#aurora tar

[blue-tailed-sphinx]

A fun idea: to show Aurora's relationships with certain characters drawing her as a Japanese snow fairy instead (yep, this bird is now officially her spirit animal). Originally, I planned the bird to be Periwinkle (Aurora's pet fairy), but later went with the metaphor as a more interesting choice.

[blue-tailed-sphinx]

So, I've finally managed to complete my Aurora Tar's playlist!

Here I leave some notes on what each song/melody emphasizes regarding her story and personality:

Klaus Doldinger - Fantasia

In the story, Sinclair is actually the one to discover Aurora and her parents during his "exile" preceding his assignment to B5. This melody is meant to portray mystery, awe and wonder he feels when facing Aurora for the first time.

Mecano - Hijo de la Luna

This song resonates with Aurora's character for two reasons: 1) she is a stricking albino; 2) she sees herself not just as a daughter of her parents, but as a daughter of the planet she was born at. The latter happens due to the fact that the planet's enviroment influenced Aurora greately during her creation, leaving her with abilities abnormal for both humans and Minbari.

The Cure - Lullaby

This one serves as a description of Aurora's deepest fears, specifically arachnophobia and being helpless.

Anna Sandström - Salve Regina

I want Aurora to join one of Minbari's warrior clans (and later the rangers) as the story progresses. For that purpose I've chosen Moon Shields clan, and I feel like this song can give a good idea of what I imagine their anthem/ritual song sound like.

The Cure - Burn

This song works as a description of Aurora's instense longing for her original homeworld which, though very difficult to live in, is where she truly belongs. It also radiates the vibe of said world - strange, ethereal, dangerous.

Following songs decribe Aurora's relationships with other characters.

Klaus Doldinger - Skyscape (Aurora & Bester)

Aurora is one of the few people who holds a certain level of compassion towards Bester and isn't afraid of him. She doesn't agree with what he thinks and does, but she sees him as someone similar to herself - an alien struggling to connect and belong. And that shows in their relationships. This melody conveys their fragile bond - mutual respect and understanding of two hurting souls.

The Church - Under the Milky Way Tonight (Aurora & the rest of the station inhabitants)

This song is meant to show an exchange of feelings between the character and the new enviroment she has been placed in. Gravitation, confusion, inability to fully understand or accept one another - all mixed in one vial.

Cheap Trick - The Flame (Aurora & Sinclair)

Though originally romantic, in the context of Aurora's story the song represents her platonic attachment to Jeffrey Sinclair, the first person from the outside world she meets, and, for a long while, the only one who treats her as an equial and someone to be admired. Specifically, it speaks of loss she experiences when he goes away to become Valen and her promise to always follow his teachings as a way to honor his sacrifice.

Benjamin Orr - In Circles (Aurora & Marcus Cole)

Mischevious and light-hearted spirit of the song shows exactly what their relationships are like.

Two unruly siblings.

Benjamin Orr - Hold On (Aurora & Mahnbreen (OC))

Originally, I've been meaning to put this as a romantic song for Aurora and Neroon... However, the more I think about these two, the less likely it becomes that they are going to end up together. So, her spouse is another OC, and this is his love confession to her! For now I will say he is a Minbari and belongs to Moon Shields clan. As for the rest - later!

Benjamin Orr - The Lace (Aurora & Neroon)

I'm still putting hidden romantic tension between Aurora and Neroon, yet it's not going to turn into anything substantial, leaving them both with nothing but bitterness and disappointment... which this song is about.

[blue-tailed-sphinx]

Aurora: "You will not destroy this planet. "

Lyta (about Bester) : "He has to pay for what he's done! Why does he get to be happy when others lose so much because of him!?"

Aurora: "And what makes you think you are allowed to play with others' lives? Carolyn has done nothing wrong. Neither of them are to blame for your pain. Are you really that different from him now?

In any way, I won't let you hurt them, or Bester. Back down. "

Lyta: "... Or else? "

Aurora: "... Do you really think you the only child of the first ones, Lyta?"

Author's note:

Here is another lore drop! As I said, in my AU the landing party in "Epiphanies" makes it down to the planet's surface because Aurora persuaded Lyta to not activate Z'ha'dum's self-destruction mechanisms. Yet, there are different forms of persuasion 😊...

I know I've been keeping Aurora's powers (aside from a prophetic sense) and their origin a mystery so far, but I'm planning to change that soon, so - stay tuned!

[blue-tailed-sphinx]

"You will never be alone again"

As I mentioned earlier, Aurora and Bester share a strong bond. In fact, I would say she is the only person who, while being on Sheridan's side, doesn't hate or fear Bester. An outcast by design, Aurora understands his pain and hatred; she doesn't support most of his actions, but she still treats him with kindness, especially because she knows how hard life has been on him (later I'll explain where she knows that from). Not to mention that she is not biased towards telepaths in general. In return, Bester warms up to her and even becomes Aurora's "guardian" of sorts (her child-like wonder and innocence remind him of his own little daughter). They only grow closer with time as the story of telepaths' origins begins to unravel (Aurora finds it very relatable), and their connection forces Bester to reevaluate some of his views, chasing away the darkness he sank in.

As for this scene specifically, in my AU Lyta, influenced by Aurora, doesn't blow up Z'ah'adum to bits, and the landing party makes it on the planet's surface... only to be attacked by Drakhs and get trapped underground, separated into small groups. Bester and Aurora, who is severely wounded in the process, are stranded together with no way to escape, so Bester comforts her while they wait for help.

[blue-tailed-sphinx]

Little Aurora (and her parents)

[blue-tailed-sphinx]

Mahnbreen 🗡

Finally finished putting Mahnbreen's appearance together. While trying to figure out his face, my mind got stuck with Robert Redford, so I took him as a reference.

(+ a chibi verson with Aurora because they are cute as hell).

Name: Mahnbreen Dan

Age: 35 years old

Race: Minbari

Speacial features: Very sharp and long antlers (abnormal even for a member of the warrior caste).

Medical conditions: Insomnia

Character: generally withdrawn, yet very friendly to people he's close with; courageous; stubborn (in a good sense); sharp-minded; altruistic; kind; compassionate; poetic; brutaly honest; reliable; resilient; a workaholic; "hard shell - soft centre".

Languages: English, Minbari

Skills and talents: Strategy; space craft piloting; Denn'bok fighting; writing (a poet).

Caste: Warrior (Moon Shields clan)

Fears: Failing to do the right thing at the time it's needed most/failing people dependant on him.

Favourite colour: Orange/Peach

Romantic attraction: Aurora Tar

Mahnbreen was one of the prominent figures of his clan. Back in the day, his career skyrocketed due to his strategic talents and personal bravery; he was seen as a promising youth whose star was rising. Yet, during the Human-Minbari war, Mahnbreen questioned his people's actions, earning public condemnation in response. It pushed him (and some of his most loyal people) to leave Minbar. Mahnbreen and his crew spent years wandering around the universe, until the news of the Shadows returning reached his ears, calling for action. Then he revealed himself, discovering Babylon 5 and joining forces with Sheridan and Delenn.

[blue-tailed-sphinx]

Siblings

POV: they saw someone across the bar and didn't like their vibe.

[blue-tailed-sphinx]

Twinkle-twinkle, Periwinkle!

Saw a few adorable photos of Japanese Snow Fairy on Pinterest and decided that Aurora was obligated to befriend one.

This fluffy snowball's name is Periwinkle, and she is the most adorable creature to ever live (according to Aurora). She loves berries and sitting on her mom's bone crown (and pets, of course).