#tavina

1. Oh Death, Rhiannon Giddens

2. Like I’m Gonna Lose You, Jasmine Thompson

3. Outlander Main Title Theme, Bear McCreary

4. Conman Coming, Monica Heldal

Chapters: 8/8 Fandom: 陈情令 | The Untamed (TV), 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Jiang Yanli/Wen Ruohan, Madam Wen/Wen Ruohan - Past Characters: Jiang Yanli, Wen Ruohan, Wen Qing (Modao Zushi), Wen Xu (Modao Zushi), Wen Xu's Wife (Modao Zushi), Wen Ning | Wen Qionglin Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Forced Marriage, No Sunshot Campaign (Módào Zǔshī), Politics, Older Man/Younger Woman, jianghu politics, Jiang Yanli-centric, Jiang Yanli is having a bad time, but at least there's soup, medically inaccurate depictions of chronic illness, Qi related handwavy illness, internalized ableism, Self-Esteem Issues, Wen Ruohan is probably his own warning, Warning: Wen Ruohan, Beauty and the Beast Elements, handing out corruption arcs again, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping Summary:

Jiang Yanli’s engagement is broken. In the wake of this, Wen Ruohan senses an opportunity.

Jiang Yanli, who is still standing there, a lotus seed pod between her fingers, silent as the grave, thinks that perhaps this is how a fish felt, in a woven rush trap — not yet dead, but already on its way to dying.

Not yet dead, but certainly trapped within the small boundaries that had reduced its world to nothing, alone with panic until someone comes to strike the killing blow.

Jiang Yanli is a child of Yunmeng's waters. She has, in the past, been the one to put her hand in the rush trap and drag the fish from its final prison.

She had, in the past, been one to gut said fish in a single stroke along its belly and pull out its innards.

3. What work are you most proud of (regardless of kudos/hits)?

hai gynaikes. It was written for a challenge in a friend discord I'm in, where we wrote anonymous fics and tried to guess who wrote what. It was an attempt to try and trick my friends by simulateously pretending to be @irrealisms and @regicidal-optimism (both of them at once, because irrealisms would know I wasn't her, but maybe I could trick her into thinking I was Neptune, and vice versa.) Now, this plan didn't really work, however, I am proud of the attempt.

19. What’s one pairing you want to explore next year?

This isn't really *one* ship, but--

Thank you for the questions!

Seyetto

2. How old are you? How do you feel about that?

I am twenty-three. I feel good about that. I believe I have accomplished a good amount for my age. Not that I intend to stop at that, mind.

3. What food are you craving right now?

Right now? (He considers for a moment) Black coffee.

4. What is your dream home like?

I have never wanted to live anywhere other than than where I do, which to be fair is a palace. I wouldn't change a thing. I mean, I have updated some of the decor since becoming emperor, but that's just surface level.

Rinnyx

8. What's something you'd like to learn how to do?

I'm working on learning Leskan now. Really, I would like learn to speak every language, in the whole world. All of them.

19. If you could say one thing to everyone in the world what would it be?

I would say - (He pauses) I need to consider the exact phrasing. Because the message I would want to say is to... to be good to each other. Be kind. Listen to other people, and be understanding. But I'd want to form it as a Word so that everyone would have to listen. Not - not to force them to do anything! I wouldn't be dominating their minds, just... you know... persuading.

26. What's a talent you have that you're proud of?

I think I'm pretty good at talking to people, and getting them to talk back. And I can imitate accents pretty well! That's fun.

(Author's note: he is perhaps the most talented magic user alive. Mentioning his skill im magic for this question did not occur to him.)

Tavina

8. What's something you'd like to learn how to do?

I'd like to learn some of the latest dances out of Ruveld. Or maybe to play another instrument. I could probably improve on what I know already first, though, I spend more time on drawing and sewing than music but I do want to be well rounded and accomplished. Or I'd like to learn how to make Seyetto listen. I know it's possible for him to act like a normal person, Rinnyx does it.

9. What's a nice compliment you've received?

Rinnyx has told me I am unforgettable.

11. If you could turn into any animal, what would it be?

I would like to turn into a bird. Flying would he fun. Probably some type of cute songbird!

12. What's a pet peeve of yours?

There's nothing more annoying than when the hem of my dress gets wet. And it starts clinging.

Aderin

14. What's your best memory?

The first time I got my article printed in the paper.

15. What's your favorite thing to wear?

My blue jacket. It can make even my plainest dress feel nice. And blue makes me feel happy.

