#juliana dawnborn

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

I Wish I Could Draw So I Could See My OC Pairings in This Pose!

Juliana x Finn (DnD), Cassandra x Damien (Marvel/MCU), Maul x Jayna (The Clone Wars), Bodhi x Sera (Rogue One), Liz x Hawkeye (M*A*S*H), Dream x Dawn (The Sandman)

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Send Me Some Juliana and Finn Prompts/Asks!

Yes I know OC pairings are a hard sell on this app, but the brain rot is too real right now. Please?! Any and all questions/prompts/requests are welcome.

Fall of Ti’Doris (D&D) Masterlist

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Strange Things Can Happen

OC x OC, Fluff, Light Angst, Self-Doubt, Character Study

Summary: Juliana comes to understand how little she knows about the world and her companion. Turns out, it's not always a bad thing.

Tagging: @flapjacques, @ghostface001, @arcanerazil, and @everything-intertwined (Let me know if you don’t want to be tagged in the future. Totally understandable if you don’t)

For reference

A/N: I'm sorry, this really is all by brain can focus on. Please indulge me a little while longer.

Word count: 1.8K

Juliana took a careful sip of her drink as she watched Finn make his rounds about the room. 

He had finished his set and as per usual took the time to scrounge any extra coin he could from the patrons.  This took the form of charming smiles, flirtatious winks and occasionally lending an ear to anybody who cared to bend it. He was currently engaged in the latter, listening intently to an older man while occasionally scribbling something down in his journal. 

In these moments she couldn’t help but admire him. There was no performance when he wrote. Every glance and laugh was genuine as his face lit up with inspiration. It was endearing. 

The two men seemed to be finishing their conversation, the older shaking hands with the younger, parting with words she couldn’t make out.  

“Productive day?” she asked, as Finn finally made his way to their table. 

He met her with a grin. “I’d say so.” He nodded back to the bar. “Apparently he was stationed all the way to the Isles of Remora during the war. He swears up and down he spent an afternoon with a dragon after getting separated from his battalion. The way he tells it, the dragon was the perfect host, just wanted some company.”

She suppressed a smile of her own. She had been asking about the money. Of course, he was thinking about the stories.

“Should I leave you two alone then?” she asked, glancing down at the journal.  

“Jealous?” 

She gave a short laugh. “Hardly. I just hate to be a third wheel.”

“Not to worry my lady, I’m all yours for the remainder of the evening.” He then slid in beside her, tucking the journal away as he did. 

She slid over his drink in turn, each of them taking a swig as she allowed her eyes to wander the tiny inn. 

Snow drifted down past the windows, illuminated by the firelight within.  They were deep in the mountains now, slowly making their way towards Ak’Linas for no reason other than that neither of them had seen it before. 

They had decided to travel by foot rather than by airship. She had to admit there was no other way to truly appreciate the stark beauty of the East; however, the novelty of snow had run its course. She was more than grateful to have a warm room for the night with a proper bed and blankets. With any luck Finn had made enough for them to find another tomorrow.

She turned her gaze towards him, only to find him staring off into space. It was a familiar expression. No doubt the man’s story had sparked the beginnings of some new creation. 

“If you do need some time alone, I really don’t mind,” she offered. 

He blinked back to present, his dark eyes creasing in an appreciative smile. 

“Just organizing my thoughts,” he assured. 

“You think he was telling the truth?”

He considered a moment before shrugging. “No way to know for certain, but stranger things have happened. Speaking for myself, I’d like to think we live in a world where it did.”

She couldn’t bring herself to argue. Finn had shared with her a number of stories he had gathered over the years. Pages upon pages describing awe inspiring bravery and mundane serenity while never shying away from the horrors of the world. It was enough to make one believe in the gods and despise in the course of a paragraph. Despite this, he always found a way to find something hopeful to hold onto. In his world, at least, a friendly dragon could easily find a home. 

​“Do all soldiers carry such tall tales?” she asked.

“Most of them,” he admitted. “Growing up, the sailor’s quarter was full of men drafted into the King’s war. Those who came back had to find a way to understand what happened to them. Telling stories was part of it.”

She didn’t have anything to say to that. Maybe it was different for foot soldiers. Her own father rarely spoke of the war. Even her uncle kept a tight lip about those years. Of course, neither of them spoke to her about anything truly important. 

“Is that how you started writing?” she asked, instead. 

“More or less. Seemed wrong that only some court-hired historian got to dictate the nobles’ victories. It’s not like they were actually there.”

Her brows furrowed as her lips pressed into a hard line.  “Plenty of lords served on the battlefields, not to mention the king.” 

​He scoffed. “Maybe a few, but just as many were ready to sit back and point soldiers to where they wanted something killed. Who’s going to argue with a lord over credit when you’re just thankful to have all your limbs at the end of it.”

​She wanted to argue but felt herself come up short. She didn’t exactly have authority on the matter. What she learned about the war, she learned from her father and other lords who served under him; all exactly the type of people who would be willing to diminish the effort of their troops to uplift their own importance.

​She must have been silent for a long time, as Finn gave an awkward cough.

​“Sorry,” he said. “I sometimes forget who I’m talking to.”

​She shook her head. “All the more reason to tell me. I think I’m starting to understand how little I actually know.”

​A smile touched his lips. “That’s not a bad thing.”

​She couldn’t explain it, but something in his look made her feel just a little bit taller.  A warmth came into her cheeks, and she averted her gaze to her cup in hopes he wouldn’t notice.

​“So, I take it you had someone in the war,” she asked, deciding to change the subject. 

“My father,” he confirmed. “Second gunman Simon Greenwood of The Carotta.”

There was a pride in his voice that couldn’t help but make her smile. 

“Where is he now?” 

​“Back home, the Kingdom. Some old mates of his pooled their money together after the war and started a shipping company. My mum helps where she can, same with my sister and her husband.”

​“You have a sister?” she asked, but wasn’t completely surprised. It felt only natural.

​“Two,” he clarified. “Lyra is the oldest. Like I said, married, deliriously in love and has three beautiful children as a result.”

Her smile only widened at this new information. It was easy to picture him gathering a small brood in front of him, making them gasp and laugh and he told tales of his travels. 

