Writing Desk

@nebulouskale's writing stuff || Adult || 18+ only - age in bio, or I will block you || tread lightly and mind all content/trigger warnings, please!

[tenebraltomes]

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*Enjoy your stay in angst central! This is an 18+ only blog. All minors & ageless bios will be blocked. Please be mindful of the content and trigger warnings when exploring.

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[sexy-people-contests-2026]

I always forget there are maga people on tumblr, this doesn’t feel like a website you’d find them on, so to keep them away:

Reblog if your blog is a maga free zone because if it wasn’t clear enough fuck ice, fuck maga, fuck Trump, Fuck Rowling, and fuck all the other bigots I missed

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Hey, just want to ask, what are some tips on a time loop story, and how to resolve it?

Hi :)

How to write a time loop

What is a time loop?

A time loop is a narrative device that repeats a specific period of time, trapping characters in a cycle. They will relive the same time period and the same events. Often one character is aware of the repetition and tries to change the events by changing their behavior in an effort to break the cycle.

Why should you use it?

At the core, a time loop story is about growth. The time keeps repeating itself, but the character grows from it.

So you should focus on:

Character growth

Escalating consequences

Discovery through repetition

Emotional or moral transformation

How to create a time loop

Your logic behind the time loop should be consistent. So you should think about rules. Doesn't need to be about why there is a time loop, important is the how it works part.

What triggers the loop?

When does it reset?

Who remembers the loop?

Can the protagonist die?

Can objects or information carry over?

Can other people enter the time loop or become aware of it over multiple time loops?

How can the time loop be broken?

While writing a time loop, going into detail for each one can be a bit boring for the reader. So focus on the first couple times to show the repetition and then skip over already established events and focus on what changes. You should make the reader feel like they are watching a never ending montage so that they understand the character's struggle, but don't actually make them read through all the details.

Each repetition should:

Reveal new information

Raise emotional stakes

Increase desperation or confidence

Push the character closer to transformation

A time loop should also involve a theme. The solution to the loop could be the embodiment of the theme from your character.

Themes you could use are:

Learning empathy

Accepting loss

Letting go of control

Facing guilt or trauma

Choosing others over self

Finally choosing themself over others

Different types of time loops

One Character Loop

Only one character is aware of the cycle repeating itself. This creates a deep feeling of isolation and internal conflict in the character. But it also shows the character's strengths.

Shared Loop

Multiple characters are aware of the loop, either working together or against each other. This can show team dynamics and handling of different goals. It can lead to either cooperation or betrayal.

Countdown Loop

Each loop that starts shortens or worsens. This creates a rising urgency to escape the loop. It can also include a set amount of retries for the character or it leaves open how many retries they have left and the character needs to be careful with each try wasted.

Death Loop

The loop keeps starting over again upon death. This loop has high stakes, brutal consequences, trauma, and creative problem-solving.

False Escape Loop

The character believes to have escaped the loop, but they actually didn't. It's giving plot twist, it's giving psychological horror, it's giving a very memorable ending to a traumatic story.

Ways on how to resolve a time loop

Internal Change

The loop ends when the protagonist becomes who they need to be. This is emotionally satisfying and a classic and powerful way to end the story.

External Fix

The protagonist solves a mystery, stops an event, or repairs a fracture in time. This is great for sci-fi stories or thrillers. Even though it's external, you should still connect it to the character's growth.

Sacrifice

Freedom requires giving something up. That can be memory, identity, love, or life. It's bittersweet, it's memorable, and it has a high emotional impact on the reader.

Acceptance

The loop ends when the character stops fighting it. This particularly works in existential stories and makes the story feel more philosophical. It can be satisfying, but it can also feel like the character giving up and accepting their fate.

Unresolved

There is no resolving it. The loop continues. But the meaning can have changed. This works best in horror. It's important that it feels intentional, purposeful. It needs to be thought-out, it can't appear to just be a lazy ending. You can end the story with the worst possible turn.

Have fun writing a time loop!

- Jana

[chxrry-bombs]

5 Tiny Writing Tips That Aren’t Talked About Enough (but work for me)

These are some lowkey underrated tips I’ve seen floating around writing communities — the kind that don’t get flashy attention but seriously changed how I write.

1. Put “he/she/they” at the start of the sentence less often.

Try switching up your sentence rhythm. Instead of

“She walked to the window,”

try

“The window creaked open under her touch.”

Keeps it fresh and stops the paragraph from sounding like a checklist.

2. Don’t describe everything — describe what matters.

Instead of listing every detail in a room, pick 2–3 objects that say something.

“A half-drunk mug of tea and a knife on the table”

sets a way stronger tone than

“There was a wooden table, two chairs, and a shelf.”

3. Use beats instead of dialogue tags sometimes.

Instead of:

"I'm fine," she said.

Try:

"I'm fine." She wiped her hands on her skirt.

