#🌿.fern says

[nrc-confessions]

// Do you both have mod oc refs? One of the mostro lounge mods is considering cooking something up

// aha…

// rubs my hands evilly 😈

[maplebloom-system]

gluflgufkgkfjfojf :)) 🐟

[desert-fern]

hello your ‘new idea’ for the wwii series has been done already. I’ve read wwii tgm series from two other accounts @footprintsinthesxnd and @callsign-phoenix i believe {correct me if im wrong}. i just think we should all be thinking of original ideas instead of redoing other peoples who have already done good series. idk maybe it’s me because i normally love your stuff but how many other wwii series am i going to be subjected to for the same characters. be original.

Okay, this is going to be long. Please bear with me. So I’m going to be nice here because I think that you have a point that you are trying to make and I want to make sure that I fully understand what you are saying. To start things off, yes I am aware of both Jess and Sophie having their own WWII aus. Jess has actually volunteered to help me out with some of the history because it is a subject that she is knowledgeable in and she is absolutely thrilled that someone else is adding to the TGM 1940s/WWII AUs. And Sophie has no qualms either. Our ideas are different enough that no one is stepping on any toes.

I’m understanding that you have read some of my past work and that you aren’t thrilled by the fact that I am going for the ‘unoriginal’ subject of a WWII AU. Am I right in that? If I’m not, come to my inbox and we can have a chat because I really want to understand where you’re coming from.

I do want to raise you movies like Dunkirk, Midway, The Darkest Hour, Hacksaw Ridge, etc. All of the movies are set in WWII (I think) and they touch on completely different battles and subjects even if the general time period is the same. Now, I’m not comparing my writing to these movies by any means, but I do find it silly that just because one writer has written one WWII series, no one else can because their work was great. While Jess is currently working on an AU set in the Pacific Theatre, does that mean that I cannot write an AU for that series of battles?

Also, I won’t be offended if you don’t read the miniseries. I deeply appreciate the support on my other works (especially as my first series is coming to an end) but if you are sick of WWII things, then I will not hold it against you for not reading. It’s a niche subject and one that I know doesn’t interest some people, but it is an interest of mine and I will continue to write this whether you think it’s unoriginal or not.

The one thing I want to mention that I take a slight issue with is your use of the phrase ‘be original’. I hate to break it to you nonny, but this is fanfiction and unfortunately nothing is original. There are many university/college AUs (I’m in the process of writing one myself), so many soulmate AUs, many ‘reader is this character’s sister’ or ‘reader is a bartender’ fics. And all of the are fantastic, because it’s the little details that make it different. My series, A Gun Amongst Daggers, features the most quintessential item of a TG/TGM fic: a plane crash. It also plays with the struggle of attraction between two characters when one is a direct superior to the other, not to mention the Navy Seal angle.

My point is, nonny, that nothing is entirely original. I plagiarize myself a lot and I am a very trope-y writer, yet I can put a spin on these tropes to make them my own and different each time. I’ve barely started writing this AU, let alone come up with a decent summary, so if you are willing, you can come to my inbox, free of judgement and we can have a chat about the things that are concerning you with my writing of this AU.

- Fern 🌿

P.S. I’m still going to write the fic. One anonymous comment is not going to deter me

[fernweh-writes]

What if reader is supposed to be wearing glasses all the time so there eyesight does not get worse but does not because they don’t like how they look Lester or bo please

I just turned this into H/C's for all the slashers hope you don't mind. We’re also not going to talk about how I am guilty of sleeping in my contacts simply cause I hate my glasses. RIP my eyes no one tell my optometrist please…

-Fern🌿

S/O Who Refuses To Wear Glasses

Michael Myers

Michael isn't one to force you to take care of yourself. We all know he certainly doesn't worry about things like that for himself so why would he worry about it with you?

However, when it starts becoming a hassle to him he will try and convince you to wear them the way you should. He's tired of you asking him what things are or what things say.

Michael also wouldn't understand why you hate wearing them so much. What's the big deal? You need them to see so wear them.

But once he learns that it's because you don't like the way you look he will try and somewhat be supportive. After all they don't make him see you any differently so they shouldn't make you feel less attractive in any way.

Bo Sinclair

Bo would be the one to tease you when he first finds out that you need glasses to see. But like, he does it in a loving way not knowing that you feel insecure on the rare occasion you do wear them.

Once he finds out the reason why you don't wear them he reassures you that he thinks they look cute on you in an attempt to make you feel better.

Will start getting upset when you don't wear them since you do need them to see.

"I'm not taking you to see no doctor if it gets any worse." Spoiler alert yes he would but he would never admit that. Even if he has to expect to hear him complain the whole time saying, "I told you so."

Vincent Sinclair

Vincent would be shocked the first time you wear your glasses in front of him. Usually you would tough it out but eye strain had finally gotten the best of you and you caved. Now you were sporting your glasses and also had a terrible headache.

As soon as he figures out you need your glasses to see he will be fussing over you. Vincent’s big on making sure that you take care of yourself. He’s takes care of his brothers, it’s practically his job to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy.

Reassures you that you look good in your glasses. He’s not going to judge you for wearing them.

Whenever you’re squinting at something expect him to go storming off to find your glasses and shove them on your face.

Thomas Hewitt

Thomas is the most likely to get quickly frustrated with you not wearing your glasses like you should. Not in a mean way, but he could quickly get annoyed with you.

He's a busy man and has a lot to do. Not only that but it's important for you to be able to pull your own weight in the Hewitt household. Not wearing your glasses causes you to be uncoordinated and clumsy.

Once he figures out why you don't were your glasses though he won't get as frustrated with you. He understands what it's like to not like the way you look.

Starts making sure you wear them considering there's no optometrists in an abandoned town. If your eyesight gets any worse there will be no fixing it.

Stu Macher

Stu is another one that teases you at first. He pokes fun at you whenever you wear them. Jokingly saying you look like a librarian, something cheesy.

I also believe that he likes them though. He's one that thinks they make you look cuter so despite his teasing he also compliments you frequently when you wear them.

Once he finds out you go without them even when you need them he'll argue with you about it. He doesn't get why you won't wear them especially when he thinks you look good in them.

The teasing about you wearing your glasses eventually stops entirely. Don't be fooled though he's still going to find something else to tease you about it just won't be your glasses.