​“Why do I have a feeling you’re their favorite uncle?” she said.  

​“Well on their mother’s side. It’s a stiff competition.”

She laughed, shaking her head. ​“And the other?”

​“Syble, second oldest,” he answered. “She’s in Tremora studying at the mage’s college. Knowing her she’ll be running the place within the year.”

​“And that makes you the baby?”

​“And the family's disappointment.” 

She frowned. He said it as a joke, but no laughter came to his eyes. Their usual spark dimmed in a way much too familiar to herself. 

​“I’m sure that’s not true,” she said.

He glanced at her in surprise, but recovered quickly. 

​“Well, maybe disappointment is a strong word,” he allowed. “More like my father is still waiting for me to settle down and get a real job.”

​“You have a real job,” she defended. “All that scribbling isn’t for nothing.”

​“It’s not exactly going to get me a home in the Enclave is it?”

Her frown only depended. None of this felt natural coming out of his mouth. She hated to think how many times he had to listen to his father or others repeat those words to him. It was enough to make her want to march back to the Kingdom and knock heads together.

“Would you even want a home in the Enclave?”

He waved her off. “That’s not the point.”

“It’s the entire point!” she snapped. “If that’s what you actually wanted, you’d be in a clerk’s office somewhere or working to become an officer or any number of things. Instead, you’re here because you want to be. Because you’d be miserable doing anything else.”

​His brows creased; his expression unreadable as he stared. He then turned his eyes to his cup, his fingers drumming the rim as if to distract himself.

“Maybe,” he murmured. 

This wasn’t right. Minutes ago he was practically glowing with the love of his craft. She hadn’t met anyone with so clear a purpose in her life. It hadn’t even occurred to her that he could doubt himself.

​“Look,” she said, gently. “I don’t say this often because I didn’t think you needed the ego boost, but you have a gift. You’re an insightful writer and an inspired musician. And maybe those skills aren’t valued the way they should be, but that doesn’t diminish them. I can’t speak for your family, but from my own experience, I can’t imagine you disappointing anyone.” 

Finn remained silent for a long time, his dark eyes peering into her as if waiting for the punchline. He could keep waiting. She meant every word.  

​He let out something between a breath and a laugh. “I think that might be the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

​“Just speaking the truth,” she said, plainly. 

A wide smile spread across his face. ​“Oh I like this.” He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “What else is true about me?”

​She rolled her eyes. “You can be a real horse’s ass sometimes.”

​“Clearly. What else?”

​“You’re an idiot.”

​He hummed in agreement.

​“Not to mention impulsive.”

​“I prefer the word adventurous. It’s more romantic,” he amended. 

​“You should have died over a dozen times since I’ve met you.”

​“I’m lucky.” He shrugged.

​“And now you’re making me regret saying anything.”

​“Oh now, don’t say that,” he teased. “I can tell you what’s true about you.”

 “I’ll pass.”

​“Really?” he said, as he leaned in closer. “Because I would tell you…you’re a fighter.”

​She rolled her eyes.

​“Bit hot headed.”

​She thought on it for a moment before conceding with a tilt of her head.  

​“Stubborn.”

That earned him a glare.

“Beautiful.”

“Okay, now you’re just trying to be funny.”

“Me?” he said, clutching his chest in offense.

She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Damn him. 

He knew he caught her, grinning as he moved those last few inches so there was just a breath between them. 

 “I’ll tell you one more thing I know to be absolutely true,” he said. 

“And what’s that?”

“You’ve never disappointed me either.”

She couldn’t think of a single thing to say. There was no question in her mind; he meant it. Every word. 

He raised his glass then. She joined him in a silent toast, making a promise to herself and to him. 

She wasn’t perfect. She wouldn’t even say she was good, but, in his world, she could be. It was enough to make her want to try. After all, stranger things had happened.

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Show of hands: would anybody be interested in reading some stuff I wrote for an original DnD character? ✋

I feel really bad I haven’t been posting anything in a while. This is just where my inspiration is going. Please, let me know what you guys think.

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

The Fall of Ti'Doris: Dungeons & Dragons OC Masterlist

For Reference: Some Ti'Doris World Building Notes

Juliana Dawnborn

Character Bio

Character Playlist

Fan Art

Finn Greenwood

Character Bio

Character Playlist

Juliana x Finn One-Shots

(In rough chronological order)

A Lady in Disguise and Her Dashingly Handsome Bard Companion

Strange Things Can Happen

The Price of Love Part 1 and Part 2

Juliana x Finn Drabbles

adventure

hold my hand

Juliana x Finn Headcanons

Saying "I Love You" First

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Hi there! I would love to learn more about the Kingdom that Juliana is from/the world that she and Finn are in. I’ve read your fics but was wondering if you had any other lore posts related to them? Or if you wouldn’t mind sharing your favorite piece of lore from that world? Thank you again for sharing your wonderful writing, I think the two of them are terrific and deserve all the happiness!!

I’d be happy to! But just keep in mind these are my DMs world building notes and not my own, even if we have workshopped some ideas from time to time.

This is his world, I’m just playing in it.

(For anybody new here, some fics for reference)

The world is called Ti’Doris which consists of 3 independent counties The North, The East and The West

The North are where Finn and Juliana are from, both of them originally residing in The Kingdom which is The North’s largest city and seat of royal power

There have been some adjustments to the level of technology and feel so The Kingdom more resembles Victorian London

The Kingdom has several districts

Sailor’s Quarter is by the docks as the name implies consisting of working class merchants and many former soldiers

The Arts district is near the main gate consisting of taverns, operas, theatres and performers.

The Market District located towards the western area of the city

Residential district where most of the middle to upper middle class families live near the middle/southern area of the city.

The Palace is towards the southern end of the city and has its own wall and gate.

The Enclave is the eastern area of the city , where the lords and ultra rich reside. It takes up possibly the largest portion of the city to allow room for vast expanses of land between mansions

Then there’s the Underbelly; a city beneath the city rampant with criminal activity (think Zaun from Arcane)

Outside of The Kingdom the rest of the country is described as desert like with small cities and towns scattered through out (DM leaning towards an old west aesthetic there)

The East is described as a snow covered and mountainous region with its governmental system more resembling feudal Japan

The West has been described to me as Skyrim inspired, it’s governmental system being a republic

It is also where Tremora is located, home of the mages’ college and independent nation in its own right (think Vatican City); it’s job is to stay neutral in most conflicts and sends various magical advisers all over the world

That’s really the basics for now. If you want to know more about the history of the world or any other details, let me know!

