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theprocastinator20 · 1 year

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𝕻𝖗𝖔𝖒𝖕𝖙𝖘 𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙 ♡

Below, I have various different prompts which I would love have used with my writing, feel free to mix up any that you would like!

‼️ 'REGULAR' PROMPTS ‼️

Comfort/Hurt Prompts❤️:

1. "Just go back to sleep, I promise to be here when you wake up."

2. "If you're hurt you can tell me, I don't mind carrying you, honest."

3. "Will you listen to me? I don't care where you are, what time it is or what happened. If you need me, I'll be there."

4. "Don't look at them, look at me. You're okay, stay in this moment, with me."

5. "Go to sleep, you're gonna be better in no time."

6. "It's okay to want some reassurance, I'll give you whatever you need."

7. "I said no! You're hurt, just for ONCE do what I ask."

8. "Deep breaths honey, you're okay now, you're safe."

9. "You don't need to be the strong one all the time. Besides, even if you're not strong at that particular moment, it doesn't mean you're weak."

10. "Nobody will take you from me again, I promise."

11. "Show me where it hurts darling, it's okay."

12. "If you need some time, take it, you're not gonna lose me."

13. "I hate knowing that you're hurt and there's nothing I can do."

14. "You're telling me to calm down? You're the one who's been shot!"

15. "Please just talk to me, I know it's hard but I need to know you're gonna be okay."

16. "Don't you even worry about that, I'll fix it."

17. "This is going to sting a little, ready?"

18. "Please, just let me help you."

19. "I wouldn't have offered to help if I didn't mean it."

20. "You're hurt, not dying, come on now."

Funny Prompts:🤪:

21. "What's the point in having powers if you don't get to have fun?"

22. "I have never met someone so intelligent, yet so incredibly stupid at the same time. Then I met you."

23. "When this goes wrong, like I said it will, don't you come crying to me."

24. "I swear you two have a collective of a singular brain cell, you both have half each."

25. "Are you dumb?"

26. "What the hell is going on- Actually, you know what? Forget I even asked, weirdos."

27. "When have I ever been wrong?"

28. "Shut up, that was literally ONE time."

29. "I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not."

30. "I'm honestly surprised you haven't been arrested yet...In fact, I take that back, no I'm not."

31. "I appreciate you coming, really I do! I just didn't think you'd come wearing...that."

32. "Please don't tell my mom, she will throw a shoe."

33. "Well done, that's another restaurant that's banned us for life."

34. "If you carry this on we're gonna run out of countries for holiday destinations."

35. "Normally, I would agree with you, but, then we'd both be wrong."

36. "Your logic gives me a headache."

37. "You're honestly about as funny as that tree."

38. "Sorry, sarcasm spills out my mouth as easily as stupidity does out of yours."

39. "Please don't die in here, it'll mean a lot of paperwork has to be done."

40. "No, I have this terrified look on my face because I'm having fun. OF COURSE I'M FUCKING SCARED!"

Fluff Prompts🥺:

41. "How about we just spend the day in bed?"

42. "You look adorable in my shirt."

43. "Have I told you that I love you today? Yes? Well, I'm just gonna tell you again."

44. "How come you always seem to end up in my bed?"

45. "It's been exactly 10 minutes since you woke up, so why have I not had my good morning kiss yet?"

46. "Your voice is the best thing for me to hear, even if it is far away."

47. "You're cute when you blush."

48. "Can I have a cuddle?"

49. "I've had a bad day today, but seeing you? It makes it so much better."

50. "I can't stop thinking about you."

51. "Look at me, sweetheart."

52. "Wait there just a second, did you just kiss me?"

53. "Can you please hold my hand?"

54. "Falling in love wasn't exactly on my list of things I wanted to happen in my life, but I am glad that I did."

55. "You're my person."

56. "You look wow- just amazing, pretty- ugh, I can't even begin to describe."

57. "Can I wear your sweater? It smells like you, I can't promise to give it back though."

58. "Don't be silly, I was awake anyway."

59. "Get in here, there's enough space for two, plus I share the blankets."

60. "I thought you always knew you were my favourite?"

Anger/Argument Prompts🤬:

61. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

62. "You think it's okay to speak to me like that?"

