I would absolutely love if you'd check it out, wishlist it, and share it with your friends!
The demo has been released here on Dec 6, 10 AM EST!
Huge shoutout to the wonderful, talented team working on the game: all the amazing backgrounds and character art by: @crxwes, Maria, Silvia, Naz and @fienyx.
@kathaeris did the UI/UX, Exyl made the trailer, and @princetongirl818 is working on the music soundtrack!
Also thank you to all of you who've played, talked about, and supported Merry Crisis through this entire journey! As cheesy as it sounds, I don't think any of this would be possible without you guys's love and kind enthusiastic messages!! I hope this game continues having a place in your heart the same way everyone has a place in mine :D
After the tragic passing of her beloved Uncle Varric, Minrathous businesswoman Ayla Thorne has a Satinalia she'll never forget. Can she keep his beloved bakery, The Hanged Man, afloat and out of the evil clutches of Evanuris Inc.? And will she choose to return to her high-powered career in the city, or follow her heart to build a life with the handsome florist and single father next door?
The Emmrook Holiday Special | Making Spirits Bright
Part 1 of 3: The Village of Necropolis Welcomes You
A Nugflix Original Film
READY TO NUGFLIX & CHILL?!
👉 READ ON AO3! ❄️
Hey @2mercia2furious, remember when you said there should be a Hallmark AU Emmrook??...Well now there is!!
I BLAME YOU!!! 😅💕
This idea has had me in a chokehold ever since, so much so my sick brain churned out 15K+ words in 3 days...so ima release this silly little fic in 3 separate installments for you kiddos, and hopefully give y'all something fun and sweet to read during the holidays.
And unlike a real Hallmark movie, Part 2 has SMUT!!🔥No fading to black here, no sir.
Preview under the cut!
👉 Put on your holiday jammies on & read now!
NOW AVAILABLE! Read Part 2 here!
🎄 Making Spirits Bright Master Post: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
📚 Writing Master Post | Back to Library
Ayla turned off the highway, singing at the top of her lungs. She was sorry to miss drinks with Neve and Lucanis, but she was making great time considering the state of her shitty beat up VW Beetle. The sun had been setting when she passed the 'Welcome to Nevarra' sign hours ago, and she was finally driving through the outskirts of the small town where Varric lived.
Had lived.
She slowed down as she neared the entrance.
THE VILLAGE OF NECROPOLIS WELCOMES YOU
The #1 All Soul's Day Destination in Thedas!
POPULATION:
952 LIVING RESIDENTS.
642,0943,394 FRIENDLY SPIRITS & UNDEAD.
She chuckled. Ayla loved all Soul's Day, always had, but nowhere celebrated quite like Necropolis. The town pulled out all the stops for their celebrations, and their midnight spirit parade was famous throughout all of Thedas. She used to visit Varric for her favorite holiday every year when she was a kid, and the two of them always wore matching costumes.
She let out another laugh when she remembered the one year the two of them dressed up like nugs.
Dammit, she already missed him so much.
A tear rolled down her cheek, and she furiously wiped it away. She was never much of a crier, and she sure as shit wasn't about to start now.
It started to snow as she turned down main street. Although it was late and most places were closed, everything was festively lit up for Satinalia, quiet and quaint under the soft glow of the moon.
Most of the shops had been there forever, their familiar names bringing a smile to her face. The Dragon's Hoard pawnshop. Harding Masonry. Ingellvar Outfitters. Davrin's bar—The Aerie. But there were a few new ones she didn't recognize. Veiljumper Arcade. Headstone Bakery…
Damn. Another fucking bakery?! And right across the street, too.
The store right next to Varric's boasted a new sign as well: Shroud's Kiss Flowers. Huh. Guess the little cheese shop that was there before didn't make it. From what she could remember, the cheese had been good, but stupidly expensive.
Ayla found herself getting distracted by all of the beautiful floral displays in the window as she pulled up behind the Hanged Man to park. Most of the shops had living space above them, and the bakery was no exception. She cut the engine and stepped out into the cold, marveling at how peaceful it was compared to the bustling streets of Minrathous. The only sound she could hear was the gentle noise of falling snow, and the satisfying crunch it made under her boots as she grabbed her bags out of the trunk.
She leaned her head back and laughed, catching a few snowflakes on her tongue, when someone suddenly cleared their throat, cutting through the quiet.
"Excuse me, but would you happen to be Ayla?"
"Fuck!"
The words were softly spoken, but they startled her anyway, and she cursed when she dropped her bags in surprise, a tingle running down her spine at the sound. Ayla turned to find that the beautiful, velvety voice appeared to belong to an equally beautiful man.