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

For Juliana and Finn, I have to know: who says I love you first? How does the other react?

It depends on how you count it.

If you want to count saying it without directly saying it Finn, confesses first

I'm still working out the full scene, but basically Finn and Juliana find themselves attending a wedding of an old friend they met while on the road

Finn gets cleaned up, Juliana actually wears a dress, it's a whole thing

They end up sticking together basically the entire night, Finn declining to dance to stay with her since Juliana isn't a fan of dancing

They make the rounds with more than one person commenting how much happier Juliana seems compared to how she was when they first met

Juliana admits that she is and can't help but understand just how much it is thanks to Finn

She and Finn then get to talking and Juliana asks him if he's ever been in love

Finn confesses that's he's fallen in love more times than was good for him, but he can count the times he's been in love on the fingers of one hand

Juliana expresses her confusion and Finn goes further explaining the difference telling her that falling in love is the easy part, it can happen everyday if you have an open mind, all it takes is a moment. You can fall in love on accident. You can only be in love on purpose. It’s the decision every day to love someone, to be with them however you can for as long as you can. There are times it’s as simple as breathing and others where it breaks your heart. It’s big actions and small promises and it is always, always a choice.

All of this while making significant eye contact with Juliana

She then says he must have more experience with it than he gives himself credit for to come up with that

He then tells her, that just the once is enough before asking her if she's ever been in love

Juliana confesses then that she's not so sure now, it would require more effort on her part to do justice to his definition

Finn appears crest fallen by this, but quickly rallies saying he shouldn't be surprised, it would take somebody special to earn her heart

He looks like he's about to walk away, but not before Juliana stops him asking if he wants to dance

Finn is confused, but Juliana insists, telling him that it's only fair and besides, having the right partner makes all the difference

If you want to go with the actual words "I love you" in that order, then it technically hasn't happened yet

Juliana came close thanks to a zone of truth cast by our cleric where she fully confessed her feelings to Finn, just being able to stop herself from saying "I love you" and basically screaming "I care about you" instead before the big damn kiss

She then later confirmed she meant what she said the next morning repeating Finn's words back saying she just wants to be with him however she can for as long as she can

Finn then said he fell in love with Juliana under another zone of truth spell, also cast by our cleric when we were all getting drunk and hanging out below deck

So, no sober confessions so far; we'll see how it goes though

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

For Juliana and Finn asks: for each of them, what’s their favorite hobby to do on their own, and do you think they come up with a hobby (aside from adventuring, which is maybe more of a lifestyle) that they do together?

Thank you! 💕

Oof, this is tough.

I want to say for Juliana, her hobby really is fencing. She doesn’t necessarily like fighting to combat, it just so happens that the skills she’s developed coincide with that. She likes how it narrows down the problem to what’s in front of her.

There are a million things going on in her mind, but when faced with an opponent, they’re the only thing you can afford to put your focus on.

In terms of non-combat oriented hobbies, she greatly enjoys reading. She gravitates towards nonfiction, but Finn has slowly been introducing her to proper prose and poetry.

For Finn, in much the same way, writing is his hobby that so happens to be his job as well.

Even if he wasn’t being paid, he’d still write like his life depends on it. He just can’t help himself. Frankly it’s the only way he can organize all his thoughts in any cohesive way.

But besides writing he doesn’t enjoy just playing the lyre for the sake of it. He knows for a fact there are better musicians than him in the world, but he’s fine with that. It’s not the usual part of his performance anyway. He’s more likely to do it in private to calm his mind, plucking the same handful of notes over and over again.

Together there are a few things

Big thing whenever they come to a new town is people watch. They’re get some food, resupply, find a corner of town and just watch the comings and goings of everyone around them. Finn works on his scribbling. Juliana occasionally puts in her own thoughts and the pair of them decide if this is a town worth staying in.

Star gazing, going back and forth with different stories and comparing skies

Private jam sessions. Juliana does NOT perform, but she actually has a pleasant singing voice that really only her brother appreciated before Finn. Occasionally Finn will pull out the lyre and they just go back and forth trying to remember melodies and making up their own.

Finn is also trying to get her more into dancing. She knows how to dance, but never got huge enjoyment out of it since she only learned to be good rather than for pleasure.

That’s all I got so far, but if you want to know more, let me know!

Send Me Asks/Prompts for Finn and Juliana

(masterlist for reference)

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

The Price of Love: Part 1

Part 2

Summary: Finn is finally learns the truth of Lana's past from an unexpected source.

For Reference: Lana's Character Bio, Finn's Character Bio

Tagging: @flapjacques, @ghostface001, @arcanerazil, and @everything-intertwined (Let me know if you don't want to be tagged in the future. Totally understandable if you don't)

A/N: If you know this blog by now you know I post random bits of story out of order. Maybe one day I'll organize it. This is just my brain rot right now. I apologize.

Word Count: 2.7K

Finn let out a sigh of relief as he and Lana finally stumbled into their room. 

The journey to the port city had been long and, for the last mile, rain soaked. 

The road had turned into a small river, leaving him to wonder how they hadn’t drowned by the time they reached the tavern. Still they managed and all he could think about was drying his clothes and getting something warm in his stomach. 

Sure, he had to make up a little lie about he and Lana being a newly married couple to secure a room, but it was nothing they hadn’t pulled before. One room was kinder on the family purse than two. 

Lana, at least, hadn’t bothered to complain and was already putting together a makeshift curtain, cutting the space in two.

“I’m going to see if I can draw up a bath,” she announced. “Best make yourself scarce.”

“Now that seems cruel, kicking me out on our honeymoon, ” he said, with a grin.

Lana rolled her eyes as she gathered her wet clothes and placed them by the fire grate. “Oh yes, what could be more alluring than a cold, mud-caked woman trying to regain feeling in her toes. I feel like a drowned cat.”

