Prompt List Here

XOXO - Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?

Siuan is more affectionate than Moiraine - in large part because she clearly grew up with a doting father than the distant Cairhienin bullshit Moiraine was raised with. Even in the scenes we get with them, Siuan is usually the one to initiate physical contact. Most of the romantic lines also come from Siuan, as well as the cutesy pet names that make Moiraine smile. Casual affection and romance comes easily to her, and Moiraine loves it.

Not to say Moiraine can't be romantic as fuck when she wants to be. I mean, what she says as she's swearing her exile oath? The woman's clearly spent enough time around Lan to know how to wax poetic on occasion. I also think she'd be more physically affectionate if she had longer than one night at a time with her lover - if she didn't have to jump back into cold and distant mode immediately after. Siuan is better at switching between her public and private personality; Moiraine takes a little longer to fully open up, and she usually isn't given the opportunity.

Yearning - How will they cope when they’re missing their partner?

Considering they're apart, like, 99% of the time, I'd say they cope fairly well.

A lot of the coping comes from the reason they're apart in the first place - The Mission. I mean, they're both Blue Ajah for a reason. We know from later books that Their Purpose is enough to help them survive some severe trauma, so it's certainly enough to help them cope with being separated from each other.

Moiraine has the extra benefit of having a close confidant and partner in Lan. His love is not a substitute for Siuan, but it is a great source of comfort and support.

We haven't seen whether Siuan has a Warder or not (she has one in the early books, but we never meet him, so we don't really know much about their relationship). Likely the show won't give her one, at least for now, so I'll assume for the time being that she doesn't have a Warder. If this is the case, then Siuan probably struggles more with missing Moiraine than the other way around. Moiraine has Lan, and she's also actively carrying out her mission in life, and both are great distractions. Siuan, meanwhile, is stuck in the White Tower, dealing with other Aes Sedai and all the politics. And after she becomes Amyrlin Seat, this gets worse. Suddenly no one can even use her name, let alone get close to her. Siuan has a will of iron, so she does what has to be done, but the loneliness come close to unbearable sometimes.

Zeal - Are they willing to go to great lengths for the relationship? If so, what kind of?

Honestly, the fact that they're still making the effort to be together could be considered "great lengths." One of them is the most powerful woman in the world, who really shouldn't be romantically involved with anyone at all, but especially not someone under her direct authority. And both are hiding their involvement in the world's most important but also most dangerous spy mission.

Prompt List Here

Prompt I was answered here.

Fight - Would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?

They don't fight that often, if only because they get very little time together, and neither wants to spend that time angry if they can help it.

I've mentioned before that Siuan's presence helps Moiraine open up and express any pent-up anger she's been holding onto, but it's rarely to do with Siuan herself - the bulk of Moiraine's frustration comes from her mission, or from the public image they have to present to other people. As a result, it's pretty easy for Siuan to defuse the situation. Siuan understands that Moiraine just needs a chance to vent without fear of consequence, but then she deflates as easily a pufferfish after a little humor or a smile.

Siuan had more of a temper when they were young - though, again, rarely directed at Moiraine. As she's gotten older, she's gotten better at seeing through things that might have once made her angry (e.g. Logain's words during his trial). She'll still pull out the occasional frustrated "fish guts" every now and then, but she usually does it when she's alone (or maybe with Leane), rather than around Moiraine.

Kiss - Are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?

Pretty sure they're both the type of people who do nothing halfway, so... yes. They're both good at kissing. Maybe not when they start out (sometime in their novice years, though I haven't decided when), but by the time they're Aes Sedai, they've got it down.

(Also, while Siuan may have kissed a boy or girl or two before coming to the White Tower - I'm going by the books here and saying she and Moiraine became novices at age 16 - I can't imagine Moiraine kissing anyone before Siuan. It just wasn't practical with all the Great Game going on around her all the time. That might make Siuan the only person Moiraine's ever kissed, and I don't think she minds.)

So I've actually written two versions of their first kiss. The first, I wrote back in 2008, as part of the 1Sentence challenge on Livejournal.

They sit together and watch the eclipse of the moon, watching as the darkness comes and then leaves, bringing the brightness of the light of the moon back into the room; that is the night Siuan first kisses Moiraine, afterward telling Moiraine that without her, Siuan’s life would be like the darkness during the eclipse – awaiting the brightness of the light of Moiraine.

The second, I've written within the last few weeks, as part of a project I'm working on. Consider this one a preview. (Also, I like this better. I was 18 when I wrote the last one, okay?)

