#Author Blog

[gigireece16]

“how do you plot / plan your book?” very bold of you to assume i do that.

[blue-eyed-author]

Writing rule:

Every character who speaks gets their own paragraph. If two characters are talking, each time they switch you must create a new paragraph.

Do not add more than one characters’s dialogue into a single paragraph or it will be too confusing for the reader.

[obsidianpegasus]

Me: I don’t care about statistics page on my ao3—t’s about the joy of writing, not the numbers. Also me: stares at the kudos graph like it's a stock market crash

Sorry stats page. Gone but not forgotten.

[the-ellia-west]

Hello and Welcome!

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About me:

I am a Christian, and a Devoted one!

I am a Minor (High School) So DON'T BE WEIRD

I am a Woman

I am Straight and a Hopeless Romantic, but I'm not looking for a Relationship currently

I am an Author/Writer

Amateur artist, (Started drawing August 2024)

I am a Plotter, and I just recently figured that out!

I love to ramble and listen to rambles!

My MBTI is INFP-T

I live in the USA Midwest but I spell grey with an e

✦ I promise I don't bite! Please interact with me! ✦ Feel free to ask me anything about Writing or my WIPs, I love to help!

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Favorites: Book: John Carter, A Princess of Mars (By Edgar Rice Burroughs) Movie: Narnia, Voyage of the Dawn Treader Artist: Tobymac Song: Sleep in the Storm (Unspoken) Colors: Blood Red, Gold, Lilac Purple, Forest Green Hobbies: Writing, Doodling, Rambling Food: Eggs, Grapes, Noodles, Specifically Spaghetti, and Pork lo-mein Drink: Taro Milk tea & Cherry Italian Soda Characters: Haymitch, Zuko, Knuckles, Eustace, Darth Maul, Gummigoo, Hunter, Doey, Yarnaby Tropes: Magnificent Bastards, True Kings, Romantic Subplots, Grumpy Mentors, Darkest Hours, Redemption arcs, & Happy Endings Current Interests: Sonic, The Owl House, TADC, ATLA, Fool's Gold, PPT ch4

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I Post about:

Any of my Interests

Talking with and Supporting Friends

My Life and Feelings

My WIPS! (Usually Characters but sometimes Plot & Actual Writing) -[See Below]

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My Wips!

Just Click on the Titles for more info! (Masterposts Coming soon) QNA OPEN - PLEASE ASK ABOUT MY OCS

Jest of Royalty -JoR- Genre - High Fantasy Action Drama Type - Webcomic Theme - Anyone can be redeemed if They have the Remorse and are willing to put in the work Description - A Young Farm boy named Ronan Breaks the Magical Staff of a god, and embarks on a Vengeful quest to get them back, Finding a new family along the way and learning the true meaning of mercy and love

Fallen Genre - Romance Fantasy Type - Written Theme - Nothing said, done, or changed, Can Make a Person unworthy of love Description - In a World where name means everything, a Noblewoman named Adémiah runs away from home and meets a Criminal called Dyn who saves her life several times, and through a dangerous journey they learn to love one another, with the help of a Traveller called Bard

Chomik Genre - High-Fantasy Comedy Type - Comic Theme - None Description - Young Hero, Kaezal, is yoinked into a quest for knowledge by a researcher, Akea, and they come across a variety of different Foes and Reoccurring Villains

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Tags:

#Ellia scribbles - My Drawings, doodles, & art practice

#Ellia's rambling - My incoherent Ramblings about the stuff I love

#Ghost-stories - My Actual Writing

#Tea and trinkets - Yapping with my Friends

#Quill-and-ink - My Poetry

#Haunting box - Any asks

#Ellia's dollhouse - My Real Life

#Ellia's dolls - My Hyperfixations/interests

#Fallen wip - Anything important Fallen-related

#Chomik work - Anything Chomik-related

#Ellia's jor - Anything JoR-related

#JoR memes - Memes and random funny stuff

#JoR family - Character info, Team Dynamics, conversations, ect.

#JoR psychology - We dive into the minds of the Characters

#JoR characters - Stuff about individual characters

#JoR vital - Things I may need for later/important stuff

#JoR building - Worldbuilding

#JoR story - The Plot

#JoR snippets - Scenes, Writing, ect.