He had to concede there. Her hair was a mess. The pelting rain had destroyed her normally perfect braid, making it stick to her skin in dark clumps. Mud stained her boots, and the ends of her jacket didn’t look much better.

Still he had to admit, there was something appealing in seeing her like this. The cold had brought out the color in her cheeks and the droplets of rain that had slipped through made the linen of her shirt cling just a little tighter. It was a scene he had witnessed a few times on their travels, but he never complained at a repeat performance. 

He took a step towards her, allowing him to brush some of the damp strands out of her face. 

“I wouldn’t worry about that,” he said. “I happen to have a soft spot for cats in distress.” 

She blew out a laugh, but made no effort to pull away from his touch. 

“How about some food,” he suggested. “I’ll see what I can get from down stairs.”

“Yes please.”

He nodded, making sure to hang out his cloak by the fire before walking towards the door.

“Maybe after I’ll join you,” he added. 

“Get out.” 

He laughed, ducking out the door before she thought to throw something at him. 

He’d let her be for a while. Plenty of time to get the lay of the land and feeling back into his fingers. 

He made his way down stairs, ordering a plate of stew and glass of wine at the bar before taking an open spot near the fire. 

His timing was perfect as no sooner had he sat down then the tavern filled with people trying to get out of the rain. Voices blended together so not one conversation could stand out from the other. It was a comforting buzz, making the fire all the more pleasant.

He’d make a round about the room after he ate. It’d been a while since he’d done some idle eavesdropping. 

He pulled out his journal, flipping through the pages to the last entry when a voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

“Might he sit, sir?”

Finn looked up to see a dark-haired Tabaxi standing just across from him beside the empty chair. 

He must have been tired. He hadn’t noticed him at all.

“Not a sir,” he said cheerfully, “go right ahead.”

“Thank you.”

The accent felt strange to his ears. He tried to place it, but came up short. 

“You’re not from around here are you?” he ventured.

The Tabaxi gave a half smile, pulling down the hood of his cloak as he did so. 

“Neither are you. Ti-Hargo can spot a sailor’s quarter boy when he hears them.”

Finn’s eyebrow quirked in surprise. “You have a good ear.”

There was something else. He could have sworn he had heard that name before.

The Tabaxi gave a soft chuckle. “When you have lived in The Kingdom for as long as Ti-Hargo, you get a sense for these things.”

“You’re a long way from home then. What brings you here? If you don’t mind me asking.”

He waved him off. “Not at all. Business is all. Always business.”

Just then one of the barmaids came, placing a glass of something steaming in front of the Tabaxi. He thanked her, and Finn took a moment to take a sip of his own drink.

“Ti-Hargo is surprised your companion does not join us. He will assume, she is upstairs.”

Finn frowned, placing down his cup. The Tabaxi’s expression was all friendliness. It made his hair stand on end.

“Needed a break from the road,” he said, calmly. “I imagine she’s sleeping right now.” 

The other nodded. “Understandable. Although, Ti-Hargo would have liked to have exchanged a few words with her.” 

“What business do you have with my wife?” Finn challenged, his voice sharp.

The Tabaxi tilted his head, his yellow feline eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. “For your sake Finnigan Greenwood, Ti-Hargo hopes you are lying to him. The alternative would be most unfortunate.”

Finn’s spine straightened. He hadn’t told him his name. 

There was a dagger in his boot, he reminded himself. He was sitting, but he could easily use the bowl of stew as a distraction. That should give him enough time to run up and grab Lana. After that…

 He took a quick glance around and felt his heart sink as several pairs of eyes met his own. They stood at the bar, the doorway and staircase, and all with a sword and pistol at their sides. 

It all became clear in an instant. He knew exactly where he heard that name before. Lord Ti-Hargo, master of whispers and spymaster to the King himself.

He turned back to see the Tabaxi following his gaze, before giving him a shrug. The message was clear enough. He was going to have to stay right where he was. 

“Ti-Hargo then assumes, you do not know precisely who it is you travel with,” he continued. “Otherwise he doubts you would make such a bold claim.” 

Finn held back a grimace. What kind of trouble had Lana gotten herself into? 

“A lady of some kind,” he said, casually. “We just met on the road. Figured saying we were married would get us both a room.”

Ti-Hargo waved a finger at him. “Another little lie. By the Gods, you are full of them. But it is no matter. You do it to protect her. Ti-Hargo will not hold it against you. She is a lady, indeed. One might claim her to be the most important lady in the entire realm. You are aware, of course, that the Princess Juliana left the capitol some time ago.” 

Finn’s lips pressed together, uncertain where the Tabaxi was going with this. Yes, he knew about the princess. Most people agreed she had been sent to Tremora to observe and study at the mage’s college, although some others claimed that was just a ruse and she was actually with the Blackguard in Ak’Linas.  He didn’t really pay attention to the comings and goings of royalty. 

“That was a little lie of Ti-Hargo’s making,” he whispered, as if letting Finn in on a secret. “It was necessary of course, to ensure the princess’ safety. The plain truth is, Ti-Hargo had no idea where she was. She disappeared from the palace not long after the Queen announced she was with child.” 

Something prickled at the back of Finn’s neck. He remembered that day well. He had to cut himself off early while the rest of the tavern rose in celebration. He had a launch to get to the next morning. The Argyll waited for no man. 

“Ti-Hargo lost her for a time,” he continued. “But recently he was able to find her again. Birds sing in every corner of the world, if one cares to listen. So imagine what a shock it came when he found her traveling with a bard, claiming to be his wife. You understand, Ti-Hargo must check in on these things.” 

“Lana is no princess,” Finn interjected. Still, even as he said it, doubt crept into his mind. He really had no idea who she was before they met. She had to have been from The Kingdom and he had known for a start she was no working girl. But princess? It was something that only happened in story books for children. 

The Tabaxi shook his head, his expression a mock of sympathy. 

“He is afraid so. No doubt she has mentioned her brother. They were so close. Little Lana, her brother’s shadow to anyone who knew them.”

Ice clenched at Finn’s chest as a not so distant memory came flowing back to him. 

He could see Lana sitting across from him, that melancholy expression on her face whenever he managed to get just the tiniest nugget of information about her past. Her father and mother were unknowable, but her brother was a subject he knew intimately well. 