Moiraine initiates their first kiss, with a surge of confidence that surprises Siuan as much as the kiss itself; she half expects Moiraine to retreat afterward, and prepares to ward off any apologies, but after pulling back for a moment to stare into her eyes, all Moiraine does is surge forward to seize Siuan’s lips again.

Quirk - Some random ability they have that’s beneficial in a relationship.

Do Siuan's fish metaphors count? Not sure they're particularly helpful, but they're certainly memorable.

In all seriousness, Siuan's sense of humor really does come in handy. It helps her win over Moiraine to begin with, and it continues to be important throughout their relationship. With so much pressure surrounding the two of them, it's important to find some levity once in a while, and Siuan's usually the one to find it.

Prompt List Here

Dreams - How do they picture their future with their s/o?

Sorry to be grim when this is supposed to be fluff, but neither Moiraine nor Siuan is convinced that they will live long enough to have a future together. Not only is the Last Battle coming, but they are both actively engaged in a highly dangerous secret mission that could get either of them killed - or stilled - at any point. Honestly, it's a miracle they've had as much time as they've had. They are both practical women, not prone to daydreaming or wishing for things that can't happen.

Yet in the backs of their minds, they still dream. Of a world after the Last Battle, that they are both alive to see. Of a quiet house in a little village, preferably near a river. Of long hours of reading (for Moiraine) or fishing (for Siuan), with no other concern other than when to prepare supper. Of warm, languid nights spend lovemaking - and of nights without lovemaking, just spent sleeping, because now they have enough time to do either. Of the chance to hold hands in front of other people, because their love is no longer dangerous. Of peace and quiet and finally a time to rest.

Inspiration - Did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?

Siuan brings Moiraine out of her shell. She encourages her to be more open and vulnerable with her emotions, both good and bad. It isn't that Siuan's changed her, per se - it's more than Siuan knows how to draw out the real Moiraine in a way that almost no one else can. Moiraine laughs more, cries more, even gets angry more when she's with Siuan because she has the freedom to do so (and also Siuan is a master of pushing her buttons).

Moiraine also helps Siuan to be more truly herself, but in a different way. Ever since they were novices, Moiraine has been a regular source of encouragement and support for Siuan, constantly reminding Siuan that she is stronger and kinder and cleverer than she believes. Moiraine refuses to see Siuan as anything but a brilliant mind, a devoted friend, and a wise leader, and won't let Siuan put herself down either. Siuan never had trouble being free with her emotions, but she's always struggled - at least internally - with the gut feeling that she's an imposter, that she's not good enough. Moiraine won't let her get away with that. Moiraine always builds Siuan up, whenever she needs it.

Also, you can bet they've taught each other some other, less important things as well. Like I am convinced that Moiraine can fish bare-handed because Siuan taught her. And at least some of Siuan's mastery of Daes Dae'mar has to come from her Cairhienin noble girlfriend. Siuan was probably the mastermind for their prank war, but I'm sure Moiraine came up with a few ideas as well. But Moiraine never quite managed to imprint her love of horses on Siuan, for all that she tried.

Support - Are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? Do they believe in them?

In short, emphatically yes, but also a little bit no. It is explicitly canon that they share the same primary goal for their lives. Literally their whole arc in the story is about helping each other find the Dragon Reborn and get him to the Last Battle alive. Everything else in their lives - including each other - has to come second, because their ultimate goal is nothing less than saving the entire goddamn world. They both believe in this goal 150% percent. Both Moiraine and Siuan would do anything or sacrifice anything in order to stop the Dark One - including themselves or each other, though they wouldn't be happy about the latter.

3. Favorite TV shows to watch this year

Agatha All Along easily takes the crown here. I'm still deep in the trenches of that particular hyperfixation.

Honorable mentions to Wandavision, Fallout, and Bridgerton.

13. Favorite villain of the year

I don't have any clear-cut villains in mind - but I loved how both Wandavision and Agatha All Along explored the concepts of hero vs. villain (or good vs. evil), and how that can truly be a matter of perspective. Depending on who you talk to, Wanda, Agatha, and Rio could all be considered the villain of the story - but are they really? That's much more interesting, in my opinion, than just a generic supervillain.

23. The most missed of your old fandoms

Probably the Bering and Wells fandom - and I do mean the fans as much as the ship itself. I've never been part of a fanbase that felt more like a family.

Though to be fair, a lot of us are still around, following each other around from fandom to fandom. It's beautiful.

How many books did you read this year?