It helps shows emotion, and movement.

4. Write your first draft like no one will ever read it.

No pressure. No perfection. Just vibes. The point of draft one is to exist. Let it be messy and weird — future you will thank you for at least something to edit.

5. When stuck, ask: “What’s the most fun thing that could happen next?”

Not logical. Not realistic. FUN. It doesn’t have to stay — but chasing excitement can blast through writer’s block and give you ideas you actually want to write.

What’s a tip that unexpectedly helped with your writing? Let me know!! 🍒

[author-a-holmes]

I agree, and these are GREAT tips!!

One, Two, AND Three are all things I look for, and add or change, in my self edits.

It's why, frequently, my self edits ADD words to my manuscript. Sometimes I'll reach the end of a chapter and have less words than I started with (If I've been a bit heavy on the "that", "very", and "eyes")

But restructuring paragraphs for diversity of style is something I actively look at.

And it's because I do number 4. My first drafts read well enough to tell the story, but I default to my favourite phrases, and basic structure. It's not as engaging or interesting as it could be.

Number 5 doesn't work for me personally, but that's because I tend to have a solid outline. I know where I need to go. How to get there changes, but I prefer to ground it in what the characters would actually do ro how they would realistically react (for them) than what's (only!) fun for me to create.

(If it's something they'd do AND it's fun for me, however, yes! Bonus! lol)

[greaseonmymouth]

#1 is maybe the thing I do most consciously. I’m constantly scanning the left edge of my document checking for too many repeats of pronouns and character names. I don’t have a hard and fast rule for how much space to put between repeats, that shit isn’t quantifiable, but it’s one major way I ensure my prose doesn’t get boring.

#4 flat out does not work for me. I do write for myself first and foremost, but I also write to share it with others eventually, and if I write as if nobody’s going to see it - implied, write badly to fix it later - well, it simply won’t get fixed. I tried it once, and the result is that particular draft has now been languishing for ten years because every time I look at it it’s bad. All the editing it needs to make it better is overwhelming. I didn’t do any #1. I didn’t do any of my other usual editing as I go. I didn’t do any of the usual tings I like doing when I write, because “first drafts can/should be bad, nobody sees them anyway” so I wrote it fast and I wrote it badly and surprisingly the end result is actually bad. And that whole “nobody sees the first draft anyway” thing is a lie. Somebody does see that draft, and that somebody is me.

And since #4 is so prevalent in writing circles I just want to say: it’s really okay if you don’t want to write a shitty first draft. Don’t feel like you have to just because so many people for whom that method does work and who mean well tell you that it’s more important to get the words out than labour over them. Speed isn’t always the essence, and I can promise you that I would rather write more slowly and produce a clean 1st draft that I like and that needs minimal editing than write fast and produce something I don’t like at the end of it and also needs a massive overhaul.

[tenebraltomes]

I would also like to kiss Roark pls! 👉👈

Roark my beloved... He gave me such a hard time for this drabble (ಥ ͜ʖಥ) like for what, my guy, you used to be so easy to write ༼ ༎ຶ ෴ ༎ຶ༽ but then he took us both for a 1,041 word ride

The sun was starting to set on the estate, the party keying up a notch as the light wanes. With so many people present this year, you were certain it wouldn't be long before things got to be... a lot.

As you watch the usual troublemakers sneak off to set up stars know what kind of havoc, a heavy hand grabs you by the hip and pulls you close.

"meet me at th'mailbox." Roark rumbles, nuzzling your temple before stepping back and disappearing into a shortcut.

You huff at the empty space beside you, unable to help the smile creeping across your face at the opportunity to sneak away before things start getting rowdy.

After one last visit to the snack table to grab a small plate for the both of you, you make your way down the driveway to meet Roark.

As you approach the mailbox, you hear tires on the pavement behind you and turn to see Roark, legs extended, as he silently rolls his Harley down the drive to you.

Once he's close enough, Roark smoothly dismounts and sidles the bike up to you, motioning for you to take a seat. "cruise it or lose it, sweetheart - we gotta go inhognito if we wanna get outta here solo."

You giggle, hopping on and offering him one of the snacks you grabbed for yourselves. "Let's roll."

Roark guffaws then cheekily chomps the dinner roll from your hand as he takes his leather jacket off and dumps it unceremoniously on your head, "hold this, will yeh?"

You huff and sputter, wrestling with the garment one-handedly and ignoring the way he chuckles at your predicament. "Rude." You pout, biting into your own roll.

Roark leans forward, playfully shouldering you as he takes the handlebars and starts walking you both further up the private road, past the estate. "think th'word yer lookin' fer is 'gentlemanly'." He corrects, looking over his shoulder to send you a shit-eating grin.

He's so lucky you love that stupid grin.

"You mispronounced 'asshole'." You inform him, proud of the ugly snort you get out of him.