20. Describe your dream date.

Long walk somewhere outside, with a picnic, or else finish up at a little cafe. Talking about everything and nothing.

24. What would you do with 3 wishes?

thanks for the questions! let's get to it

sorry that this took awhile! but it do be how it is

Seyetto

(I just want to note that this man was extremely recalcitrant.)

8. What's something you'd like to learn how to do?

Hm. I've been looking into Ornali enchanted weapons lately. I'd like to know how to operate some of those.

9. What's a nice compliment you've received?

Oh, let's see. I get compliments all the time, of course, but how many are sincere? (he thinks about it) My Uncle Hartin told me I remind him of my father.

Rinnyx

12. What's a pet peeve of yours?

Oh, haha, I don't think I'm very easy to annoy - (he suddenly remembers) Oh. People who talk a lot without saying anything. Just the most inane, empty flattery, or else self-aggrandizing, performative nonsense. It's... it's just so boring to translate.

17. How many people are you willing to die for?

Oh, I guess I'd die for anyone, if they needed it. I mean, if it would save their life, not if it would save them from being five minutes late to work or something. But for something serious, sure.

Tavina

18. What's the worst thing you've ever done?

I am very well behaved. Despite what some people would tell you. I don't know, maybe I've crossed a few lines fighting with Seyetto but it's the only way to get a reaction out of him.

22. Who knows you better than anyone?

My companion, Isletta Ellwynd. Out of all my ladies she's been with me the longest - since we were thirteen. I can talk to her about anything. And I do.

Aderin

23. What's the last thing you dreamt about?

I was late with an article because my editor kept giving me absurd specifications for what I ought to be writing and then rejecting my attempts when I followed them to the letter. I promise he's actually very good to work with in real life. I just tend to dream about stressful situations. Or remember those dreams. Maybe the stress wakes me up, and all the really nice dreams are lost to the night.

26. What's a talent you have that you're proud of?

I like to think I have a way with words. Useful for my writing, of course, and a little bit of Speaking on the side. It keeps my little garden beautiful.

Taron

1. What is the worst thing that's ever happened to you?

Oh, hm... well... you're supposed to say the war was really bad. I mostly didn't even get to see it, though. And the war made Cousin Seyetto emperor and it means I got to be king, so it was actually pretty good. Let me see.

11. If you could turn into any animal, what would it be?

Obviously I would turn into a dragon. I do already have a dragon (he says proudly) but if I could be a dragon I think that would be even better. As long as I wasn't a dragon all the time. There's nothing more powerful than a dragon. And they're just... so incredible.

Betrin

14. What's your best memory?

The last Queen's Night before the war. It always used to be my favorite holiday. The whole family was together then. My cousin was chosen the Queen for our celebration, and I was one of her handmaidens. It was great fun helping come up with commands that she ought to give. I got to stay for the dancing. Everything was so beautiful. I suppose they'll likely make me Queen this year, though I don't see the fun in that when you're queen already.

But thinking about times when everyone was still here sometimes makes me sad. So maybe my best memory is something simpler. The view from the our summer home in the mountains. The cake I had at my twelfth birthday. It was a very good cake.

19. If you could say one thing to everyone in the world what would it be?

I don't know. It isn't as though they would listen just because I sais it. And most things I would really want to say could get me in trouble. So I probably just wouldn't say anything.

Dommil

3. What food are you craving right now?

What am I not? Army rations aren't the most inspiring meals. I'd give a lot for a a plate or three cooked up by my mother in front of me.

21. What are your hobbies?

A lot of the men like to blow off steam setting up fights and wrestling matches and the like - sometimes we'll make a show of it for festivals and the like. I can put in a pretty good showing - been wrestling with my brothers moat of my life, ha. It's not quite as acceptable now that I'm an officer and all, but I don't completely fit in with the other officers anyway. I'll play cards with them but I won't gamble. I'm raised better than that.

And as they they are always occupying a little space in my brain:

The Machine

24. What would you do with 3 wishes?

How does it work? Are there parameters? Does it have to be within the realm of possibility?

(I explain to him that he can just wish for anything. He considers this.)

I would wish for that meddlesome being to let me go. I would not need to know what the rose is for then, but I would wish it anyway because... because I do not want a gap in my knowledge, that is all. Not because it is annoying me. I am above that. And I would wish for someone who can actually keep up with me to talk to.

Valeraine

4. What is your dream home like?

Thank you muchly for the asks!

🌙 If your OC could have one wish come true what would it be and why? Would there be consequences to this wish or would they regret it once they get what they want? What would they give in return for this wish to come true?