#JoR thoughts - My ramblings about the WIP

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My Moots:

@thewritingautisticat @yolbert @vyuntspakhkite-l-darling @lunaeuphternal @an-indecisive-nerd

@homelessnerd @thebookishkiwi @write-with-will @pastellbg @i-do-anything-but-write

@darkandstormydolls @supercimi @blargh-500 @sunflowerrosy @corinneglass

@carb0n-m0n0xid3 @tiredpapergirl @vesanal @fourwingedsnake @ellowynthenotking

@busybussinbee @the-letterbox-archives @harleyacoincidence @cosmolumine @urnumber1star

@thecrazyalchemist @i-hate-happy-endings @stars-forever @fantastictrashpolice @blue-kyber

@artsandstoriesandstuff @rivenantiqnerd @cybercelestian @aalinaaaaaa @agirlandherquill

@smudged-red-ink @clever-naming-convention @carb0n-m0n0xide @theweirdbox123 @seastarblue

Farewell, and have a good day Loves!

[eight-littlenightmares]

when i’ve written about 1,400 words, but my word counter says i’ve only written 382..

[phoenixofthegreenwood]

Character Name Ideas

I know people sometimes struggle to come up with character names, so here are some tips for coming up with them!

Year they were born:

If your story is set in the real world, then you could give them a name from the year they were born (Roughly). So for example, if your story is set in the modern day, and your character is 23 years old, give them a name that was popular in 2002. Similarly, if your story is set in the 1800s, used names popular in that time period! Lots of different websites can give you popular baby names based on year and region.

Region/Country they are from:

Speaking of region, that could also be an excellent way to gain character names inspiration! If your character is from Japan for example, look up Japanese names! From Ancient Rome? Give them Roman names! Are there parents a mix raced couple? Give them a first name from one region, and a middle or surname from there other parents region! This technique can be paired well with the previous technique too!

Use name with meaning:

This is probably very common advice, but I decided to mention it regardless. All names from any language and culture have meanings, so use that! If your character has connection to water or the ocean, look for names with meanings connected to water. Is your character very brave or noble? Use names that mean bold or courageous. This could even help hint at story elements like character arcs and foreshadowing. Is your character the twist villain of your story? Give them a name that means villainous or cunning. You can really have fun with this!

Mix words from other words:

This one is a little weird, but it can sometimes work really well. Especially if you’re writing in a fantasy or sci-fi setting and want your characters to have unique sounding names. What you do is take two or three words (can be from whatever language) and take elements of those words and squish them together to make a name. The words can have similar meanings that represent that character, or could be from a specific culture that the character is inspired by. An example of this could be taking the words Darkness, Redemption & Sanque (Italian word for blood), and make the name Demarksan. Coming from Ark from Darkness, Dem from Redemption & San from Sanque.

Have naming themes:

Naming themes can be a good way to name multiple characters and have them all feel consistent, especially if the naming theme go to specific families. For example, in one of my WIP’s, all the royals are named after flowers. Names like Rose and Lily. It sounds simple, but it can help name a a big bulk of characters if you have a huge cast.

Uses your name and origin as inspiration:

If you’re unsure where to start with things to use as inspiration, use yourself! If you are of a specific nationality, give your characters name from your culture. If your name has a meaning you like, use that meaning! This can be especially good when you first start making your characters, and when they’re in the early stages of development. You can even mix different elements of yourself to make something truly unique! A good example of this would be my DnD character, Bladsen. His name comes from the word Blad, meaning leaf in Danish (Since I’m partially Danish). And sen, a part of my surname.

Final notes:

These are just a couple of techniques I personally use when naming characters, so feel free to use them as well if you find them helpful! And remember to have fun when naming characters. If you don’t like naming characters, then you don’t have to have an in-depth reason to name a character something. It can be purely vibes, and that’s totally fine!

[wh1spic]

the ao3 writers curse has struck once again.

in other news, im writing my next fic from my hospital bed.

[katmajik]

J.K. Rowling, once-beloved children’s author turned incomprehensible embarrassment whose cruelty is so caricatured she sounds like Mean Girl #2 in a Disney Channel Original Movie, has decided she doesn’t like asexual people either.

As an out and proud demisexual, here are my thoughts on that:

[lessergods-official]

then you maladaptive daydream instead of writing

[thegambitgazette]

Fear: Using Stoicism to Shape Characters

WC: 2,730

Introduction

Like many people, I suffer from severe panic and anxiety attacks. My heart races at what feels like a thousand beats per minute, I get a cold sweat, and my thoughts do not have a filter. The latter of which, I find the most dangerous and disturbing, especially when said attacks get triggered by something so small or nothing at all.

