Happy Valentine's Day

By Astor Alexander

Do I need to say more?

AO3 Etiquette

It would seem a whole new kind of AO3 reader/writer is emerging and it is becoming clear not everyone quite understands how the website community works. Here is some basic guidance on how most people expect you to go about using AO3 to keep this a fun community archive that funtions correctly:

Kudos is for when the story was interesting enough to make you finish reading. If it sucked or was badly written, you probably left. If you finished - you kudos.

If you liked it, you should comment. It can be long and detailed or a literal keysmash. Writers don't care, we just love comments.

No critisism unless the author has specifically asked or agreed to hear it. Even constructive critisism is a no-no unless an author note tells you it's okay. Many people write as a fun hobby or a way to cope with, among other things, insecurity. Don't ruin that for them.

Do not comment to ask the author to write/update something else. It's tacky and off-putting and will probably have the opposite effect than the one you want.

There is no algorithm, it's an archive. Use the search and filter function to add/remove the pairings/characters/tropes etc. you want to read about and it will find you the fics that fit the bill.

For this to work, writers must tag and rate stories. This avoids readers finding the wrong things and missing the stuff they want. I don't care how cringy that trope is in your eyes - it gets tagged.

Character A/Character B means a ROMANTIC or SEXUAL relationship of some kind. Character A&Character B is PLANTONIC, like friendship or family.

Nothing is banned. This is an implicit rule because banning one thing is a slipperly slope to banning another and another, until nothing is allowed anymore. Do not expect anyone to censor for you. Because of the tags system, you are responsible for your own reading experience.

People can create new chapters and sequels/fic series any time after they "complete" a story. So it's considered perfectly normal to subscribe, even to a finished story. You can even subscribe to the author instead just to cover your bases.

Do not repost stories or change the publishing date without an extremely good reason (like a complete top to bottom rewrite). It's an archive, not social media. No one cares what's the most recent, only what fits their tag needs.

Avoid deleting a story you wrote if you hate it - orphan it so others can still enjoy it, without it being connected to you anymore.

This is a creative fanfiction archive. No essays on your insights or theories please. There are other places for that.

I KNOW there's plenty more I missed but I'm trying to cover most of the basics that people seem to be struggling with.

I invite anyone to add to this, but please explain, don't berate.

Ok, this dude is playing on my wedding...

Ok this slaaaaaaaps

Hilda by Duane Bryers

It's like a God's pat

You guys just have to trust me on this one and click here okay?

I-I'm sorry but I can't stop thinking about this

DELETE THIS POST

The Path of Destiny - The Blue Moon Ch 8.

Sorry, guys. This took more time than I expected. I also had to learn whole periodic table for today´s test, so I had no time to translate or post anything. Hope you don´t mind and you´ll accept this as my apology.

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She saw a village. It was in the middle of the forest. She spotted a group of elves how they confused run here and there, trying to hide. Some of them scream. It was a horrifying scene. Then there appeared strange shadows. Without a shape, but it had white fangs and yellow hostile eyes. They looked scary. Probably because of them the others fled. One of those shadows caught one elf and cut his throat. Elf immediately fell to the ground. There was blood everywhere. In one corner of the ruined room she saw an elf woman in a blue dress, cowering in fear and trying to soothe a crying baby. It has also blue dress. It was her daughter. Suddenly there appeared bright white silhouette. Despite all the glow she didn´t know who it is. Bright light flooded near area. The dark shadows hissed menacingly and disappeared. Sep light subsided. The figure turned slowly. Eventually she stopped. Eunis saw her face. Still slightly radiate white light. Her bright green eyes showed goodness and love, suddenly turned yellow and showed hatred and evil. The figure smirked mischievously, bared her huge fangs and lunged at Eunis.

Then a sharp pain cut through her mind. She opened her eyes and sat up, fast breathing. She must lay down again. Her head was spinning like crazy.

´What the hell was that?´ When she calmed down, she tried to find some sense in it. The pain subsided and Eunis sat up slowly. She looked around. At first she didn´t know where she is, but then she remembered. She was Arian´s at home. This is probably his room. Carefully she examined the room. On the left wall there stood a chest of drawers and a tall cabinet. On the right was a table with chair. He had furnished a small bookcase. On the table was a candlestick with almost burned candle. On the corner was a pile of books. Various papers, some described some other empty, were strewn across the table. In the middle the tangle of papers stood an inkwell. Beside him lay a white quill pen. Cut tip was black from ink. Eunis was overcome by curiosity. She got up and walked to the table. She looked at the books. There were five of them. Each is related to something else. Encyclopedia of forest and cave creatures, descriptions of the various tribes and warlords, astronomical manual, a magic book and ...... chronicle of their village. He probably got it in the library. Then she began to look through the papers. It looked as if he was searching for something. But he didn´t find it. She can´t orientate in his notes so went back to the Chronicle.

It was a big book with hard covers bonded in dark leather. On the front was written in gold ink Chronicle Larrawels forest. Eagerly she opened the book, flipping through lengthy articles. Then he came across one, which was already 600 years old. It was over two pages. Mysterious attacks and looting of the village. These words glowed in red ink. Other articles were written in classic black, but this one was whole written in red ink. It has to be about something very important. She decided to read it. There was described a situation of the village and the damage. It was incredibly coincided with yesterday. She found the testimony of witnesses of the horrific event. There were only a few. It was all the descriptions of the perpetrators. Eunis shivered. Black shadows with yellow glowing eyes, an impenetrable armor and with incredible power. Her heart was pounding faster. The same raiders as the previous evening and as in her dream. The attack was repeated. They were searching for something once before and they are looking for it now. What if it could really be her fault? Suddenly she heard muffled voices. She returned the book to the place and sat on the bed. A weak creaking of stairs to the second floor was added to the voices. They were approaching. It was Arian with the other elf. She almost forgot about him. A moment later she recognized what they say.

