thosehallowedhalls

[thosehallowedhalls]

I've been trying to write Emma's birthday drabble for days, but every time I sit down at my laptop, angst comes out. I may have to write an angsty birthday drabble today and a happier fic after the actual date.

#30 drabbles in 30 days #i honestly don't recognize myself

[thosehallowedhalls]

I love learning about your MCs and OCs. If I follow you and you haven't received an ask from me about them yet, the odds are not insignificant that you will at some point.

#i also love how we start from the same base material and develop such different characters #rambles

[thosehallowedhalls]

Emergency commissions

Some of you know what happened and where I’ve been, I’m leaving on Monday and going to a temporary supported accommodation until I can get my permanent flat because I’m going in  pretty much at the end of the month and that’s when this accommodation takes payment, I have to pay next months service charge and currently I can’t afford to which I’m really embarrassed about because in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that expensive  since that’s all I need to pay a month.  Without going into much detail- Four two character chibi pieces would cover it, I’m opening commissions again so hopefully  come next week, i won’t have to worry about it.  

Even if you can’t help, which I completely understand, sharing this really does help. Thank you 🥰

minimalist Chibis

Chibi

Backgrounds

Gradient backgrounds= free 

Collage backgrounds- £5 

Scenery background= £10 

Payment/ contact information .

if you’re interested/ or have any questions feel free to DM me or email me at [email protected]. payment will be through PayPal (my currency is (GBP £)

#get yourself some art! I'm so excited for mine

[thosehallowedhalls]

I need to know more about Voievod! How long have you been working on it? How do you find the balance between storytelling and providing historical information? I'm about to start reading it, and I'm so interested in the process! Bonus question: do you have any playlist or type of music you associate with it?

Oh my God, thank you so much for dropping this into my in box, loveliest! This really makes my entire day. 🥹❤️ Please, excuse my ramblings if this gets too long sksksk.

First of all, thank you so much for giving my fictional monolith a chance! I appreciate it more than words can say and hope you will find it enjoyable! ❤️ I also do think that it is important to mention that it tackles a lot of dark and gory themes so, please, always check the trigger warnings first — some works are not that heavy, but others might be more explicit and graphic in nature, so never hesitate to skip some of them if you find them uncomfortable.

Now on to your questions!

How long have you been working on it?

Voievod in its current form is actually my third attempt, but I have been playing around with Vlad’s story for nine years now. I started working on my first story in 2015, but that was a blend of Vlad the Voivode and Dracula the Vampire — basically, it focused on how he became a vampire. I eventually abandoned that project because I did not really have patience with it and kept rewriting and re-editing many parts of it, and maybe it was a good thing I did because I gradually came to realisation that his character as a mortal man is so much more interesting than the vampire thing.

I tried to give it another shot in early 2020, this time focusing fully on Vlad as the historical figure. The first wave of COVID granted me a lot of free time, so I tried to use that opportunity to work on the story, as well as catch up on any new information from historical research. I wrote a few drafts but abandoned it again after a few months because I sincerely felt like I did not have enough writing experience to pull it off in a way I would be satisfied with.

I started working on the third and current version in February 2023 — I randomly revisited the old drafts from 2020 and started playing around with them a little, expanding the ideas until I managed to write two pieces I was quite proud of. I approached this with a great deal of respect and fear, then realised that I felt confident enough in my writing to perhaps try again. I think it was a good decision to wait and get enough writing experience before getting back to it because, looking back at my previous attempts, my world-building and characterisation have improved. Still, I am taking this as an opportunity to push myself and let myself grow — and every new piece is quite the lesson as I am often plunging into places I thought I would never dare before.

How do you find the balance between storytelling and providing historical information?

I think the hardest part of working on such a project is the research itself. To depict the historical events as accurately as possible, you have to read anything you can get your hands on and absorb as much as possible. I have loads and loads of files filled with notes on figures, events, culture, etc. not only for one but four separate countries as all of them are crucial for the work. Vlad’s story is even more specific because you really have to separate facts from all the debris and junk of propaganda against him that shaped what was known about him for a long time.

Once you become intimately familiar with the research topic and can swim easily through that sea of information, it is not that hard to find that perfect blend. In fact, having that historical information at your disposal really speeds up the process because you do not have to agonise over the plot — all those events are already there, you just follow them. When it comes to many characters from Voievod, we know what their life was like and what their personalities were, so I follow their lead in that regard. And it is fascinating because real life sometimes writes the most compelling stories.