Rinnyx keeps it simple: he wishes for world peace. That's his instinctual first thought, then he spends some time considering other options before deciding no, that's really what he wants. What the consequences are depends on how sadistic the genie or whatever granting this wish is. It could be that creating world peace requires some kind of mind control, overwriting people's wills to force them to get along. That's something he might initially tell himself it's worth it but he's gonna get pretty uncomfortable with it, and recognize it's not a true peace (bad genie.) Of course he is in fact - he tells himself - pursuing world peace, and he's willing to sacrifice his morals and, yes, mind control people to get it done.

🌗 Early mornings or late nights? What do they spend their time doing during these hours?

Seyetto is very much not a morning person. Of course sometimes he has early mornings anyway, that's the job, but if he has a choice it's always late nights. After a long day of work, he likes to relax by a fire with a book and a glass of wine, and/or talk with his friend Rinnyx. Or sometimes the late nights are also taken up with work (parties are work)

🏡 Describe your OCs ideal house! Give us a tour around! What’s their garden like? Their bedroom? Kitchen? Where is it and how many people live there?

As much as Tavina resists some of the strictures of life as a princess, she does very much enjoy the comforts and benefits of a princess and does not want to downgrade from a palace, thank you very much. With her hand in its design, there will be lots of art on display, and she prefers nice soothing pastels over all that oppressive red her brother uses. The garden is large and expansive - fountains, stony paths, topiaries, trellises, statuary, and an abundance of carefully cultivated blooms. Her bedroom ought to overlook the gardens and have a nice balcony. Huge princess canopy bed, lots of green and pink. And since she does like being the belle of society, it's the imperial palace of Nedra that's her ideal location. It's always full of people, of course, but most important to her are her ladies Isletta, Cassia, and Monissa - and Rinnyx.

💐 Does your OC like flowers? What are their favourites? Do they keep a garden of some sort? What flowers would they use in a flower crown? (and if you like, research the meanings behind those flowers!)

Aderin loves flowers! To say specific favorites I'd have to do a lot more research into what flowers might grow where but I think she's got a special fondness for the earliest to bloom in spring. She keeps a window garden. She hasn't got the space for anything more, but it's common in the city where she lives. She grows lots of herbs in it, medicinal or for flavoring, but also some flowers just for looks. Now, hold on, let me find my Victorian flower book...

she'll take violets for faithfulness, oxlip for "speak out," triptilion spinosum for "be prudent," persicaria for restoration, and jasmine for amiability (five flowers seems a bit much, but it didn't seem complete without all of them either.) pictures of these flowers:

☀️ What makes your OC genuinely happy? A person, an item, their hobby? Where is the place they’re happiest, or most at home? What is the happiest they’ve ever been?

Taron is happy when he is doing something he thinks is fun and cool! He is something of a jock so this is mostly things like hunting, horse riding, learning how to fight with a sword he will never use in battle, that sort of thing. The place, probably the grounds around his home in Westin. The happiest he has ever been would be receiving his dragon. Dragons of course are very cool.

🌟 When your OC loses all hope, who do they turn to first? What helps make them feel better? What calms them down and reassures them? Why?

Betrin turns to her Aunt Gisa. She lost a lot of family in the war, one way or another, so they hold close to each other a lot. She really depends on her aunt's guidance and support, and her encouragement makes Betrin determined to rise to the occasion. I don't honestly know of that makes her feel much better, though. Betrin isn't in a great place right now. Knowing her aunt will help her is a great reassurance, though. Knowing she isn't alone. Believing that there is something that she can do.

📚 If your OC was given some kind of forbiddon knowledge, what would they do with it? Would they tell anyone? Use it for evil or good? How would it change their outlook on life, if at all?

Thank you so much anon, I always like! I'm sorry this one took actual ages, that's just how it's been. Brain was kinda creatively dead now but I'm picking stuff back up now.

5.) Does your character have any pets? Have they had any pets in the past? If no to both questions, what pet would they want to have, if they even want a pet at all?

Rinnyx is not in a living situation where he could really keep a pet very well (an apartment in the palace, and besides he travels a lot.) But maybe the fam kept a cat around the inn while he was growing up, it seems like that would probably be useful. A cat is in fact the pet he'd prefer, with or without that history. And he definitely would like it, if it were practical and he thought he could give it the kind of care it needs.

9.) Does your character have a good memory? What is their earliest memory? What is a memory they wish to forget? What memory do they cherish the most?

