they're just really good with disguises or SFX make-up.
Bonus: if the antagonist who killed them or is after their loved ones is very aware of the character and what they are doing
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enchantingepics · 1 month
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Story Prompt 95
With each step taken, the ground quivered beneath them, echoing the weight of their actions. The air they breathed seemed to carry a heavy toll, as if every inhale spelled doom for countless others. Despite prevailing in battle, one final obstacle remained – the last remnants of a hero.
Sauntering along the desolate road, they spotted him, sitting alone with an air of defiance. "Pathetic," they muttered, their voice laced with contempt. "You dare call yourself a hero?"
Meeting their gaze with unwavering resolve, the hero remained steadfast. "No need for concern," they whispered to themselves, a smirk tugging at their lips as they approached.
Leaning in close, they spoke softly into his ear, their words dripping with malice. "Even with your courage, you should've fled when you had the chance, you fool."
The hero's expression remained resolute, silently accepting his fate. With a swift motion, they plunged their hand into his abdomen, tearing through flesh with a ruthless efficiency.
As life ebbed from the hero's eyes, he managed a bitter chuckle. "You may believe yourself human," he gasped, his voice barely a whisper, "but your humanity died long ago."
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grouchydairy · 5 months
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Writing Prompt: Sometimes you become the villain of the story.
daily writing prompts!
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"I was curious, you see?" The vampire - if that's what it was - grinned, and the hunter watched its canines lengthen into two long points. "Your scent... it is like nothing I have ever smelled before."
The hunter's blood went cold. The knife in their hands trembled ever so slightly. "So you followed me here? You're an unbelievable creep, you know that?"
Emerald eyes flashed red. The vampire's lips turned into a frown. "There's no need to be rude, little hunter. I'm not looking for a taste."
The hunter nearly threw up a little. "Stay away from me."
"And what if I don't want to?"
Before they could blink, the vampire's hands were on their shoulder.
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k-atsukibakugou · 2 years
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forbidden love dialogue prompts
disclaimer: i do NOT claim ownership over any of these prompts, i've been compiling/collecting these over the last few years to help me write small things each day, i'm not posting these here in an attempt to claim ownership over these prompts/ideas, just to have followers send requests with these prompts to see more of my writing.
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“We can’t be together…”
“What would everyone say if they saw us together right now?”
“I have to go home, or my parents will ask questions…”
“I wish this wasn’t so hard.”
“Don’t freak out, but…I’m engaged to someone. But you’re the one I love!”
“Let’s go out in disguises.”
“I’m sick of having to throw rocks at your window every night.”
“I love you…but I can’t be seen with you.”
“No matter how hard we try, this will never work out for us!”
“Did you hear the rumours?”
“I know you want us to go out and hold hands, and kiss in front of everybody, but it’s more complicated than that.”
“Are you ashamed of me?”
“I don’t want you to get hurt more because of me. Let’s break up.”
“Run away with me.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this…I really, really shouldn’t be, but…I’m in love with you.”
“Their hands were all over you! I can’t keep hiding like this!”
“No one understands us.”
“I might have told someone about us.”
“It’s a human thing…wanting what you can’t have.”
“I think the only reason you like me is because you’re not supposed to.”
“I know you’ll get in trouble for it, but…please stay with me tonight.”
“Flirting was bad enough, but now flowers and chocolates are just too far.”
“Someone found out about us.”
“I’ll tell them soon, I promise. But right now, you need to get in the closet.”
“Did you just hear a camera click?”
“Whenever you’re with them, I go crazy.”
“I’m supposed to get married tomorrow…”
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daily-prompts · 7 months
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I need everyone’s best character advice. STAT.
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nestedplotwriter · 4 days
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I find that writing timelines - a basic thing to do for writing comprehensive stories - is pretty dang difficult to do when the main timeline has about 3 timelines inside it and another with 4 more timelines inside it, which in turn has N amount of timelines inside it. Help?
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unboundprompts · 1 month
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Pirate Terms and Phrases
-> Pirate Lingo
-> A Pirate's Glossary
Batten Down The Hatches - tie everything down and put stuff away for a coming storm.
Brig - a prison on a ship.
Bring a Spring Upon 'er - turn the ship in a different direction
Broadside - the most vulnerable angle of a ship that runs the length of the boat.
Cutlass - a thick, heavy and rather short sword blade.
Dance with Jack Ketch - to hang; death at the hands of the law (Jack Ketch was a famed English executioner).
Davy Jones's Locker - a mythical place at the bottom of the ocean where drowned sailors are said to go.
Dead Men Tell No Tales - the reason given for leaving no survivors.
Flogging - severe beating of a person.
Gangplank - removable ramp between the pier and ship.