She had smiled when she had spoken of him and how she used to follow him around to the point she apparently cried whenever he had to go to his own room.  

“Father teased me about it,” she had told him. “My brother’s Little Shadow…”

He had pictured her as a small girl, holding the back of her brother’s shirt. At the time he had wanted to laugh. Now, he just felt sick. 

The more he thought about it, the more the smaller details began to glow with clarity. He had dismissed so much to chance and a lady’s education, but it was clearly so much more than that. 

Slowly he became aware of Ti-Hargo watching him closely. 

“You really didn’t know, did you?” he asked. 

Finn remained silent, it was answer enough. 

“Then you are not married.”

Again, he kept silent, shaking his head no. 

The Tabaxi smiled widely. “That is good. It makes Ti-Hargo’s job much simpler. He does not have to kill you, for one thing.”

His tone was cheerful, but Finn had no doubt of the sincerity of his threat. 

“What do you want with Lana?” he asked. 

Ti-Hargo shrugged. “With the princess? Nothing. If Ti-Hargo wished to speak with her, he would be doing so. Her father and mother only wish to be informed of her whereabouts so, that is what he will report. No, it is you, Finnigan Greenwood, that brings Ti-Hargo to this place so far from home.”

“Me?” He couldn’t hide his confusion. He wasn’t anyone. The most he could claim to his name was a decent singing voice and the journals he kept in his pack. Nothing that could capture the attention of somebody as dangerous as the spymaster. 

Ti-Hargo nodded sagely, leaning in close. “Yes. You are in love with her, are you not?”

It took everything in his power to keep the surprise off his face as his heart hammered in his ears. 

“No,” he said, coolly. “We’ve just been traveling together for a while. We’re friends.” 

The Tabaxi shook his head. “Ti-Hargo thought by now you would understand, lying to him is useless.”

Finn’s jaw clenched. “And if I was? What can it matter to somebody like you?” 

“Plenty,” he said, simply. “Especially if she were to feel the same.”

“She doesn’t.” 

At least he was fairly certain she didn’t. There were moments, glimpses really when he thought there was something more. He knew she cared about him, but love? That was a subject neither of them had dared to tread. 

“Ti-Hargo is not so sure of that,” the other dismissed. “From what he has seen, there is much she would be willing to give up for you.”

Finn didn’t say a word. He didn’t see the point really. Clearly the man knew more than he did. 

“Ti-Hargo desires to speak plainly,” he continued. “He will not insult you by offering you money. You, he thinks, are too romantic for such a thing. So, Ti-Hargo will appeal to your morals.”

Finn wanted to laugh, he either had a very high or very low opinion of him. 

“If this is your way of asking me to leave, you can forget it,” he said, firmly. “We agreed a long time ago to stick together. I’m not going to be the one to walk away.” 

“As Ti-Hargo said, romantic,” he said, his tone almost sympathetic. “He wonders what you will do when she returns to the palace.”

“You said her family didn’t want her back.”

“Not as of yet, but soon and that is not an answer to Ti-Hargo’s question.”

Finn paused. He had a feeling whatever his answer was would be the difference between keeping his throat or losing it. Still, if anything this conversation taught him, it was honesty was the best policy.

“I’d go with her, if she asked me.”

“And what would you do?” the Tabaxi pressed. “What place would you have there? You are a clever man. We live in a time of peace, yes, but it is an unsteady peace. Much can be negotiated with a royal marriage.”

He was tempted to laugh. “She won’t agree to it.” 

“Ti-Hargo will concede, she is a headstrong child. Even still, she can be persuaded. But, there is more at stake than a simple marriage. She is the eldest child after all.”

Finn’s brows furrowed in confusion. “She’s a woman.”

“The leader of the Blackguard is a woman,” the other pointed out. “Things may change. It is Ti-Hargo’s belief that Princess Juliana has much to bring to this world. She will return to the Kingdom. And when she does, it is vital her path remain clear of distractions, else she stray and forget what power her birth has bestowed upon her.”

“And I’m a distraction. Is that it?” Finn countered, coolly.

The Tabaxi lifted both palms up in a wide gesture. “What greater temptation than love? It has been the downfall of great men for centuries, it is only fair women should fall victim to it as well.” 

Finn wanted to say something, but he found himself at a loss. 

He thought of the woman he had been traveling with for so long. Lana, his Lana, Princess of Ti’Doris, eldest child of the King and by any other right besides the Dawnborn, heir to the throne. It still felt too fantastical to believe, and yet, not as much as it may have been ten minutes ago. 

Then there was the matter which this spymaster deemed likely enough to warrant threatening him. 

Did she love him? 

It was a question that once gave him hope, but now fell heavy in his stomach. He knew what he’d be willing to sacrifice to be with her, but what would she have to give up for him? Was it even right for him to ask? 

The scrapping of a chair pulled him from his thoughts as Ti-Hargo stood. 

“There is a ship headed to Akira. It leaves in two hours. That should give you time to say your goodbyes. Ti-Hargo would suggest to make a clean break of it. And please, send her grace his regards.”

He made a gesture with his hand and Finn just caught the glint of metal being slid back into sheaths. The bodies moved from the exits and none were the wiser. 

The Tabaxi moved to leave, but not before he paused to place a hand on Finn’s shoulder. “He knows you will not believe him, but Ti-Hargo is sorry, for both of you.”

“You’re right. I don’t believe you.” 

He gave a good natured smile. “Just as well. Ti-Hargo has a reputation to maintain.” 

And the next second, he was gone, disappearing into the crowd and out of sight. 

Finn leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Taking his wine goblet, he splashed its contents into the fire before refilling the glass with water. 

He needed to think and for once in his life, he was going to do it with his head. He needed to, for both of them.

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

35 for Juliana and Finn OR for two characters from the original thing you're working on! ~ @kittttycakes

A/N: Let's go with Juliana and Finn! I'm feeling indulgent today.

Prompt: Hold My Hand

Juliana had a complicated relationship with touch.

In her life before, she had very limited experience with it. Her father was absent through most of her childhood. Her mother, while never explicitly cruel, could often be cold. Even her brother, as affectionate as he was, didn’t give her much more than a squeeze on the shoulder.