63. "I'm actually sick of you and your god awful attitude!"

64. "Get the hell out of my house! I can't even look at you right now."

65. "This will be your only warning, get away from me."

66. "You better get the fuck out of my face."

67. "You're really trying to paint me as the bad guy? All of this is your fault!"

68. "It's not my fault you're so selfish."

69. "Put your hand on me again and I promise you that I'll break it."

70. "You're such an asshole, I don't even know why I like you."

71. "Why do you make loving you so damn hard?"

72. "Don't you dare raise your voice at me."

73. "Keep my name out of your fucking mouth."

74. "I don't remember asking for your opinion."

75. "You wanna fucking go?"

76. "Get your hands off of me!"

77. "Sometimes, I wish you'd walk out that door and never come back."

78. "I hate you, I can finally say that without ripping my own heart out. I can finally say it with every fibre of my being, every bone, every nerve and I never want to see you again."

79. "After everything I've done for you, this is how you treat me?"

80. "Wow, I can't believe you'd ever say that to me."

Angst Prompts😥:

81. "I wish we didn't have to leave this behind."

82. "No, don't say that, we can get through this."

83. "I'm not giving up on you, I'm not giving up on us."

84. "I have a really bad feeling about this."

85. "Do you think this is it? The end?"

86. "Why do you even wanna talk to me? I just broke your brother's nose."

87. "I'm not saying I don't trusty you but, I don't trust you."

88. "Do you even love me anymore?"

89. "If you're here to tell me what happened after I left last night, don't bother. Someone beat you to it."

90. "Yes, it happened. No, it wasn't your fault."

91. "Don't make this harder than it already is, I'm begging you."

92. "Sometimes I wish there were times I could go to sleep and never wake up."

93. "Do you even know what it's like?! What it's like to have your own memories haunt you?!"

94. "I fucked up, I get it and now here we are. I'm living my life but them? They're dead because of me."

95. "You really think I have a choice?"

96. "You two deserve each other, you really do. Now, will you just leave me alone?"

97. "I honestly thought you were different, apparently not."

98. "Are you here to rip my heart out again?"

99. "Shoot me, it would honestly hurt less."

100. "Do it, just take a chance on me. I don't want you to spend your life thinking about what could have been."

Smut Prompts🌶:

101. "Did I say you could speak?"

102. "Down on your knees."

103. "You're my good girl."

104. "I've never wanted to fuck anyone this badly."

105. "If you behave, I'll let you top."

106. "Don't give me that look."

107. "I swear I'm gonna fuck the next person that walks through that door."

108. "I'm either joining or watching, your pick."

109. "I'll look after you, I promise."

110. "Make me."

111. "You realise we're not the only people here right?"

112. "Last time I checked, just 'friends' don't do this shit."

113. "We need to make sure we don't ruin the furniture."

114. "If I end up needing to pull over, I promise you, you're not gonna walk for a week."

115. "Wanna bet?"

116. "You really think they can fuck you better? I think you're lying to yourself."

117. "I'm not gonna touch you until you beg."

118. "Did you just bite your lip after looking me up and down? You did? Well, it looks like we're gonna have to cancel those reservations."

119. "Who said little brats got to be in charge?"

120. "Do you think they can hear us?"

121. "I know for a fact you can be a hell of a lot louder than that."

122. "Keep your little whore mouth shut."

123. "Why don't you come take a seat on my face and I'll show you how much I missed you?"

124. "You're such a needy little girl, aren't you princess?"

125. "You hear that (name)? They want to cum."

126. "I'm sorry but, I don't think I can remain professional any longer."

127. "My office, right now."

128. "Don't leave any marks, my mom will kill me."

129. "W-wait, are you not wearing a-anything under that?"

130. "Carry on acting out and I'll put you right over my knee. Right here, right now, I don't care how many people will watch."

131. "You're not theirs to touch, do you understand me?"

132. "If we get caught, I'm blaming you and saying you kidnapped me."

133. "Wow, I didn't realise you were into that."

134. "You're not the little angel everyone thinks you are, are you?"

135. "Only good girls get rewards."

136. "You won't ever find me in your bed."

137. "Aw, you're playing hard to get? That's sweet, kitten."