Billy Loomis

Billy is in all honesty pretty indifferent about the whole glasses ordeal. As in he doesn't prefer you wearing them or not wearing them, he sees you no differently regardless.

We all know that this man loves to be right so he is definitely going to argue with you about it nonstop when you're not wearing your glasses but should be.

Won't let you fall asleep with your contacts in. He will simply refuse to let you fall asleep with them in no matter how long it takes. It takes all of a few minutes for you to get up and take them out. He's a night owl he can play this game with you all night.

Since he makes such a big deal out of it you'll get more used to wearing them. He bargains with you to get you to at least wear them around the house for your eyes sake.

[leaves-and-inks]

🌿 Old Bones, Old Souls 🌿

The world of velociraptor is buried deep, deep in time. There is so much we’ve learned about it, yet so much we don’t know, and may never know about this ancient animal.

Hi everyone! It feels good to finally post this!! I’ve been rather swamped, but updating my tumblr is one thing I can check off the list!! This piece has been done for a little while, but I’ve only just had time now to format it. I remember doing the rough sketch of this back in the fall and not being too thrilled, but I can now say that I’m really happy with how it came out! This piece also is next to the dragon “Emerald Mist” and I feel they pair really well together :)

This is the last piece to catch up to my other social media, so things will slow down again after this!! I have some plans in the works for the future, but unfortunately I don’t have much of a time scale on it because it depends on my health and my school work. Regardless of when exactly, I am excited to make some new work!! :D

[ID: Sketchbook page with digital alterations featuring a velociraptor skull, ginkgo and fern leaves, a fossilized velociraptor claw, and a feathered velociraptor. The page is done in various colors of ink, the subjects being in black and sepia liners, while the background is made up of blue and green squares and rectangles, overlapping behind the subjects. In the top right is a velociraptor skull, facing 3/4 right and down. It is made mostly out of black lines, but with shading and details done in sepia ink. Its mouth is slightly open, and it is missing some teeth. It is also missing it bony eye supports. it overlaps the background shapes on the top left of the skull, along with the lower jaw, and bridges the gap between the two top shapes in the middle of the skull. Next to it on the righthand side is the gingko leaves and fern leaf. It is laid out vertically, the fern leaf, drawn in sepia ink and behind the two gingko leaves. The top gingko leaf overlaps the bottom one, pointing in slightly different directions. The leaves are also done in sepia ink, having white outlines to better differentiate them, along with sketchy yellow ink coloring. The leaves break the shape on the top, right side, and bottom, and only overlaps the one square. In the bottom left corner is a shaded study of a velociraptor claw fossil. It is completely done in black in, white a thick black outline. It only overlaps the lower square at its tip, which points left. The final drawing is a mostly full body sketch of a feathered velociraptor, cropped only at its tail, which fades out to the left side of the page. It its a side view of the raptor, who faces right. However, it looks over its shoulder to the left of the page. It is slightly hunched over, its arms lowered. The left arm reaches slightly more out than the right one, and it also steps forward with the left leg. It is mostly drawn in sepia ink, however non feathered areas (mouth, legs) are done with black ink. It also has a back and sepia brindle pattern on its back, along with a black stripe that starts at its eye and goes to its tail. Its body overlaps on top of the two bottom shapes. The sketch and background shapes are on an off-white, paper textured background.

Image 2: Crop featuring the velociraptor skull. It gets the whole skull in the crop, along with the leftmost side of the gingko leaves and fern.

Image 3: Crop focusing on the fossilized velociraptor claw. The whole claw is in frame, along with a portion of the bottom half of the tail.

Image 4: Crop focusing on the feathered velociraptor. It gets its whole body in the frame, minus the tail. In the top left corner, the ends of the upper and lower jaw of the skeleton are visible, along with the end of the fern in the top right.

Image 5: Crop focusing on the gingko leaves and fern. They are entirely in frame, along with a portion if the upper jaw, just after the nostrils. /end ID]

[ghostwise]

ZevWarden Week 2023 - Day 1, Tradition and Trying New Things

🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

Tunas y Xoconostles :: 468 words tags: antiva, antivan dalish, zevran arainai/male mahariel

Antiva's Drylands are less populated than its coastal cities, and not without reason; here the colors tan and gold overtake green, and the lush climate gives way to a vast expanse of arid landscape. Past all that stand the Hundred Pillars—aptly named for their imposing height—though from where he's standing, they are a mere smudge on the horizon.

But for all their extremes, Zevran has to admit the Drylands are no less beautiful. This evening in particular paints the sky in vibrant reds and oranges, and the world stretches out before him in a thousand colors.

It's all just as he remembers it.

The Antivan Dalish know the Drylands by heart, of course. But he never was one of them. Not really. Those weeks when he'd escaped the Crows in his youth were so brief, and the memories are so painfully tender, thinking of it feels like an old bruise. He doesn't want to dwell on that past.

Fortunately, he doesn't have to. It is a far better focus of his attention to see Hamal experience the Drylands for the first time.

The Warden stands in the midst of all this color, surveying his surroundings in awe. The landscape is so different from the Brecilian Forest, where he grew up; he hardly knows where to turn his focus. Zevran watches as with every few steps, Hamal finds something new to marvel at: an odd plant or a lizard or a curious rock. And though there are no ferns or mosses in sight, spirits walk here too (though none so fearsome as the wild sylvans in Ferelden, thank the Maker!).

At this rate they won't reach Brynnlaw for a week, but Zevran doesn't mind. He just smiles as Hamal draws up to a prickly pear cactus.

"Look at this plant! Incredible. And the little red bulbs on it… is this fruit?"

In response, Zevran quickly produces a dagger. "It is. But it has thorns. Allow me," he says.

Holding the fruit steady with one finger, he uses smooth, quick flicks of his blade to peel a prickly pear right on the cactus. Its juicy and bright red flesh leaves blood-like streaks on his skin as he tugs it free and hands it to Hamal.

"Mind the seeds," he says as Hamal delicately takes it in his fingers. "They're-"

"Elgar'nan!"

Too late.

"It is all seeds! They are so tough! Worse than a pomegranate," Hamal declares. He spits out the little round seeds and then looks at Zevran, unimpressed.

"You are actually supposed to swallow them." Zevran tries to hide a laugh, unsuccessfully. "They are good for you! Sweet and full of water. Do you like them?"

Hamal thinks about it, and at length he lets out a sigh. "This one might have to grow on me, vhenan."

