Going through my old fic docs today, and found this pre-write for Kindling 2, aka the one where Sokka rescues Zuko from Jet. Here's two alternate scenes that ended up not fitting the final tone:
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Zuko, referring to Jet's hook swords: I am going to steal those swords, the prisoner said.
which, okay. fair. they were really sexy.
Sokka: wait. you know how to use swords?
Zuko: for those swords? I'd learn.
which, again: fair.
(it wasn't actually an answer to knowing-how-to-use-them. Sokka did not notice this until later.)
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Jet had snarled at the suggestion of keeping the firebender anywhere near their wooden tree fort.
Zuko: trade watch shifts? look. I don't want to get stabbed to death by feral children as I sleep. for some reason you don't want that, either. so. trade watch shifts?
Sokka: you're going to try escaping.
Zuko: and I'd get stabbed by feral children on my way out.
Sokka: the big bad firebending soldier is afraid of the tree kids?
Zuko: the big bad firebending soldier would rather not burn a bunch of literal children when he makes his move. mouthgrass put a toddler on watch.
Sokka: point. First or second shift?
Zuko: second. I get up early, anyway. ...Night, The Duke.
The Duke: Night, ashmaker scum.
Sokka might have fallen asleep mid-shift. but the prisoner might not have ever actually slept, so.
Did you know that as you play When Stars Collide, you can sometimes unlock bonus scenes showing the love interest's point of view and where they talk to themselves or other crew members about things like FEELINGS? (And sometimes Noel's butt.)
So if you, too, want to talk about feelings (and butts, I guess) WSC just released Chapter 6 over on itch. ✨💖✨ 🍑
A convenient link!
Here’s all the non plot related updates from this moon
Whenever Wolfstar takes Coralpaw out for her mediator lessons, Dropletpaw keeps herself busy by studying any object she can get her paws on. Recently it’s been rocks, she’s been grinding them up to study the differences in the powders and the various ways to crush things.
Here she is showing her powders to Sandpaw
Speaking of Coralpaw, she’s been lagging behind with her lessons, even with everyone helping out. Here’s Nightleap ditching her while she’s kit sitting, of course her mentor waited for the one moment Thistle wasn’t around to yell at her leaving.
Lately, Thistle has been getting even stronger in her back, she’s finally progressed enough that as of Moon 20 she can return to her warrior duties post injury and birth. She’ll still live in the nursery and her tasks/patrols will be incredibly scaled back than a normal warrior, but she can finally leave camp. Both her and Shadow enjoy quiet, fast patrols in the morning and he’s invited her a few times to join him marking the borders.
She may not have been in the main story much, but Sandpaw has been working hard. Her hunting training with Shadowdive has been going great, she brought home a huge amount of prey.
Rippleclaw however managed to beat her four times in a row while sparring, it would’ve been five but Shadowdive cut it short to spare her. She sulked the entire evening.
But by the next patrol she’s back to her old self, helping Kelppaw scavenge the tide pools while Snowspeckle marks the borders.
Nighthowl tries to make friends with Thistle since she’s on nest rest, waiting for her kits. For the most part they get along, not super close, however one night Nighthowl decides to confess to the smaller molly. She had developed a crush on Wolfstar, Thistle almost laughs, if it weren’t for how awkward this was. She’s quick to give her opinion though.
Rippleclaw might be mostly deaf, but Mallowstripe sure the fuck isnt. He easily overhears the new warrior complaining about how he doesn’t help enough. Several deep breathes and a list of pros and cons later, Mallow decides to let the issue go.
Dropletpaw is on kit duty for once and she’s freaking out, luckily there’s only one kit to worry about. Unfortunately that won’t be for much longer as Nighthowl is due any day now. Hopefully her kits will be as well behaved as Briarkit.
