#queer fantasy author

[cain-e-brookman-archive]

Five Things You'll Find In 'The Name, Witch'

Healer Main Character

Just Girly Things Necromancy

Gay Yearning

A God of Truth With Generalized Anxiety

A Horrible, Ancient, Mundane Aching That Will Destroy and Destroy and Destroy--

Thanks for the tag @spideronthesun! This was fun! Tagging @illarian-rambling @seastarblue @eternalwritingstudent and anyone else who'd like to do it!

[satyrmagos]

I am an independent artist producing fiction, photography, and jewelry. My work explores themes of myth, ritual, and identity. Backing my Patreon helps support both the art itself - covering household bills and material costs - and the research that fuels it: subscriptions and classes and experiments both material and magical. Supporters get first viewing of all my art and writing, and first dibs on enchanted talismans.

Get more from JS Groves on Patreon

creating Stories, Art, and Magic

[cain-e-brookman-archive]

Yearly recount 2024

Thank you for tagging me @spideronthesun!

Rules: Do a recount of your year with the highlights, special moments, and goals for next year

Highlights & special moments

Moved away from a really bad situation that took a lot of things from me, and not the least of them was my creativity. Got my new room set up in a way that helps inspire me and make me feel safe and motivated.

Started the rewrite of my current WIP: THE NAME, WITCH. I just hit 50k!!

Started trying to network?

Goals for next year

Finish this rewrite and start edits. Get it ready for self-pub.

Maybe start on the sequel

Read! More! I'm doing tumblr user batmanisagatewaydrug's book bingo. May do book reviews with these. Stay tuned

I also want to make more writer friends!

Work more on *shudders* building my author brand. Self-pub means doing all my own promoting. Hate that for me

Work more on lifting up other indie authors!

Alright, I'm tagging: @topazadine @seastarblue @illarian-rambling @spideronthesun

@eternalwritingstudent and @dearunreliablenarrator

[cain-e-brookman-archive]

Six Sentence Sunday

or at least it sort of was when i was tagged lol thank you @spideronthesun!

Uthyr didn’t know that it would be okay. He’d bet sums unimaginable that it wouldn’t be. The things he saw in that piece of the Other, the distorted and corrupted face of the creature. The agony he felt in his very blood as something tied so intricately within him could crumble so easily. And through all of it, Uthyr would have never in his life thought he’d be where he was: kneeling at the literal foot of Truth and comforting him with a lie. “It is. It’s all going to be okay.”

okay so this is seven sentences sue me. i'm not breaking the dialogue lol

okay it's not sunday but i'm tagging anyway @topazadine @agirlandherquill @skullduggeryandfilibuster aaaaand @jessicachouwrites as always no pressure!

[cain-e-brookman-archive]

i was tagged by @illarian-rambling! thanks!

Rules: post brief descriptions of some characters and a poll, then get people to vote on their favorite

okay i've done this for the main cast of book one, lets see how much i can give away for book two characters

[Poll Redacted Because the Author Realized It Contained Spoilers]

[Results were a 3 way tie between Miss Belle, Lord Rutilus, and Silas.

propaganda under the cut

Hesperos is a Sky Mage of Clan Galanis who worship the eldest of the Sky God's children: Khrou the Messenger, Goddess of Lightning. Exiled from his clan at a young age, for reasons he won't speak on, he was found off the coast of Vizia on a half-destroyed vessel by a young merchant lord after being abandoned at sea. Although he grew up alongside the carefree culture of the Sea God's children, he keeps to his clan's disciplined philosophy, as to never lose the grace of his goddess. Despite the strict adherence to his religion, Hesperos is, well, a ham. A performer from a young age, he loves nothing more than music, theater, and being the most dramatic person in any given room. He's enjoyed the wealth of his guardian, but never puts on airs and it polite to a detriment. His manners are his shield, as there's much he hides behind a charming word and easy smile.

You have two options. If you want to know her as a friend, you know her as Miss Belle, the owner of the most bustling tavern in Crescaeya: The Sunk Gator, home of the most authentic Marsher cuisine this side of the border. If you want to know her as an enemy, it's General Isabelle Duplantis-LaBoef of the Shadow Kings Army. During the war, she was known as the most ruthless defender on the home front. The only person in history who had ever sunk even a single Vizian ship, let alone three. After the heated peace talks ended, and the Vizian Armada broke their embargo, Miss Belle stayed on with the army long enough to get her sash of medals from the Shadow King, then move north to Uslaria for her restaurant. It's better not to ask too many questions; all good Marshers know this. So no one questions the late night shipments at her door, or how the large woman who always has the private table upstairs resembles a particular Vizian Fleet Admiral...