[moonlitmeadowsys]

welcome!

thanks for taking the time to read our intro! below, you'll find some basic info and our dni <3

about us:

☆ bodily nineteen

☆ collective name is moon

☆ traumagenic (most likely osdd-1b)

☆ collectively they/them; otherwise, pronouns vary between alters

☆ we use "alters", "headmates", and "parts" for ourselves

☆ our frequent fronters change often

☆ we follow from @lorenzoinorbit

☆ we'd love to make more adult system friends! feel free to dm and say hi

alters who may post here + signoffs:

★ enzo, he/him, 🪐

★ cas, he/him, 🖤

★ fern, they/fir, 🌿

★ elizabeth, she/her, 🌻

★ grian, he/him, 🐈

★ ceres, she/he/they, 💫

dni:

☆ radqueer, transid, pro-para

☆ transphobic/homophobic/terf

☆ racist/ableist

☆ endos

☆ people who treat introjects as if they are their source

☆ blogs with lots of gore or violence

☆ blogs that post excessively about drug use/weed (personal comfort)

[dreamofmetoday]

QUICK READING RECAP

15th to the 21st of may 2023

🐮🍨🧸how does taylor swift feel about matty healy?

↳ 8oW, 9oP, Borage rx

she’s more focused on how she feels with him - which is that she’s doing something brave by being with him and flaunting him.

🌰🫧💭 how does matty healy feel about the hate he’s getting?

↳ judgement, temperance, 4oS

he’s upset about it but he’s also pretty self-confident so it’s not that hurtful. some of it has genuinely made him think more. overall, he’s pretty “time heals all wounds” about it and thinks that people, including himself, will get over it someday.

⭐️🌻💫is blackpink jennie satisfied with her career right now?

↳ chariot, adder, 5oC, KnoS

mostly yes. some things that fall through get to her, but she isn’t super mopey or sad about it.

🌲🌿🌴how does twice sana feel on their tour right now?

↳ 6oC, fern, PoC

she’s happy. her energy is good right now. she’s also trying to savour it as much as possible, perhaps it’s their last tour or something as far as she knows.

📓📒📔how does doja cat feel right now?

↳ burdock rx, AoS, 9oP

she’s in a victim mindset right now and feels she needs to prove herself. she feels burdened and alone but also strong and powerful at the same time. her mind is anxious and overactive in general.

🦋🪻🪼what do the txt members think of the fanwars between moas and stays?

↳ 2oC, 4oW, flax

they think it’s expected and normal. overall they enjoy the security of having loyal fans and think it gives their career added stability.

🍂🍄🍃is it true nct haechan and itzy ryujin began dating around the beginning of the pandemic?

↳ AoW, AoC, AoS, 6oW, 10oC

yes.

💫🌼🌾what does taylor swift think of matty healy’s controversies?

↳ primrose rx, AoC, 2oP, QoW

she’s too infatuated to think his controversies have anything to do with who he is now. she thinks everyone can begin again and sees herself in him - she thinks about how she’s also grown and changed a lot over time. she thinks they can overcome what’s happening even though right now it’s difficult.

⚾️🍔🌽how does halle bailey feel about everyone’s opinion on her relationship with ddg?

↳ hanged man, air dragon, 7oP

she thinks she can’t control it so she does her best to ignore it but it has gotten to her before, even somewhat often, and it makes her question things.

🦥🦢🐉nct jaehyun’s turn offs in someone?

↳ whip, rider, 3oS

argumentative, needs to be right, competitive, attention seeking, materialistic, obsessed with social media and bragging on there, someone who compares themselves to others, too secretive.

🥦🥧🥮is there truth to stray kids hyunjin bullying scandal?

↳ temperance, emperor, crane rx

yes but it doesn’t seem it was really that malicious or violent or anything (maybe this is already known sorry), it was more just regular arguments and mean things a lot of kids or teens say to each other in their school days. it was regular school drama that did get a bit nastier than maybe what everyone experiences but it’s wasn’t extreme either.

🍱🍣🍙is there truth to itzy lia bullying scandal?

↳ lovers, 3oC, 7 of wands, QoC, chamomile

the overall answer is no. there was some drama involving who she was dating or who a friend was dating. lia either dated someone who the friend liked or the other way around. in either case lia was the more popular one. she was considered prettier and more fun so classmates chose her side and only a few chose the other friend’s and the friend then felt ostracised. it wasn’t good for anyone involved but to call it bullying would be a reach.

🌸🌺🌸how do itzy feel about their concept being changed?

↳ the chariot, AoC, frog rx, the fool

it was sold to them really well. they were told what their expected success was if they stuck with their old concept vs what it would be if they made changes and they were all pretty on board with it. they don’t think every decision that has been made has been a good one and they do worry that there’s been too many mistakes but overall they think this is the better longterm (or stable) option financially.

🐉🥧🍪would lucas still have been kicked out of wayv and nct if he were korean?

↳ resorters rx, six of swords

yes, i think they just saw the damage to his reputation as too irreparable regardless so this was really the only solution.

🧸🎁🪭how does fx krystal see snsd taeyeon?

↳ clover rx, the world

krystal sees taeyeon as super successful but that she’s an opportunist and is often looking for more she can get. she also thinks taeyeon doesn’t take things seriously enough.

🥡🥢🧂is blackpink rosé really dating gang dong won?

↳ KnoC, KnoS, eagle

yes, they were definitely thing but i don’t know where they are at right now, they’re going through a rough patch at the very least.

[percygranate]

Dearest Followers,

As you have noticed, I recently purged through my blogs. I was able to rat out 5 highly questionable blogs and will continue checking my followers thoroughly.

If you don't have a profile picture/theme that isn't default & are not providing your age in your blog description or pinned post, you will be blocked.

I am now begging my Anons again to come forward and confirm their age with me. This will happen in private. Just pop in my DMs and say, “Hey, I’m [insert emoji] from [insert character’s blog],” and I will know you’re NOT a minor.

I promise I don’t have any ulterior motives & just want to make sure this is and continues to be a safe space for my adult friends and followers. The Anons that contacted me privately up till now can confirm this!

The recent events have left many of us, including me, shaken up, and I want to do my best never to have myself or my followers caught in such a situation.

Anon, until you confirm your age with me, there won't be any interaction with your emoji. I can and will not risk interacting with a minor, going against my morals & ruining my reputation by being reckless. Better safe than sorry.