„Speak quietly.“ whispered Arian. „Maybe she is still asleep.”

„She has no right to be here.” said the other elf. Not bothering to lower his voice, plus there were anger in it.

„Why are you so rude to her? You don´t even know her.” Arian defended her.

„She doesn´t belong here.”

„How can you be so sure?”

„She is threat to us, and you know it.” Arian sighed, but said nothing. There was a soft knock and Arian stepped inside. His face was again with the nice smile, like when they first met. He took a chair from the table and sat next to the bed.

„So, how did you sleep?” he asked.

„I slept well, thank you. And I'm so sorry.”

„It was nothing.” he waved his hand. „He should have you apologize.” he pointed to the door. There stood the other elf.

He leaned his shoulder against the door frame. From beneath cropped blond hair, that fell across his forehead, appeared narrow and piercing, moss-green eyes, spitefully looking at her. Over his right eye, there was stretched thin, but quite a long scar. It ranged from the eyebrow to the middle of the face. Oval face with distinct cheekbones and sharp chin was frowning at her. His lips were pursed into a straight line. Hands crossed on his chest confirmed his unwillingness. Strap on his neck hung a large tooth. Certainly it belonged to a big animal. He was wearing a white linen shirt with wide sleeves and leather vest. Fingerless gloves had belted nearly halfway down the forearm. Loose pants were tucked in boots. On his back he has a quiver full of arrows and attached bow. A dagger on his belt.

„Come on, Luten. Apologize.” he said. Luten sighed and turned his gaze to the right corner.

„I'm sorry. I shouldn´t be so rude.” he said. It sounded forced, almost arrogantly. Arian was probably satisfied.

„You don´t know each other yet.” Arian spoke to break the silence. First, he pointed to Eunis.

„This is Eunis. My friend.“ he added firmly. „And this is Luten. My friend and roommate. We've known each other since childhood.”

„Nice to meet you, Luten.” Eunis said. Elf gave a snort, turned and walked down the stairs. Two eagle feathers were attached in his hair. Eunis stared at him.

„Excuse him, Eunis.” Arian asked. „He didn´t had it easy lately.” Eunis nodded. Arian looked at her gratefully.

„How long is he this... grumpy?” she asked carefully. Arian started to recalculate something on fingers.

„About eight… Yeah, eight or nine years.” Her eyes widened.

„Isn´t it a bit long time to use the term ´lately´, don´t you think?”

Arian hesitated, what to say, but Eunis didn´t let him answer.

„How can you stand him? I'd already moved out. Is he like this all the time?” Before he could say anything, he heard the muffled sound of the bell. It was not the doorbell. It was headman´s bell. Now he is summoning the meeting.

„We better go.” Arian said finally. When they came to the headman´s house, there was already rest of the village. The headman had his traditional robe as at the previous meeting. But he took a long wooden stick, which was decorated with various carvings. The stick emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He tapped with it at the ground to negotiate the quiet. Everyone fell silent.

„Dastan, did someone missing appeared?” he asked hopefully.

„Sorry, headman. Thirty elves are still missing.” said Dastan. Hope in the headmsn's face disappeared. Leaving only a sad and worried face.

„Alright. How are the repairs?”

„In a few days the village will be completely repaired.” The headman nodded.

„Are elves, who were injured already alright?”

„There are some serious injuries, but no one is in danger of life. Most have returned home.” The chief was greatly relieved. 

But Eunis got nervous. Again she heard the words Luten said her yesterday. What if all this is happening really just because of her? But what do they want from her? She has nothing. She didn´t even know them. The question is rather from where they know her. And how do they know that she lives here? Her thoughts were broke by bustle around. There was talk of further progress in the defense of the village. Some suggested increasing the guards, others improve weapons. There was a proposal for the construction of walls. All variants have proven to be unrealistic. And to the celebration remained few days. During these, attackers will be able to come back anytime. Eunis had been clear. She turned and ran to her home. In the closet she found an old bag. She took a blanket and some food she found in the kitchen. She was about to leave when Arian blocked the way. She jumped back.

„Oh, you startled me. Don´t do this to me.” she scolded him.

„Where are you going?” he asked, looking at the bag.

„Just for a trip.” she brushed him off. Arian raised his eyebrows.

„Ok, you got me. I´m going away. Leaving the village.” she said.

„And why are you leaving?” he asked.

„I just don´t want to threaten anybody.” she explained. Arian already understood what was going on.

„You are still thinking about what Luten said yesterday? He didn´t mean it. Don´t take it so hard.” he told her.

„But he did. And he was right.”

„How do you know?”

„ You didn´t see his eyes.”

„What?”

„The eyes reveal more than one would think. I know it. And these were not the eyes of someone who's not serious.” she said. Arian looked at her confused.

„Now please back off.” she ordered. Arian conversely stood so she had no chance to pass.

„And where do you like to go?” he asked when he knew he lost. Eunis shrugged.

„Definitely it will be far away.” she added hastily. Arian thought for a moment.

„Then I suggest you go north, to Azzaret. Or south along Sarezs´ ravine. That leads to Kanterlot.” Eunis gave him a puzzled look.

„Oh.” he said slowly.

„You know what? Meet me after moment by the Mykénai statue. Deal? Don´t run away.” he said. Before she could answer, he was gone.

„Why not?” she said, actually for herself.

<previous/first/next>

Everyone’s posting their favorite vines, so I thought I’d hop on this bandwagon.