"My apologies, dear. I didn't mean to sneak up on you—please, allow me."
A very tall, athletically built man emerged from the shadows, an otherwise imposing sight for a woman alone at this time of night, were it not for the concern crinkling his warm hazel eyes. He set down what appeared to be a flower of some sort to free his hands before hurrying over.
Ah.
The flower, along with the adorable little green apron he was wearing, must mean he was the florist from next door. He looked to be a fair bit older than her, at least judging by his perfectly styled salt-and-pepper hair and matching mustache, both slowly gathering snowflakes as he leaned down to help pick up her things.
Maker have mercy. You could bounce a coin off that ass.
To her dismay, one of her hastily packed bags had spilled open, and the two of them set about gathering up her clothes from the snow. Ayla blushed when she spied one of her bras, and watched a bit of color rise to the man's striking cheekbones when he clocked the delicate blue lace himself before she could hurriedly snatch it up out of sight.
He pulled himself back up to his full height and extended a large and surprisingly warm hand to help her to her feet, leaving her uncharacteristically speechless as she lost herself in those kind, gorgeous eyes.
Dammit. She was probably still blushing. The florist gave her a sly little smile, but if he noticed, he certainly didn't comment on it.
"Ayla, I presume?"
"That's me," she said, nodding. She had to tilt her head back to properly look at him when she spoke. Maker, he was tall.
His reply was adorably old-fashioned. "Charmed."
👉 Read the rest on AO3!
🎄 Making Spirits Bright Master Post: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
📚 Writing Master Post | Back to Library
Gentle absolutely ZERO-pressure tags for some folks I think might get a kick out of this, as well as those of you I already gave hints or spilled the beans to! 💕
Cho Mira goes to California for a business trip and gets swept up in holiday cheer and romance with Zoey Park.
---
December 19
Mira exits the Korean Air lounge and starts making her way to the departure gate efficiently, dodging distracted travelers and lost tourists alike.
Her phone vibrates and she rolls her eyes when she sees who it is.
“Oppa.”
“I heard you have to take a commercial flight.”
“I’m sure Abeonim will appreciate you making fun of me for flying on one of our planes.”
“It's the biggest holiday season in the US. LAX is going to be crawling with the general masses. Quite unfortunate that there's a problem with the jet.”
“I presume there is a purpose to this phone call, in addition to annoying me.”
Distracted by her irritation, Mira rounds a corner and runs into something. Or rather, someone.
“Oof,” a woman says, almost stumbling over. Mira manages to catch her by the waist.
“Are you alright?” She asks, ignoring her brother's rambling in her ear.
The woman straightens up and bright brown eyes appear from under the bucket hat, framed by a dusting of freckles.
“Oops! Thanks! I am. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention,” she says in slightly accented Korean.
“It's my fault,” Mira shakes her head and apologizes. “I was distracted.”
The woman smiles and Mira forgets what she was going to say next.
“Mira? Hello? Are you listening?”
Like a bucket of cold water, her brother's voice comes through her Airpods.
“Apologies again,” she nods. “Have a good day.”
She continues to her gate, sparing one glance over her shoulder before speaking. The woman is gone.
“Yes, I'm here. What was Abeonim’s request?”
-
The crew must be running a little behind today since boarding hasn't started. There's not enough time to go back to the lounge so Mira decides to stay.
She scans around for an empty seat and sees one next to an elderly woman sitting alone by the glass walls. Her hair is wrapped in a scarf and she’s holding a big bundle in a plastic bag close to her body. There's a cane resting next to her.
Mira can see that she's eyeing the plane outside curiously.
“Excuse me, ma'am. Is it alright if I sit here?”
The old woman turns slowly and looks at Mira.
“Oh. Of course, dear,” the old woman grabs her belongings closer.
Mira settles down and checks her phone for any new emails.
“Isn't it amazing?”
Mira looks up.
“Pardon me?”
“The plane,” the old woman motions to the Boeing 747-8 quad-jet waiting to take them across the Pacific. “Isn’t it amazing that we can fly?”
She turns to look at Mira.
“I've never ridden an airplane before!”
Mira learns that Kim Soonhye is from a small fishing village outside of Mokpo and it's taken her a ride on an ox cart, a bus, a train, and another bus to get to Incheon. Her husband died this year and her only child lives in the California, having emigrated there a few years ago. He's married now, with a baby on the way, and he's insisting that Mrs. Kim move to California permanently, now that her husband has died.
“I don't want to leave my home, but my son worries about me living alone.”
She sighs and hugs her bag of belongings closer.