Anons that confirmed their age: 14 out of 26

Anons that still need to confirm their age:

Eddie’s Blog:

Pen🐝 • 🧁 • 🐰 • 💐 • 👒

Raye//🌞 • Key/🍄 • Fern🌿

Steve’s Blog:

🍓 • ⚰️ • 🍭

Argyle’s Blog:

🍒 •

Billy’s Blog:

✨ • 🌷

[themistressdomme]

I did mommy I edged all by myself and I'll be a good girl and do as you say and edge tonight and then cum I wanna be your good girl-🌿

My darling little fern 🌿

Mommy is impressed with her pretty fern for edging yourself when you were already so wet and worked up when you asked me for permission, hm? God, what a sweet, pliant little sub you should be, your eagerness to follow the rules even when I wouldn't know any different? You're such a good girl. The best sweet little thing ever.

Good girl. Go on, edge for Mommy and then cum for Mommy like the good girl you are.

🌿

[kendsleyauthor]

Eleven Hours: Part Three

Dark Future AU (Shot in the Dark)

~4800 words

Warnings: Mentions of violence and dehumanization

Summary: With food and water running short, it quickly becomes clear that Cliff and Oliver’s journey will not be an easy one. As things turn desperate, Oliver struggles to keep painful memories at bay.

Co-written by the lovely @marydublinauthor​ 🌸

🌿  Eleven Hours Masterpost 🌿

It was strange, the feeling of toddling security. He was with Cliff Everett. He had made it out. They just had to walk out of these woods.

Eleven hours. To think it had only been a few minutes.

It took a while to get comfortable in Cliff’s grasp. While he appreciated not being stuffed into a bag or clutched in a fist, Cliff’s urgent stride was jostling. Oliver was thrown forward every time the human climbed a sharp incline in the path, and his entire body lifted up if Cliff landed indelicately.

Eventually, he figured out that molding against the base of Cliff’s fingers with one arm slung around the middle and ring fingers was the stablest way to ride. After that, it was immensely more tolerable.

His heart rate began to slow, allowing him to look around without a lens of utter panic clouding his senses. It was a relief to see the forest from anything but the ground level. He watched the length of each of Cliff’s steps and wondered how long it would’ve taken him to cover the same distance. Stones that would have been mountains to a fairy, impossible to climb, Cliff avoided with scarcely a glance down.

The math made him queasy.

Cliff seemed to have a sense of what direction to head in, though he paused every so often to consult a digital compass. The terrain was beautiful but treacherous. The earth was steeply sloped on the side facing the mountain, packed with rocks. Delicate moss cascaded many stones, catching moonlight in gaps between dense fir branches. Ferns sprouted like each plant was competing with the others to be the most extravagant. Bullfrogs sang—and again, Oliver was immensely grateful to be off the ground.

Cliff had just crossed a muddy creek when Oliver’s stomach ached, hollow again. He patted Cliff’s hand and twisted around.

“Do you have any more food?”

Cliff nodded, breathless from the hike, and found a dry place to sit and remove his pack. He set Oliver down next to him. After all that time pressed to a hot palm, the cold stone was a relief.

Oliver made a noise of appreciation as Cliff handed him another fairy-sized bag of food. Nearly ripping it in his haste to open it, Oliver dug in while Cliff pulled out a couple of protein bars for himself.

While they ate in silence for a few minutes, Oliver glanced up every so often to see Cliff surveying the environment around them carefully. There was something distinctly unnerving about the intensity of the human’s stare, and Oliver was glad to not have it pointed at him. Still, Cliff’s ever-present tension had him worried.

“You don’t think another crew could catch up to us this fast, do you?” Oliver asked.

“Doubt it. They wouldn’t be able to bring trucks this far in. As long as we keep moving, they won’t have much of a chance tailing us.” He nodded at the surrounding woods. “I’ve just been in enough places like this to know that humans aren’t the only things to worry about.”

Oliver scoffed into his bite of bread. After what he’d been through, the thought of any creature so much as bothering Cliff was laughable.

“I think it’s safe to say you’re the scariest thing for miles,” Oliver said. “You can relax.”

Cliff chuckled, but his eyes looked less than amused. “How long were you at the menagerie?”

The question caught Oliver off guard. He stared up at the sky in thought. “I didn’t have a great view of the moon to keep track of the cycles, but… With the cold nearly killing me a few hours ago, I’d say almost a year. It was dead winter when I was taken.”

“Did you live in woods like these?”

“It was a little flatter. More water. Less bullets.”

The mere mention seemed to make Cliff roll his shoulder from the pain of his wound. “Any chance you know the name of the area you’re from? The state, even?”

Your killer in shining armor is looking for another option to get rid of you, Oliver’s sister scoffed.

Oliver willed her voice away. “It doesn’t matter,” he said matter-of-factly. “My village doesn’t exist anymore.”

Cliff didn’t look shocked in the slightest, but he did murmur an apology.

To distract himself, Oliver dug back into the food. Cliff handed him water and said, “You should slow down. I didn’t bring much. The plan was to tide everyone over for the trip. A quick snack before you could have a real meal once we got there.”

Oliver slowed, jolted by a sting of guilt and frustration. If things had gone right, if Grady hadn’t sold them out, maybe he and the other fairies would be in the passenger seat of Cliff’s car right now. They’d be on their way toward the safe house, eating together and asking so many questions that Cliff’s ears would ring. Or maybe they would have arrived by now and would have been feasting on a hot meal.

Movement flickered in the corner of Oliver’s eye, but he didn’t flinch or even look. He wasn’t surprised when he heard his brother’s voice. Are you going to finish that?

“Fuck off,” Oliver huffed.

“Huh?” Cliff said.

“Nothing,” Oliver said immediately. He thought about the strange looks he always got when he tried to explain his siblings’ lingering voices. Things were fragile enough without Cliff thinking he was out of his mind. He plastered on a smile and looked up. “I mean fuck off, for telling me to slow down and then making me think about an actual meal.”

To his relief, Cliff had a sense of humor. “You this much of a sweetheart all the time?”

“Yeah, mostly.”

Cliff laughed. With the last bite of the bar tucked in his cheek, he balled up the wrappers and stuffed them into his jeans pocket.