What balances this out is the freedom other aspects give me. We usually come to know historical figures as legends and larger-than-life beings, and they were undoubtedly extraordinary, but they were people first. I get to breathe that humanity into them by depicting what they think, feel, desire, and fear. I make them make mistakes and laugh. There are also people in their lives that we know little or nothing about, so that gives me a lot of space to create characters from scratch — Cătălina is a perfect example of that, and I love having the opportunity to create such a rich and wonderful character. Ultimately, personal relationships give a lot of space to create dynamics as I please, because we know so very little about the private lives of these people.

Do you have any playlist or type of music you associate with it?

Ahhh, I love this question so much! Here is my opportunity to share my beloved baby lmao. 🤭

I have a “soundtrack” playlist on Spotify, which you can find here. I love visualising scenes and playing them in my head like little video tapes, and the right music helps me grasp the mood and emotion of those moments when writing them. Almost all the tracks are actually tied to specific scenes or works. (One is already published and bears the same name. *wink wink*)

Also, as a bonus (let me brag there for a second), here is a Pinterest board for some of the characters from Voievod. ❤️

#obsessed with this #you've given this so much thought and time #i completely get feeling like you don't have enough writing experience to tackle a particular project #i only recently started writing again after about six-ish years and the lack of practice sorely shows #so i'm writing fanfiction until i feel confident enough to tackle my original work #but ugh your research #i adore the respect with which you've tackled this project #this kind of integrity is rare #saving the playlist and the board to enjoy later #ty for this thoughtful answer! #voievod #by: coffeecutwithcaffeine

[thosehallowedhalls]

Thank you for letting me play with your babies! I had the best time.

"the height of unprofessionalism" 😂😂 he would say that

Ngl, I was a little surprised by how quickly Martin's voice came to me 🤣

Wind is so funny you wrote them so perfectly 🥰🥰🥰🥰😍

The best compliment 🥹

Preliminaries

Book: Laws of Attraction

Pairing: Martin Vanderweil x Wind Velez (Genderqueer!MC)

Rating: Teen

Word count: ~550

Summary: Martin finds himself watching Wind. Again.

A/N: For @oh-so-youre-a-nerd. Thank you for letting me borrow Martin and Wind! Drabble 20 of my 30 days of drabbles.

He’s staring again.

Martin sips his drink, an abysmal bourbon that makes him question the Brass Monkey’s standards for the thousandth time. His eyes linger on the table of senior associates, passing over Gigi and Beau in the middle of a drinking game, over an amused Aislinn… and coming to rest on Wind.

He’s lost track of how often his eyes wandered her way tonight. She’s peeling the label off her beer bottle, his beaded bracelet peeking out under his blazer and glinting under the dim light. A smile lights up his face in a way that causes a low tug in Martin’s stomach.

Reluctantly, he looks away. He can’t keep doing this. They’re a colleague, for God’s sake. Worse, a subordinate. It would be the height of unprofessionalism to become involved with a subordinate, especially so soon after making senior partner. He won’t give Eli, Linda, and Reggie any reason to question whether they made a mistake making him partner. His career comes first. It always has, it always will.

“Penny for your thoughts?” A voice says to his right. He starts, his drink sloshing over the glass.

“Good lord. Are you trying to kill me?”

“Not in front of these many witnesses, no. But I won’t say I’m not enjoying this. Here.” He plucks a few paper napkins and hands it to him.

“Thanks. I guess. What are you doing here?”

Wind jerks his chin towards the rows of bottles on the counter. “My beer was a casualty of Gigi’s competitiveness, and the waiters are up to their eyeballs in orders. Figured it’d be easier to come get my own drink.”

“Perhaps you should consider it a sign to stop drinking tonight. You know I won’t be giving you any leeway if you show up to work nursing a hangover.”

She snorts. “Please. Like I can’t handle a couple of beers.”

“Are you sure it’s only a couple? I saw the little drinking game you and the others had going on.”

“Ooh, were you watching me?” They laugh. “Come on, you know me well enough by now to know I don’t go to work hangover. Ever.”

He does know that. Wind’s work ethic was the first thing he liked… noticed, he corrects, the first thing he noticed… about them. But that’s not the part that stands up to him now.