138. "I forgot my towel!"

139. "Did you just try and flirt with me?"

140. "I think you should ring work, make plans to work from home. Why? because when I'm done with you you're not gonna be able to walk for a week."

141. "They only saw me move in with (inserts name), they haven't met you yet because of your mission. I bet they think I'm cheating on them with you, not that all of us bed each other."

142. "I don't like being told what to do unless I'm naked."

143. "Have you come to help me break in the new bed?"

144. "Well, if you're looking for a good time, I'm more than happy to show you."

145. "You think I care what your (insert family member) said? Do you even know me, kitten?"

146. "Well, you didn't seem to be having a bad time last night."

147. "Oh princess, I thought we learn from the last time you decided to make me jealous."

148. "You know what? I never realised how meaningful sex could actually be, until I met you."

149. "Are you mad I fucked your sister?"

150. "(Insert Avengers Name) was totally checking you out, want to invite them home?"

151. "Seems as though you had a bad day. Do you want to take it out on me?"

152. "I thought we agreed to share her?"

153. "Just friends? Really? I didn't know your friends knew the way you tasted."

154. "Just a fuck, no strings attached."

155. "I don't think it's fair that you're wearing that."

156. "You know I get moody if I don't taste you at least once a day."

157. "Keep fucking me this good and I promise I'll get you a diamond ring."

158. "Your place or mine?"

159. "Don't disobey me."

160. "You. I want you for dinner."

Family Prompts👩‍👩‍👧

Comfort Prompts❤️‍🩹:

1A. "Oh honey, it's okay, we'll find your teddy."

2A. "You are the best child we could ever wish for."

3A. "You wanna stay in Mama's bed tonight?"

4A. "Don't worry baby, it was only a nightmare, you're okay."

5A. "It's okay sweetie, I'll fix it."

6A. "You tired bub?"

7A. "It's just a graze, come on you're our little soldier."

8A. "Did you bump your head? Come here, let me look."

9A. "Can Mommy give you a cuddle?"

10A. "It's okay to be sad sometimes."

11A. "You're allowed to cry baby, it's okay."

12A. "Go to sleep honey, you're exhausted."

13A. "Mama will be home soon, she's just at work."

14A. "You know you can tell me anything right? I'm your Mom, I'm here to love you, not judge you."

15A. "Tell me what happened sweetheart, it's okay."

16A. "I'll tell you what my mom used to tell me. Even though it hurts now, you're just one step closer to finding your person."

17A. "You'll always be my baby, no matter how big you get, or how far away you are. You're always going to be my little baby."

18A. "I understand you might not want to speak to me or Mom right now, but we're here when you do."

19A. "You're stronger than you think."

20A. "You're gonna be okay, I promise."

Specific Moments Prompts📷:

21A. Child's first words.

22A. Child's first time walking.

23A. First family Christmas.

24A. High School Graduation.

25A. Birth of a sibling.

26A. New parental figure comes into the family.

27A. First day of school

28A. Their child's first relationship and/or their first breakup.

29A. Their first dance recital/sports game.

30A. Getting suspended from school.

31A. Argument between parent and child.

32A. Taking the child's friend into your family and home.

33A. The child's first pet.

34A. Oldest child leaving for college.

35A. Problems at school.

36A. Unexpected pregnancy (This can be for G!P Reader/Avenger or even other scenarios so just ask!)

37A. Family Vacation.

38A. Family reunion.

39A. Parents wedding.

40A. Grief of a parent.

Single Parent Prompts👩‍👧:

41A. Character A & B have been on a few dates and Character B gets pestered by their child about when they are going to marry Character A.

42A. Character A is having work done on their house so moves in with Character B for a short while, with their newborn. Characters end up acting like a married couple and get comfortable in each other's company.

43A. Character A has a crush on Character B who is their child's teacher.

44A. Character A & B's children are best friends, causing them to become close.

45A. Character A's child wandered off in a supermarket but was found by Character B who kept them safe until reunited.

46A. Character A Babysat once and now the child keeps pestering Character B to see them again.

47A. Character A is on public transport with their crying child who just so happens to stop crying when Character B smiles and waves.

48A. Character A finds a new love interest but is worried about how Character B will react to them having a child.