A lot of the time, they boil down to not feeling safe. I feel like I’m vulnerable, that the worst things that happened to me will happen again tenfold, or I’ve become the worst person in existence. Fear, as a lot of us know, can have us assume the worst.

I’m still working on managing my fear, if it can be managed at all, but a lot of what I’ve been practicing is essentially Stoicism. Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, often highlighted that it is not events themselves that disturb people, but rather their judgments about those events. One famous quote attributed to Epictetus that reflects this idea is: “People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.”

This sentiment suggests that fear and other negative emotions stem not from objective reality but from our interpretations and perceptions of reality.

I thought, “What a wonderful way to get to know our characters!” Not only do we have to have a grasp on the world around them, we have to understand the extent of how they perceive said reality and how it leads to their own fears as well as their ambitions, passions, hate, love, etc.

Amor Fati

One of my favorite phrases is “amor fati.” It’s what helped me most in navigating my own fears and, as a result, writing some ways in which my characters handle theirs.

The idea of “amor fati” is closely associated with philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, even though they didn't use those exact words. However, it was Nietzsche who made it a key part of his philosophy. He believed that true greatness comes from embracing fate and wanting nothing to change, not in the past, present, or future. In simple terms, it means loving and accepting everything that happens, rather than just enduring it.

When considering the relationship between “amor fati” and fear, several key points emerge:

Acceptance of the Uncontrollable: Fear often arises from the unknown or from circumstances beyond our control. “Amor fati” encourages individuals to relinquish their resistance to such uncertainties and to accept that life is inherently unpredictable. By embracing fate, individuals can find solace in the realization that some things are simply beyond their power to change or influence.

Facing Adversity with Resilience: Rather than viewing challenges as threats to be avoided or overcome, individuals can approach them with a sense of equanimity and resilience. Instead of succumbing to fear or anxiety in the face of challenges, one can choose to see them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By embracing adversity as an integral part of life’s journey, individuals can cultivate the strength and fortitude necessary to navigate difficult times with grace and composure.

Gratitude for All Experiences: Fear often stems from a sense of insecurity or dissatisfaction with one’s circumstances. “Amor fati” cultivates gratitude for all experiences, both positive and negative, recognizing that each contributes to the richness and depth of life. By embracing fate with gratitude and appreciation, individuals can mitigate the fear of the unknown and find peace and contentment in the present moment.

This idea is what helps form a “baseline” for my way of thinking and perceiving fear, which is what many people, fictional characters included, tend to mix up.

You don’t need to adopt the same mantra, of course, but I believe that having this Ground 0 in your own personal philosophy will add further depth and characterization in writing. It provides a deeper perspective on why your characters think the same or why they may deviate.

Distinction Between Events and Perceptions

Let’s go back to what Epictetus said: “People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.” Stoicism teaches that events themselves are neutral; it is our interpretation of those events that shapes our emotional responses. This concept is often referred to as “cognitive appraisal” or “judgment” in Stoic philosophy.

In practical terms, this means that two individuals may encounter the same external circumstance, yet react to it in vastly different ways based on their subjective interpretations. For example, consider a person who loses their job unexpectedly. While one individual may perceive this event as a devastating blow to their self-worth and security, another may view it as an opportunity for growth and new possibilities. The event itself—the loss of a job—remains the same, but the emotional response varies depending on the individual's perception of the situation.

Epictetus’s insight invites us to reflect on the role of our perceptions in shaping our emotional experiences. It suggests that our judgments, beliefs, and attitudes about the events we encounter play a crucial role in determining how we feel and behave in response to those events. By recognizing this distinction between events and perceptions, individuals can gain greater agency over their emotional lives.

Moreover, understanding this distinction empowers individuals to practice what Epictetus called the “dichotomy of control”—the Stoic principle of focusing only on what is within our power to control, namely our thoughts, attitudes, and responses, rather than becoming consumed by external circumstances beyond our control. By directing our attention inward and cultivating a mindset of resilience and rationality, we can navigate life's challenges with greater equanimity and inner peace.

Applying this to character development, particularly in relation to crafting a character’s fears, can add depth and complexity to the character.