“I most certainly was not watching you. I just... happened to glance at the table, that’s all.”

“You know you could join us, right?”

Martin snorts. “I believe the others would skin you for suggesting such a thing.”

“Of course not!” He protests, but a small smile curls his lips. “Torture me at worst.”

“Well, you’re safe. I can’t socialize with associates outside of work. It would be… inappropriate now that I’m a senior partner.”

“Suit yourself.” Wind gestures to the bartender for another beer. “See you at work tomorrow?”

He nods. “Goodnight, Wind.”

They give a little salute. “’Night, Marty.”

She strolls back to his table, exchanging casual greetings with other regular patrons. Martin watches them, almost against his will, drinking in the relaxed confidence, the simple kindness. The way she is… Wind. Just Wind.

Just Wind, he thinks with a snort.  There is no “just” about Wind. That’s the problem.

That’s always been the problem.

#fic comments #oh-so-youre-a-nerd

[thosehallowedhalls]

Haha, Emma did not 😆 I'm happy you love it!

The Secret History

Book: Crimes of Passion

Pairing: m!Trystan Thorne x Emma Rose (F!MC)

Rating: General audiences

Word count: 638

Summary: Trystan is planning a special movie night. Only, they're not actually watching a movie.

A/N: I wrote this last night on my phone, but I was too tired to transcribe it. For @inlocusmads, who gave me the prompt "There is a method to my madness" "Oh for heaven's sake-" "It's a three step process actually." Drabble 18 of my 30 days of drabbles.

Anyone who knows Trystan Thorne knows this: he isn’t one to do things by halves. And that involves preparing for movie nights.

“We’re just going to watch a movie,” Emma complains, exasperated, when he moves the bowl of (salty) popcorn half an inch further from the (sour) candy. Again.

“No, my dear. We’re going to watch something much more interesting. Besides, there is a method to my madness.”

She runs a hand through her hair. “Oh, for heaven’s sake.”

“It’s a three-step process, actually. First: ensure you have enough food.” He waves a hand in the direction of the loaded coffee table. “Achieved. Second: everything must be in perfect order. The salted and sweet popcorn must be on opposite sides of the table.”

“Please tell me you already managed that. I can’t keep watching you organize the snacks.”

“Already done.”

“Thank God.”

“And third.” He points at the couch. “Ensure that the cushions are in perfect shape.”

Emma drops her head to her hands. “I’m never watching a movie with you again. Wait.” She peers up at him. “You said we were going to watch something more interesting than a movie.”

The corners of his mouth kick up. “Did I? Interesting turn of phrase.”

“Trystan, what are you up to?”

“My dearest Emma, why would you think I’m up to something?”

“Because I know you, and that gleam in your eyes never bodes well.”

“Oh yes. There is that. Well.” He sits and pats the spot on the couch next to him. “Let’s watch some TV.”

Still suspicious, she takes her seat. “Out with it.”

“Out with what?”

“Whatever it is that has you so…” She looks for the right word. “Smirky.”

“Smirky, is it? Well, I suppose you have a right to know, seeing as it concerns you-.”

He takes the remote and presses play. Emma drops the fistful of popcorn she just grabbed. “Oh. Oh no. Please tell me that isn’t…”

“A fourteen-year-old Emma Rose, in a very youthful performance of the Scottish play.”

She covers her eyes. “Turn that off.”

“Not a chance.” But he hits pause, not wanting to miss a minute. “Why would you want me to?”

“Because.” Still covering her eyes with one hand, she tries to wrestle the remote from him. “That was my very first play. I’m wearing a witch costume…”

“With a hat?” He asks hopefully.

“Of course there’s a hat. I had artistic integrity.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to watch this.”

“My hair looks like I stuck my fingers in an outlet...”

“I’m sure it adds character.”

“I’m cackling…”

“Actually cackling or just laughing?”

“Cackling. Think Bette Midler in Hocus Pocus.”

He actually rubs his hands together. “This just keeps getting better.”

“And I sing. Or, well, chant.”

“So? I know you can sing.”

“Yeah, now. I couldn’t sing then. I fear for your windows. They might break.”

“I’ll replace them.”

She drops her hand. “There’s no talking you out of this, is there?”

“Afraid not.”

“Fine. Let’s watch teenage me make a fool of herself.”

“If you want, I can tell you embarrassing stories from my teenage years later.”