“It will be nice to see my grandchild, Mira-nim. I hope it's a little girl.”
Mira sees her rub her knees, something she's been doing since Mira sat next to her.
“My day of adventure sure has taken a toll on my knees though,” she laughs, her wrinkled eyes looking at Mira.
Mira takes a quick look at the gate counter and sees there aren't many people in line to speak to the gate agent.
“Mrs. Kim,” she says softly. “With your permission, perhaps I can speak to the gate agents and see if there's a seat available close to the plane door? So you don't have to walk far to get to your seat?”
Mrs. Kim demures.
“Oh, I don't want to be a bother, Mira-nim. I'm sure I'll manage.”
Mira puts a hand on her arm.
“There's no harm in asking,” she bites her lip. “I've been able to change my seat before when I've asked.”
The older woman smiles.
“Well, if you say so. You are an experienced traveler after all!”
-
“Hello,” Mira greets once she's at the counter.
The man doesn't look up from the computer, working on finishing the last customer's request.
“Apologies, ma'am. I'll be with you in just a moment.”
“Of course.”
Mira waits quietly. She looks over at Mrs. Kim, and offers a reassuring smile when she sees the nervous look on her face.
“Ma'am?”
Mira turns her head back.
“Hi,” Mira nods.
It takes a millisecond before the man's eyes widen after recognizing her.
“Miss Cho, I–”
Mira jumps in before he spirals.
“If it's not a bother, I was wondering if you could upgrade this passenger?”
She pushes forward Mrs. Kim's boarding pass. To his credit, the man gets over the initial shock and takes the ticket in stride. He starts typing away in search of open seats
“My apologies, Miss Cho. The flight is fully booked.”
Mira frowns.
“Would she be amenable to a later flight? We have availability in First Class for the 0735 flight out tomorrow.”
“No, that's alright,” Mira shakes her head. She reaches inside her coat pocket and takes out her own boarding pass.
“Let's try something different.”
-
“Careful with that step, Mrs. Kim,” Mira crosses over into the jet and holds the older woman's hand steady as she takes an uncertain step.
“Welcome, Miss Cho, Mrs. Kim,” the flight attendants greet them warmly and Mira nods her head politely, noting she'll accompany Mrs. Kim to her seat. She guides her to the left and makes her way to the front of the plane.
“This is all so amazing, Mira-nim,” Mrs. Kim looks around in wonder. “Are you sure I can sit here?”
“Of course, Mrs. Kim,” Mira says as she helps her settle down in her assigned seat. She busies herself with putting Mrs. Kim’s bag in the overhead bin before kneeling down to help her with her seatbelt.
The cabin attendant approaches just as Mira straightens up. She respectfully bows in Mira’s direction.
“Hello, Mrs. Kim,” she bows. “My name is Yeeun, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to make your trip more enjoyable.”
“Oh thank you, Yeeun. Everything has been so wonderful so far.”
Mira takes Mrs. Kim’s hand.
“Yeeun will take good care of you, Mrs. Kim,” she explains. “But if you need me, just let her know and she'll come get me. I'll see you when we land.”
“Thank you, Mira-nim,” Mrs. Kim grasps her hand.
Mira gives her one last smile before taking her bag and making her way back to the economy cabin. She quietly files in with the rest of the passengers making their way down the aisle and walks until she gets to the very last row.
She's just about settled by the window, focusing on firing off some last minute emails, when she feels someone stop right next to her.
“Party at the back of the bus!”
Mira's head snaps up at that voice.
Bucket hat. Freckles. Bright eyes. Beautiful smile. This time with boba in hand.
The woman's face lights up in recognition.
“Oh hi! It's you again.”
“Hello,” Mira greets, lamely. “It's me again.”
The woman laughs.
“We've got to stop running into each other like this. If I'd have known, I would've gotten you boba too.”
Mira can't help the small smile that forms on her face.
The woman puts a few items on the seat before throwing her backpack in the overhead bin. Once she's settled, she buckles her seatbelt and turns to Mira.
this is a part of my holiday series, to avoid spoilers make sure you read all prior parts of forgiveless first ➨ one
「 ✦ full library & archive ✦ 」
: ̗̀➛ rio's library - good girl nbc
𐙚 based on this request
summary: checking in with our favourite couple, this special edition Christmas epilogue is a heartwarming, everyday romance with a touch of holiday magic. This festive epilogue brings all the love, laughs, and holiday magic you adore from this power couple! 🎄 if you haven't read from the beginning you should start from there 💖 ➨ one
tropes: husband rio , holiday romance, jealousy/possessive partner, domestic bliss, acts of service & playful banter.
pairing: Rio (Good Girls) X Reader
word-count: ~ 1.5K
It’s your favorite time of year and also seemingly one of the busiest for an entrepreneur, mother and wife. Still you're committed to doing as much as you can for your amazing family. Giving yourself a final once over you sway to the christmas music playing faintly through the house. Grabbing your keys and going to open the door to the garage when your husband emerges startling you. His eyes look over you from head to toe and he smiles. You do too knowing he admires how nice you look in his signature color of all black but there’s something else in his expression.