Understanding the Character’s Perception of Fearful Events:

Explore how the character interprets and perceives the events or situations that evoke fear. What underlying beliefs, past experiences, or personal values shape their perception of these events?

Consider whether the character’s fear is rooted in the objective reality of the situation or in their subjective interpretation of it. For example, is their fear based on genuine physical danger, or is it driven by irrational beliefs or past traumas?

Revealing Character Traits and Beliefs:

A character’s response to fear can provide insight into their personality, values, and beliefs. For instance, do they confront their fears head-on with courage and resilience, or do they succumb to anxiety and avoidance?

Consider how the character’s fear reflects broader themes or conflicts in the story. For example, does their fear stem from a desire for control, a fear of vulnerability, or a struggle with existential questions?

External Manifestations of Fear:

Consider how the character’s perception of fear manifests in their actions, behaviors, and interactions with others. Do they exhibit outward signs of fear, such as trembling or avoidance, or do they mask their fears behind a facade of bravado?

Pay attention to how the character’s response to fear influences their relationships with other characters. For example, do they push others away in an attempt to protect themselves, or do they seek support and connection during times of fear and uncertainty?

Symbolism and Subtext:

Use the character’s fears as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes and subtext within the story. What do their fears symbolize in terms of larger narrative themes or character arcs?

Consider how the character’s perception of fear parallels or contrasts with other characters in the story, providing opportunities for reflection and exploration of different perspectives.

“Personal Truths” Are Not Necessarily Lawful

No matter how much a character is afraid of something, there is a line to be drawn on how valid that fear is when justifying a character’s actions and self-proclaimed motives. A person can say that they are afraid of someone else and that they are acting to protect others, but does that truly evade them from the law? In other words, a Villain can be completely convinced that what they are doing is noble and right, or that it stems from their own trauma, but, at the end of the day, they’re a murderous liar.

For example, in George Orwell's allegorical novel Animal Farm, Napoleon is a Berkshire boar who emerges as one of the leaders of the animal revolution against the human farmer, Mr. Jones. Initially, Napoleon is portrayed as a strategic thinker and persuasive speaker, working alongside Snowball, another pig, to rally the other animals and establish the principles of Animalism, which advocate for equality and freedom from human oppression.

As the story progresses, Napoleon’s character undergoes a transformation fueled by his ambitions for power and control.

Napoleon’s fear of losing control over the farm drives many of his actions. He becomes increasingly paranoid about potential threats to his authority, particularly from Snowball, whom he views as a rival. This fear prompts him to manipulate and eliminate anyone who opposes him, including orchestrating the expulsion of Snowball from the farm and later falsely accusing him of being a traitor.

He also utilizes propaganda and manipulation to maintain his grip on power. He gradually assumes control over the farm’s decision-making processes, consolidating power in his own hands and using fear tactics to suppress dissent among the other animals. For example, he employs the threat of the mysterious “Jones” returning to instill fear and obedience among the animals.

Napoleon’s lust for power leads him to betray the principles of Animalism that he once espoused. He progressively becomes more authoritarian and exploitative, engaging in corrupt practices such as trading with humans and altering the Seven Commandments to justify his actions. Despite initially advocating for equality, Napoleon begins to live a life of luxury while the other animals toil and suffer.

As his regime becomes more entrenched, he resorts to violence and oppression to maintain control. He establishes a reign of terror, using his loyal enforcers, the ferocious dogs he raised since they were puppies, to suppress dissent and punish any animal perceived as disloyal. Under his rule, the farm descends into a state of fear and tyranny, with Napoleon ruling with an iron fist.

Napoleon’s character serves as a symbol of totalitarianism and the corrupting influence of power. His transformation from a revolutionary leader to a despotic dictator mirrors the rise of real-life totalitarian rulers who exploit fear and propaganda to consolidate power and suppress dissent. There is not one moment of self-reflection, of him questioning that, perhaps, his fears are unfounded or his “personal truths” are not true at all.

Playing With Reality

Now, how can you utilize fear in order to create a character with as much depth and reflection (or lack thereof) like Napoleon?

Exaggerating a character’s fear involves manipulating elements of reality within the narrative to heighten the character’s sense of paranoia, insecurity, and authoritarianism.

