I got a Nero Wolfe story for Yuletide this year, a Saul/Nero with a fitting hint of Saul/Archie!

Frozen Pipes and An Unassuming Smile (3319 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Nero Wolfe - Rex Stout
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Saul Panzer/Nero Wolfe
Characters: Nero Wolfe, Saul Panzer, Archie Goodwin, Fritz Brenner
Additional Tags: little sprinkle of Archie/Saul just because. i mean have we read the books
Summary: His Christmas plans ruined by an iced-over interstate, Archie comes home unexpectedly to find someone else in his chair. Now he has to figure out why Saul Panzer's in the brownstone and why Wolfe is being so damnably cagey about it before—Well, actually, he doesn't have to figure it out at all. But he's bored and he's curious, so...


The dynamic between Saul Panzer and Nero Wolfe in the books is extremely enjoyable, though of course never center stage. They have a lot in common and are personal friends, and Saul pops up in some very intimate places, including one book where Wolfe reveals that Saul is asleep up in Wolfe's own room (!) after an exhausting patch of casework.

So my signup included interest in Saul/Wolfe (as well as Saul/Archie and Archie/Wolfe), and my author ended up writing the first entry in the Saul/Wolfe tag! One of its delights is that it also gives us a good characterization of Archie, as he tries to solve this mystery propelled by his own affronted sense of territoriality re: Wolfe. It's a very cozy brownstone story, with delicious meals, and Fritz of course knowing everything. :D

Happy New Year!

I wrote two stories for Yuletide this year: my assignment, and one treat.

The assignment was for what's probably my very favorite Mary Renault novel, "The Mask of Apollo", about an Athenian actor in the 4th century BC. He gets caught up in the events surrounding Dion of Syracuse and his attempt to liberate Sicily, but that's not the point, really. The things I thrive on in this book are the characters, the emotions, and how it's all so well grounded in the life of a working actor.

The story is set after the events of the novel but before the years-later epilogue, and is about Niko's recovery from the real-life tragedy he's just lived through, via his work on a new play, his realizations about his craft, and of course his (canon) beloved Thettalos, who's on his way to becoming the towering figure in the field that he is in real-life history.

I found it such a pleasure to write, even though I had never written fic in first-person before (the novel is first-person past-tense as well)...I had always wanted to tackle something about Niko facing the emotional aftermath plus his own middle-age all at once, and about him finding his way out (not solo by his bootstraps, but within his whole context of life and work and art and love and whatnot). But I hadn't yet been able to really think my way into it, until now. This assignment was perfect timing, and as Niko found answers for himself, I felt comforted too.

I made up almost all of the plays mentioned in the story, though the playwrights are real. I think it's possible to read the story without having read the novel, in the sense that most of the important context is embedded in it, but of course I'm so familiar with the book that it can be hard to tell...

The dance of nature forward far (8221 words) by Dorinda
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Mask of Apollo - Mary Renault
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Nikeratos/Thettalos (Mask of Apollo)
Characters: Nikeratos (Mask of Apollo), Thettalos (Mask of Apollo)
Additional Tags: Ancient Greece, Theatre, Established Relationship, Catharsis, Acting, Gods
Summary: No one drew attention to my increasing efforts and difficulties—not at performing Aigeus or Athene, which weren't going badly, but in the role of Nikeratos, son of Artemidoros. Perhaps I had them all fooled...or perhaps they were kind.

---

The treat was for my eternal love "The Sting" (1973). simplecoffee had some really fun prompts, so I couldn't help myself... h/c with hurt Johnny? Trains?? YES PLEASE! She also mentioned Outsider POV, so I gave that a whirl as well, and ended up really enjoying the OCs whose lives are briefly visited by these two pining blue-eyed grifters. As prep, I read a couple of books by real-life Depression-era hobos, a man ("Beggars of Life: a Hobo Autobiography") and a woman ("Sister of The Road: The Autobiography of Boxcar Bertha").

As with the first-person POV for Mask of Apollo, I realized I had never written Outsider POV before, so this year was a year of learning and stretching for me for sure...

Slow Freight to Omaha (3704 words) by Dorinda
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Sting (1973)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Henry Gondorff/Johnny Hooker, Original Female Character(s)/Original Female Character(s)
Characters: Henry Gondorff, Johnny Hooker (The Sting)
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, POV Outsider, 1930s, Hobos, Yuletide Treat
Summary: "I'm all right," one of them was saying, hoarse and breathless. "I'm okay. It's all right, it's nothing." He sat up, one arm held to his chest, yellow hair hanging in his eyes.

---

I hope everyone had as good a time as I did this year! ♥

Hello, Writer! However you ended up writing something for me, I thank you--I'm glad and grateful. ♥

A note about treats, in case it's relevant: yes, I am all for them!

(Also, let me say that you'll notice it's very common for me to ask for some of the same fandoms from year to year. If you've written for me previously, please do not ever think this is because I don't still love your gift! I do--it's just that I am still-and-always in the mood for more of these characters and I love them so much. And I am greedy. :D)

If you already have something in mind you think I'll like, go ahead and write it! I want you to enjoy yourself.