Anyone who's been in a room with Lord Rutilus knows he's royal, no matter what blood or title say. A merchant marine made guild leader, he's known to be as two-faced as they come. In balls and social events, the picture of grace and charm, funny and social. Anyone on the business side knows this is a lie. He's a controlling, stubborn, and hard business man who knows how to get things done. No one can deny he gets results, though, and through a friendship (or more if the rumors are to believed) with the duchess, he's managed to worm himself deep into the inner working of the largest trade city in Uslaria. After years of watching him slowly take control, most now understand why his family signet is an octopus.

Silas was once a carpenter who lived deep into the wild lands tucked into the heart of the Marshes, the Dark Waters, but was pulled from his life during the war with the Fire Mages. Marked by the Silver Moon as the most true Mage in his small town, he was drafted the moment the Marshes were attacked. His time in the Shadow King's army brought him far from home and ended when his unit was attacked in an ambush as they pushed their way through enemy lines in the middle of the night. He spotted the attack before his sleeping camp had, sounded the alarm and held back the assault long enough to give his men a fighting chance. In doing so, he sacrificed himself to the fire, and that night, under the light of the Silver Moon, he died. Or so the casualty report would say. The healers didn't think he'd survive the hour from the burns, but he did, becoming the only living person to ever hold the medal for a sacrificial death in defense of the people of Ixoryn. (He made it very clear when he made it home, he wasn't giving it back.) Now, he lives in Crescaeya as Rutilus; live-in bodyguard, able to intimidate most before they even think of hurting his lord. The burn scars on most of his body sends a very clear message: You're gonna have to do worse than this to take me down.

and i'll tag @spideronthesun @skullduggeryandfilibuster @emrowene @topazadine! as always no pressure!

[cain-e-brookman-archive]

Writing Share Tag

Thanks @orphanheirs!

have the scene right before Uthyr leaves on his grand quest. Crucius being stiff and royal is my fave

The sound of his door’s creaking hinges brought Uthyr back to the present. Crucius strode half inside before he’d managed to turn, bringing behind him both the sweet smell the breeze caught off the trees and a bundle of Uthyr’s clothes under his arm.

“I know it’s futile, but I do have to insist on asking you to knock.”

Crucius paused, his brow furrowing. “Still? I’ve just seen you naked, what else is there to surprise me?”

“I will turn you into a toad,” Uthyr threatened through his teeth. “And not even a pretty toad.”

“You can’t. Aeriessa and Raschic are the only of the gods that can change life. And they’re the only of the gods who won’t answer you.” 

“At my rage, I will make them answer me.”

Crucius waved a dismissive hand, pulling a face. He placed the bundle onto Uthyr's bed. “Watch your hubris. You know how the Trickster likes to abuse such things.”

Uthyr ignored him. Crucius once again wore his own clothes, though these far nicer than anything Uthyr thought him in possession of. He now realized he’d never seen Crucius on the day he left for the coast. Usually said they said goodbyes the night before. Now Uthyr got a shape of why. Crucius said his father wasn’t noble-born, but evidently he did enjoy the riches of one who had been. Crucius’ shirt was of a sheer, flowing material that billowed around his arms, his pants a tan suede, tucked into a pair of strong leather boots. Around his torso, an embroidered corset of the brightest green. In his ear, his golden spider hung, but the brands on the backs of his hands hid under delicate white gloves. Shortening the length of his hair were braids that criss-crossed around his head before they tumbled free in a cascade of loose golden curls. A leather mask hid the left side of his face, this one embossed with filigrees of what looked like feathers.

At Crucius’ hip hung the rapier Uthyr’d seen at his house. Crucius rested his wrist on the hilt. Seeing him this way was jarring. Cold. Royal. Stiff. Crucius never particularly stood opposite those, but to see it in context brought into relief how little Uthyr really knew about him.

“I’ll worry about the Trickster once I figure out if I must curtsy to you,” Uthyr said, his tone flat. “Have I been living next to a lost prince all these years?”

“I promise you, the only thing royal about me is my self-importance,” Crucius said, his tone cold. “If I wander into town in my usual garb, I’m certain my father will have to take to the bed for the fit I’ll send him into.”

“Does he know?” Uthyr asked. “That you live out here? Where does he think you go in the cold months?”

Crucius didn’t answer immediately. “He knows I’m somewhere in this forest. He and Sparrow send letters to the town north of here.”