"ah, shaddup an' get outta my seat," He gripes without any ire, pausing in his hauling to take the plate from your hands, place it in his inventory, then shove you back enough on the bike so he can take his seat. Once settled, he reaches back with your helmet in hand, putting his own on once you've taken yours.

Roark looks back at you to check your helmet, then points up at the sky toward the estate.

Your gaze follows in time to see a streak of fire fly into the darkening sky, exploding into multi-coloured sparks in the same moment Roark starts his Harley up. You're startled by the noise and vibrations, but still wrap your arms around your bonefriend, patting his chest to let him know you're ready.

The two of you take off down a branching dirt road, whipping past trees and bushes - none of which ever scratch at you despite your lack of "proper" riding clothes.

Your head lifts from its resting spot against Roark's back when he slows, taking in the small clearing as he kills the engine. As he helps you off of the bike and takes your helmet, you realise that there's an outcropping in the foliage that allows you to look out at the party from a good distance.

The music and hum of overlapping conversation is nothing more than a distant drone, carried on the wind as it blows through the trees. Another firework goes off, alighting the space around you in its glow, and you finally realize why Roark chose this spot.

You turn to find him setting a blanket up (far too soft to be considered an "outside" blanket) for the two of you to lay on.

"I didn't know you were such a romantic," you tease as you approach, making a very dignified sound when Roark shoves playfully at your face with his hand.

"shaddup," He growls without any heat behind it, lowering his hand to grab you around the middle instead as he plonks himself onto the blanket with you firmly in his lap, "keep spreadin' rumors like dat an' yer gonna tarnish my hard earned rep as a lazybones."

"And how would I ever live with myself if you had expectations to meet?"

Roark chuffs, leaning down to nibble at your cheek as he squeezes you in a full-body hug. "same way yeh do now, i bet."

"Ice cream." You say in unison, bursting into a fit of laughter as another few fireworks go off over-head.

The two of you fall into contented silence as you watch the explosions, your head on his shoulder and his jaw on your temple.

"thanks," he suddenly murmurs, grip tightening on you when you move to look at him, "fer puttin' up with me. fer challengin' me to be better."

Your heart melts at his words, but unable to turn your body, you turn your head enough to nip at his jaw.

Roark is startled enough to loosen his grip, allowing you to turn in his hold and cradle his skull in your hands - his own settling on your waist.

"You don't have to thank me for that, silly." You chastise lightly, thumbs coasting over his cheekbones. "I wouldn't be here if I was just 'putting up' with you. I love you, bonehead."

Roark's eyelights warble and blur with emotion as you speak, solidifying into little crimson souls when you tell him you love him. One of his hands travels up from your waist, burying in your hair as he pulls you in for a deep, steadfast kiss.

When he pulls away, his kisses turn to love nibbles all over your cheeks, your jaw, your neck, your ears - wherever he can reach, like he just can't get enough of you. "i love yeh, too." He rumbles in your ear as his nibbles turn to nuzzles.

More fireworks explode overhead as Roark's affections calm, lighting the planes of his skull in multi-coloured flashes. "'appy new year, sweetheart."

Your giggles from his affections distort your words as you return the sentiment with a nibble to his cheekbone. "Happy new year, bonehead."

NYK Event: Info || Completed Smooches || KoFi

[tenebraltomes]

Cross for the New Year's kiss event?

This is a delayed request from last year, but I had a spark of inspiration for a particular cutie - thank you, anon! Now I have a fun tradition to think about Nightmare and his gang partaking in

New Years at Nightmare's Castle was an excuse for everyone to indulge in all their favourite things. Nightmare even granted everyone one treat - one "wish" - to ring the New Year in.

Cross... was currently loitering around the chocolate fountain, plate overflowing with different goodies from the dessert table coated in chocolatey goodness.

"How'd I know I'd find you here?" You tease lightly, trying not to laugh outright when Cross startles and blushes.

"maybe because i requested this thing?" He grumbles, tucking his chin downward into the fluff of his hood.

"Maybe." You relent, dunking your skewered marshmallows beneath the stream of chocolate.

Cross's shoulders slope slightly as he brings a skewer of chocolate strawberries to his face, "what was your 'new year's wish' to nightmare?"

You answer him with a question. "What if it's a secret?"

"so you didn't ask for the room full of kittens?"

A snort escapes you, "As tempting as it was to do just that, no."

You eye one another as you nibble at your desserts, him with curiosity and you in contemplation.

"it's just us, if that helps." He murmurs, not looking at you.

You look around to find that you two are alone. For now, at least.

"I asked to stay." You whisper, watching the chocolate burble down the fountain's layers, "Here. In the castle. With you guys."

The silence stretches on too long, and you chance a glance at Cross.

He has a chocolate marshmallow raised halfway to his parted teeth, his mismatched eyelights warbling, and surprise written all over his skull.