She was taught to keep her hands to her side or clasped in front of her. Distance was a sign of respect. She was above them. They could not touch her.

After years, to even receive a handshake overwhelmed her. It burned her skin. More than once she felt a lump form in her throat while her heart hammered in her chest. She had to quickly pull away to keep from causing a scene.

She didn’t know how to ask for more. She didn’t know if she wanted more. All she knew was every time Finn took her hand in his, she found it harder to let go.

It started slow, a touch on the shoulder here, a tuck of stray hair behind to ear there and always with a question behind the eyes.

Is this okay?

Her skin still burned, but not in the way it did before. She could feel the tightness in her chest loosen. The well of emotions no longer threaten to drown her in its current. She could simply slip into its depths and be.

In moments when the world became too much, all it took now was his hand in hers.

It’s just me, he promised with a squeeze.

It’s just you, she repeated back with her own.

Fingers interlaced, a tilt of the head, an understanding smile.

It’s just us.

send me a number and two characters

@kittttycakes

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Juliana (Lana) Dawnborn Character Bio

D&D Beyond Character Sheet Link

(campaign is a homebrew)

Basics

Race: Variant Human

Class: Fighter/Eldritch Knight

Level: 3 (at start of campaign)

Appearance

Skin Tone: Fair and sun worn

Eye Color: Brown

Hair Color: Dirty blonde

Hairstyle: Typically worn in long tight braid, but otherwise wavy and a bit unruly

Build: Athletic and strong

Height: 5’ 10’’

Age: 23 (at start of campaign)

Style: Typically seen in traveling clothes, hard worn boots, breastplate, long red coat and scarf

Weapon(s): Rapier and Shield

Personality

General Personality Traits: Steadfast, Independent, Aimless

Ideals: Family. She wants her father to accept her as his daughter and as his heir. However, if he will not or cannot she is willing to cut ties and form a family of her own.

Bonds: Family comes first, but that does not always mean blood.

Flaws: She wants the throne as proof that her family values her rather than the betterment of the kingdom.

Secrets: Her identity as the Princess Juliana. She has been going by Lana Foundry for several years.

Regrets: Running away rather than staying to fight with her brother before he was killed.

Relationships

Friends: Finn Greenwood, Alexandre Dawnborn

Family: Ryan Dawnborn (father), Isabella Dawnborn (mother), Alexandre Dawnborn (older brother), Alexandre II Dawnborn (younger brother)

Alias: Unknown

Enemies: Unknown

Lovers: N/A

Relationship Status: It's complicated

Sexuality: Demisexual

Backstory

Born thirteen years before her family's rise to the throne, Juliana Dawnborn was the first born daughter and second born child of Lord and Lady Dawnborn. Her older brother Alexandre was born only two years before. As soon as she began to walk Juliana would follow her brother everywhere eventually leading everyone to call her his Little Shadow.

Once the war began, she and Alexandre only grew closer. With their father gone and their mother simply trying to keep the family affairs in order, they were often left to their own devices and had to rely on each other for comfort and companionship. Juliana often sat in on Alexandre's lessons providing her with a deeper understanding of history, politics, and, more importantly, swordplay. Alexandre encouraged this, happy to have somebody close to his own age to spar with, even if she was a girl. Juliana love of the sword did not so much come from the promise of combat or power, but as a way to clear her mind and spend time with her brother.

The war did end eventually and with her father as the new king Lady Juliana then became Princess Juliana of the House Dawnborn with her brother set to be heir to the throne. With these new titles came new responsibilities as things slowly began to change.

Suddenly, Juliana found it harder and harder to convince Alexandre's teachers to let her sit in on lessons. The swordmaster would have laughed in her face if it weren't for Alexandre's presence.

Both her mother and father were rather ambivalent to what she did, so long as she attended her own lessons and didn't distract Alexandre from his they made no fuss one way or another. However as Juliana became older, her mother did start insisting Juliana spend less time following her brother and more time socializing with the other ladies in the court.

Juliana did as she was bid, but still found time to join Alexandre in the practice ring and work out the frustrations of the day.

As the years went by, Juliana felt herself chafing against court life. The limited expectations of the other ladies made her skin itch. Whether her parents meant to or not, she spent her youth being taught as her brother's true equal. The idea that she was expected to be lesser was absurd.

She often vented to Alexandre about these feelings vowing on her more dramatic days that she was just going to get on a ship and leave. Alexandre would only laugh and ask if she meant to leave forever. Juliana would then begrudgingly admit that she'd have to come back for holidays and to make sure he was getting on alright.

However, just as Juliana began to finally become comfortable in her new life, tragedy struck just before her 18th birthday.

Partially out of boredom with the court and partially out of curiosity, Juliana would often sneak out of the palace with Alexandre not far behind. He would often insist it was to keep her safe, but he was also curious about what life was like among the common folk. If he was going to rule one day, it only made sense that he see what day to day life was like with his own eyes. They had been doing it for years and in some areas became a recognized faces as Lana and Xandre. However, as Juliana's eighteen birthday grew closer, it was clear that such excursions could not continue. Her mother was already starting to write out a list of potential suitors. Her lessons in etiquette and dance only increased and it was near impossible for she and Alexandre to spar at all except late a night. This was to be her metaphorical last day of freedom and she wanted to enjoy herself.

They stayed out perhaps later than they should have. The suns were already low in the sky and the torches were just starting to be lit. They'd have to hurry if they wanted to make it back to the palace before the changing of the guard, otherwise there was a good chance they'd be left out the whole night. As they made their way up the familiar alleyways, a group of men stopped them in their tracks. Juliana only remembered the rest in bits and pieces. Swords were drawn. Clashing. Shouting. Red. Dizzying pain and a long, deafening, heart wrenching scream.

They found her in the alleyway frozen with her hands covered in blood as she held her hands around her brother's throat trying desperately to stop the bleeding.

They later told her it was a robbery gone wrong. The men who had did this had fled and there was no telling where the thieves were.

In the wake of Alexandre's death, she had never felt so completely alone. Her father wouldn't look at her. Her mother couldn't speak without crying. Juliana was left a shadow in the palace without a body.

The only place she found solace was in the practice ring. In her moments alone, she would take her sword drill until there was nothing left in her mind but the next step forward. It was there she was able to find some sense of self again. She was still the princess. She was raised to rule just as her brother was. That ship would have to wait.