Hm, I wouldn't characterize Seyetto as having a bad memory, but not a standout good one either? I suppose he does have a lot of things he has to keep track of, and he does work to learn and know things important to his work as Emperor. His earliest memory probably features his father, maybe his coronation (Seyetto's father became king after Seyetto was born, but before Tavina was, who's five years younger than Seyetto. So that's about the right window for early memory.) Not that he'd have understood what was going on at the time, but it would have been quite a spectacle. Something he'd wish to forget, that's hard to say. He's surely got some bad memories. But they're important to him too. He wants to remember what it felt like to burn so he can remember the importance of control. And it's not just things with a lesson attached - even bad and painful memories are a part of him. When he learns the truth of what Rinnyx has done, he sometimes thinks he wants to forget that, but he doesn't really. Oh! He would want to forget his most embarrassing moment. (A miscommunication led a noblewoman in a conquered territory believe he was requesting her presence in a manner that he decidedly was not.) His most cherished memories are probably childhood ones with Tavina, since the relationship they had then is no longer present. But also cool accomplishments like being crowned as emperor or setting a whole lot of stuff on fire with Dragon. Those feel pretty nice to relive. And ones with Rinnyx. But he's always making more good memories with Rinnyx, so they're less rare to have to hold onto.

19.) What does your character think about their future? Are they more optimistic or pessimistic about the future? What would their ideal future be?

Tavina had very specific desires for her future - a beautiful love story. And she knows that Seyetto's plans for her future run counter to that. He, of course, intends for her to have a useful political marriage. She's kind of staking her hopes on things impossibly working out with her crush, but she's feeling very fenced in and fearful about her future. Her ideal future would be a happy life with someone she loves, continuing the life she knows as a princess, and her brother acting like a human being.

3.) How would your character describe themselves? What do they think are their most defining traits? Is this view of themselves accurate to reality?

Aderin would say she's generally reasonable, down to earth, and honest ("but I try to be nice about it. Unless of course I'm talking about the government.") She'd also describe herself, if asked, as Alefi*, a journalist, and a child of the Mother. Overall, she's got a pretty clear view of herself. It's sort of her thing.

*i keep changing this demonym sorry if it's different again later

17.) Who is your character's best friend? Have they had more than one best friend at a time? Are there any best friends that aren't in your character's life anymore?

I don't really have many characters from her background established besides her family, though she's definitely close to her sisters. She's definitely close to them, they'd be in the running either way.

18.) What is the funniest/most light-hearted memory your character has? How do they feel about this memory (still funny, bittersweet, etc.)?

Dommil is sure to have a lot of memories of good times at the inn, with his brothers. Especially once they're all older and he doesn't feel as much as though the family is on his shoulders. The family all reuniting after the war is a good one, all of them together again and glad to have survived. He'll always think of these times fondly. He's not going to live long enough for it to go any other way, really. If he did he might get bittersweet about the last time they all are together, but that feeling will be left to others.

22.) Is it easy for them to ignore flaws in other people? How about their own flaws? 

Ignore, no, but Cypren does try to be understanding of them. He can respect the good in someone while acknowledging the bad. But there are some things he's going to feel the need to confront, and he isn't going to sugarcoat his opinions if asks. He's honest.

As to himself, on the one hand he's pretty clear eyed about what problems he's causing for himself, but he might be more rose tinted on his motivations.

2.) What’s their favorite childhood memory? Why?

Oh, it would have to be something from before her mom died. Everrie was probably too young to remember when her youngest sister was born. Maybe... a dance performance she saw with her mother and sisters.

21.) What is your favorite headcanon about your character?

Best part is headcanon is all canon. Unless I change my mind. But we'll just throw out some fun maybe-not-ever-in-text facts. Let's see...

Rinnyx: he is deathly afraid of bears. He has never seen a bear.

Seyetto: He probably drinks way too much coffee

Tavina: In a modern AU she'd be a Disney princess fiend

Aderin: She keeps a window garden at her place in the city

Corrianne: She can play the harp

Dommil: His best friend is his brother Enno, though they're pretty different people

Cypren: Likes long walks on the beach (his estate is near the ocean)

Thank you kindly!

♥️ Philautia - What does your character like the most about themselves? Yes, they have to choose at least one thing, or more! Is there any reasoning behind what they chose?

Corrianne likes being a carer. She's the oldest of her sisters, so she sees herself as the responsible one, the one who looks out for others and makes sure everything gets done. And she thinks she's pretty good at it if she does say so herself. Of course she was also the heir presumptive to the throne of Ruveld for over half her life, so that's even more responsibility, and the mindset of duty to her country has never gone away even after the birth of her half-brother. It's because of these traits that she doesn't want to challenge his heirship - fighting among the family would be bad for them personally and for the kingdom. But she also thinks that she would be really good at being queen.