“There used to be villages out here,” Cliff told him. “Three of them in this range. One of them used to be right at that peak, there.” He pointed at a dark spot on one of the distant hills.

They watched it for a moment, as though tiny lights might spring back to life in the patch of trees.

“Did you know them well?” Oliver asked.

“Not really. It was a long time ago.”

Cliff contemplated the view stretched out before them, and Oliver followed suit. The wide creek ran along a course on a flat, rocky inset. Branches, wild grass, and fallen logs scattered the hills, creating a smattering of texture and color. Their seat was on the slope, shrouded by firs and trees with barren branches. The water ran towards more mountains that cut against the starry sky.

Treacherous, but beautiful.

Oliver’s arms ached from gripping Cliff’s fingers for so long. Even with his new clothes, the cold made his wings stiff along his back. An itching thirst plagued him too—made worse with the knowledge that his supply was limited. Cliff only had one more portion for each of them, and they weren’t even halfway there.

He was tempted at one point to ask Cliff to shuffle him back into the empty holster to catch some sleep during the arduous walk. But that didn’t really feel fair to his companion, who arguably was doing most of the work.

The long stretches of silence were broken by idle conversation. Oliver picked his questions carefully. He was surprised to learn that Cliff had once come from a wealthy family—not birthed from a long line of mercenaries as Oliver had assumed. He didn’t talk to any of them now but his younger sister, Anna.

“How old is she?” Oliver asked.

“Twenty-four.”

“Does she do what you do?”

Cliff’s jaw ticked. “Sometimes.”

“Can you possibly answer in more than one-syllable grunts?”

“Maybe.”

Oliver rolled his eyes, catching Cliff smirking at his expense overhead.

“What about you?” Cliff asked. “Any siblings back home? A creepy uncle?”

His chest tightened. “Sure.”

“Who’s giving the one-syllable grunts now?”

“I mean, yeah, everyone’s got family at one point or another, right? For all you know, I am the creepy uncle.”

Though Cliff chuckled, the beat of silence that followed was heavy. He cleared his throat and asked in a softer voice, “Were any of them in the menagerie with you?”

Of all things, a laugh shook loose from Oliver’s tension. “Um, no. They would’ve been smart enough to get us out of there months ago. And if not, I would have got back for them tonight, or I would’ve zapped you until we went to find them.”

“Yeah, I figured,” Cliff murmured.

Oliver counted his breaths and focused on the uneven rhythm of Cliff’s gait. He desperately sought a change of subject.

When he thought to ask Cliff about the falling out with his family, instead he blurted, “There were three of us. Cyra was the oldest. Fire affinity. Total bitch. She was my best friend.” He swallowed hard, missing every deserved and undeserved lash of flame she’d hit him with. “Then I came along with my lightning. And my parents were nervous about what kind of chaos Hudson would bring when his magic developed.”

“What’d he end up with?”

“Healing.”

Cliff’s hand tensed. Oliver felt it especially in his fingers. Like he wanted to curl his hand into a fist, but was kind enough to refrain, given his passenger. Cliff must have known, then, that a healer was the worst thing to be in this human-dominated reality.

“Is Anna safe?” Oliver asked after another beat.

“I do everything I can to make sure she is,” Cliff said, his hand relaxing somewhat.

“Good. That’s good.”

An owl hooted in the darkness, shattering whatever peace that had managed to gather. Oliver’s breath caught, while Cliff’s hand flinched—and this time, it wasn’t a mere twitch. His fingers curled and gathered Oliver closer, while his other hand shielded him overhead. Oliver instinctively squirmed, flashing back to every time he had been snatched up against his will.

“Don’t tell me you’re scared of owls,” Oliver said as he recovered from the shock of the sudden movement. He pushed pointedly against two of Cliff’s fingers. “Because I don’t think things’ll end well if I’m the one that has to scare it off.”

Cliff exhaled a scoff. “You can stay put. I just… Sorry. Force of habit.” He pulled his other hand away. “Had a friend that would lose her shit if she heard an owl, even miles off. She wouldn’t let me take another step unless I covered her.”

“Smart.” Oliver didn’t comment on the strange, controlled tone that Cliff took at the mention of this friend. Seeing as Cliff hadn’t pried further about Cyra and Hudson, Oliver returned the favor. “I know you’re out of bullets, but you didn’t happen to bring a gun to throw at it, just in case?”

“I always have a backup.” There was something just as chilling as it was comforting about the smile he sent down. “You wouldn’t know it, but I used to be a real sharp-shooter. One of the best.”

“You seem decent enough,” Oliver said, recalling the bodies strewn in Cliff’s wake.

The human shook his head, brow furrowing deeply. “No. I used to be able to pierce the center of a falling leaf from thirty yards away. That’s gone now, too.”

A faint tremor entered his hands, making Oliver falter. He grieved it like the skill had a soul of its own. “I don’t mean to be insensitive,” he called up. “Like I’m sorry and all, but that also sounds fucking scary and I’m kinda glad I don’t have to see it. Don’t hate me.”

He was worried he’d struck a cord again, but Cliff just laughed. “You’re brutal, you know that?”

Oliver decided he looked far less scary when he smiled like that.

Conversation dwindled to only necessary, clipped exchanges. Pausing for water, or a piss break. Explaining a shortcut through a canyon. Realizing they were out of food.

It was four hours later when Oliver suddenly noticed that they were moving much slower. Cliff was exhausted. Craning his neck, Oliver felt another pang of guilt and embarrassment sweep over him. He found himself wishing Cliff was fairy-sized, so he could return the favor and carry him for a time.

You wouldn’t make it two feet with the state of your back right now anyway, dummy.

The last half hour was almost entirely uphill on rocky terrain. Finding a dry area, Cliff stopped for water. His bottle was nearly empty—he’d been taking these ridiculous, tiny sips all night. He downed the last of it and shoved the empty bottle into his pack. He looked so tired, Oliver couldn’t help but shoot to his feet.

“Hey, have mine. I have two left.” Oliver thrust one of the fairy-sized jugs of water out. Cliff shook his head. “I mean it. Not really helpful if you pass out.”

Cliff pushed it back with a fingertip. “It’ll last you longer than it will me. I’ll be fine.”

“What about the creek? Moving water should be safe.”

Cliff looked around, listening to the sound of rushing water. “It’ll take us a little off-course,” he said, but he was already moving to investigate.