“Where are you headed?” he asks.
“Christmas shopping” you respond.
“Dressed like that?” he asks.
“When I’m dressed like this the geek squad hurries up and I’m not in there for hours! You know how BestBuy is” you comment not above using your femininity to your advantage from time to time.
“And who’s this you’ve been on the phone with?” he asks.
“One of my students from the studio, he's huge into computers and is gonna help me get baby boy all set up. It’s what he does and why he comes to the studio. You know how bad sitting for so many hours is for your body” you tell him.
“Yeah right, it has nothing to do with watching you stretch” Rio mutters.
“Rio” you laugh amused he’s still jealous.
“I’m coming with you” he states like you hoped he would.
“I'm going to get stuff for the other kids too, you rolling with me today baby?” you ask winking at him.
“Bet” he nods, grabbing a jacket and following you out. The great thing about the holidays was that the family all wanted their extra time with the kids giving you and Rio extra opportunities to work longer hours before taking off for much needed family time. It was the new years party that was currently wearing Rio thin while with his expertise you were more than confident your studios party and activation would knock it out of the park. You get in the driver's seat not allowing him to drive and sabotage the plans, cutting the shopping short when it suits him. He smiles knowing your exact intentions reclining the seat.
“I thought we agreed you don’t teach classes with men?” he mutters with a raised brow going back to his jealous streak.
“I don’t but I go and look in on all classes from time to time and clean up technique.” you explain but you know he cares nothing about that. Smiling, you head to the mall and load up on stocking stuffers and squish mellows for the twins who are little enough to shamelessly enjoy the stuffies still. It scares you how quickly they grow. Rio is at your side considering the kids favorite colours and interests to narrow down your selections to what is perfect for them. It warms your heart he puts as much love and attention to detail into the kids as he does with you and your work.
He’s more and more content with his decision to tag along when he catches the sneaky looks from men all around wanting a piece of what's his. The amount of bags he’s carrying as well as the large ring on your finger is not even a deterrent. Who wouldn't do everything for you? He smiles watching you pick out barbies for your little girl.
“If you buy all this now, what do they get for their birthdays or next year?” Rio asks having to be the rational parent in these instances. It was why he opted to give you his card and let you be. During the holidays he claims you spoil the kids too much.
“But they’re good kids and we can afford it? I’ve already done food drives and made donations to shelters, can't I spoil ours?” you ask pouting like one of them.
“They’re three and there’s two of them - they don't have enough eyes or hands to enjoy all this” Rio says, regarding the twins as he looks into the overflowing cart. Taking command of the cart and pushing it on your own you start humming before singing under your breath.
“You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch
You really are a heel
You're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch” you sing and find Rio chuckling in disbelief behind you.
“I swear sometimes I have five kids, you're just as much trouble as them” he says tossing the barbies into the cart in concession. You turn with a smile winking at the husband of a lifetime and change your tune.
“Santa baby, just slip a Sable under the tree for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight” you begin shimmying along the isles with the cart knowing good he’s Santa 365 days a year already.
“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” he asks amused and still sticking close.
“Of course I am” you affirm turning to give him a peck. It's all the fuel he needs to stay committed to the shopping trip. Everyone sees that his woman is happy. His posture changes as he walks alongside you with pride. You implore teamwork, getting all the gifts into your big truck and head to the electronics retailer for your oldest. Rio trails behind responding to a few text messages about liquor supply at his venues, but he doesn't miss how happy the workers are to greet you.
“I told you i’d be back with all the specs” Rio hears you comment to one of the sales associates. He watches you take a print out of all the specifications required to give your son exactly what he’s asked for and it warms his heart how attentive you are to everyone’s needs. How you make time between your business, marriage and role as a mom to make everyone feel special.
“Let me get you everything you need ma’am” the young worker says a little too smiley for Rio's liking. Knowing how he gets you to loop your arm around his settling his possessiveness..
“When he gets this, how are we monitoring screen time and parental controls?” Rio asks.
“He’s a good kid.” you interject.
“The world ain't” Rio says being glass half empty.