🍿 Ludus - Who does your character turn to when they want to have a good time? What would they do with this person to have fun?

Dommil assuredly has army bros he has formed a close bond with and shared good times and bad - but he's an officer now, and it doesn't feel right to be completely casual with them, and he doesn't vibe with most of the other officers who are likely to have come from a much different background than him. So it's gonna be his actual bros he goes for. And number one on that list is Enno. Enno's the one closest to him in age, so they were always buddies growing up. And Enno is a fun guy. He's warm, enthusiastic, affectionate (if your preferred form of affection is hitting each other, which both his and Dommil's is.) Going out for a drink is always nice, but Dommil probably also enjoys attending whatever sort of athletic event you can observe in this society, which I haven't nailed down but in the capital city of the Empire there's gotta be something. Of course they're both busy people these days, so they're most likely to meet up at the family inn and hang with as many of their brothers as can make it.

🌻 Philia - Who is your character's most beloved friend? How did they meet? Why is this person so important to your character?

Tavina's closest friends are her companions Cassia Morcet and Isletta Ellwynd, and her cousin Monissa Tenley who will be joining the crew soon. She's the closest to Isletta, who's been her companion longest. They became friends while being tutored by Dor Arill, much as Rinnyx and Seyetto did (though Isletta is noble. Part of the point of the tutoring is to forge connections among noble kids, after all.) So when they were both thirteen Isletta got the "job" of "hang out with the princess." Cassia got the job two years later, when Seyetto was leaving for war and thought Tavina could use more company and also her family was happy for her to come to the capital for safety. Tavina was a little resentful of the circumstances, but getting through the fear and uncertainty of the war forged the three of them as close friends. Tavina felt pretty isolated after the death of her parents and her brother leaving, so she leaned on them a lot, and still does. Monissa, Tavina has communicated with mostly by letter as they grew up in different kingdoms - encouraged by her mother, but they did form a genuine friendship. But Tavina is sort of desperate for family, so she's clinging to that relationship and eager for Monissa to be closer.

🌲 Pragma - During the last scene you wrote/thought of with your character, who have they loved the longest? By the time they pass on, does that person change?

It feels like the answer is probably a family member, but they're all basically nonentities so... the Mother, the goddess worshipped by many in Alefor. (Some, especially among nobility, have adopted the Court of Irien, but this is the traditional religion.) Aderin's love of the Mother is also tied up in her love of the natural world and her love of her country and people. Aderin's faith is important to her, so it will probably remain throughout her life.

🏡 Storge - Who does your character consider family? Which of their family do they love the most? Why?

Rinnyx definitely holds to "family isn't defined by blood" but that's largely because he doesn't consider his father family (how could he? he doesn't know the guy.) The rest of his blood family he'd never let go of. Since he does consider basically everyone friends it's possible the top tier friends could tip over to family - like maybe Mirs and Vetta and Saire who he lived with in Davuri. They have that kind of relationship. Seyetto is of course the person who is most important to but "family" becomes a more complicated concept when dealing with royalty. So among his actual family? His favorite is Dommil. He looks up to him, admires him, depends on him. Dommil has always been there, always supported him, always looked out for him. Dommil is great.

🌏 Agape - What does your character love about the people around them? What common, positive trait does their friend group/family share?

Well that's a very good question.

Okay, look, it's not that Seyetto dislikes people, it's that he... generally doesn't form relationships with them. Oh, and also assumes they will all see him as his position rather than person and that all interactions with other people will he inherently transactional - that they all want something from him. Again, he doesn't dislike them for this, he thinks it's only natural, but it does sort of color how he views people.

If you asked him, he'd say that of course he loves his people - and he doesn't need to know them to love them. It's his duty. Why would he need a reason? So an uncharitable answer might be that he loves that his people are his. A charitable answer might be that he loves that they are people, because wanting to do what's best for his people is simply what's right.

He does gave things he loves about his culture. Pelasia emphasizes as values order, duty, balance. Some of this is due to militarization and stringently keeping magic users under control after having been taken over by mind controllers several centuries ago. Some is due to prevailing religious beliefs. Some might be just how many of them are. But wherever it came from Seyetto loves his country for it - he sees them as owing much of their success to their discipline and responsibility. Definitely something he also appreciated among the army during the war.