125.

Did you reread anything? What?

Yes. 17 of the 125 were re-reads. Most were from series I haven't reread in many years (like Wheel of Time and Green Rider).

What were your top five books of the year?

Oh god it's hard to pick just 5 out of 125, especially when your preferred genre(s) tend to come in series. But, in no particular order:

The Outside by Ada Hoffmann

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman

Even Though I Knew The End by C.L. Polk

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon

Did you discover any new authors that you love this year?

Finally got around to reading some of N.K. Jemisin's work, and I completely understand the hype. I look forward to reading more from her next year.

What genre did you read the most of?

Unsurprisingly, fantasy. The two tracking apps I use have different numbers - Storygraph has me at 76, while Fable has me at 94 - but either way, there's no question fantasy is my most-read genre.

Second place goes to science fiction, at 32/45. I'm actually quite new to the genre (in literature at least), but I've been enjoying it immensely so far.

Honorable mention to the LGBTQIA+ category. The majority of my reading choices, across genres, feature queer characters or themes (predominantly WLW or a-spec).

Was there anything you meant to read, but never got to?

Nothing in particular, though there are a few books that have been on my shelves for years which I need to get around to at some point.

What was your average Goodreads rating? Does it seem accurate?

I don't use Goodreads, and I dislike rating/reviewing books. However, I do have an average star rating of 3.9 out of 5 on Fable. Which tracks.

Did you meet any of your reading goals? Which ones?

I kept exceeding my yearly goal - I started low, since I only read 30 books last year, and had to keep raising the bar every few months. I struggled a bit at the end to get to 125, thanks to a hyperfixation pulling me toward fanfiction, but I just managed to get there.

I also took part in several reading challenges on Storygraph, mostly during the spring and summer.

Did you get into any new genres?

Thanks to aforementioned reading challenges, I dabbled in poetry, literary fiction, and horror for the first time. Not sure I would say I "got into" them, per se, but I'm not opposed to further dabbling.

I loved historical fiction as a kid, but haven't touched the genre much as an adult. I finally found a few I enjoyed this year (all queer, and some blended with fantasy elements), so hopefully I can find more next year.

What was your favorite new release of the year?

I already put Late Bloomer on the overall top 5 list, so I'll mention The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton here. It's sci-fi mixed with cheesy rom-com, and it was a really fun read.

What was your favorite book that has been out for a while, but you just now read?

I guess I'll go with The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin - and its sequels, since I read them all in rapid succession and so they're blurred together in my head. This was my introduction to her work, and I'm glad I took the plunge. Jemisin's storytelling and worldbuilding is phenomenal.

Any books that disappointed you?

Not sure it was disappointment, exactly, since I also struggled to connect with Harrow the Ninth, but I really had a difficult time getting through Tamsyn Muir's Nona the Ninth. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but the sequels have not really been my cup of tea, with Nona being my least favorite so far. I appreciate how important Muir's writing is to the community, but it just isn't for me.

What were your least favorite books of the year?

I didn't hate any of the books I finished, but I suppose there were a few I liked less than the others. Nona the Ninth was one. Some others were We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal, Your Driver is Waiting by Priya Guns, and What I Mean When I Say I'm Autistic by Annie Kotowicz.

What books do you want to finish before the year is over?

None. At this point, I'm saving any current reads for my 2025 count.

Did you read any books that were nominated for or won awards this year (Booker, Women’s Prize, National Book Award, Pulitzer, Hugo, etc.)? What did you think of them?

Yes. The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older was nominated for a Hugo award in 2024. It's a brilliant sci-fi/mystery novella featuring queer main characters - so, naturally, right up my alley.

What is the most over-hyped book you read this year?

Anything by Hafsah Faizal seems to be trendy on social media, but I especially kept seeing A Tempest of Tea everywhere. It was a perfectly fine fantasy heist book, though I found the (straight) romances uncompelling.

I also don't love This Is How You Lose The Time War (by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone) nearly as much as other people seem to. It's very unique and very queer, and it was okay for me, but I probably wouldn't read it again.

Did any books surprise you with how good they were?

I wasn't expecting to like The Deep by Rivers Solomon, et al., as much as I did. It's a beautiful piece of speculative fiction that examines pain and trauma and memory - and there's a queer romance in here to boot.

How many books did you buy?

Somewhere around 20, give or take.

Did you use your library?

Not my local library, no. I did, however, sign up for a card from the Queer Liberation Library on the Libby app.

What was your most anticipated release? Did it meet your expectations?