"you... want to stay?" He asks carefully, voice just above a whisper. His marshmallow gravitates towards his plate, completely forgotten in the moment.

Unable to speak with the look Cross is giving you, you only nod, your gaze wandering back to your plate.

Gently, Cross coaxes your plate from you to set aside with his, his hands returning to timidly grasp yours. "why?"

"I-" You falter, "I guess I grew a little attached to you guys."

Your admission hangs in the space between you, Cross's hands migrating up your arms as he takes a half-step closer.

"me, too." He whispers, squeezing your upper arms.

You can't help it, "Aw, you grew attached to them, too?"

Cross immediately erupts into a bright purple blush, sputtering and trying to backtrack. "that's not - i didn't mean -" His indignance fades when he realises you're laughing, his expression settling into a neat pout.

"I'm sorry," you lie, "you're just too cute-"

Cross steals your next words away with a meek peck of a kiss, the taste of chocolate and strawberries still on his teeth. He seems both surprised and anxious when he pulls away, like he might bolt at any moment.

You don't let him, grinning like an idiot as you wrap him up in your arms and kiss him.

And when his arms snake around your middle, moving to hoist you high enough to turn in a little spin that breaks your kiss in a burst of giggles, you just know that this year will be a lucky one.

NYK Event: Info || Completed Smooches || KoFi

[tenebraltomes]

Cross for the New Year's kiss event?

This is a delayed request from last year, but I had a spark of inspiration for a particular cutie - thank you, anon! Now I have a fun tradition to think about Nightmare and his gang partaking in

New Years at Nightmare's Castle was an excuse for everyone to indulge in all their favourite things. Nightmare even granted everyone one treat - one "wish" - to ring the New Year in.

Cross... was currently loitering around the chocolate fountain, plate overflowing with different goodies from the dessert table coated in chocolatey goodness.

"How'd I know I'd find you here?" You tease lightly, trying not to laugh outright when Cross startles and blushes.

"maybe because i requested this thing?" He grumbles, tucking his chin downward into the fluff of his hood.

"Maybe." You relent, dunking your skewered marshmallows beneath the stream of chocolate.

Cross's shoulders slope slightly as he brings a skewer of chocolate strawberries to his face, "what was your 'new year's wish' to nightmare?"

You answer him with a question. "What if it's a secret?"

"so you didn't ask for the room full of kittens?"

A snort escapes you, "As tempting as it was to do just that, no."

You eye one another as you nibble at your desserts, him with curiosity and you in contemplation.

"it's just us, if that helps." He murmurs, not looking at you.

You look around to find that you two are alone. For now, at least.

"I asked to stay." You whisper, watching the chocolate burble down the fountain's layers, "Here. In the castle. With you guys."

The silence stretches on too long, and you chance a glance at Cross.

He has a chocolate marshmallow raised halfway to his parted teeth, his mismatched eyelights warbling, and surprise written all over his skull.

"you... want to stay?" He asks carefully, voice just above a whisper. His marshmallow gravitates towards his plate, completely forgotten in the moment.

Unable to speak with the look Cross is giving you, you only nod, your gaze wandering back to your plate.

Gently, Cross coaxes your plate from you to set aside with his, his hands returning to timidly grasp yours. "why?"

"I-" You falter, "I guess I grew a little attached to you guys."

Your admission hangs in the space between you, Cross's hands migrating up your arms as he takes a half-step closer.

"me, too." He whispers, squeezing your upper arms.

You can't help it, "Aw, you grew attached to them, too?"

Cross immediately erupts into a bright purple blush, sputtering and trying to backtrack. "that's not - i didn't mean -" His indignance fades when he realises you're laughing, his expression settling into a neat pout.

"I'm sorry," you lie, "you're just too cute-"

Cross steals your next words away with a meek peck of a kiss, the taste of chocolate and strawberries still on his teeth. He seems both surprised and anxious when he pulls away, like he might bolt at any moment.

You don't let him, grinning like an idiot as you wrap him up in your arms and kiss him.

And when his arms snake around your middle, moving to hoist you high enough to turn in a little spin that breaks your kiss in a burst of giggles, you just know that this year will be a lucky one.

NYK Event: Info || Completed Smooches || KoFi

[tenebraltomes]

Huxley, please? 🥺 👉👈 💜 For the New Year's Kiss?

Eheheheheheh one Huxley, coming up!

The New Year's Party this year was massive to say the least.

Everyone the skeletons knew and cared for had arrived, leaving the estate's massive grounds feeling actually pretty... stuffy, for once.

You knew Huxley wouldn't last long in this environment and were unsurprised when he finally made his disappearance.

What was surprising was how long it took to break free of the party to hunt him down. But, once free of the social niceties, you move to check the roof you found him on last year.

No Huxley.