49A. Character A has to deal with the judgement of being a single parent but Character B comes in to defend them as they are a single parent themselves.

50A. Character A has been split from their partner for years now and their child doesn't remember much about their other parent until they, unwelcomingly come back into the picture. Character B is a close friend who defends them both.

51A. Character A and B are parents who have offered to go on a school trip and end up having to share a room together.

52A. Character A has strong feelings for their boss but they have shown no interest in children or having them. Character A brings their child to work when they have a 'bring your child to work day' and sees Character B turn into the biggest softie around their child.

53A. Character A is a daycare worker who doesn't have kids of their own but is devoted to their work. Character B works several jobs and sometimes struggles to keep track of time. Character A's child takes a strong liking to Character B due to the amount of time they spend together and refuse to let go of them one night.

54A. Character A is sat at home when there is a frantic knock on the door, to which they answer. They recognise the child to be their neighbour who begs them to help their parent, Character B."

55A. Character A and B are best friends. Character A has a newborn and they are out shopping when approached by an elderly woman who compliments them on being a beautiful family. Character A is quick to explain that they aren't, but they're not quite quick enough, but Character B is more than happy to go along with the facade.

Pregnancy Prompts🤰🏻:

56A. "What about _____ for a girl/boy?"

57A. "I am sick of these cravings, they should be disgusting, but they're actually so good."

58A. "You need to rest, let me take care of you."

59A. "Excuse me, pregnant lady coming through, move."

60A. "I-I just felt a kick, quick!"

61A. "I don't know who the father is."

62A. "The baby isn't yours, I-I'm sorry."

63A. '"Baby, I'm so scared..."

64A. "We'll be okay, all 3 of us, I promise."

65A. "How far along are you?"

66A. "I love you but you need to tell your parents to keep out of it, they're stressing me out."

67A. "I understand you're scared, but you need to do your best to relax. All this stress isn't good for the baby."

68A. "Wait, there's two?!"

69A. "You'll always be beautiful to me. Bump or no bump, with or without stretch marks, you're perfect."

70A. "It's your fault we're in this predicament to begin with."

Siblings Prompts👩‍👩‍👧‍👦:

71A. "Is that my shirt?"

72A. "Did you seriously just shoot me in the head with a nerf bullet?"

73A. "What are you looking at?"

74A. "Quit eating my fucking food."

75A. "Did I or did I not just say I'd knock you out if you didn't leave me alone?"

76A. "You're adopted."

77A. "You're so old and boring."

78A. "You're gonna be in deep shit when Mama finds out."

79A. "That's not what your diary said."

80A. "(Insert name), is that a hickey on your neck?"

81A. "You're just jealous that I can drink and you can't."

82A. "It's not my fault I look better in your clothes than you do."

83A. "We need to get this mess cleared before Mom comes home."

84A. "Why are you such a raging bitch all the time?"

85A. "I...love you. Ugh, that's disgusting, now get out."

86A. "Who the fuck hurt you?"

87A. "What's their name? Are they in your year? I just wanna talk, nothing serious."

88A. "I won't tell if you don't."

89A. "Are you okay? What happened?"

90A. "Look, just because you think you're not allowed to cry, doesn't mean you have to be alone when you do."

91A. "Don't you ever come near my little sibling again, I'll kill you."

92A. "Oi, only I'm allowed to tease them about that!"

93A. "I'm pretty sure I told you to stay in the car."

94A. "I really wish you were here right now."

95A. "I miss you so much."

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theprocastinator20 · 1 year

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50 Ways To Say “I Love You”

“Be safe”

“Make sure to come back to me, okay?”

“I got these because I know they��re your favourite”

“I saw this earlier and I thought of you”

“Give me a hug please”

“I’d really love it if you came”

“Please stay”

“Just- uh . . . try not to die. I’m really not bothered to replace you”

“You’re leaving already? Nooooo~”

“[insert very specific insult]”

“Well maybe I like having you alive, ever thought about that?”

“You’re the only one I really want to be there”

“You’re my everything”

“I’d rather be hurt and be with you than be okay without you”

“I think in every reality, I still find you”

“I want to make something for you”

“There are people who love you, you know”

“Dedicated to [character name]”

“I did this for you”

“I would give all of this up for you”

“Stop worrying about you? Stop worrying about you?! I can barely stop thinking of you!”