“Ah,” Uthyr said. He didn’t know why that hurt his feelings. “I always wondered how you had coin to pay for things like letters and books with no employment. I suppose having riches in the family helps.”

“I have employment,” Crucius stated, offended. “My coin is my coin. Father would never let me starve, but he hasn’t supported me since I was old enough to support myself.”

Uthyr leveled a skeptical look at him. “And what exactly do you do?”

“What do you mean what do I do? You saw it in my house.”

They stared at each other, Crucius’ eyebrows raised expectantly. 

“You truly don’t know what I do.”

“You make tea,” Uthyr said, irritably. “And read books. I assume you occasionally sleep. Though, I suppose not well enough to be paid for it.”

Crucius laughed. “Don’t be rude.”

Another long silence.

“Translations, Uthyr,” Crucius said. “I work for a businesswoman in Crescaeya. I’m sent documents with half a payment. I translate them, send them back and then receive the other half of my pay.”

“There’s truly enough need in Crescaeya to send for translations this far south? It’d be faster to swim to Alilux. Against the channel.”

“Who said the documents are in Lucian?”

“What language do you translate, then?”

“Depends on the document.”

“How many languages do you speak?”

Crucius thought about that. “Only speak? Or read in as well?”

“Gods.”

“I know Bhréchin Handsign, too. Does that count as speaking?”

“I’m sorry I asked.”

Crucius’ smile was soft, out of place on his lips. Something wistful veiled his gaze. Gently he said: “Please be safe.”

Uthyr sobered. “I will. You too.”

“I came by to give you this,” Crucius said, breaking eye contact and handing off a small drawstring bag made of emerald green velvet. “If you ever need passage, if anyone blocks your path forward and you can't sway them to move, use this. I promise they won‘t fail to get out of your way.”

“What is it?” Uthyr asked. Before he could open the bag, Crucius pressed it deeper into his palm, his other hand cupping the bottom of Uthyr's.

“It comes with a price,” Crucius said, his voice so hard, it could mortar gravel. “Do not take it out until you have use of it. Don’t use it unless you absolutely must. I will answer no questions about it. I know it’s much to ask, but please trust me.”

“I—” Uthyr didn’t know what to say. “I trust you.”

Crucius nodded, his jaw working. “They won’t answer to me, but I’ll pray to the gods to keep you safe. Never lose sight of your virtues. Never forget who you serve. Stand strong.

“And farewell,” Crucius added at the end. He leaned forward, pressed a kiss upon Uthyr’s brow, then released his hands and left the hut without turning back. Uthyr stood stunned, the skin where Crucius’ lips touched feeling colder for the loss.

“Farewell,” Uthyr whispered in his friend’s wake, once he’d recalled how to breathe. The bag in his hands was heavy, heavier than he thought it ought to be. His hut was empty. Would be emptier still when he left. A lump formed in his throat.

Stand strong.

-------

Alright and I'm tagging: @mx-ryder (get WIP motivated IDIOT (complementary)) @spideronthesun @seastarblue @illarian-rambling

[cain-e-brookman-archive]

Favorite Character Poll

Thank you for the tag, @topazadine! i picked Orrinir in your poll! love a trauma boy with abandonment issues tbh

Rules: list all your main ocs and give brief descriptions of them. then, create a poll with their names and allow your followers to vote on who their favourite character is.

Characters are from my current WIP, The Name Witch. This is part of a series that has many more main characters but I'm really controlling myself here and only taking from the first book.

Uthyr Kri'Asphodel

Uthyr is, in his own words, a soft fussy solitary witch from the Uslarian coast who wants nothing more than to tend his garden, cook good food, and live a life of peace. He has a strong sense of justice, but a delicate heart full of loss and shame. He loves all animals but particularly loves frogs and amphibians as well as most bugs and snakes. His connection to the gods allows him to call on many magics, but he specializes as a healer. Despite being a genuinely kind person, he's anxious and grumpy around groups of people or people he doesn't know. Although a powerful witch, he suffers under others' perception of his standing. He long ago abandoned the name of his foremothers, taking the name Asphodel as the first of his line. Despite this, he doesn't regret doing so. His name, like his garden, is his pride.

Crucius, Formerly of Alilux

Uthyr's neighbor, a Fallen Mage who never speaks on his detachment from his god, though he rarely speaks at all. Quiet, indiscernible, and haughty, he plays most of his past close to the vest, giving very little away in the eight years he's lived next to Uthyr in his square house in the woods. He's branded himself with the only fear he'll admit to: two spiders burnt into the backs of his hands: a reminder of his banishment from his homeland into badlands infested with man-eating spiders. Despite his apparent detachment from anyone, he leaves the corner of the forest he shares with Uthyr every spring and only returns in fall.