“Not quite the same unless you’re providing footage. Although…” A slow smile spreads on her face. “I could always text Marguerite.”

Trystan’s expression goes from indulgent to alarmed in two seconds flat. “Now, wait a minute.”

“Turnabout is fair play, my prince.”

He heaves a sigh. “All right. We can have another viewing session when you have that footage. But for now, can we watch this, please?”

“Wait!” She plucks a throw pillow and holds it in front of her face. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Trystan is already laughing when she hears her own voice, minus about fifteen years, begin to speak.

When shall we three meet again

In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

Right. She’s texting Lydea, too.

#fic comments #tessa-liam

[thosehallowedhalls]

So glad you loved it! Thank you for reading and sharing!

Move-In Day

Book: Crimes of Passion

Pairing: M!Trystan Thorne x Emma Rose (F!MC)

Rating: General audiences

Word count: 291

Summary: On the day she moves in with him, Trystan has a present for Emma.

A/N: For @lovealexhunt, who gave me the prompt "Trystan/Emma, chair, candle, backpack", and @inlocusmads, who helped me brainstorm this. Day 15 of my 30 days of drabbles.

Emma drops her backpack on the chair and exhales. “This is the last bag.”

“Thank goodness. I can’t believe you ever had the gall to make fun of the size of my wardrobe. You have enough jackets to clothe the state of New York.”

“How is that a surprise? You’ve seen me wear most of them.”

“Yes, but I never saw them all together in one closet.” Trystan walks up to her and winds his arms around her waist. “Until now.”

“Well, I never lived with you before.”

“True. Isn’t your life instantly better?”

“Please.” Emma scoffs, but she rests her head on his chest. “If anything, my presence improves this place.”

He tilts her chin up. “No argument from me there.”

She kisses his hand and steps back. “Only one more touch.”

A quick rummage through the backpack nets out a jar. Upon closer inspection, Trystan realizes it’s a candle. “Where should I put this?”

“Here.” He takes her hand and leads her down the hall into his office. He nods towards the wall against his desk. “That’s yours.”

The desk is old and sturdy. Emma sees the water rings, the scratches, the evidence that it was part of somebody’s life. Maybe multiple somebodies. “It’s perfect.”

“Yes? I thought maybe you’d want something newer. We can change it if you want.”

“Don’t you dare.” She steps up to the desk, places the candle on the spotless surface. Knowing herself, it won’t be spotless for long. “I love it. Thank you.”

He wraps an arm around her shoulders and presses a kiss to the top of her head. “You know we’ll end up fighting over the space eventually.”

“Oh, I know.” She leans into him with a smile. “I can’t wait.”

#fic comments #jerzwriter

[thosehallowedhalls]

Thanks for sharing! 💜

A Beginning

Book: Crimes of Passion

Pairing: Emma Rose (F!MC), Ruby Webster

Rating: Teen

Word count: 476

Summary: The beginning stages of Detective Rose and Doctor Webster's friendship.

A/N: Day eleven of my 30 days of drabbles. This is another one I want to expand on when the month is over. Prompt: friends from @choicesaprilchallenge24.

One

Emma looks at the body before turning to the medical examiner. "Dr. Webster, what was the cause of death? Your preliminary report said gunshot, but you registered some doubts at the time."

"As it turns out," Dr. Ruby Webster begins, "that was the cause of death, but Mr. Brown would have died regardless. He took a lethal dose of fentanyl some time prior."

"Any way to track down where it comes from?"

"I'm afraid that's your area, Detective..."

"Rose." Emma pushes her hair back and sighs. "Well, it was worth a shot. Thanks, Doctor."

"Any time. I must admit, I'm glad you noticed those doubts in the first place. Officers Holbeck and Morris seemed... less than inclined to do so."

She resists, barely, the urge to roll her eyes. "That's not a surprise. Please let me know if you find something else."

"Will do. I hope you find whoever did this to him."

Emma's eyes harden. "Oh, I will."

Two

"Medical malpractice case," Mafalda announces. "The client wants to prove that her mother's death was a direct result of Dr. Allen's negligence after surgery."

"That might be hard to prove."

"We'll need to consult with a medical examiner. The issue is that my usual guy just retired."

Emma cocks her head. "Actually... I might know someone. Ruby Webster. She works at Astoria Mortuary, I dealt with her a few times when I still worked at the precinct."

"What's she like?"