If more information about my preferences would help and inspire you, then here's some:

( Some of my preferences )

Here are my signups, in alphabetical order: KeixYaku (TV), Peacemakers (2003), Spy Game (2001), The Sting (1973)

( KeixYaku (TV) )

( Peacemakers (2003) )

( Spy Game (2001) )

( The Sting (1973) )

Thanks again for writing for me--I appreciate it! *\o/*

Well well well, look who got to write Jack Aubrey/Stephen Maturin for Yuletide this year! :D :D :D

(Spoiler: it me)

Below the waves, the ocean (8273 words) by Dorinda
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), Aubrey-Maturin Series - Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander - All Media Types
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Jack Aubrey/Stephen Maturin
Characters: Jack Aubrey, Stephen Maturin
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Injury, Angst, Drowning, First Aid, Trust, Feelings Realization
Summary:

How long since the bubbles had died? It felt too long, a deadly eternity. But Stephen couldn't count, and didn't: he simply rolled himself over the edge of the gaping hatchway and fell.

It was like an early present just for me, to get to write Jack/Stephen hurt/comfort slash feelings realization etcetera, with a focus on protectiveness, guilt, and who gets to sacrifice himself for whom (Jack: "Me, duh" Stephen: ">:["). I mentioned to some friends that, as happens so often in the hurt/comfort I write, especially for these guys, the physical injury is really the least of anybody's problems. ♥

I'm grateful to marycrawford for her cheerleading and beta help, and to the_shoshanna and msmoat for discussions and cheering-on! The whole process was such a pleasure, even when I was having my typical late-story "OPE, DIDN'T THINK THROUGH HOW THIS BIT IS ACTUALLY SPOSED TO HAPPEN" feelings.

Hello, Writer! However you ended up writing something for me, I thank you--I'm glad and grateful we share these little fandoms. ♥

A note about treats, in case it's relevant: yes, I am all for them!

(Also, let me say that you'll notice it's very common for me to ask for some of the same fandoms from year to year. If you've written for me previously, please do not ever think this is because I don't still love your gift! I do--it's just that I am still-and-always in the mood for more of these characters and I love them so much. And I am greedy. :D)

If you already have something in mind you think I'll like, go ahead and write it! I want you to enjoy yourself.

If more information about my preferences would help and inspire you, then here's some:

( Some of my preferences )

Here are my signups, in alphabetical order: Hot Fuzz (2007), Lord Peter Wimsey - Dorothy L. Sayers, Old Fashion Cupcake, The Sting (1973)

( Hot Fuzz (2007) )

( Lord Peter Wimsey - Dorothy L. Sayers )

( Old Fashion Cupcake )

( The Sting (1973) )


Thanks again for writing for me--I appreciate it! *\o/*

Hello, Writer! However you ended up writing something for me, I thank you--I'm glad and grateful we share these little fandoms. ♥

Edited To Add: The Yuletide admins have asked that we clarify whether we're open to receiving treats...Yes I certainly am!!!

(And let me just say that you'll notice it's not uncommon for me to ask for many of the same fandoms from year to year. If you've written for me previously, please do not ever think this is because I don't still love your gift! I do--it's just that these fandoms are so small and I love them so much. And I am greedy. :D)

If you already have something in mind you think I'll like, go ahead and write it! I want you to enjoy yourself.

If more information about my preferences would help and inspire you, then here's some:

( Some of my preferences: )

Here are my signups, in alphabetical order: HIStory3: Trapped, Lord Peter Wimsey - Dorothy L. Sayers, Spy Game (2001), The Sting (1973).


( HIStory3: Trapped )


( Lord Peter Wimsey - Dorothy L. Sayers )


( Spy Game (2001) )


( The Sting (1973) )


Have fun writing, and thank you! *\o/*

I got such a wonderful haul of Yuletide presents this year--a gift and two lovely treats! Everything was tailored to my personal likes so well, with such skill and care...I really appreciate my authors and all their efforts, and these will definitely be re-reads for me to keep around in my pocket. I highly recommend every one of them!:


give way to the new (11676 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Exorcist (TV)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Marcus Keane/Tomas Ortega
Characters: Marcus Keane, Tomas Ortega, Mouse (The Exorcist), Devon Bennett
Additional Tags: Future Fic, Canon-Typical Violence, Post-Season/Series 02, Developing Relationship
Summary:

There are buzzards circling above the barn, at least twenty of them, huge wingspans with sharp, dark feathers, carrion-eaters. There is smoke on the air, and when Marcus stumbles out of his stolen truck, he sees why — the far side of the barn is half scorched, blackened siding pushed out of the ground like crooked teeth, specks of ash floating on the breeze, sticking to Marcus’s skin and clothing. Inside, someone is laughing.

Tomas is laughing.