Thinking he may have gone off for a smoke, you check the "designated" smoking area. You find many other monsters and humans there, but no sign of Huxley.

You manage to sneak away without getting caught up in more conversation, now set on checking the only other place you can think of: his room.

After weaving through gaggles of guests, you finally make it to the back house and slip inside. You pause long enough to enjoy the sweet escape from the crowd and noise, then return to your mission of finding your bonefriend.

You take a breath as you approach his door, then quietly knock.

"Hux? Are you in there?" When you hear no sound or response, you add, "I'm coming in, okay?"

You give Huxley one more moment to protest before cracking open his door enough to peer in and softly call his name.

His room is dark but you spot his eyelights from where you know his bed to be, the red determination overtaking the blue.

You say nothing as you step silently inside and shut the door behind you, leaving the lights off as you blindly pick your way to him.

Huxley's eyelights disappear into his comforter with the sound of rustling fabric when you move, presumably hiding away and taking the one meager source of light you were seeing by.

You nearly trip on your way to him several times, but finally move to kneel by his bed as you reach for the covers.

Your fingers barely graze the comforter when it suddenly lifts and you're being pulled into Huxley's cocoon.

You manage only to gasp as you're situated within Huxley's makeshift cocoon, winding up face to face in his arms.

One of his hands buries in your hair and tugs you closer until your foreheads touch, the other squeezes, pinches and tugs at your skin and clothes.

He'd done this before, grounding himself with the reality of you in his arms. You wait patiently, quietly as to not add to the cacophony he's likely battling in his head.

Soon enough his wandering hand finds your waist, then the hem of your shirt, dipping beneath the fabric as he trails his bony hand up your back to settle between your shoulders. His skull moves so he can tuck his face against your neck as he pulls you tightly against himself.

You finally move, snaking your arms around him as he breathes in your scent.

Huxley starts nuzzling his way up from your neck, pulling a little fit of giggles from you.

"Better?" You ask as he nuzzles your cheek.

A grumble of a hum leaves him. "thanks, treasure." He extracts his hand from your shirt, tugging the fabric back into place then cupping your face. "i vote for it to be just us next year."

"Deal." You murmur.

A soft, relieved sigh leaves Huxley as he closes the short distance to kiss you.

"to another year." He whispers.

"To another year," you agree, kissing him again.

NYK Event: Info || Completed Smooches || KoFi

[tenebraltomes]

Huxley, please? 🥺 👉👈 💜 For the New Year's Kiss?

Eheheheheheh one Huxley, coming up!

The New Year's Party this year was massive to say the least.

Everyone the skeletons knew and cared for had arrived, leaving the estate's massive grounds feeling actually pretty... stuffy, for once.

You knew Huxley wouldn't last long in this environment and were unsurprised when he finally made his disappearance.

What was surprising was how long it took to break free of the party to hunt him down. But, once free of the social niceties, you move to check the roof you found him on last year.

No Huxley.

Thinking he may have gone off for a smoke, you check the "designated" smoking area. You find many other monsters and humans there, but no sign of Huxley.

You manage to sneak away without getting caught up in more conversation, now set on checking the only other place you can think of: his room.

After weaving through gaggles of guests, you finally make it to the back house and slip inside. You pause long enough to enjoy the sweet escape from the crowd and noise, then return to your mission of finding your bonefriend.

You take a breath as you approach his door, then quietly knock.

"Hux? Are you in there?" When you hear no sound or response, you add, "I'm coming in, okay?"

You give Huxley one more moment to protest before cracking open his door enough to peer in and softly call his name.

His room is dark but you spot his eyelights from where you know his bed to be, the red determination overtaking the blue.

You say nothing as you step silently inside and shut the door behind you, leaving the lights off as you blindly pick your way to him.

Huxley's eyelights disappear into his comforter with the sound of rustling fabric when you move, presumably hiding away and taking the one meager source of light you were seeing by.

You nearly trip on your way to him several times, but finally move to kneel by his bed as you reach for the covers.

Your fingers barely graze the comforter when it suddenly lifts and you're being pulled into Huxley's cocoon.

You manage only to gasp as you're situated within Huxley's makeshift cocoon, winding up face to face in his arms.

One of his hands buries in your hair and tugs you closer until your foreheads touch, the other squeezes, pinches and tugs at your skin and clothes.

He'd done this before, grounding himself with the reality of you in his arms. You wait patiently, quietly as to not add to the cacophony he's likely battling in his head.

Soon enough his wandering hand finds your waist, then the hem of your shirt, dipping beneath the fabric as he trails his bony hand up your back to settle between your shoulders. His skull moves so he can tuck his face against your neck as he pulls you tightly against himself.

You finally move, snaking your arms around him as he breathes in your scent.

Huxley starts nuzzling his way up from your neck, pulling a little fit of giggles from you.

"Better?" You ask as he nuzzles your cheek.