"Brilliant, perceptive, open-minded. And she seems to really care about justice for a change."

Mafalda nods. "Okay. Reach out to her. If she works out, we might have found our new consultant."

Three

"Dr. Webster!"

She turns to face her. "Detective! It's been a while."

"Yeah, I've..." Emma forces a smile as she holds out her card. "Taken a career detour. I'm with the Ginovesi Detective Agency now."

"That's a surprise. But considering you were waiting for me outside the mortuary, I assume you must have a professional reason to be here?"

"You assume correctly. A 57-year-old woman, perfectly healthy. Died three days after an appendectomy. Her daughter thinks it was malpractice."

"I'm guessing you have more details."

"I do. Any chance you'd be willing to help me out? Detective Ginovesi would reimburse you for your time, of course."

Webster looks at her watch and nods. "I want to help, but do you mind if we do it over coffee? I've been up for 18 hours."

"Sure. I owe you.”

Four

"Interesting place."

"Don't let the appearance fool you," Webster says with a laugh. "Best coffee in the city."

"Oh? I might owe you on more than one front in that case."

"You're a coffee person, too?"

"What other motivation is there to get up in the morning?"

"Exactly! I knew I liked you, Detective."

"Emma."

"Emma, then.” She smiles. “And please, call me Ruby.”

#fic comments #kyra75

[thosehallowedhalls]

I'm so glad, thank you! 💕

darling, dearest, dead

Book: Blades of Light and Shadow

Pairing: Tyril Starfury x Raine (F!human!MC)

Category: Teen

Summary: After Tyril's death, Raine has one more quest to complete. Submission for @choicesaprilchallenge24, prompt: nature.

Word count: 453

A/N: For @noesapphic, who gave me the prompt "darling, dearest, dead" and requested all the angst. I hope it delivers. (Also, I need to read Lemony Snicket.)

He was supposed to outlive her.

This is the thought that continues to run on her mind through every agonizing step of laying Tyril to rest. The thought that first struck her like a sword to the heart the second she saw him lying still and pale on the ground after the battle with the Ash Empress.

He was supposed to outlive her.

Sure, he has (had) a few decades on her, but he is (was, she has to get used to saying was) an elf. He should have outlived her human body by centuries.

From the Light we came, to the Light we return.

Raine sinks her nails into her palms at the memory of those words. She doesn’t know how to live the rest of her life without him. Doesn’t want to think that Tyril was the first among them to fall, the one who never got the chance to be happy after all the tribulations and the grief. All the plans they made during those long nights traveling the realms, the hope for a life together… all gone.  She isn’t a stranger to loss, but this… this feels like gasping for a current of air that is simply not there. Like something is pressing down on her heart unrelentingly, until the pain is so acute that she’d rather give up than live through it.

“Come back,” she whispers, her voice breaking on the words. “Please.”

He doesn’t respond, of course. He never will.

She looks at the gardens where Valir and Adrina spread his ashes yesterday. The gardens that Tyril once said he’d show her when they were back at Undermount. She takes one step, two, before stopping. It feels like the world is bearing down on her, like it’ll only take one hard push to fell her. But she can’t. Not yet. Not before she completes her quest.

So she keeps walking.

She finds the rosebush that House Starfury planted this morning in honor of its fallen son. Once upon a time, she would have wondered what kind of magic kept flowers blooming in Undermount. But not now. She doesn’t feel curiosity anymore. She doesn’t feel anything but this great, cavernous loss.

She takes the folded piece of paper from her pocket. Nia offered to enchant it for her, but she had to be the one to do this. The one to bespell the words with enough magic that they will never fade. The one to bury it under the roses, with three words that will keep Tyril company even after she’s long gone. The words she’s whispered over and over again since the moment she lost him.

Darling, dearest, dead.

#fic comments #kyra75

[thosehallowedhalls]

They sure do! Thanks for reading and sharing!

An Awkward Interval

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Casey Valentine (F!MC)

Rating: Teen

Word count: ~550

Summary: Before leaving Miami, Casey knows she has to talk to Ethan.

A/N: For @jerzwriter, who gave me the prompt Ethan, Casey, Elevator. Drabble 17 of my 30 days of drabbles.

The silence echoes around them.