“Well baby, he has you and me and he’ll be alright I trust him” you tell Rio.
“You trust everyone,” Rio mutters.
“He’s literally an angel always has been” you defend your oldest boy pulling away from Rio.
“Because he’s not online all day engaging in rude and inappropriate shit” Rio explains as the employee returns rolling the new system on a dolly. His smile fades at the sight of Rio in your space exuding strong dominant energy. The sales associates posture changes and the level of service evolves from friendly to professional.
“Thanks so much,” you say to the young man, but Rio steps forward, towering over both of you.
“Got a warranty on this?” he asks, his tone smooth but carrying an edge that makes the worker’s smile falter.
As you load the car, you feel Rio’s hand settle on the small of your back. His touch is warm, grounding, but the tension lingers.
“Still jealous, huh?” you tease, nudging him with your shoulder as a man passes both of you.
He huffs a quiet laugh. “Nah. Just making sure everyone knows who you belong to.”
You stop, leaning against the car to face him fully. “You know that’s never been in question, right?”
His eyes soften as he looks at you, the tension melting away. “Yeah, I know.”
“Good,” you said, standing on your tiptoes to kiss him. “Now help me hide all this before the kids find it.” you say and Rio does just that, also ensuring dinner is delivered from his restaurant right on time for the kids to get home. You enjoy a family dinner full of laughter and talking as the kids recount their daily adventures with your mom. Once they're in bed you settle on the couch watching a show on the couch silently regretting the shoes you wore today to lure Rio out of the house and out shopping with you. He emerges a few minutes later lifting your legs, sitting and placing yours over his. You're shocked when he presses his thumb into the sole of your foot beginning a massage and a moan of relief escapes your lips making him smile as he continues.
“Maybe next time, wear something more comfortable,” he comments.
“They went with the outfit” you defend.
Rios eyes light before his expression settles into his signature smug smile. “Nah, you knew it’d be the nail in the coffin to this little get up and force me out with you” He reads you like a book. Your cheeks heat and your poker face is nonexistent as you sit enjoying your massage guilty as charged.
“If you knew why'd you come?” you laugh sitting forward to kiss him again. When you pull away he starts humming.
'Cause I just want you here tonight (Ooh)
Holding on to me so tight (Ooh)
What more can I do?
Oh baby, all I want for Christmas is you’ he hums perfectly letting you know the exact stanza and you laugh holding him tight and still the luckiest girl in the world.
authors note: oh man I love these two so much - i hope you ejoy reading them as much as I have fun writing them! sound off on your favourite part in the comments and don't forget to:
❣ Like to show a little love.
❝ Leave a comment—your thoughts mean everything!
↺ Reblog to help me grow and reach more readers.
a little trivia for the festive girlies -> what are the three Christmas songs mentioned (no googling)
☑ Vote below and let me know what melts your holiday heart! ☃
It's been almost a year since my holiday romcom came out. I think it's the best book I've written so far, personally, but it's not gotten the attention some of my other books have. Now that the season is rolling around again, I wanted to introduce any new followers to my 3rd child, SECOND CHANCES IN NEW PORT STEPHEN.
SCiNPS is the story of two guys, Eli Ward and Nick Wu, who used to be best friends and childhood sweethearts. Eli returns to his (fictional) South Florida hometown for the holidays for the first time since his transition, reeling from a career implosion. Nick, now a divorced single dad, is still the guy Eli fell in love with all those decades ago, even with all the changes.
This book's got it all: elder millennials! Floridian inside jokes! Demisexuality and late-in-life queer discovery! Beaches! Sobriety! Well-meaning families! Mr. Wu senior, the best dad in the world! Strip malls! Gay bars! Manatees!!!
So if you're looking for a queer holiday read this season, I hope you'll give it a try
I read 'Kiss Her Once For Me' by Alison Cochrun in April and thoroughly enjoyed it. I know a lot of people had mixed feelings about it and the demi rep, but as someone who's been in very similar situations as Ellie, I thought the rep was rather good. I wouldn't have had a one-night-stand after knowing someone for 24 hours, but I've definitely gotten way too attached to people on an emotional level after spending hours with them.
The book talks a lot about liminal spaces. Ellie meets Jack on a snow day and they spend the whole day together. Having had several such days as a kid and in college (we were shut down for three solid days with nothing to do on campus), they feel like they're never going to end. A lot can happen on a snow day. Time seems both to stand still and move forward.
Anyway, I really liked this one and thought the rep was quite good. Just because it's not your experience doesn't mean it's not still good rep. It's also just a fun holiday story with a meet-cute, a fake marriage of convenience, and all the rom-com feels you could want.