A grumble of a hum leaves him. "thanks, treasure." He extracts his hand from your shirt, tugging the fabric back into place then cupping your face. "i vote for it to be just us next year."

"Deal." You murmur.

A soft, relieved sigh leaves Huxley as he closes the short distance to kiss you.

"to another year." He whispers.

"To another year," you agree, kissing him again.

NYK Event: Info || Completed Smooches || KoFi

[tenebraltomes]

I’ve gotta kiss my Gomez 💄💋 Stix pls for the new years kiss!

Of course you do (ʃƪ¬‿¬) Let's get to smooching your husbone ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧ I got a little carried away... almost 750 words hgfjhgkfjgh

The estate the skeletons lived in was, as usual, decorated flawlessly - like it came straight off the cover of a Home Living magazine.

There was ambient lighting that kept the grounds lit well enough for human guests to see by without taking away from the night's atmosphere, the food had been painstakingly prepped and cooked for the night, there were activities to keep guests entertained, and anyone you could have thought would be there was.

You expected no less with Styx in charge of the party this year.

And, while you've enjoyed the magical climate and mingling about on Styx's arm, you can't help but notice that the two of you haven't truly gotten a moment to yourselves the entire night.

The downside to being the attentive host's mate, you supposed.

For the umpteenth time tonight, Styx checks the pocket watch hidden away in his sleek coat pocket. Once it's tucked away again, he leans down to speak to you.

"It's Time For Me To Announce Where We Will Be Having The Countdown, Do You Want To Come With?" He asks, pitching his raspy voice low so he doesn't blow your ear out.

"I'll hang back for this one, sweets, thank you."

Styx's hum nearly sounds like a growl when he affectionately nips at your head, but his eyelights are bright and warm when he straightens up. "I'LL FIND YOU AFTER, THEN."

You send him off with a nod and follow at a slower pace to beat the crowd before they're all called to gather.

Styx and Papyrus stand in the center of the festivities, their loud voices plenty to get the party-goers attention.

You watch from a comfortable distance in the nice, uncrowded spot you claimed for yourself as Styx informs everyone where the countdown will be held. Your gaze follows his pointing to see a large, inflatable projector screen set up against the tree line.

You recognize the Mettaton countdown on the screen and shake your head with a smile, turning back to listen as Papyrus takes over.

"BE SURE TO STAY CLOSE TO YOUR SPECIAL PERSON BECAUSE THERE'S ONLY A FEW MINUTES LEFT TO START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH THEM!" Papyrus reminds everyone before scurrying away to presumably do just that.

The crowd begins to move toward the projector, but Styx's eyelights meet yours and flit toward the estate then back to you before he disappears into the crowd.

Curiosity raised, you make your way through the party and into the estate, but find no sign of him.

"... Styx?"

"OVER HERE," He calls from down the hall.

Following his voice, you can't help but laugh a little. "Why are you being so mysterious right now?"

Styx steps into the hallway long enough to pluck you out of it and into the scullery off of the kitchen.

You squeal as you're pulled in, then gasp as you take in the decor in the little room.

Fairy lights reflect off the glass of the china cupboards and gently flickering candles light the counter tops, one of which has a bottle of sparkling cider and two flutes atop it.

Styx gently leads you to the countertop with the cider, taking your small hands in his as running his thumbs over your knuckles.

"THIS IS MY ATTEMPT AT MAKING UP FOR HOW DISTRACTED I'VE BEEN TONIGHT," He begins, leaning down as he raises one of your hands so he can nip gently at your wrist, "YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW SPECIAL YOU ARE TO ME, MY LITTLE WREN, AND HOW MUCH JOY YOU'VE BROUGHT ME THIS PAST YEAR."

When you can't seem to respond, Styx only smiles, his features softening as he watches you. Distantly, you hear the raising of voices - they must be starting the countdown outside, but it's too muffled to know for sure.

His hands release yours to pull you against himself, a silent purr felt beneath your hands where they rest on his chest. "I STARTED LAST YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH YOU, AND IT MADE ME UNBELIEVABLY LUCKY." Styx's arms give you a tender squeeze as he brushes his nasal cavity to your nose, "HERE'S TO ANOTHER YEAR AS THE LUCKIEST SKELETON ALIVE."

Styx kisses you soft and slow, holding you like his most prized treasure. When he finally breaks the kiss, his forehead rests against yours like he can't bear to exit your space just yet.

"Happy New Year, My Dove."

NYK Event: Info || Completed Smooches || KoFi

[tenebraltomes]

I’ve gotta kiss my Gomez 💄💋 Stix pls for the new years kiss!

Of course you do (ʃƪ¬‿¬) Let's get to smooching your husbone ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧ I got a little carried away... almost 750 words hgfjhgkfjgh

The estate the skeletons lived in was, as usual, decorated flawlessly - like it came straight off the cover of a Home Living magazine.