Sister Alma of Bhréchin

A young woman from the island country of Bhréchin, new in the robes of the Death God's Order. In fact so new, that as of the first chapter she's introduced, she'd only been a Priestess for a week. Her youth becomes obvious in both her naivete and her love of frivolous gossip, though both belie a dark past she faces head-on. Her devotion to the Death God wouldn't be strange but for the grip of the Lifebringer's Cult in her country, who squash any worship outside of the Church under their boot. With a cheerful disposition, an optimism that could eclipse the sun, and a temper to be reckoned with, Alma is only not speaking when she's asleep. And even sometimes, she does that too.

Bran Yot'Aster

As the heir of the line of Aster, Ninth of his Name, Bran comes from a long line of witches and has been told his whole life of a prophecy that the fate of the world depended on his answer to the call of a twisted wind. When the Coven discovers the unraveling of the realm adjacent, The Other, they call upon him to face his destiny and save them all from the destruction of the Calamities...

Only to find Uthyr has beaten him to it.

Dethroned of his destiny, Bran is surly and adrift. When he joins Uthyr and Alma on their journey, he believes Uthyr's involvement comes entirely from a mistake, that he will see the moment where the prophecy declares him champion, and he finally finds himself deserving of the pedestal his family has always placed him on. Despite the predicament, he's steady and true, believing honesty and valor will light his path to glory.

Who's your fave?

Uthyr

Crucius

Alma

Bran

Voting ended onAug 5, 2024

tags under the cut! feel free to do this even if not tagged, and please tag me if you do! don't feel pressured, only if you'd like to o7

@illarian-rambling @emrowene @xenascribbles aaaannnnnd uuhhhh

@spideronthesun

[cain-e-brookman-archive]

OC Smash or Pass Tag

thanks for the tag @topazadine! despite being a great dude, i did have to pass on Uileac. he's not missing out on me, though, because he's got a great husband!

alright, he lost the popularity poll the last time so you'll all have to hear about him now. he's here, he's queer, he is the drama

Hesperos vi Galanis

picrew source

Age: (Mage ages are weird. probably around 60-ish chronologically, but basically just barely considered an adult by Mage Standards. and i mean barely. human equivalent would be 17-20.)

Sexuality: bisexual

Height: 6'1" (~185 cm)

Race: Sky Mage

Overview: Hesperos was born in the mountainous north of his homeland of Pelyra. as part of the Galanis clan, his magic is claimed by Khrou, Goddess of Lightning, though all Sky Mages can call upon the Sky God or any of his children (mostly.) He was exiled from his clan at a young age for a reason he refuses to speak about, cast off of a Pelyran boat on the open sea. But chance, a trade lord of Vizia came across his boat on a return ship from Crescaeya, saving young Hesperos from certain death, and eventually taking him in as his ward. Hesperos has grown alongside a culture much different than his own, the carefree worship of Water Mages clashing with the strict discipline he lives under in his attachment to his patron. This has caused him to pull back into himself where his faith is concerned for most of his young life, rarely discussing his own heritage. As he grew into adulthood, though, he picked up the mantel of his name, donned his clan's colors, and claimed that even if his people shunned him, he was still a servant of his Goddess, and wouldn't be made to feel ashamed of his faith.

Above all, Hesperos is a collection of warring paradoxes. He loves flashiness and bright colors, but hates being the center of attention. He loves theater and preforming, but has terrible stage fright. His feelings towards his homeland and his people is rife with mixed feelings and heartache, but he's proud of his name.

Why you should smash: Despite being charming and flirty, he is a loyal friend and lover who never strays. When he falls, he falls hard and would do anything for the person he's with. He's not quick to anger, speaks softly, but isn't shrinking or shy. Would show you off to every person and make you feel like you're the only one in the world to him. And he's also as generous in other places wink wink. He's also a very powerful Mage, as his Goddess demands complete devotion. All in his clan are trained until they can house the complete power of their patron, and take on some of her physical characteristics, namely bright blue eyes and white hair

Why you should pass: Main red flag? He's a lush. Secondary red flag? About every 3rd thing he says is a lie, and every 4th is a joke. He hides from himself and everyone else, is never not preforming, even when he's the only one in the room. And he will never, ever, truly trust you.

So what do you say?

Smash or Pass?

Smash

Pass

Befriend

Voting ended onSep 2, 2024

tagginggggggg @eternalwritingstudent @spideronthesun @illarian-rambling!!