Distorted Perceptions: Employ literary devices such as unreliable narration or distorted perspectives to amplify the character’s fears. By presenting events through the lens of the character’s paranoia, the narrative can create a sense of heightened tension and uncertainty. For example, descriptions of seemingly innocuous occurrences may be exaggerated or imbued with sinister undertones to reflect the character’s heightened state of fear.

Symbolism and Imagery: Symbolic imagery can be used to represent the character’s fears in a heightened and exaggerated manner. For instance, recurring symbols of oppression, surveillance, or impending doom can serve as visual metaphors for the character’s anxieties and insecurities. These symbols can be woven throughout the narrative to reinforce the character’s sense of paranoia and isolation.

Surreal Elements: Introducing surreal or fantastical elements into the narrative can create a sense of disorientation and unease, effectively amplifying the character's fear. By blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy, the author can evoke a sense of psychological instability and existential dread. Surreal imagery, dream sequences, or hallucinatory experiences can all contribute to the character’s sense of dislocation and terror.

Manipulation of Time and Space: Playing with the conventions of time and space can further exaggerate the character’s fear and disorientation. Flashbacks, flash-forwards, or nonlinear storytelling techniques can create a sense of temporal dislocation, mirroring the character’s fractured mental state. Similarly, disorienting shifts in perspective or setting can contribute to the character's sense of being trapped or pursued by unseen forces.

Atmospheric Detailing: Careful attention to atmospheric detail can help to create a sense of oppressive dread and foreboding. Descriptions of the environment—such as gloomy weather, claustrophobic settings, or unsettling ambient sounds—can evoke a palpable sense of unease, intensifying the character's fear and paranoia.

Character Interaction and Dialogue: Dialogue and interaction with other characters can be used to reinforce the character’s fears and insecurities. Conversations may be laced with veiled threats, double entendres, or gaslighting tactics, leaving the character uncertain of whom to trust. Manipulative or menacing exchanges can heighten the character's sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Did anyone else get a little uneasy imagining all of that? I’d go rather mad if I had all of that happening to me, too. Now, what about the good guys? They are afraid of things, too, right?

Of course they are, and you can utilize the above methods for your heroes, as well! There might just be a little bit of extra work involved in ensuring that they don’t spiral into the villain role.

Establish Strong Moral Compass: From the outset, establish the hero’s core values and moral compass. Make it clear what principles guide their actions and decisions. This foundation will serve as a guiding light, helping to anchor the character and prevent them from straying into villainous territory.

Empathy and Compassion: Ensure that the hero retains their empathy and compassion towards others, even in the face of fear and adversity. By prioritizing the well-being of others and demonstrating empathy towards those in need, the hero reaffirms their commitment to noble ideals and reinforces their heroic identity.

Positive Support Systems: Surround the hero with positive support systems, including allies, mentors, and friends who can offer guidance, encouragement, and moral support. These relationships serve as anchors, providing the hero with strength and stability during moments of doubt and fear.

Consequences of Actions: Highlight the consequences of the hero’s actions and choices, emphasizing the impact they have on others and the world around them. By holding the hero accountable for their decisions and their effects, the narrative reinforces the importance of ethical behavior and reinforces their heroic identity.

Redemption and Forgiveness: If the hero does succumb to fear or makes mistakes along the way, provide opportunities for redemption and forgiveness. Allow the hero to acknowledge their faults, learn from their experiences, and strive to make amends. This narrative arc reinforces the hero’s humanity and resilience, emphasizing the possibility of growth and redemption.

Thematic Resonance: Ensure that the hero’s journey is thematically consistent and resonant, emphasizing themes of hope, courage, and resilience. By grounding the narrative in these overarching themes, the hero’s actions remain aligned with their fundamental nature, reinforcing their heroic identity and preventing them from veering into villainous territory.

Conclusion

Fear is a powerful and universal human experience that can shape both individuals and characters in profound ways. Drawing upon Stoic philosophy, particularly the concepts of “amor fati” and the distinction between events and perceptions, can provide valuable insights into understanding and managing fear. By exploring how characters perceive and respond to fear, writers can create nuanced and compelling portrayals that add depth and complexity to their stories.

