#atqh: snippets

[memento-morri-writes]

ooh, hi Alex!! Hmm... what excites me... Let me share with you a little scene that I'm proud of:

“Is something the matter, My Lord?” Fallon asked. He shook his head slightly and smiled at her. “Not at all, Your Majesty.” A Queen beloved by her people. What a foreign concept. He took the flower from her hands and placed it gently behind her ear. “A Queen should display such a gift.” Fallon’s face flushed and she turned away. Hermes stared at her for a moment longer before he reached for her once more. Taking Fallon’s arm, they continued down the street. A few paces later, Fallon turned to face him. “How does Carisfell compare to Villecourt? I have heard that her Upper City is a sight to behold.” Hermes tensed slightly. “The Upper City is the jewel of Oraine,” he replied. While the rest of the city rots below it, he thought. “So I have heard,” Fallon said. “But Carisfell is beautiful. It’s… warm,” he added. “Inviting.” In a way the Empress’s vile court is not. Fallon smiled. “I am glad you think so.” Hermes nodded. “It is very different from Villecourt, but not at all in a bad way.”

I'm really happy with how I worked Hermes's thoughts about his home city/country into this scene. He has very complicated feelings about it, and it was very, very fun to contrast the Empress and Oraine with Fallon and Anvia.

TRICK OR TREAT!! 🎃🦇🧛‍♀️

~Morri (@memento-morri-writes)

Hey Morri! I choose trick. Show me something that excites you @memento-morri-writes !!

[memento-morri-writes]

ATQH Excerpt - Nightmare

(as requested by the lovely @cherrybombfangirlwrites.)

TW: violence, death, unreality

Fallon sat on the throne, arms clutching the arm rests. Around her, the throne room was empty. Outside, everything was dark, and she couldn’t even see the bushes below the windows. The braziers on the wall cast harsh, flickering shadows on the floor.

The door at the end of the room creaked open, scraping slowly across the floor. Two shadowed figures dressed in executioner’s robes entered. Before them, each marched a prisoner, encouraging them along with a dagger held to their back. The door closed behind them with a loud thud.

When they reached the foot of the dias, they stopped, pushing the prisoners roughly to their knees. The executioners lowered their hoods. Fallon’s heart froze. Lavinia. Two identical copies of the woman stood before her, each smiling coldly.

With a flourish, each woman unveiled her prisoner. Fallon’s fear was replaced with panic. Kneeling on the ground before her, wrists bound, eyes pleading, were Nina and Kris. Fallon tried to stand, but found that she could not move. Her muscles strained, but she remained anchored to the throne. “Let them go,” She begged. “Please.”

A low laugh sounded in her ear. “A Queen does not beg, Fallon. I thought I taught you better. Or was that your mother?” Fallon’s heart froze, as if seized by an icy fist. She had not heard his voice in years, had hoped she never would again. “Shall we begin?”

Fallon thrashed, trying desperately to break the invisible bonds that held her. “Please, let them go,” she begged, words tumbling from her lips as she struggled in vain. Before her, the Traitor on her right lifted her dagger. It hung there for a moment, sharp edge gleaming in the candlelight. Then, she brought it down in one swift motion. Fallon screamed, unable to look away as it plunged into Kristopher’s chest.

[memento-morri-writes]

Trick or Treat? 🦇

You get a TREAT!!! Please take a continuation of this treat.

Nora finally seemed to notice the severity in his voice. Her face fell, but she nodded. “My apologies.” An awkward silence fell over the two of them. Kristopher drained the last drops of wine from his glass, while Nora sipped idly on hers. Neither seemed to know quite what to say. Around them, the party continued in full swing. The tapping of heels and the swishing of silk heralded Fallon’s arrival. “Captain, Your Highness, how are you enjoying the festivities?” Her face was flushed and a wide smile spread across her face. She looked happy, perhaps more so that Kristopher had seen her yet. Nora was the first to reply. “The Palace certainly knows how to prepare for a party, Your Majesty.” Fallon’s smile widened. “I’m glad to hear you think so. I feared we’d forgotten how, but it seems that is not the case.” Nora nodded. “It’s a wonderful party.” She lifted her glass towards Fallon. “And the drinks are excellent.” Fallon extended her own glass to tap against the captain’s before turning to Kristopher. “And you, Your Highness? Are you enjoying yourself?” Kristopher nodded, forcing a smile. “Of course, Your Majesty.” Before Fallon had a chance to reply, Nora swooped in, stepping between them. “Your Majesty, it would be an absolute shame if the party were to end before I got a chance to dance with you.” She grabbed Fallon’s empty hand. “May I have this dance?” “Of course, Captain.” “You won’t regret it,” Nora said, smiling widely. She took Fallon by the hand and led her back into the swirling mass of dancers. As they disappeared into the crowd, Kristopher lifted his glass to his lips, only to be reminded that it was empty. “Dammit.”