A little was an understatement. But then again, Cliff covered far more distance than Oliver could dream of, and if they wanted to ensure they survived the journey at all, the detour was necessary. Still, Cliff’s long strides were competing with the sound of his labored breathing—something he couldn’t hide while Oliver was held so close to his chest.

“How’s your arm feeling?” Oliver asked.

“Still attached. How about your wings?”

“Hm. They’ve gone from feeling like they’re quickly disintegrating to slowly disintegrating. I’ll take it as a good sign.”

“Sounds like you won’t be needing me soon.”

When they reached the creek, the faintest touch of gray was spilling through the night sky. The dark waters looked less treacherous now that Oliver had a giant with him, but he was appreciative when Cliff set him down on some rocks a safe distance from the rush. Relief was evident in Cliff’s broad shoulders as he pulled out his water bottle and stepped toward the creek.

While Oliver stretched his legs and peered around, a glint caught his eye further down—something that wasn’t rippling like the water.

He might have written off the strange feeling it gave him, if not for the weird smell in the air. Fanning his wings, he took flight. The soreness made him wince, but he took it slow as he wandered a little further upstream.

Oliver wrinkled his nose, then gasped and pulled to a hover when he spotted the source of the stench.

“Oh, ew,” he moaned.

Dawn light reflected off the eye of a deer corpse, which was laying halfway across the creek, bloated and rotting. He stared for another beat, watching the way the water passed through and around the carcass. Then he jolted.

“Cliff!” Oliver croaked. He wheeled around and zipped back the way he came.

The human was lifting the water bottle to his mouth, oblivious to the sound of Oliver’s calls over the sound of the creek. Pushing past the protests of his wings, Oliver closed the distance, putting himself between Cliff’s mouth and the rim of the bottle.

“Don’t!” Oliver shouted.

In his agitation, sparks flew from his hands—some of which jolted Cliff’s lower face. Cliff reeled back and dropped the bottle into the mud, rubbing his cheek where the sparks had hit.

“What the fuck, man?” Cliff boomed, looking at Oliver like he’d lost his mind.

Oliver struggled to right himself in midair from Cliff’s recoil. “C-contaminated,” he wheezed. His flight swung haphazardly left to right in front of the human’s chest. Avoiding an embarrassing sink to the ground, Oliver landed on the branch of a hearty bush and let his wings sag, his lungs burning. “There’s a-a dead deer upstream. The water—it’ll poison you.”

Cliff stared in shock. He looked for himself, seeming to notice the dark mass when his spine stiffened.

“Fuck,” he grunted. “Thank you.” There was something so defeated and pitiful in his voice. His green eyes drifted to the crystalline, rushing water. Mocking them.

“I’m sorry,” Oliver said.

Cliff shrugged, rubbing dirt off his hand before offering his open palm. “Better dehydrated than dead.”

They made it another hour and a half before Cliff had to stop again. This time, he selected a covered space within the steep incline.

“Are you okay?” Oliver asked. Seeing his giant savior so ragged panged him with fresh anxiety. If Cliff died out here, he wouldn’t know where to go. He may as well lie down and die with him.

“We need to rest for a while. It’s still a long way,” Cliff said.

It was little more than a narrow cave, scarcely large enough to fit three adult humans side by side, crouched down. After ensuring there were no poisoning insects or animals nesting inside, Cliff removed his pack and settled on the ground.

“The sun’s coming up soon. It’ll warm up,” Oliver commented, mostly just to have something to say while watching Cliff close his bloodshot eyes and tip his head back against the wall like he could sleep for days.

“Yeah,” Cliff answered. “In a few hours. Sunlight will make it easier to find the route. But it’ll dehydrate us faster.”

“Hm.” Oliver looked out towards the woods: dark and ominously silent. “You’re sure we’re not being followed, right?”

“They got what they wanted for now,” Cliff grunted. “You’re safe.”

Oliver swallowed—no matter how much he swallowed, it didn’t patch his dry throat. The cold wind funneling through only heightened the scratchy sensation. He ran his tongue around his cheeks to try to trick his body into believing he was supplying it with sustenance and swallowed again, anyway.

“You can sleep, you know.” Cliff’s hand rooted to his bent knee.

Oliver shook his head, pulling his knees to his chest. “Not yet.”

Even in his exhaustion, Cliff had the energy to look exasperated with him. “What are you waiting for?”

“What if a fox lives in here? One of us should stay awake and keep watch.” Oliver squinted at the woods.

“You think a fox is going to maul me?”

Pursing his lips, Oliver glanced at Cliff’s height—unable to see all of it. “Okay, okay, maybe not. But still. One of us should watch, just in case anything—or anyone comes. You sleep. It’s only fair.”

Cliff groaned. “You were an exhibit in a menagerie. Fair doesn’t exist.” A frustrated, pensive look clouded his gaze. “Humans have taken enough from you, haven’t they? I’m not taking away your sleep.”

Oliver could speak for hours about what humans had taken away from him, and he was tempted to. Instead, he sighed and traced a finger along a line on Cliff’s palm. “For a human, you really seem to hate humans.”

“Only because most of them suck.”

“True. But… you don’t seem to suck. That much.”

Cliff gave a small, rumbling chuckle and fell silent for a time. After a few minutes, Oliver was certain the human would fall asleep, but his breaths remained uneven, and his eyes wouldn’t seem to close all the way as he gazed at a random spot on the earthen wall.

Just when Oliver was thinking about the hollow pang in his gut, Cliff’s stomach gave a vicious growl. The blood drained from Oliver’s face. With no regard for subtlety, he opened his wings and found a new perch closer to the opening of their shelter. He shivered from more than just the chill when he glanced over his shoulder at Cliff.

“Are you serious?” Cliff said, rolling his eyes. “What happened to me not sucking that much?”

“Hey, desperate times,” Oliver said with a shaky laugh. He pointed at Cliff sternly. “I know I look delicious, but you better not. I’ll be really pissed.”

“Scrawny thing like you? I’d be better off chewing on a handful of twigs.”

Oliver’s jaw dropped indignantly. “Well, you don’t have to be rude about it.”

“It’s just a fact, honestly.” Cliff’s smirk softened. “Hang in there a while longer. Rainie will get you feeling like a king when we make it. She probably already has a stew and some kind of fresh bread started now. As many helpings as you want.”

Cliff closed his eyes and inhaled peacefully, as though he could smell the food from here.