Trouble was, her father didn't see it that way. Barely six months after Alexandre's death, her father made the announcement; her mother was pregnant.

The relief on her father's face spelled it out plainly; he never wanted her to be his heir. Her father didn't allow her to sit in on her brother's lessons because he believed her capable, he just didn't care. Neither her father nor her mother really cared what she did. They're only concern was Alexandre, their golden child, their heir. Juliana was the spare, a bargaining chip who's name alone was enough to make her valuable. The only person who cared, who really cared about her was Alexandre and now he was gone.

She left shortly after, taking little with her save for her sword, a sack of gold and the clothes on her back.

She booked passage out of the kingdom, abandoning everything, even her name. Lana was all that was left.

She spent the next four years traveling all over the kingdom on various merchant ships, finding work where she could. She had her freedom she so longed for when she was younger. She could go where she wanted, whenever she wanted with little thought but how many coins were in her purse. The trouble was, it wasn't the same as she had imagined. She didn't mind the hard work or the long hours. It just became clear that, the sweetest part of that imagined future was having a safe harbor to come home to.

It was also during this time she fell into the company of a charming bard, Finn Greenwood.

Finn quickly figured out she was a noblewoman, but decided not to hold that against her, only asking for her story and for them to travel together for a time. In exchange he'd help her stay hidden from whoever she was hiding from and provide his own excellent company along the way. Juliana agreed and for three years they traveled together, slowly falling in love in the process.

It was not meant to last, however, as one of the King's spies eventually caught up to her and informed Finn exactly who his travel companion was.

Knowing Juliana would someday have to return to the palace and take her place as princess, Finn decided to leave rather than prolong the heart break he knew would come.

Juliana was devastated having lost the one true friend she had after the death of her brother and felt herself more adrift than ever.

It was several months later she got a message from the king himself requesting her return.

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

The Price of Love: Part 2

Part 1

Summary: Finn knows the truth and Lana must confront what it truly means for them.

A/N: More D&D bullshit! Let's gooo! (But seriously let me know what you guys think and if I'm wasting my time posting this stuff)

For Reference: Lana’s Character Bio, Finn’s Character Bio

Word Count: 1.8K

It was amazing how being clean could make one feel like a whole person again, Juliana mused as she dried her hair out with a fresh towel. 

The bath had done her good. It was as if her whole body had finally been given permission to relax, easing away the tension of months spent on the road. Rivers and streams did the job well enough, but a real basin with boiling water beat it every time. 

She did feel a bit guilty for kicking Finn out so quickly. Maybe they could stay on an extra day just to rest up. There was no hurry to get to Tremora as far as she knew. 

She moved towards the window, resting herself on the sill. Now she was out of the rain, she could find something soothing in its patter. The glow of the fire filled the room with its warmth. She was tempted to skip dinner all together and go straight to bed. Her clothes were still drying and while her nightgown had been spared, it wasn’t exactly appropriate for the tavern below. Hopefully Finn would be back soon and she could bribe him to bring something up.

As if being summoned by her thoughts, she heard the door open just on the other side of her makeshift curtain. 

“Sorry,” she called, “water has been thrown out. You’ll have to wait to join me another time.”

Nothing. 

She frowned, turning in the direction of the door. 

“Finn?”

“Here,” he said, his voice rough. 

Her stomach twisted at his tone. She was up the next moment, throwing on her coat before moving quickly around the curtain. She found him standing by the bed, his face more solemn than she had ever seen before.

“What’s wrong? What’s happened?” she asked.

He didn’t say a word. With a great effort, he lifted his head to face her. 

He had always had a way of making her feel like the only person in the room, but the way he looked at her now, made it feel as if she were the only person in the entire world. She might as well have been naked under his gaze as his dark eyes took in her every feature. 

“Juliana,” he whispered. 

Her heart stopped. It took everything in her to keep the shock off her face. 

“What?”

“It’s your name, isn’t it? Juliana Dawnborn, Princess of Ti’Doris.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Her mind whirled but no useful thoughts came, just an ever growing white noise of panic. 

A strangled laugh came from her throat.  “You’re made a lot of guesses over the years, but this–”

“Don’t lie to me, you’re not that good at it.” His tone was too weary to be cruel. He wasn’t accusing her of anything, just stating the plain truth. Somehow, that made it worse. 

She drew in a breath, pulling her coat tighter around herself. “My name is Lana. I never lied about that.” 

“I don’t doubt it,” he admitted, his lips turning into a self deprecating smile. “Kind of lacking in creativity. Makes me feel even more like an idiot for not guessing sooner.” 

She had to concede on that point. Alexandre had given her that nickname. He was only seven at the time and she could never bring herself to part with it. It made pretending to be somebody else that much easier.

“Were you ever going to tell me?” he asked.

She shifted uncomfortably. “You’re the one who said the details didn’t matter.”

“Yeah, well, starting to rethink that now.”

Again, she had no argument. 

This was all wrong. She wanted to reach out to him, make a joke, anything to break this new, awkward tension between them.  But the truth was out now, anything less than honesty would be pointless. 

“How did you find out?” she asked.

“A little bird told me.”

Her eyes went wide. “What?”

“Lord Ti-Hargo sends his regards,” he said, plainly. “From what he told me, he’s had eyes on you for a while.”

She bit back a curse. She should have known. There was always a possibility Lord Ti-Hargo would figure out where she was. Whether he was working under orders of her family or his own volition, she couldn’t say. She wasn’t even sure it mattered. The simple fact nobody had bothered to grab her meant they were just there to observe. But then why tell Finn? 

It was then she noticed the pack sitting on the bed. 

“Where are you going?”

He looked down as if just noticing it himself. 

“There’s a ship heading to Akira. Leaves in about half an hour.”

She nodded slowly. Of course, the sooner they left the better. Once on board they’d figure out the next step. No telling where Ti-Hagro’s spies were. 

“Alright. Give me five minutes and I’ll be ready to go.” 

“You’re not going.”.

She stopped mid step, turning her attention back to him. “Why not?” 

He sighed, bowing his head. “Your grace-“

“Don’t call me that!” she snapped. Her voice quaked as fear gripped her throat. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening. 