[memento-morri-writes]

last line tag

I was tagged by @space-writes! Thank you! <3

This isn't quite the last line, but it's a line from the most recent thing I wrote, so here you go:

But even as he thought those things, his fingers pressed down on the keys, and he began to play. Slowly, hesitantly at first, but he quickly gained confidence. For having been left untouched for gods-knows-how-long, the piano's sound was crystal clear, and surprisingly well tuned. Duncan's fingers flew across the keys, and a familiar melody spilled forth. It was one of his personal favorites, a tune his mother had sung to him when he was a child. He found that he could hear her voice in his mind, her soft soprano accompanying the piano in perfect harmony.

I'm going to tag @smol-feralgremlin, @authoralexharvey, @sleepyowlwrites, and @tc-doherty

[memento-morri-writes]

Trick or treat~!

You get a TREAT! 🎃🍬 Take a little snippet from ATQH.

Kristopher leaned against the wall of the ballroom, a glass of wine in his hand. His eyes were glued to Fallon as she glided gracefully across the dance floor on Hermes's arm. The lightness of her movements made it seem like she was floating rather than walking. With a sigh, he took a sip from the glass. It was nearly empty. He lowered it from his lips and glared at it. "Why come to a ball if you're just going to stand in the corner and sulk?" A warm voice piped up. Kristopher looked up, surprised. Nora was standing in front of him, holding a freshly filled glass of wine with a large grin on her face. He scowled at her. "I'm not sulking." "You certainly look like it." "Besides, Fallon invited all of us. I wasn't going to turn down the invitation," He continued, electing to ignore Nora's comment. "Well, you're here, so you might as well enjoy yourself." She gestured at the nearly empty glass in his hand. "Have another glass of wine." A part of Kristopher was eager to agree, but he pushed it down, remembering the promise he'd made to himself. "Thank you, but no." He said, voice tensing. Nora closed the gap between them and deftly plucked the glass from his hands. "Oh, lighten up a little. This is a party!" Kristopher snatched the glass back and glared at her. "I don't need more wine to enjoy myself." Nora laughed. "Perhaps not, but it does make things better." Kristopher grimaced as he remembered some of the previous parties he'd attended. "No, it doesn't," he said firmly. "It just makes things worse."

[memento-morri-writes]

So, 2.5 hours ago (at 2am) I got off call with a friend and was supposed to go to bed. But instead I ended up writing over 1.3k words (that are getting posted for whumpril!!) on a Carrion piece that I started MONTHS ago.

After that I ended up going back and rereading everything I've ever written for ATQH. And damn, it's actually good?? Like, I know I thought it was when I wrote it, but I'm glad it still mostly holds up, even 4 years later. Of course, it's still just a heap of mostly disconnected scenes, but oh well. At least they're not poorly written scenes.

Aaaaand now it's after 4am and I have to be up at 8 for my morning class. I'm going to be so dead tomorrow and/or Saturday. But it will (hopefully) be worth it???

In other news, today's upcoming whumpril scene is my favorite out of all of the ones I have prepped or planned for this month, and I'm really really really excited for you guys to see it. :) It's the backstory of how Carrion got his name, and it's so much FUN! (read: devastating). I'm eager to see your theories on how you guys interpret the scene, because things are not quite as they seem in that snippet. (Yay for unreliable narrators!!)

[memento-morri-writes]

Happy STS! What are your favorite scenes from your WIPs? (and if you would like share some lines <3)

Ooh, thanks for the ask, Anna!! This is a good question and one I love talking about.

The only WIP I've written any sizeable amount of words for is ATQH, and I've talked a lot about my favorite lines and scenes here. I also have a "favorite lines" tag here.

As for non-ATQH WIPs, it's a lot harder to narrow down, since I haven't written any/many of the scenes. But I will say that in general, my favorite scenes are the hurt-comfort (emotional or physical) and whump-adjacent scenes. (What can I say? I just love torturing my characters.)

