#chain post

🍊  Share a scene with some description that you’re proud of

This is a scene from chapter 4. I remember it being a really fun part to write, so I'd like to share it.

Her thoughtful gaze rested on the figure of Megatronus.

All the statues were carved from milky white crystal, intricately crafted works of art, stunning not only in their scale but also in their attention to detail. However, in Megatronus’s case, Nightbird saw a particular dedication to creating an image of power, a great warrior whose mere presence intimidated and exuded an aura of invincibility. From the surviving images, legends, and descriptions, an image emerged of a being willing to make great sacrifices to protect his world and those dear to him.

The craftsmanship with which the statue was crafted demonstrated extraordinary mastery and impeccable knowledge in depicting Megatronus: the largest and strongest of the Thirteen. The sculpture boasted numerous details, such as the ornamentation on his armor, which stood out clearly. Nightbird secretly regretted that the sculptor hadn't chosen to accentuate them with gold – visible in numerous engravings depicting the Prime’s figure – but the beautiful armor decorations visible around the shoulders, chest, and waist were still distinguishable. These details lent the figure a sense of dignity. His attributes weren’t overlooked: a Requiem Blaster was mounted on his right arm, and in his left hand he held a Shock-Spear. These were very powerful weapons with devastating force. However, the most impressive aspect was the intricately crafted mask: there were virtually no surviving images of Megatronus; he was always depicted wearing a mask.

But one thing remained constant: the eyes. Each variation of this figure possessed a beautiful, piercing, and sharp gaze.

The figure’s eyes were piercing, gazing devotedly at the figure standing across from him: Solus Prime.

Nightbird followed his gaze.

Solus Prime was the creator of the weapons and legendary artifacts she bestowed upon the other Primes.

She created the weapons wielded by Megatronus.

Solus Prime was somewhat more modest in stature than Megatronus – a head shorter. Her armor was also covered in decoration: less subtle, ornate accents (also inlaid with gold in many paintings) covered primarily her forearms and arms, all the way to her chest. These decorations were supposedly words, engravings in a language that no living person could read – Nightsaber had once told Nightbird only a Prime could read it. Solus’s helm was adorned with a crown that clearly accentuated her beautiful, shapely face. She had beautiful eyes: round and gentle. In her right hand, she held Forge.

In the stories surrounding Solus Prime’s history, she was clearly strong, but in a very different way than Megatronus: it wasn’t strength that came from the strength of her armor or her combat skills. However, there was no doubt that she could fight. Her strength came from her abilities: through her talents and diligence, she created unique and beautiful works, not just powerful weapons.

She was a great artist among the Thirteen.

‘Solus Prime,’ Nightbird sighed. ‘I need help… Please inspire me on what to do…’

The sculpture didn’t respond. Nightbird hadn’t expected it to answer, but she was determined not to give in. She doubted that in such a place, pleas would go unanswered. After all, she was addressing the Prime responsible for creating true wonders on a cosmic scale.

🍈  Share a scene where your character opens up or confesses something

I was hesitant about the passages regarding this question, but I decided to add this one from chapter 7: I think it perfectly captures the issue of confession.

The Doctor stopped.

I have to tell him what he needs to hear.

Nightbird looked him in the eye bravely. She folded her arms.

‘Listen, I’ll be honest: I don’t know who I can trust here. I don’t know the specifics of the conflict unfolding here. I don’t know anything about either side fighting here. Everything I know is based on speculation and knowledge I’ve gathered on the fly. So please don’t summarize my train of thought so simply, and don’t be surprised that I didn’t jump into your arms with joy, thanking you for saving me and hoping for an alliance.’

‘Saving you?’ Ratchet repeated uncertainly.

Nightbird shrugged.

‘Saving me from making a decision that could have devastating consequences.’

Ratchet’s face suddenly relaxed. As if this answer hadn’t just surprised him, but calmed him.

🍍  Share a scene where a character relaxes or has downtime

This is a flashback scene from chapter 9: I really like it, especially since it contains elements of the worldbuilding depicted - Ceall, from which Nightbird originates. I'm not including the whole thing, just a snippet.

‘Did you know that there are plants on Cybertron that are edible to our species? For example, oilcaps.’ Shadow Twister explained, pointing to a drawing on his datapad. ‘They are considered a delicacy. They can be grown in greenhouses or gardens, but they can also be found in the wild.’

They sat in a meadow, observing an e-bees apiary.

Nightbird listened to his monologue with interest, simultaneously sketching the e-bees flying nearby. After a moment, she reached for the vessel containing crushed petals dripping with a thick, rose-colored honey. She didn’t even have to bite; the sweetness melted in her mouth.

‘Did you know they evolved from tiny, inconspicuous insects that the Monks bred?’ Shadow Twister also reached for a piece of honey. ‘We feed them a special mixture of energon and plant pollen, which allows them to produce energon honey.’

Nightbird licked the sweet remains from her fingers intently.

Delicious.

The e-bees were round, fluffy insects that could fit in the palm of her hand. They had two pairs of eyes that looked as if they were composed of millions of tiny octagonal plates. Three pairs of wings fluttered, lifting their round bodies. Nightbird had once seen a photograph of their progenitors  – bees – which seemed ridiculously tiny to her, but they weren’t all that different from the species they later evolved into.

A few e-bees flew closer to Shadow Twister and Nightbird. Two perched on the purple mech’s helmet and shoulder.