“Amor fati,” or love of fate, encourages individuals to embrace and accept all aspects of their lives, including the uncertainties and challenges that provoke fear. By adopting an attitude of gratitude and acceptance towards fate, characters can navigate fear with resilience and courage, transforming adversity into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Furthermore, understanding the distinction between events and perceptions allows writers to delve into the subjective nature of fear, exploring how characters’ interpretations and judgments shape their emotional experiences. By depicting characters’ fears as rooted in their perceptions of reality, writers can add layers of complexity to their motivations and behaviors, enhancing the depth and authenticity of their characterization.

While fear can drive characters to make choices that lead them down dark paths, it is ultimately their moral compass, empathy, and support systems that determine whether they remain heroes or succumb to villainy. By emphasizing themes of redemption, forgiveness, and growth, writers can ensure that even in the face of fear, their characters' journeys ultimately lead to strength, resilience, and self-discovery.

[wolveria]

I feel like I missed something, is The Raven's Hymn completed to your satisfaction, or was it cut short due to other projects taking precedence? I felt like it was a great ending, although the asks kind of makes me feel like that's not where you originally planned to end it!

Yes and no. I felt it was best to stop where I did because, starting this summer, I'll be editing my debut novel scheduled to publish next year. And this fall/winter, I'll be continuing and finishing up other novels.

So that's the reason you're seeing me squeeze out so many fics now. I want to wrap up some of my unfinished fan works, because I don't know when I'll be able to return to it. Original writing is hard, and it takes up a lot of space in my head.

But fanfiction is also a way for me to rest and recharge, so I'm sure I'll be able to update a few things here and there :) Thank you for asking!

My author blog (if you're curious and want to keep up to date): @leeyring

[blue-eyed-author]

Dear fellow writers,

‘Said’ is beautiful. Please use it more. It isn’t anything to be feared of hated. It’s not boring or overused. It makes all the other dialogue tags more special when they’re used on occasion.

‘Said’ makes your writing less cluttered. It can be a simple way of reminding the reader who is talking without bombarding them with synonyms.

“Use it along with action to make it more interesting,” she said, picking up her pencil.

He smirked, and said, “Or with expressions and body language.”

“Or,” she said, “just as a quick reminder of who is talking.”

“And if you know who is talking, a dialogue isn’t always necessary.”

Of course you can use other dialogue tags, but please don’t exclude ‘said’. It’s heartbroken from being ignored.

‘Said’ is beautiful.

[laikacore]

Town Ghosts is available in print now!!!!! I can't BELIEVE I'm holding a physical copy of my book (my favorite one I've written so far, too)! This is a childhood dream come true. I've done so much and come so far to get to experience this, and I'm so grateful for the support from everyone that I've gotten along the way. If you want to get to hold your very own copy of Town Ghosts, it is available on Amazon (link on my website), but it would make me much happier if you asked your local bookstores to carry it. The next part of my childhood dream includes going to a bookstore and pointing my book out on a shelf, so, let's get us there!!

[echoes-experiment]

Welcome to The Prompt Experiment

Hi there, I'm Echo Lyn, the main author of the blog. My pronouns are he/they/she, and I'm a genderqueer alterhuman with an interest in using Generative AI correctly.

This blog is a space for me to explore what it means to write with generative AI, not just using it. Every story here began with a prompt—an idea sparked by ChatGPT—but the heart of the writing is still mine. I want to better understand how tools like this can support creativity without overshadowing it. That means being transparent about where AI helped, where it didn’t, and what I learned in the process.

Think of this space as a creative sandbox: part storytelling, part experiment. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or just along for the ride, I hope you find something here that sparks your own ideas.

Anyone can take part in The Prompt Experiment! The only rule is that you do the writing, NOT the AI. Just use the the tag #The Prompt Experiment so I can see it!

[the-ellia-west]

Raavas 2/3 - Clipped Wings and Worries

This one's a bit... fun (Just know every character has reasons for what is said and done in these scenes)

Enjoy! (Hopefully)

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Raavas hissed a breath through his teeth as he swept the sword through the air, spinning the blade into complex parries, bouncing on his toes. He leveled his breaths as he finished and glanced over at his mentor. 

Evellias nodded and Raavas bowed in return. “How did I do?”

"Good. You've been practicing, I see."

"I learned for the best!" The Harpy smirked at the older human. "Speaking of which, where is Aery?”

Evellias scoffed lightheartedly. “Ha! I see how it is!”

“Wanna spar, old man?"

"Only if you're prepared to lose, buddy."

"Nah, I could beat you any day.”

"Only in your dreams!" Evellias grabbed two training swords and offered one to his apprentice.