Usually most of my WIPs have at least two big scenes that fall into that vein, if not sometimes more.

I'm pretty proud of what I have written so far of the prologue of High Fantasy WIP. (Read some snippets from that here and here.) I think my favorite bit from that scene are these lines:

I open my mouth again and this time the soul that comes out does so slowly. It drags slowly up my throat, leaving a bitter residue on my tongue. I spit it at the Lady’s feet, almost gagging on the taste. Monsters always taste terrible, especially the human ones.

The last sentence in particular is one of my favorite things I've written in a long time.

[memento-morri-writes]

writeblr positivity tag

I was tagged by the amazing @space-writes. Thank you, friend!

What motivates you to write?

Really just the desire to be creative and the desire to get my words down on paper. I have a lot of trouble with motivation issues, though, and I don't do nearly as much writing as I'd like to.

2. A line/short snippet of your writing that you are most proud/happy of. If not maybe share a line of someone else’s work you love (just please credit them).

It would probably have to be this line from ATQH (that I never shut up about): Fallon grabbed his wrist and looked him in the eyes. Her own burned with tears and anger, but her voice was steady as she spoke. “Don’t you dare say you aren’t worthy of love. Don’t you dare go wasting yourself like this. You are a good man, Kristopher Pelle, and you’d better damn well act like it.“

3. Which OC makes you smile every time you think/talk about them and what are they like?

As much as I want to say Fallon, it's probably actually Kristopher. He's my beloved self-deprecating, self-loathing prince who finally finds a place where he can be happy, and learns to stop hurting himself. Just thinking about him makes me giddy, and even more so thinking about him and Fallon together.

4. What process of writing do you enjoy the most?

I like developing characters. Coming up with their backstories, their personalities, how their backstories affect their personalities. Since I rarely actually write, developing characters is usually about as far as I get on a regular basis. It's also part of the reason that I like d&d so much, because I can develop dozens of characters. (I actually have 24 character concepts at the moment. Actually 25, including my one Pathfinder OC.)

5. What part of writing do you think you are the best at? (Yes stroke your own ego it’s okay)

People have told me that I'm good at writing emotional descriptions. Which is so funny, because I have basically no empathy, and dealing with "real human emotions" is not a strong suit of mine at all. (Autism things.) But I really do enjoy writing angst, and making it stab you in the heart. Because that's what I like feeling when I read, what I enjoy reading. But yeah, people tell me that's what I'm good at. And that's what I want to be good at!! So that's good!!

6. What is something in the writeblr community is most enjoyable?

The interaction with other people. Seeing people's tags and comments on my writing. That's what I love most.

7. A writing tool/device you use that helps you with writing? (It could be speech to text, a writing program etc)

Oh, I don't know. I'm not a very organized person, and I haven't really written in a long time. I do love Scrivener, though.

8. A piece of worldbuilding that you like in your own story? (It could be the magic system, a particular place in the story, a law etc)

I'm super proud of all the details between Anvia and Oryn in ATQH. It's a lot, and almost none of it will actually show up in the story, but I'm proud of it nonetheless.

9. What piece of advice would you say to encourage others to write if they are having a rough patch?

Hell if I know! I am always in a rough patch and can't seem to get myself out of it, so I have no idea what to say to others.

10. Tag some people whose works you love/have been your biggest supporters

@space-writes @cherrybombfangirlwrites @ink-fireplace-coffee and so many other awesome people!

[memento-morri-writes]

Last Line Tag

I was tagged by @dogmomwrites! Thank you!!

I haven't really been doing a whole lot of actual writing, but I have been doing some exercises in dialogue by writing in a "script" style, so have these lines for Fallon and Lavinia.

[LAVINIA]: Do you know the names of any of them? [FALLON]: It's been years, but let's see if I remember... FALLON starts looking at the sky, pointing out constellations one by one. [FALLON]: There's the Hunter on their horse, and there's the Dagger right above us, and the Crown over there... [LAVINIA]: The Crown... A constellation fit for a queen. LAVINIA reaches out and grabs FALLON's hand. FALLON looks back at her, vaguely surprised, then smiles.

They're stargazing... 🥺

I'm going to no-pressure tag @bloodlessheirbyjacques @inkingfireplace @smol-feralgremlin @andromedaexists

[memento-morri-writes]

Head Up, Seven Up

I was tagged by @andromedaexists. (hi andi!!)

Rules: When you get this, post 7 of your recently written lines.