“Is that your girlfriend?” Oliver asked.

Another shake of the head. “She leads the kitchen staff at the safehouse. Rainie’s a five-inch angel.” Cliff smiled, a memory flickering. “She makes the most incredible boysenberry tarts.”

The safehouse. “Wait. You’ll let me stay?” Oliver blurted, eyes wet.

Cliff gave him a soulful look in the darkness—scarcely enough light creeping into the cave to illuminate the fond glimmer that entered his eyes. “There’s a space for you as long as you want it.”

Maybe it was the dehydration or the crippling exhaustion, or the fact that he’d had to kill a man with his bare hands, but Oliver buried a sob into his hands.

“What changed your mind?” Oliver asked.

“I figure, if you had a trick up your sleeve, you’d have shown your hand before being fucking miserable in a cave in the middle of nowhere.” Cliff paused in thought before adding, “I told you, you’re different from a lot of fairies. I'm not used to your folk wanting to be anywhere near me. Even most of the safehouse residents keep me at arm’s length. And here you are, practically jumping into my hands. You’ll forgive me for being cautious.”

Oliver moistened his lips and looked at Cliff—really looked. From this perch, he could finally see all of him. “I think you’re bullshitting a little. The safehouse must be head over heels for you. You’re like, a hero.”

Cliff smiled sadly. “I’m a human.”

“That doesn’t matter!”

“Oliver… You’re just saying that so I won’t eat you.”

“Shut up.” Oliver choked on his laugh and blinked back more tears. “T-Thank you.”

Another silence settled, far more content than the last. For a short, blissful time, Oliver didn’t think about how empty his stomach was or how sore his wings were. But before long, it became impossible to ignore the cold. The sun’s warmth wasn’t moving fast enough, and it didn’t seem to be in a hurry to reach beneath the overcast sky.

Gravel and dirt shifted as Cliff adjusted himself. Oliver figured he was trying to find a more comfortable position, but then Cliff murmured, “Hey.”

Oliver turned and found a palm offered beside him.

“Can I pick you up?” Cliff asked.

“Why?”

“Your lips are turning blue. I’m gonna hold you by my neck for a while.” When Oliver hesitated, Cliff raised his eyebrows, goading. “C’mon, your goal is to get to the safehouse alive, right? You’re not gonna last long in this chill.”

Already feeling the familiar heat radiating from Cliff’s hand, Oliver was in no position to turn him down. He crawled aboard, breath catching as Cliff immediately lifted him higher. He worried for his wings—the last thing he needed was to have them smushed in a tight clutch. As Cliff cupped the hand by his neck, Oliver found himself in a snug—but not uncomfortable—hold.

At least, it wasn’t meant to be uncomfortable. Cliff seemed perfectly at ease handling a body the size of his finger, but Oliver was stiff and awkward as he tried to adjust himself.

“Relax,” Cliff told him. “Feels like you’re getting ready to strike.”

Oliver didn’t think it was possible for Cliff’s voice to have even more reverberation than before, but it was pleasant instead of frightening. Focusing on the warmth around him, Oliver all but melted against Cliff’s neck. He could have fallen asleep, but the more relaxed he became, the guiltier he felt. Once again, Cliff was doing everything to keep them alive, while Oliver could do little but mooch off his exhausted assistance.

The sting spurred him to blurt, “I’m sorry. I… I’m sorry I got us noticed back there. It just—I saw Grady, and… What he did, it still hurts. Even now.”

For a moment, he thought Cliff had fallen asleep. A gusting, sympathetic sigh came out. “You wanted someone to trust. He was supposed to look out for you.”

“He started off by giving me extra food—he didn’t do that with the others. Then he started talking to me like… like I was a person. Eventually, he started letting me out of the enclosure to really stretch my wings when I promised that I wouldn’t fly off.” Oliver pursed his lips. Anger made electricity want to surge to his fingertips; sorrow doused it. He tried to laugh it off, but the sound that came out was pitiful. “I thought he liked me. But, you know? I’m starting to think he chose me because I could keep his phone charged all day.”

“Fuck that guy.” Although Cliff said it with intimidating conviction, his voice sounded pained—weaker than before.

“Fuck me,” Oliver mumbled. “I’m the reason you got shot. You’re really hurt. What if you don’t make it? I’m sor—”

“Shh.” Cliff's hand pulled back slightly. Oliver stayed huddled against his neck while warm fingertips stroked his wings. “I’m gonna make it. We’re both gonna make it, so stop apologizing.” His touch faltered. “That doesn’t hurt, does it?”

“It feels nice,” Oliver mumbled.

Does it? Cyra hissed. Does it feel nice to have another human win you over like this?

Hudson gave a disappointed sigh. Do you ever learn?

Oliver went rigid and peeked behind him, past Cliff’s fingers. He could see his siblings perched by the exit of the shelter, untouched by cold. Untouched by anything.

“What’s wrong?” Cliff said, straightening alertly.

“No, it’s… Nothing’s there. I’m just hearing things.” Oliver ran a hand against Cliff’s neck, as though he could soothe anyone so big. “I know you’re so sure we’re gonna make it, but… Still. In case we do die a horrible, slow death, I want you to know about what happened to my brother and sister. They deserve to have their story told.”

Cliff said nothing, but the way he sat back and slowed his stroking told Oliver that he was listening.

“Cyra was killed when our village was raided,” Oliver said softly. A little chuckle of admiration escaped him. “She was burning off their faces. Seriously, have you ever seen eyeballs melt? She was so cool.” His laughter faded. “A human cornered me. Cyra swooped in, badass as ever, and distracted him long enough for me to escape. But th-then… while she looked away for one moment to make sure I was safe, she was grabbed. I don’t think the human could even see anymore. He just… crushed her. Just like that. I still remember the sound.”

Cliff stopped stroking altogether. There was hesitance to his touch, as though the memory might make Oliver have an aversion to human contact.

“Hudson and I were rounded up and separated. I didn’t have any fight left in me—not when the iron came.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “I have no idea where they took him, but I know things don’t turn out well for healers—especially for ones who say ‘fuck you’ to being forced to heal. And Hudson would never agree to be used. He’s… he’s got to be dead.”

Oliver didn’t realize that tears were leaking out until drops landed on his arm. He drew in one hitched breath and broke down sobbing.

“I-I still hear them and see them,” he croaked. “All the fucking time, like that’s what I get for not fighting harder for them.”