“I wish I could stay here forever. Just me and you”

“Thankgodyou’reokay-”

“I won’t admit that I missed you”

“I made it the way you like it”

“I can’t stand not talking to you”

“I didn’t ask you to do that” “You didn’t have to”

“Don’t move - I’ll get it for you”

“Tell me all about [thing/person their partner is interested in]”

“You won’t take care of yourself so I will”

“[talks dreamily about their future with their partner]”

“When am I going to see you next?”

“I was thinking of you”

“You’re worth it”

“I’d rather just hang out with you, if I’m honest”

“I really like your hands”

“You’re the only reason I’m coming back”

“I am not leaving you”

“I knew you weren’t dead. I refused to believe it- I knew it couldn’t be true”

“Shut up and kiss me”

“I’ll take care of you as long as you need me”

“You’re not alone anymore”

“It’s okay it’s okay is got you”

“You don’t have to pretend with me”

“Whenever I’m with you I am real”

“Just you and me; that’s all I want”

“You’ve finally rendered me speechless”

“You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen”

“If only you could see yourself as I see you”

“I love you”

[part 2]

[50 ways to say I hate you]

Leave requests for other oneliners / prompts!

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theprocastinator20 · 1 year

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30 Ways For Your OTP To Say “I Love You” Through Actions

Offering hugs.

Forehead/cheek/temple/nose kisses.

Helping each other with things they find difficult or confusing.

Looking out for them to make sure they’re okay.

Going out of their way to do small things for them (Eg. buying flowers, making dinner)

Texting when they’re apart to ask how their day’s going.

Covering them with a blanket when they fall asleep.

Comforting them through hard times.

Asking for consent.

Holding hands.

Giving them random compliments because they can.

Caring for them when they’re sick.

Kissing/wiping away their tears.

Pulling all-nighters with them when they’re feeling unwell, either mentally or physically.

Handing them their jumper when they get cold.

Helping their wash their hair/body when they’re in the shower together.

Making them their favourite morning beverage before they wake up.

Including them in their normal daily errands to be close to them.

Waking up in the middle of the night to prepare/buy something they’re craving.

Reminding them of their worth and how much they’re valued.

Going with them to something important for moral support.

Kissing a scar that they got from something traumatic.

Outwardly loving on them in public.

Adjusting the volume of their voice because they’re extremely sound sensitive.

Calming them down after a nightmare or something scary occurs.

Sharing their food/belongings with them.

Making changes to help them feel safe.

Getting matching tattoos.

Moving in together.

Taking them on a date to their favourite place.

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theprocastinator20 · 3 years

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Your daily reminder you can download a FREE copy of Stone Butch Blues off of Leslie Feinberg’s website

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theprocastinator20 · 4 years

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A Quiet Moment

Pairing: Wattson / Wraith (Apex Legends)

Summary: Some nights Wattson finds herself alone on the deck, though tonight she keeps someone company as the stars pass by above them. Author’s Note: A little something for @ptanalo, hope you like this you funky little lesbian ;)

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

Some nights, Wattson found herself alone on the roof deck of the Apex base, staring at the star-speckled sky in the silence of the night. As much as she appreciated the other legends’ company, the electrician had moments when she needed some time alone with her thoughts, away from her friends.

The roof deck is usually empty at this time, yet tonight she spots a familiar figure sitting by the edge of the deck, legs hanging idly over the ledge, seemingly deep in thought. Wattson finds herself gazing at Wraith for a while, admiring the woman’s features under the soft glow of the moonlight. She feels her face heat up in embarrassment however when she realizes she’s been staring for a while now.

Staring is rude, say something, putain!!

Without thinking, Wattson piped up, “It’s a lovely evening, isn’t it?”

Wraith flinches and spurs around, white glowing eyes meeting blue, the light fading away when she recognizes the person standing by the doorway.

“Oh… Natalie… it’s just you.”

Keep reading

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theprocastinator20 · 4 years

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Hello! Would you mind doing an example of not using filter words in a first person point of view? While I know that you can just switch out the pronouns for I/me/my, I just want to see it in action and when you should (and shouldn't) use the filter words. Thank you!