I actually wrote for the first time in forever, so you get a little treat!! Behold, the first thing I've ever shared of Nina! (Which is tragic, considering how important she is to the story.)

Beside her, Nina moved to match her position. "Keep your feet solidly on the ground," she reminded Fallon. "The last thing you want is to be knocked off-balance." Fallon adjusted her feet, digging them deeper into the ground. Nina nodded approvingly. "Your doing well, Your Majesty, but…" She set down her own sword and came up alongside Fallon, placing her hands on Fallon's wrists, and tilted them gently. "If you let your wrists relax slightly…" Her one hand moved to Fallon's back. "And straighten your back a little…" A shiver ran down Fallon's spine as Nina moved closer to her, adjusting Fallon's posture with gentle prodding. "And stay focused…" Nina's face was mere inches from Fallon's own, and Fallon fought to keep her attention centered on the blade in her hands. "It gets a little easier, doesn't it?"

I'll tag @pinespittinink @blind-the-winds @authoralexharvey (No pressure as always!)

[memento-morri-writes]

A trick? Well, that means you get some lines from ATQH!

Soft voices from the hall. Fallon knew they were talking about her, and strained her ears to hear the words. Shock. Rest. Process. Grieve. All things she had heard countless times after her mother’s death. Old memories mixed with new, and Fallon imagined Lavinia standing over her mother’s body, smiling.

Trick 👻 or treat 🍬!!!

~Morri🗡 (@memento-morri-writes)

Hmm... TRICK FOR YOU ✨🌠👁️👅👁️🌠✨

[memento-morri-writes]

Romantic Snippet Tag

I was tagged by @midnights-call Thank you, Riley!

Rules: Describe the main romance of your WIP in a 1-4 sentence snippet.

Choosing one little snippet to describe all of Fallon and Kristopher's relationship is very, very hard for me to do, but seeing as I never shut up about how their relationship is built on trust, I feel like this is a fitting snippet:

Fallon reached out, gently tracing the scar with her finger. “Thank you.” Kris looked down at her, startled. “What for?” “For trusting me. And for listening.” “Of course.” He smiled, but his eyes were sad.

(Technically that's a little more than 4 sentences, but it's 4 lines, so fuck it.)

I'm going to tag @pinespittinink @zmwrites (Dorian and Tess!!) @akindofmagictoo @vellichor-virgo @andromedaexists and @ghostcasket (no pressure to any of you! <3)

[memento-morri-writes]

Find The Word Tag

I'm jumping on an open tag by @winterandwords, because I missed doing these.

All of these are from All the Queen's Horses.

alone:

The grave she was looking stood alone in the middle of the yard. No others stood alongside it, no family to keep it company. Around it, tufts of grass and the occasional wildflower sprung up from the dirt. The pointed headstone was simple, with only the barest engravings. It came nearly to Fallon’s shoulders, and she rested her hand on the top of it.

alive:

“It is not often that I get a chance to walk in the city without a hoard of guards surrounding me,” she remarked. Around them, shopkeepers and customers hurried about their business, the gentle bustle of everyday life making the place come alive.

allow:

Of course, Kristopher thought. No one wants to be embarrassed by one of their guests. Better to keep them out of sight. Straightening his spine slightly, he said aloud. “Well, I’m not naked, am I?” “N-no.” The guard stepped aside, allowing the Prince to pass. As he walked down the hall, Kristopher realized that this whole routine felt oddly familiar, and not in a pleasant way. Upon reaching the dining hall, he was relieved to find it empty. He ate quickly, eager to be gone before someone came along.

along:

Fallon closed her eyes, drinking in the music. In front of her, the ballroom was full of people dressed in every color of the rainbow. Dancers swirled across the floor in an Orainian waltz, and from their spot along the wall, the band played the lively tune to accompany it. The ball was just as crowded and lively as the last one, but the atmosphere was different.

I'm going to make this an open tag. Anyone who wants to can search for the words life, light, luxury, and learn.

[memento-morri-writes]

Friday Kiss Tag Game

So, I know I said I hadn't written any kisses that I liked, and that I wasn't going to do this tag. Well, apparently I'm a liar. (as if we don't all know that.) I was tagged by the amazing @italiangothicwriteblr (you scene for this was amazing, btw!!)