I wasn't waiting on any new releases this year - except maybe for Brandon Sanderson's Wind and Truth, which came out this month but I haven't read yet.

Did you participate in or watch any booklr, booktube, or book twitter drama?

Absolutely not.

What’s the longest book you read?

That'll be Brandon Sanderson's Rhythm of War, at just over 1200 pages. The other book to (barely) crack 1000 was The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan.

Out of 125 books, 22 were 500+ pages, and 65 were between 300-499 pages. This is what happens when you're a fantasy/sci-fi fan; you tend to end up with longer books.

What’s the fastest time it took you to read a book?

I read a few of the shorter books/novellas in one day. I remember getting through The Deep in one sitting, for example.

I'm a fast reader, but I also have ADHD, so most of the time my focus is split between multiple books. Sometimes I like a book well enough to get through it in a week or less, and sometimes it takes a few months. That's why my average read time (according to Storygraph) is 25 days.

Did you DNF anything? Why?

Yup. Not too many, though. Most were free ebooks I tried but couldn't get into. I tried to reread Pride and Prejudice, since my sister gifted me a beautiful edition, but I didn't like Jane Austen's work in high school, and I don't now, so I gave up on that pretty quickly. It looks gorgeous on my shelf, though.

What reading goals do you have for next year?

Actually, not yet. I'm in the middle of a hyperfixation with another fandom, so I've barely touched Choices in weeks.

3. which book/series would you most like to see turned into a movie or tv show?

i think endless summer would make an amazing tv show. the series has an outstanding cast (both main and supporting), a unique and interesting setting, and a solid plot with a good ending. it's a combination of mystery, adventure, and found family, with a hint of sci-fi and romance. i would watch the hell out of that show.

as far as movies go, i'd recommend something like veil of secrets, ride or die, or either of the it lives books (though i'm not into horror, so i might not actually watch the it lives films). i think perfect match could also make a good duology (you have to have the book 1 cliffhanger, or it just doesn't work). and honestly, i'd be fine with hallmark making home for the holidays into a movie, provided they went with the gay ending.

7. which character do you wish wasn't an li?

ethan ramsey. professor kingsley. marc antony.

8. does anyone you know irl play choices?

i don't know for sure, but i did see an old college friend mention something on facebook about olivia nevrakis merch when pixelberry first opened their merch store, so i suspect she plays. i haven't asked, though.

19. which book do you think collectively has the best lis?

it's a tie between mother of the year and blades of light and shadow. the former is the only book where i regularly rotate between all three lis, and legimately can't make up my mind at any given moment. it's a similar situation for the latter, though blades has two female lis instead of one, and one of them's an orc, so, you know. that's awesome.

i'll give an honorary mention to open heart, because three of the four lis are amazing and i love them.

20. if you have vip, which vip book was your favourite? if not, which vip book looks most appealing to you?

i don't have vip just this second, but i have in the past. i thoroughly enjoyed hot couture, with every heartbeat, and a very scandalous proposal. i didn't really give the unexpected heiress a fair shake, so i need to replay that eventually. of those, i guess hot couture was my favorite, but not by much.

21. which genre do you wish pb would write more books for?

they're very good at fantasy, so i'd love to see more of that. i wouldn't mind some more mystery or sci-fi books either.

22. how many books have you completed? how many chapters?

i've played everything (except ms. match; i don't have vip right now). so... over 90 books and 1400 chapters complete.

25. what is your favourite currently releasing book?

the selection is not good right now. maybe my two first loves, simply because the chapters are so short.

35. what made you join choices tumblr?

thanks so much for the ask!

6. do any characters share your name? how many?

surprisingly, there are currently no canon characters with the name elizabeth. the closest i get is a character in james ashton's play.

among my mcs, only elizabeth lowell from desire and decorum shares my name. though i do feel like i have to mention liz, my very first choices mc, back in the days when the freshman had the only customizable mc. she never made it to the end of the series, but she has a special place in my choices history.

23. do you replay books? if so, which books are you replaying right now?

yes. i have replayed just about everything, usually more than once. (i have never managed to get through a replay of red carpet diaries or platinum, but that's it.) i always have at least six non-updating books running at any given time, to make sure i get my full amount of diamonds each day.

aside from the updating books, i'm currently replaying bloodbound, desire and decorum, perfect match, it lives in the woods, the freshman, baby bump (book 1), and witness. i've also just restarted home for the holidays becaues i'm in a christmas mood.

31. if you could live in any choices book, which would it be?