Hi there! I would love to! I think I’ll start out with an example with filter words and then cut out the filter words to show you the difference.

For those of you who haven’t seen my post on Filter Words.

Now, for the example:

I felt a hand tap my shoulder as I realized I had made a huge mistake. I knew the consequences would be unsettling, but I had no other choice. I saw the light of my desk lamp bounce off of the officer’s badge before I had even turned around. It seemed like I always found my way into trouble.

It was the first thing off the top of my head, so it’s a bit rough sounding….

Now for without filter words (And a bit of revision):

A hand tapped my shoulder as it dawned on me: I had just made a huge mistake. The consequences would be unsettling if I didn’t get out of this mess, but I had no other choice. The light of my desk lamp bounced off of the officer’s badge. I always found my way into trouble.

By taking out filter words, you get right to the point.

I’d also like to add a few more notes that I didn’t have the chance to post previously.

Some Examples of Filtering:

I heard a noise in the hallway.

She felt embarrassed when she tripped.

I saw a light bouncing through the trees.

I tasted the sour tang of raspberries bursting on my tongue.

He smelled his teammate’s BO wafting through the locker room.

She remembered dancing at his wedding.

I think people should be kinder to one another.

How can you apply this?

Read your work to see how many of these filtering words you might be leaning on. Microsoft Word has a great Find and Highlight feature that I love to use when I’m editing. See how you can get rid of these filtering words and take your sentences to the next level by making stronger word choices. Take the above examples, and see how they can be reworked.

FILTERING EXAMPLE: I heard a noise in the hallway.

DESCRIBE THE SOUND: Heels tapped a staccato rhythm in the hallway.

FILTERING EXAMPLE: She felt embarrassed after she tripped.

DESCRIBE WHAT THE FEELING LOOKS LIKE: Her cheeks flushed and her shoulders hunched after she tripped.

FILTERING EXAMPLE: I saw a light bouncing through the trees.

DESCRIBE THE SIGHT: A light bounced through the trees.

FILTERING EXAMPLE: I tasted the sour tang of raspberries bursting on my tongue.

DESCRIBE THE TASTE: The sour tang of raspberries burst on my tongue.

FILTERING EXAMPLE: He smelled his teammate’s BO wafting through the locker room.

DESCRIBE THE SMELL: His teammate’s BO wafted through the locker room.

FILTERING EXAMPLE: She remembered dancing at his wedding.

DESCRIBE THE MEMORY: She had danced at his wedding.

FILTERING EXAMPLE: I think people should be kinder to one another.

DESCRIBE THE THOUGHT: People should be kinder to one another.

See what a difference it makes when you get rid of the filter? It’s simply not necessary to use them. By ditching them, you avoid “telling,” your voice is more active, and your pacing is helped along.

The above list is not comprehensive as there are many examples of filtering words. The idea is to be aware of the concept so that you can recognize instances of it happening in your work. Be aware of where you want to place the energy and power in your sentences. Let your observations flow through your characters with immediacy.

Ok, sorry for the lengthy answer, I know you just wanted an example…. sorry!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask at my ask box

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theprocastinator20 · 4 years

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Imagine Brosca, cursing, covered in filth, with only their snarl and the rusty sword they took from a darkspawn corpse, lost in the dark but still alive and savvy enough and determined to survive, to spite all those lordly, noble nug turds who thought it a disgrace that a mere Duster could win their stupid Proving. Imagine them seeing a light in the distance, a little flicker of flame, shadows dancing against the blighted cave wall…

Imagine Aeducan as they contemplate vengeance, honour, shame, the fact that none of it matters now, as they sit by the light of their fire and sharpen the heirloom sword that is now their only possession. When a creature comes stumbling out of the black end of the tunnel it springs to their hand, but it’s only another dwarf, casteless but smart enough to know you fight darkspawn with your mouth closed, wary but willing to hold off an immediate attack. Imagine the two of them, with the map slipped to Aeducan in secret on Gorim’s last visit and Brosca’s unparalleled stone sense, finding their way to the surface, the light after so much darkness, sharing a look as they crane their heads back to take in the impossible breadth of the sky.