There was ambient lighting that kept the grounds lit well enough for human guests to see by without taking away from the night's atmosphere, the food had been painstakingly prepped and cooked for the night, there were activities to keep guests entertained, and anyone you could have thought would be there was.

You expected no less with Styx in charge of the party this year.

And, while you've enjoyed the magical climate and mingling about on Styx's arm, you can't help but notice that the two of you haven't truly gotten a moment to yourselves the entire night.

The downside to being the attentive host's mate, you supposed.

For the umpteenth time tonight, Styx checks the pocket watch hidden away in his sleek coat pocket. Once it's tucked away again, he leans down to speak to you.

"It's Time For Me To Announce Where We Will Be Having The Countdown, Do You Want To Come With?" He asks, pitching his raspy voice low so he doesn't blow your ear out.

"I'll hang back for this one, sweets, thank you."

Styx's hum nearly sounds like a growl when he affectionately nips at your head, but his eyelights are bright and warm when he straightens up. "I'LL FIND YOU AFTER, THEN."

You send him off with a nod and follow at a slower pace to beat the crowd before they're all called to gather.

Styx and Papyrus stand in the center of the festivities, their loud voices plenty to get the party-goers attention.

You watch from a comfortable distance in the nice, uncrowded spot you claimed for yourself as Styx informs everyone where the countdown will be held. Your gaze follows his pointing to see a large, inflatable projector screen set up against the tree line.

You recognize the Mettaton countdown on the screen and shake your head with a smile, turning back to listen as Papyrus takes over.

"BE SURE TO STAY CLOSE TO YOUR SPECIAL PERSON BECAUSE THERE'S ONLY A FEW MINUTES LEFT TO START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH THEM!" Papyrus reminds everyone before scurrying away to presumably do just that.

The crowd begins to move toward the projector, but Styx's eyelights meet yours and flit toward the estate then back to you before he disappears into the crowd.

Curiosity raised, you make your way through the party and into the estate, but find no sign of him.

"... Styx?"

"OVER HERE," He calls from down the hall.

Following his voice, you can't help but laugh a little. "Why are you being so mysterious right now?"

Styx steps into the hallway long enough to pluck you out of it and into the scullery off of the kitchen.

You squeal as you're pulled in, then gasp as you take in the decor in the little room.

Fairy lights reflect off the glass of the china cupboards and gently flickering candles light the counter tops, one of which has a bottle of sparkling cider and two flutes atop it.

Styx gently leads you to the countertop with the cider, taking your small hands in his as running his thumbs over your knuckles.

"THIS IS MY ATTEMPT AT MAKING UP FOR HOW DISTRACTED I'VE BEEN TONIGHT," He begins, leaning down as he raises one of your hands so he can nip gently at your wrist, "YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW SPECIAL YOU ARE TO ME, MY LITTLE WREN, AND HOW MUCH JOY YOU'VE BROUGHT ME THIS PAST YEAR."

When you can't seem to respond, Styx only smiles, his features softening as he watches you. Distantly, you hear the raising of voices - they must be starting the countdown outside, but it's too muffled to know for sure.

His hands release yours to pull you against himself, a silent purr felt beneath your hands where they rest on his chest. "I STARTED LAST YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH YOU, AND IT MADE ME UNBELIEVABLY LUCKY." Styx's arms give you a tender squeeze as he brushes his nasal cavity to your nose, "HERE'S TO ANOTHER YEAR AS THE LUCKIEST SKELETON ALIVE."

Styx kisses you soft and slow, holding you like his most prized treasure. When he finally breaks the kiss, his forehead rests against yours like he can't bear to exit your space just yet.

"Happy New Year, My Dove."

NYK Event: Info || Completed Smooches || KoFi

[tenebraltomes]

✨️Guess what time of year it is....✨️

New Year's Kiss Event [Closed]

There's a tradition that states kissing someone at the stroke of midnight brings good fortune, strength and luck in your relationships for the coming year.

Everyone has gathered around for the countdown, and as it creeps nearer you're faced with making a choice:

Who do you share your New Year's Kiss with?

ONE character/pairing per ask, please!

❤️❄️Please check out my Character List & Rules before sending in an ask, and consider donating to my Kofi if you like what I do!❄️❤️

I will take New Year's Kiss requests until the 1st of the new year and will likely be working on them the most on/around Christmas and New Year's! Send in as many as you like, but remember that I'm only one person ❤️ Here are Last Year's Kisses for tax ☆

Theres also a google form I'll have up for people off Tumblr!