Give No Quarter - show no mercy.
Jack - flag flown at the front of the ship to show nationality.
Jolly Roger - black pirate flag with a white skull and crossbones.
Keelhaul - a punishment where someone is dragged under the ship. They are cut by the planks and barnacles on the bottom of the ship.
Landlubber - an inexperienced or clumsy person who doesn't have any sailing skills.
Letters of Marque - government-issued letters allowing privateers the right to piracy of another ship during wartime.
Man-O-War - a pirate ship that is decked out and prepared for battle.
Maroon - to leave someone stranded on a. deserted island with no supplies, typically a punishment for any crew members who disrespected the captain.
Mutiny - a situation in which the crew chooses a new captain, sometimes by forcibly removing the old one.
No Prey, No Pay - a common pirate law that meant crew members were not paid, but rather received a share of whatever loot was taken.
Old Salt - experienced pirate or sailor.
Pillage - to steal/rob a place using violence.
Powder Monkeys - men that performed the most dangerous work on the ship. They were treated harshly, rarely paid, and were expendable.
Privateer - government-appointed pirates.
Run A Shot Across the Bow - fire a warning shot at another boat's Captain.
Scurvy - a disease caused by Vitamin C Deficiency.
Sea Legs - when a sailor adjusts his balance from riding on a boat for a long time.
Strike Colors - lower a ship's flag to indicate surrender.
Weigh Anchor and Hoist the Mizzen - an order to the crew to pull up the anchor and get the ship sailing.
If you like what I do and want to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! I also offer editing services and other writing advice on my Ko-fi! Become a member to receive exclusive content, early access, and prioritized writing prompt requests.
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ufohio · 15 days
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Write a story or a poem about a character who is inexplicably and/or dramatically changed after witnessing a solar eclipse or some other dazzling celestial event.
I'd also like to take this moment to urge North Americans to look into our exciting, upcoming solar eclipse and learn more about what to expect: Check out these safety tips from NASA or this cheerful video overview from PBS that goes over why the eclipse is so special, what will happen that day, and what you should be ready to see.
On Kaleidoscope World, we use prompts to inspire standalone science fiction and genre stories from our writers. In the context of our collaborative setting, we use these stories to populate a fictional magazine called—you guessed it!—Kaleidoscope World. However, as standalone writing prompts, they really could be used by anybody looking to create a thematic sci-fi story. Go wild!
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ahopelessromantika · 3 months
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"The boy you were with just a few minutes ago, is he the one you like?"
She pauses her writing and glances at her friend.
"No. I like another guy. Too bad he doesn't like me back."
-by ahopelessromantika-
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youtube
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enchantingepics · 1 month
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Story Prompt 62
There lurked a villain, cunning and shrouded in darkness as he ruled his domain with an iron fist. But little did he know, a plan brewed in the mind of one who sought to outwit him.
The protagonist, a figure of mystery themselves, had ventured into the villain's realm with a daring resolve. Their aim: to infiltrate the villain's inner circle, to become his confidant, his right hand. It was a dangerous game, one where the line between ally and adversary blurred with each passing moment.
As days turned into weeks, the protagonist gained the villain's trust, weaving their way into the intricate web of deceit that surrounded him. Yet, amidst the shadows and deception, an unexpected twist emerged.
The villain, drawn to the protagonist's charm and cunning, began to make advances. His words dripped with honeyed promises, tempting the protagonist with power and riches beyond imagination. But with each sweet whisper, the protagonist felt the weight of their conscience grow heavier.
Caught between the allure of darkness and the flicker of their own morality, the protagonist faced a choice. Would they succumb to the seductive whispers of the villain, embracing the path of darkness laid before them? Or would they steel their resolve, confronting the villain and putting an end to his reign of terror once and for all?
In the dimly lit chamber where the villain held court, the protagonist stood face to face with their nemesis. The air crackled with tension as the two locked eyes, each silently daring the other to make the first move.
"You've played your part well," the villain remarked, his voice smooth as silk. "But now, it's time to choose. Will you stand by my side, or will you fall at my feet?"
The protagonist hesitated, torn between duty and desire. But in the end, they knew what had to be done.
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cr1nge-culture · 5 months
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one of the best fics i've ever read, one that had me addicted to my phone and crying, wasn't even prose. it was a huge, casual, bullet-pointed outline with every detail of an au that the author never got around to writing in full. and it was amazing.
let this be a message to all you who want to write but can't do it "normally": write it! someone out there will eat it up. whether that be poetry, tiny drabbles, or bullet pointed list: your work is always worth it. your art (yes, art!) will alway deserve to have its moment in the spotlight. why? because you made it. even if it wasn't done in a traditional matter, it came from your brain and your creativity and that is amazing.
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