Imagine Surana, sweet, sheltered, a gifted healer still reeling from their Harrowing, thrust into the jaws of war at Ostagar. There, men die bloody, screaming, eyes going milky even before their last shuddering breath, and there is worse to come. When the horde surges over the ground, and the line breaks, and the reinforcements don’t come, imagine that Surana flees into the Wilds, fire bursting from their fingertips, guided by nothing less primal than instinct and terror, until at last, exhausted, they find themselves stumbling into a camp looming with tattooed faces and bristling with arrows.

Imagine Mahariel, their last energy spent staggering back to the aravels, memory a blank except for Tamlen – Tamlen, so brave as he told them to run and stayed behind, lost to the mirror – knowing with certainty the song will consume them if the wounds do not. And then into the nightmare comes a healer, an elf with a face unmarked by vallaslin who learned herb lore from the kennel master, and magic from the greatest minds in Thedas. Imagine the tears of relief as the song fades, as the aches like a raptor’s claws slowly loosen their grip in a glow of green light. Imagine, the templars might come, one day, but if and when they do, they’ll face all of Clan Sabrae, not just its newest member.

Imagine Tabris, awaiting death in a dark cell and glad the guards are too scared or too well disciplined to try for any extra sport before the execution. Their only regret is that Vaughan took too short a time to die. The brief bubble of his blood is still not enough to cool the fury they feel at the injustices done to the elves. Their fist clenches. If only they had done more. Imagine a commotion outside the dungeon, sounds of fighting, shouting, and then nothing. The lock clicks open. When Tabris finally plucks up the courage to move, they find nothing but an empty corridor, a line of dead men, and a note tied to the key: Friends know what you did. Follow left and down the steps – and don’t worry, the smell of sewer water doesn’t last as long as corpse rot. There’s a future that way. xx RJ

Imagine months later, Kirkwall, the sooty, crusted taproom of the Hanged Man. Three human lordlings, drunk on more than ale, decide to find some fun in the alienage, where the Guard don’t go. As they guffaw and stagger towards the door, another figure slips out behind, hands already twitching to dagger hilts, a sour smile beneath a shadowed hood.

Imagine Amell, who always has their nose in a book, their ear to the ground, knowing something is coming, something that will change the shape of the Circle. They can’t go to the templars – there’s one who might listen, but not in time to act. So they turn to Anders instead, that infamous escapee locked in the crypt, alone with the rats and the demons. Amell will get him out, if he helps them to get away. And what to do once there’s solid ground beneath their feet? There’s more than one war battering Ferelden, after all, and though Anders insists nobody can be trusted, it’s never long before he ends up back in the Circle. Imagine they head north, perhaps with some dim idea of seeking out family on the other side of the Waking Sea, only to find life in the Circle did very little to prepare for a survival outside it. They’re caught one chilly morning, stealing food from a cart marked with the sigil of the Bear, and with magic or not there’s too many armed and angry men to take care of all at once. Then the ground begins to shake and the night explodes with cavalry. Blood spurts, soldiers scream, and when it’s over and all the Arl’s men have gone tumbling down, Amell catches sight of a figure standing in front of the flames. A figure embossed with the sign of the Laurels.

Imagine Cousland, then, who cannot get the stench of smoke out of their hair or the blood off their hands. Imagine how every beat of their heart is a reminder of the once proud blood that seeped beneath the castle floor. They run hot with vengeance, cold with guilt, their last and only thought to see justice done upon the architect of their family’s destruction. And so the resistance grows, knights, commoners, and even apostates rallying behind the only figurehead left in Ferelden who can match the usurper regent and his dog, the Cousland name against the Hero’s reputation, and slowly Loghain’s woven thread unspools. And imagine one day, fresh from battle, they meet a band of warriors on the road, two Grey Wardens and sundry others, heading for the curse of Soldier’s Peak. There were no Laurels at Ostagar, they’re told. Fergus never made it. Still, they share what they can, with the knowledge that they all must fight this war in their own ways, but not alone. Loghain will pay. Howe will pay. And until then, Cousland will do their duty.

So I refuse to believe that the origins Duncan didn’t save actually died.

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