The harpy took the sword and spun it to point at Evellias' chest. His mentor's blade knocked it to the side. The two circled one another before both lunged simultaneously and a ferocious fight for skill and ego kicked into high gear.

"Well, well, I thought you said you could keep yourselves under control, sir. Why are you fighting our only hope of a peaceful world?"

Raavas startled, and Evellias pressed the wooden weapon to his throat. "Haha. Very funny Aery."

"Careful, the old man is a bit fragile, don’t go too hard on him.”

"Don't make me hit you with this sword." Evellias laughed and lowered the weapon. "Though seriously, keep your attention on the fight. That could get you killed.

"Yes, Dad. Will do." Raavas saluted and tossed the training sword to Aery.

"I'm glad you're respecting your elders, Raav, it's a good trait to have."

Raavas smiled, ruffling his wings as he trotted over to hug him. "Thanks Aery, I've always had an affinity for collecting fossils."

The guard stifled a chuckle.

"I'm going to kick both of you out of my house."

"Did you take your dementia medicine, Dad? Remember who I am still?”

"I'm fifty-nine!"

"Practically petrified." Aery waved a hand.

"Whatever.” Evellias rolled his eyes. “There's no reasoning with you two.”

Raavas snickered and Aery elbowed him in the ribs playfully. 

“Aery, We're glad you finished your mission. And Raavas, I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad." 

"You're very welcome. Now I need a moment to speak to Aery alone. Is that alright with you?"

"Yes, Dad. May I go get something to eat?" 

"If you'd like. Just keep in mind what I told you.”

Raavas watched the adults as they glanced at one another, creeping up to the door a minute after it closed, counting the seconds under his breath.

"So, how's he doing? Seems like it’s not too bad.”

Evellias sighed, "Well enough. If he keeps going like this, he could be a good warrior. We just have to make sure we do everything right, and we might avoid another incident.”

"Might isn't good, Vell. We need certainty that he's not going to kill us.”

"Aery."

"Vell. I love him as much as you do. He's just as much my Nephew as he is your son, but you can't deny what he is. I can't deny what he is."

Raavas froze as he finally connected they were talking about him. He wrapped his wings around himself, questions racing through his mind as a tense silence stretched the air.

“He’s dangerous.”

"I... we just need to work harder. Be more careful.”

“We can't keep his wings clipped forever. Eventually, he’s going to start wanting something we can’t give him.”

"Then we find an alternative. He's been fine on bread and fish for now.”

"He's a Harpy, Vell. We can't lay on prayers and expect them to hold us. I love him. I do. But he's not human. He's an animal. A highly intelligent one, but he relies on instinct and senses. We can't trust hope."

Raavas' tension all melted as pure horror, recognition, and grief finally registered at the words. Tears stung in his eyes, but he shook his head. No. Raavas, calm down. Don’t do anything stupid. 

"We need to trust him, Aery.”

"We can trust him to try. We don't know if he can. Face it. We need a plan."

Raavas' clawed hands balled into fists and shook as he leaned heavily against the door, desperately choking back tears and praying.

“Vell, listen to me. We need to protect people. You need to prepare for the fact that one day if something goes wrong, you may be required to kill him.”

A short silence accompanied the revelation before Evellias spoke again, this time too quiet for Raavas to hear.

The harpy strained to hear the conversation, silent tears blurring his vision and a burning dread sinking in his stomach.

A loud sound slammed through the room as if someone had thrown something against the table. “That’s not good enough Vell! You know what…” Aery trailed off, seemingly distraught. 

“We’d need to restrain him.” 

Footsteps accompanied another pause. “Evellias…”

“And if worse comes to worse… We shoot him.”

Raavas stopped altogether and reeled back, stumbling to his feet as he trembled, the words tumbling over and over in his head. He pressed his back against the railing, hyperventilating.

The door creaked open and both warriors froze in their tracks as they noticed the wide-eyed young adult. His panic turned to hysteria as he noticed them, terrified laughter shaking his whole body. “D-Dad?”

“Raavas! Hold on. What did you hear? We didn’t-” The Harpy flinched from his mentor’s touch. His eyes met theirs, tears staining his cheeks.

And he fled.

If you read it and enjoyed, please comment so I know who read it!

Part 1 |Part 2 (here)| Part 3 | Part 3.5

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