[creativepromptsforwriting]

24 Days of Gift-Giving

One True Pairing Moments

Two Dialogue Partners

Three Words

Four Flour Fails

Five Fights (and Reconciliations)

Six Sappy Sentences

Seven Nights

Eight Vacations

Nine Nice Compliments

Ten Titles

Eleven Encouraging Words

Twelve Gift Ideas

Thirteen Characters

Fourteen Fun Adventures

Fifteen Fluffy Moments

Sixteen Sinful Sentences

Seventeen Snow Days

Eighteen Aches

Nineteen New Skills

Twenty Tells

Twenty-One I Love Yous

Twenty-Two Traits

Twenty-Three Cozy Plans

Twenty-Four Touches

24 Gifts for you!

I wish you all a great month and wonderful holidays for everyone celebrating in December!

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! And check out my Instagram! 🥰

[nebulouskale]

While I know the reapers and such are gods of death and immortal/eternal... can they retire from their duties? Do these gods of death have any established life cycle of their own <birth, aging, death, etc>? What happens if one is ready to stop existing<in the instance conventional death doesn't apply>? Is this a concept or thought that just doesn't come up?

I feel like this may need to be part of a separate ask, but are there any traditions/ceremonies connected to all this?

With such long life spans, if birth or such applies, would new talismans rates be low or nonexistent? <Yes, I'm thinking of the Fairly Odd Parents lol>

Woah this one's been collecting dust, but i finally have some words to convey my answer to this!

Absolutely, Talisman can retire from their duties! Whether a Reaper, Apprentice, or Maven, Talisman from all lines of duty are encouraged to retire or try different duties out if they feel its time.

Their life cycle, I'm still work shopping, but yes! They do have an established one! Here's what I can say:

Talisman can get pregnant & give birth (which is more in-line with other AU monster pregnancies)

Talisman grow in quick spurts, reaching milestones and then plateauing for long stretches of time. They dont ever grow decrepit, even as their bodies show signs of maturing/age later in life. They'll grow grey, but they won't wither!

When a Talisman is ready to "stop existing", they'll retrieve their candle from Asgore and face one of two (so far) deaths, depending on the state of their Stats.

As for traditions/ceremonies linked in all this, yes!! Talisman are heavily rooted in their traditions and hold many ceremonies to honor milestones.

Upon their first steps/independent movement, a Talisman visits Alphys & her apprentices in the Heraldry to meet their Herald - a whole ceremony is held and theres traditionally a naming ceremony held afterwards.

When they "shed their stripes" (still working on the Talisman equivalent), a weapons ceremony is held where they visit Grillby and his apprentices to have a weapon made & attuned to their soul (usually over the course of a few weeks - month depending on the weapon being made)

It's a high honor to move up from "Ward" (trainee/apprentice) to full-fledged "Reaper", and the ceremony involved ties us into one of the two possible deaths for a Talisman - having their Soul reaped by a Ward. Once the Ward has completed the job, they are acknowledged as a Reaper and sent on solo reapings. (Name for this process in the works)

The other Talisman Death Ceremony is for those whose Stats (LV & EXP, mostly) are considered too high for a single Reaper to safely withstand on their own. The Talisman has a group of Reapers (usually close to them) perform a joint ritual similar to LV Siphoning that disperses the Talisman's Stats amongst the group.

I feel like this is a good time to mention that when a Talisman's Stats reach 0, their candles extinguish and their souls move on to Sans & his apprentices.

Whew! As for birth/new Talisman rates - Talisman births are pretty... clustered? There are many groups of Talisman that are very close in age to one another, but there never seem to be more than 13 pregnancies at a time. Many of the Mavens are in the same "age group" as one another.

MuertosTale Masterpost || Buy Me A Ko-Fi Rootbeer? || LinkTree

[nebulouskale]

Happy belated creation day to Muertostale! Its officially 4 whole years old :0 In honor of its creation, here's a WIP of the different roles in Muertostale!

[And here's a refresher on the AU itself if you need it!]

Talisman

Immortal, magical being unable to be killed by traditional means. Widely known by mortals for their ability to "reap" souls.

Maven

A Talisman in charge of an integral role in the Underworld. Often takes on apprentices.

Reaper

A Talisman whose "job" is to reap the souls of mortals whose time is up.

Apprentice

A Talisman devoted to the work of their chosen Maven. Their latent magical skills are often taken into account when choosing their path.

Ward

A Talisman in training to reap souls.

Tribute

Born over time from an [Item of Great Importance]. Shares the abilities and rights of a Talisman, but is dependent on Talisman magic for life.

Mortal

Being that can be incapacitated without Talisman interference.

Mage

A mortal being with magical prowess.

Human

A mortal being with a short lifespan; they typically lack magic in modern days, but many mages come from human lineage.

Blighted

Beings that Talismans refuse to reap.

Shade

A mage who, when mortal, underwent magical "improvements" in hopes of gaining immortality.

[silverslipstream]

[tenebraltomes]

Finally sat and wrote a lil over 600 words on what vampires are in The Løvenbalk Saga because I found this old note for myself