Rules: Post a kiss between your OCs for Friday. Can be as light as a peck or as intense as a makeout. Can be platonic, romantic, or familial. As long as a kiss occurs, it's fair game!

tw: romance (obviously)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The autumn sun shone brightly overhead, illuminating the last leaves that clung to the branches with all their might.  The ground was littered with their fallen companions, covering the grass in a carpet of yellow and red.

It was this carpet that crunched under Fallon’s feet as she walked between the rows of trees.  The apples had all been harvested, and the branches were bare.  Kristopher walked beside her, the warm sun lighting up his hair.

Fallon cast a sideways glance at the Prince and fought back a smile.  His face was haloed by loose hairs, and there was a light in his eyes.  He looked more relaxed than she had ever seen him.

Without thinking, she reached out, grabbing his hand.  The Prince turned to look at her, surprised.  Fallon looked away, feeling heat rising in her cheeks.  She moved to drop his hand, but the Prince squeezed it gently, securing her hold.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, neither meeting the other’s eyes.  Fallon was keenly aware of Kristopher’s hand around hers, his grip solid yet gentle.  She could feel the calluses on his hands, and wondered how he’d gotten them.  He’d mentioned his love of swordsmanship once.  Had he found a place to practice while in Anvia?

She pictured him standing in front of the garrison, a shining sword in hand.  Fallon shook her head.  Ridiculous.  She was being ridiculous.

At that moment, Kristopher tugged on her hand, pulling her to a stop.  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

“Not at all.”  He smiled gently, and Fallon’s eyes caught once again on the scar on his lip.  The way it stretched to match the curve of his lips.  

She took a half-step closer to him.   “Then what is it?”

He shook his head and glanced away.  “Nothing, it’s just that...”  He swallowed, eyes drifting back to hers.  “You’re beautiful.”

Now it was Fallon’s turn to look away.  Her cheeks flamed and she ducked her head, hoping he couldn’t see.

“It’s true,” Kristopher said, squeezing her hand gently.  With the other he reached up and tilted her head towards him again.  “You, here in this orchard, is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

“Kristopher…”  Fallon began.  

She leaned forwards, and he leaned down, and their lips met.  The kiss was gentle, the softest press of their lips together, but it sent a current of electricity down Fallon’s spine.  Reaching up, she pulled the Prince closer, deepening the kiss.

When they broke apart, Fallon was breathless.  Her cheeks were flushed, and she was surprised to see a matching blush on Kristopher’s face.  

“That,” she said with a nervous laugh, “was amazing.”

[memento-morri-writes]

Last Line Tag

I was tagged by @rodentwrites and lucky for you, I just wrote some stuff today!! So, here you go!! (from ATQH, cause that’s all I can think about most of the time, lmao.)

The music slowed, coming to a stop, and so did the dancers.  People began to move, finding new partners, or leaving in search of a drink.  Kristopher pulled Fallon close, leaning down towards her.  Her cheeks flushed as she remembered the soft press of his lips of hers.  A part of her hoped he would do it again.

EDIT: forgot to tag people, smh.

Tagging: @fiercely-raging-writer @pagesofcursive @mr-writes @akindofmagictoo and making it an open tag!

[memento-morri-writes]

Trick or Treat!!

In exchange for giving me a lovely treat, you also get a lovely treat!

Kristopher nodded, adjusting his fingers on the reins as he spoke. “On the count of three, then. One, tw-“ And suddenly Fallon was flying past him, Alena stepping up into a near gallop. “Your Majesty!” Kris sputtered, kicking Phillip into a gallop behind her. However, even Phillip’s speed was not enough to best Fallon’s head start. She slowed Alena to a stop in the clearing, laughing. “Good girl, Alena. We beat them.” She heard hoof beats as Kristopher and Phillip arrived, less than a minute behind. “Oh look, it appears the boys finally caught up.” The Prince dismounted, scowling. “You cheated,” he said, crossing his arms. “The race was set to begin on three.” Fallon dismounted as well, pulling a treat for Alena from her pocket. “You never said it was to be a fair race,” she said, grinning. “That should have been implied when I said a race!” Kristopher half-shouted. Fallon turned back to Alena to hide her grin. “I suppose I must have misunderstood, then.” She raised a hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter. Kris tethered Phillip to a tree, grumbling as he did so. When he was finished, he turned back to her, composure mostly regained. “Well then, I suppose my preparations have been in vain. There is no point in giving out prizes in an unfair race, is there?” “Prizes? You said nothing of prizes!” Fallon whirled around, but Kris was already disappearing into the clearing. Now it was his turn to hide a grin.