All right, technically, it isn’t silent. There are other people in the elevator, half of whom are talking with no regards to the fact that others can hear them discuss their plans for the day, what they did the day before and, in one particularly loud case, who they did the day before.  But as far as Ethan and Casey goes? The Pathology Department at Edenbrook is livelier.

She supposes she should have seen this coming. Ethan’s reaction to their kiss did foretell in giant neon letters that awkwardness was incoming. But she hasn’t felt this awkward since middle school.

That is not an age she wants to relive, thank you very much.

The elevator makes one stop, then another. People begin to filter out until they’re the only two occupants left. Ethan has been steadily stepping away from her, step by sneaky step until they’re on two opposing ends.

Right. She can’t handle another two and a half years of this.

“Aren’t we going to talk about it?”

Ethan continues to stare straight ahead. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Seriously? You know exactly what I mean.”

Silence.

“Eth- Doctor Ramsey. You can’t pretend you don’t know what I mean. Come on, you can’t even look at me.”

“That’s not true.”

“Isn't it? Then why are you staring at the control panel like it’s one of your patients?”

He shifts on his feet, and if she weren’t so frustrated, she’d find the gesture adorable.

Okay, maybe she still does. Just a little bit. But not enough to distract her from her mission.  

“We kissed.”

His throat bobs. “And we agreed it was a mistake, so I don’t see the point in talking about it.”

“Because if you keep being weird about it, everyone will know something happened. That’s kind of the opposite of why you walked away, isn’t it?” She puts a hand on his arm and… does she imagine the slight shudder that rocks him? “Ethan.”

He exhales. “You are… correct.”

“Oh, wow. I didn’t think I’d ever hear you say those words out loud. I didn’t know you were capable of thinking those words.”

“Casey.” With a strangled laugh, Ethan turns to look at her. “Don’t push it.”

“Can’t blame a girl for having a little fun.”

He ignores her. “You are correct, of course. My behavior towards you needs to remain the same as… before.”

“Perhaps not quite the same. I wouldn’t mind if you forgot to chew me out now and then.”

“I thought you wanted me to act normal.”

“How about normal-lite?”

He laughs. She tries not to melt at the sound. “Let’s go with normal and see what happens.”

“Deal.”

She smiles at him. He smiles back.

After a moment, it occurs to her that they’re just… staring at each other, their smiles having fallen without her notice. Her eyes drop to his mouth, and she can tell from his soft inhalation that he noticed.

“Casey…” Their faces are inches apart, and she vaguely wonders which one of them leaned in first. “I…”

The elevator doors open again, and four people walk in. Ethan jumps back, his back firmly against the wall, his gaze falling anywhere but on Casey.

She runs a frustrated hand through her hair.

So much for normal.

#fic comments #tessa-liam

[thosehallowedhalls]

Shop , Patreon , Books and Cards , Mailing List

#mental health #queue #by: thelatestkate

[thosehallowedhalls]

Charles Baudelaire - The Owls ~ The Flowers of Evil

#words #charles baudelaire #queue

[thosehallowedhalls]

I'm sorry this is so late! I'm ridiculously behind on reblog comments.

Yay, I'm so happy you enjoyed this!

lolol I love one dramatic idiot!

Mal can be so dramatic. It's my favorite version of him 😂

lsdjfklsd YES!!!! He is the cutest drunk and she absolutely would!!!

The second Léa suggested this, I was like, of course she would!

I AM DYING and choking!!!! THIS had me on the floor! Mal Volari is the best and this is HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

🤭🤭🤭

UGHHHHHH knowing what awaits them, this broke my heart! Though to be fair, since I spent so long with Mal and Daenarya prior to book 2, my book 1 universe has its own ending which is happy, so lets go with that! Blades 2 what?

Tbh I completely forgot Blades 2 was a thing when I was writing this, so I'm good with that plan 🤣

Thank you so so much for this Caro, I love it beyond words! Honestly, I can't thank you enough. This seriously brought tears to my eyes from laughing so much! You are truly a gift to this fandom and I am so beyond grateful to have you in my life. Love you so much!

Aww, Dani 🥺 Love you too! I'm so grateful for you, and I'm happy this put a smile on your face!

A Stagger in the Woods

Book: Blades of Light and Shadow

Pairing: Mal Volari x Daenarya (F!MC)

Rating: Teen

Word count: 572

Summary: Mal had a little too much to drink. It's up to Daenarya to help him make his way through the woods.