Finn’s eyes were all gentleness. How many times had she taken comfort in that look? Now it thudded against her chest like a war hammer.

“I’m going alone,” he said. “And I think…I think it’s time you went home.”

She shook her head. “I don’t have that.”

He gave her a doubtful look. “The palace is still standing, last time I checked.”

“My home is gone,” she repeated, firmly. “It was buried next to my brother. They don’t want me back.” 

She could remember the day clearly. The sky was a mocking blue when they placed him in the crypt and then, barely two months later, the Queen announced her pregnancy. The message was clear enough; one could easily be replaced. 

“Maybe not now, but they will,” Finn countered. “You’re too valuable. It’s a miracle somebody hasn’t come for you sooner.” 

She looked away, unwilling to acknowledge any truth in his words. 

“I don’t see how any of that has to do with you going,” she said.

“Can’t you?” He raised his hands, gesturing to himself. “Lana, look at me. I’m the son of a soldier. You have to know what that means.”

She winced. Yes, she knew. The expectations for any noblewoman was made plain the moment they were born. She also didn’t care. Finn was the only true friend she had left in the world. If the court wanted to turn their nose up at who she kept company with, that was their business, not hers. 

“They don’t want me back,” she insisted. “And even if they did, you could just come with me.”

“And do what?” he asked, sardonically. “What would I be to a princess?”

Everything, she thought. You could be everything. But she swallowed it down.

“Exactly what you are to me now.”

He stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. 

“Would I be your companion then?” he asked, moving closer. “Perform for the court? Write?” He reached out a hand, curling a lock of her hair between his fingers. “Sneak out of the palace with you when nobody was looking?”

Relief washed over her. He did understand. It didn’t matter where they were or what her family expected of her. None of that mattered. They just needed to stay together. 

“If you’d like,” she said, softly. 

“And when you’re married?”

She shook her head. “I’ll never marry.”

A hollow laugh slipped past his lips. “I don’t think you’ll have a choice.” 

“Then I won’t go back.”

There was a pause and for a moment she thought he might finally close the gap between them. Instead, he stepped back, letting her hair fall from his touch.

“That’s not how it works.”

“I’ve disappeared before, I can do it again.” 

He began to turn away, but she grabbed his arm, pulling him back

“We just have to be more careful is all,” she pressed. “We’ll get on a ship, and as soon as we make port we’ll get on another and another until we’re so far away they’ll never find us.” She cupped his cheek, trying to get him to just look at her. “Nothing’s changed. Not really. We can carry on as we have been. A lady in disguise and her dashingly handsome bard companion, remember? It doesn’t have to end.” 

“Every story ends,” he said, softly. “Sooner or later, you have to put it down and let reality catch up.” 

“Is that what you think I’ve been doing?” she challenged. “Living in a fairy tale?” 

“Not just you,” he admitted. “I’ve been deluding myself. If I was actually using my head, I would have left with The Argyll when I had the chance.” 

He placed his hand over hers pulling her away from his cheek. He took her other hand as well, gathering them both in his grip. She couldn’t tell if he was trying to hold on or let go.

“I know you don’t want to hear it,” he said,“but what you are, it isn’t some empty title. The decisions you make matter. You have the chance to do real, tangible good in this world. It’s a kind of power people have killed for. You can’t keep running from that, not forever.” 

“I’m not running.”

A let out a breath, a sad smile touching his lips. “You’ve told me a lot of half truths, but I think that might be the first lie.” 

She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came. No words could as the threat of tears pressed behind her eyes. 

Finn lowered his head, his eyes closing as he pressed a kiss on her hand. She could feel his burn into her skin, as if trying to make some lasting mark. And then, all too soon, however, he pulled away.

Her mind was a fog, but the sounds of his foot steps forced her to act.

“Finn…” His name came out so small. “Don’t go. Please.”

He looked over his shoulder, his throat tightened, but his stance remained resolute. 

“Goodbye, your grace. Whatever story you write, let it be worthy of you.” 

He closed the door behind him without another word leaving nothing but the sound of rain behind. 

Juliana stared unable to move.  

She heard a cry from somewhere far away. It was only when she felt the warm streak of tears drip down her face did she realize she was the one to make that sound. 

Her knees gave out, forcing her to the bed.  An ache she hadn’t felt in years reopened in her chest, forcing shuddering sobs from her body.  She didn’t fight it. There was no one there to see it. 

She was alone and she always would be. 

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

"What?" is your word

Here’s some stuff from my D&D bullshit because the brain rot is real.

​“Oh no I like this. What else is true about me?

​“You can be a real horse’s ass sometimes.”

​“Clearly. What else?”

​“You’re an idiot.”

✨Send me a word, if it’s in my wip document I’ll answer your ask with the sentence that it appears in✨

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

For the five sentence ask game (character + a word): Finn and adventure, Dawn and soft, and/or Damien and sharp.

A/N: Honestly I love all of these so if you could resend them as separate asks just so I can more neatly organize them I'd really appreciate it. Otherwise, let's go with Finn first.

"Do you even know where we're going," Lana asked, falling in sync beside him.

"No idea," he admitted. "It'll be an adventure though."

He watched in delight as that scornful mask of hers cracked. Her eyes brightened, her lips quirked upward and she seemed to be doing everything in her power not to appear as excited as he was.

He couldn't stop his own grin from spreading at the sight. He had been right to stay. She was truly the best companion he ever had or likely ever would.

He nodded at the road ahead. "Shall we."

Send me a sentence and i’ll write the next five or more lines OR send me a ship/character and word and i’ll write the next five sentences

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

My DnD OCs have turned into regular OCs and now I’ve got a proper beat sheet down for a historical romance. Is this what productivity looks like?

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

I drew Lana in the rain (rain is hard to depict, so please just trust me on this lol)! I imagined this was before the first inn she and Finn stayed together in, weighing her options and risks before she took the plunge and agreed to pretend they were married so they could finally get a room for themselves.

I’m crying! This is absolutely beautiful! You captured her perfectly! Aaaahhhh!!!! 😭😭😭

Based on The Price of Love and A Lady in Disguise and Her Dashingly Handsome Bard Companion