After a pause, Cliff’s hand pressed harder against him—firm, but pleasant. It took a moment to register the motion as a hug. Cliff’s thumb brushed his muddy, matted hair as his hand adjusted around Oliver and he took a shuddering breath.

“Sometimes, everything you have in you isn’t enough,” Cliff said. “That’s the worst fucking thing, but it’s not your fault. I bet they know that.”

Oliver’s eyes drifted toward movement at the entrance of the cave. He could see his brother and sister hovering there again. They looked at him, Their faces were soft, sympathetic, almost pitying as though they could feel his grief just as poignantly.

“Yeah, maybe,” Oliver mumbled.

The heat of Cliff’s body had warmed him sufficiently. No longer shivering, he let his breaths become steady. The deep, gusting breaths of the giant beneath him slowed to match.

As the first golden specks of sunlight filtered in, Oliver closed his eyes.

((Author’s note: We hope you enjoyed the penultimate chapter! Cliff and Oliver trauma-bonding is what keeps me going <3))

[chaotic-amalgamationz]

“Here don’t worry I’ll help you!” I say before teleporting you out of the floor. “Are you alright? What happened? You can call me Finn by the way!” (My version of the fern, any pronouns.)

-🌿anon

*I sit on the thankfully solid floor* “Phew! Thank you for helping me. I thought I wanna going to have to chew off my legs pretty soon. and I’d prefer to not have to clean the mess before Kevan gets home”

*They seem a little timid, but still want to thank you either way.* “I was just walking then I just, I’m not too sure.. fell? What’s your name again? Finn? Wait, how did you get here? Were you always here?”

*I stay sitting on the ground to make sure the circulation gets back to my legs.*

[desert-fern]

What the shit?! 300 people follow me now?!

And because I want to say thank you, I have decided to do a moodboard celebration and a fic rec period because why not hyperfocus on that instead of actually writing?

So yes. You can request a moodboard AND recommend a few amazing fics for me to check out/share in the appreciation of!

This is running from when I post it on Tuesday June 13 (today for me) and it will end on Friday June 16 at 10 pm PST.

Rules for moodboards are super easy!

Give me a:

Character (I am more than happy to do characters from other than Top Gun, but I do have to know who they are first lol)

Theme (cottage core, blue, police officer, etc)

If you want, give me a tone (is this a creepy moodboard or do we want light and fluffy?)

And, I can do pairings too (Phoenix and gf/bf, Roo and gf/bf, etc. Basically you can make it straight or make it gay, it doesn’t matter to me!)

And to recommend/show your appreciation for fics, just give them a big ‘ole shoutout in my asks. We need the positivity and I love being able to spread the love!

All the love to all 300 of you!

Fern 🌿🌿

[sapphicrush-rpg]

I literally made a tumblr again just so I could follow you all and the campaign! I wanna say how much I look forward to all the updates and anything you all pursue in both this campaign and elsewhere!

My question is do you have a post where all the NPC and main characters playlists are? If not I can scroll-no biggy

Hi!!! Thank you so much for following our little campaign!

These are all the playlists that have been shared on tumblr so far, I'll link them all here so you can access them easier! Creators will be @'d for any playlists they made, otherwise it will have a little 🌿 emoji because I made it!

MAIN CHARACTERS PLAYLISTS:

Dawn Juliet "DJ" Park (@lesly-oh)

Keira Flores (@bibinella)

Makenna Laumont (@zephyrzion)

Riley Morrison (@zoe-marson)

Veles Callisto (@asmoltree)

Wet Figs (@zephyrzion)

NPCS

Cream 🌿

Rhys 🌿

Maya 🌿

Ivy 🌿

Hazel 🌿

Cassidy (@zephyrzion)

PAIRING PLAYLISTS

Krema (Keira x Cream) 🌿

To Maya, From DJ (DJ x Maya) (@lesly-oh)

To DJ, From Maya (DJ x Maya) 🌿

DJMaya as felt by @lesly-oh and Fern!

I hope you enjoy them!! Please feel free to let the creators know if you like them hehe

[shinakazami1]

Dear Fernrator, I don't want to be cruel, but have you ever imagined life without Stanley? If he wasn't around (or even dead somehow), do you think you would enjoy life with only yourself or with other ferns?

🌿 Dear mmevicky, unfortunately, you didn't succeed in not being cruel. In fact, I would say you are very cruel by asking the question, even if I know that isn't the case. 🥀I can't even think about that without changing my form.

We had fights, and he had left the Parable a few times but... he returned. He always does. He cannot die and neither of us can leave this place for too long.

I have tried making other stories. I have tried thinking of moving on. But he changed me. He helped me become a better version of myself. I probably wouldn't cry. I would just wait for him to take as much time as he would need.

---

They're both very codependent so separation, while it could maybe make them better, would def at first nearly destroy them :(

[ohtobeleah]

I’m going to say this off anon, because fuck it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with disliking someone’s work. Like I fucking hated The Godfather and as such, I will never watch it again.

Does that mean that the work is bad? No. Does that mean it doesn’t deserve praise from people who do enjoy it? No, absolutely not.

People can like and dislike the stuff you write. I am fully aware that the stuff I write is not for everyone so someone on anon shouldn’t be villainized for not liking a popular writer. Now, if they had said “I routinely send hate messages to *insert writer* for fun and I like the attention” then you can freak out.

But they didn’t. They fully admitted that they don’t interact and try to keep their head down when that writer’s stuff comes around. As is their right because it isn’t something they like.

And. Leave Leah the fuck out of it. She opened up her anons for people to tell secrets that were weighing on them or just little things that they wanted to tell someone. Hell, even I put something in. She isn’t being petty for engaging or for having her own opinions, so sit the fuck down you pretentious motherfucker.

Some of y’all forget that you can dislike shit and be normal about it. I won’t be shy in saying that there are some people here who are absolutely amazing, but their works just aren’t my cup of tea. Does that mean I love them any less? Of course not. I support them in a different way.

Be nice to each other, jeez. Somehow it takes more work to be a cunt than it does to just be nice.

Okay lol I’m done now. Sorry for the long ass message Leah. I love you

- Fern 🌿

This is so spot on. I don’t have much to add to it. I think the actual ask definitely deserves the attention so I’m going to leave it at this:

You can dislike things/people and still be a good person.