A/N: For @storyofmychoices. You didn't think we were done, did you? If you're going to devote your time to put this event together, you should get a second gift. It's only fair, my friend. @choicesfandomappreciation

Shoutout to @dutifullynuttywitch, who helped me pinpoint what was wrong with this story, and even gave me one of the lines outright. You're amazing.

The moon hangs low in the sky, its red-white glow granting the night an ethereal feel. In the woods beneath, two figures lean on each other, hands clutching and grasping, their faces close enough to kiss.

It would be more romantic if they were leaning on one another out of desire instead of necessity.

“An earthquake!” Mal exclaims, his head swinging wildly. “Quick, kit, take cover!”

Daenarya barely manages to catch him before he sends them both tumbling to the ground. She doesn’t even attempt to contain the bubble of laughter tickling her throat. “It’s not an earthquake, Mal. It’s the result of one too many glasses of ale.”

“Why Kit, I never!” Indignant, he jabs a finger and nearly takes her eye out. “I am insulted. Offended. No, appalled at your insinuation.” She captures his finger, giving it a playful nip and a quick kiss, all the while giggling at her foolish rogue.

“Not so much an insinuation as an expression of fact, Your Magnificence. I did tell you to pace yourself.”

“But it was a ce-celebration!” He hiccups. “We made it out of the Deadwood! We had to commemorate the occasion!”

She pats his shoulder a little too hard. “That doesn’t mean you and Imtura had to challenge each other to see who could, er, commemorate more.”

He laughs uproariously, then comes to an abrupt stop before turning in a circle. Daenarya stumbles. “Where is Imtura?”

“Probably giving Tyril as much trouble as you’re giving me.”

“But we never reached a consainsos… conshensus… con-sen-sus,” he corrects, slurring over each syllable. “Who won? Who lost? Call her back!”

He extricates himself from her grasp and stomps forward. “Imtura! Imty! Imtura!”

She rushes over and wraps an arm around his waist. “It was a tie.”

“Well, that won’t do. The loser was supposed to buy the winner the first drink once we took down the Shadow Court!”

“You can buy each other a drink,” she suggests.

“That’s no fun at all,” he protests before brightening right up again. “Oh! We could try again tomorrow.”

Daenarya lets her head fall against his shoulder. “Please, for the love of all the Old and New Gods, don’t.”

His expression falters, and his eyes take on the sheen of a wounded doe. “Am I… Am I annoying you, kit?”

“Half of me,” she admits cheerfully. “The other half is giggling madly.”

“Oh, that’s okay then.” Mal smiles his drunken grin again. “I love it when you giggle. And laugh. And snort.”

“You love it when I snort?”

“Because you’re happy, see.” He waves his hands in the air. “’Tis like this: you don’t laugh enough. And you think I can’t tell when you cry yourself to sleep.”

“Mal…”

“But now you’re gigglin’. Or half of you is.”

Moved, she presses a tender kiss to his cheek. “You make me smile as much as I possibly can under these circumstances. Once we find Kade? It’s going to be all smiles from there.”

“You promise?”

“Cross my heart and hope to be stung by a Drakna.”

He tries to kiss her and misses by about five inches. “Hey, where did your lips go?”

“They’re still in the same place.”

“But I couldn’t find them!”

“I’ll help you find them tomorrow. As long as you no longer reek of ale.”

He gives a put-upon sigh. “Guess I’ll have to skip challenging Imtura again, then. All for a good cause.”

"She captures his finger, giving it a playful nip and a quick kiss, all the while giggling at her foolish rogue" came straight from @dutifullynuttywitch's fabulously talented mind.

#fic comments #storyofmychoices

[thosehallowedhalls]

Thank you, Stars! Same to you 💜

#asks #stars-are-within-me

[thosehallowedhalls]

Aww, thank you! You too! 😘💕

#asks #dutifullynuttywitch

[thosehallowedhalls]

BEAUTIFUL PERSON AWARD!❣️ Once you are given this award you're supposed to paste it in the asks of 8 people you adore! Absolutely no pressure but. It's sweet to know someone thinks you're beautiful inside and out <3

Thank you, Anon! I appreciate it so much 💜

#asks #anonymous

[thosehallowedhalls]

Awww, so good to see that you're making great progress on your 30-day challenge. Keep it up

Thank you! I'm a few days behind, but overall I'm satisfied with the process.

#asks #ladylamrian