My main gift is so tonally appropriate to the show, so well-characterized, with a controlled sensitivity--and, it resolves the finale's two cliffhangers re: Marcus and Bennett! I particularly love the tiny detail that it mentions as an argument for why Bennett is actually rescuable whereas others in his position were not--it makes good sense and I could imagine it being part of the show's worldbuilding as well. I really felt for Bennett here; and I loooooved Mouse in this, so steely and strong but also a team player. And the Marcus POV, especially toward Tomas, is deep and intense and full of feeling. ♥

-----------------------------

Sanctum (2214 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Exorcist (TV)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Marcus Keane/Tomas Ortega
Characters: Marcus Keane, Tomas Ortega
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Partnership, Crisis of Faith, Trust, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Vulnerability, Hopeful Ending, Yuletide Treat
Summary:

Marcus and Tomas find sanctuary in each other, and in their purpose together.

One of the treats is also Exorcist (TV), and it's a great complement with the other! This one is more zoomed-in on Marcus and Tomas, passionate with all kinds of emotion (including ones like worry), with a Marcus POV so naturally rooted in self-sacrifice that he hardly even notices it. But because it's set between seasons 1 and 2, it can feed in these little issues that we know are going to come home to roost later, and it makes me clutch my heart in such good ways.

-----------------------------

Out of Place (1458 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: HIStory3 - 圈套 | HIStory3: Trapped (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Meng Shaofei/Tang Yi
Characters: Meng Shaofei, Tang Yi (HIStory)
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Post-Canon, Domestic Fluff, Yuletide Treat
Summary:

He found Tang Yi in the kitchen wearing a crisp dress shirt and pants, standing with a furrowed brow and his hands on his hips.

"You got used to living here without me," Tang Yi said.

And then one more treat, a sweet and charming and perfectly in-character post-series scene for HIStory3: Trapped, when Tang Yi comes home. On the surface it's about things like, 'where are things kept in the kitchen', and 'how can it be good to be sad'--but of course, beneath the surface both of those questions are so full of nuance and personality and meaning, and love. I could absolutely see this happening in the show. ♥____♥


Read and enjoy! I certainly did, and will again. \o/

For Yuletide this year, I wrote a story for "The Sting" (1973):

Rest Cure (14557 words) by Dorinda
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Sting (1973)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Henry Gondorff/Johnny Hooker
Characters: Henry Gondorff, Johnny Hooker
Additional Tags: Con Artists, 1930s, Post-Canon, Hurt/Comfort, Rescue, Boats and Ships, Hubris, peacocking, Injury, Beating, Drowning/Near-Drowning, Bandaging, Caretaking, Kissing, First Time
Summary:

Johnny finds himself a new hobby, and it gets him in over his head. Literally.

--
One of llwyden's prompts was about Henry and Johnny going on vacation and failing miserably, and that made me think, what if it was a forced sort of vacation, because of a con that fell entirely apart?

Soooo, I threw Johnny off a boat. Sorry, kid. :D

Thanks to some great brainstorming help from friends, I ended up really enjoying writing it...I hadn't tried Johnny's POV in a while. And I also ended up getting very fond of a couple of my little one-scene OCs. It's a treat when that happens.

Hello, Writer, and thanks for being here! I appreciate your love for these little fandoms and characters I adore. ♥

If you already have something in mind you think I'll like, please go ahead and write it. If you have fun with it, I will too. Fly, be free!

But if you'd find details helpful, here are some thoughts:

( Some of my general preferences: )

Here are my signups, in alphabetical order: The Exorcist (TV), Shetland, Sinbad (TV), The Sting (1973).

( The Exorcist (TV) )

( Shetland )

( Sinbad (TV) )

( The Sting (1973) )

Have fun writing, and thank you! *\o/*

I know it's been almost a week since official reveals, but I've been solidly down with a doozy of a cold. At last, I can concentrate and read and even think! Yay.

I wrote one assignment and one treat for Yuletide this year:

North of Everywhere (8316 words) by Dorinda
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Shetland (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Duncan Hunter/Jimmy Perez
Characters: Duncan Hunter, Jimmy Perez
Additional Tags: Cooking, Pining, Post-Season/Series 05, Everyone Thinks They're Together, Feelings Realization, Getting Together, First Time
Summary:

There was a part of Jimmy—still too strong a part, the one who lived alone, stood alone, drew the firm line round himself—that kept wanting to say, Thanks but you didn't have to do that. Thanks but you're already welcome to stay. Thanks but I'm used to shifting for myself.

Thanks, but.

He shook it off as best he could. And instead, he walked behind Duncan as they both left the kitchen, and put his hands on Duncan's shoulders.

I love the crime show Shetland, which just ended its 5th season (and with a lovely present for the Jimmy/Duncan shippers)--it's beautiful, atmospheric, well-cast and acted, interesting dynamics among the characters. And I especially love the relationship between Jimmy Perez, the lead, a widower with one daughter, and Duncan Hunter, the ex-husband of Jimmy's late wife as well as the biological father of Jimmy's daughter. They're different in such interesting ways, but they work so hard at their co-parenting, and as Cassie grows up and leaves home, their de facto marriage still remains.

I had never tried writing Shetland before, but at last I felt brave enough to offer it, and I had a great time! I wanted something gradual and cozy, and I wanted Jimmy not to realize just quite how married he is (and how married he wants to be) until he's neck-deep in it.

I also wrote a treat:

The Breath at Your Shoulder (2705 words) by Dorinda
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Sting (1973)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Henry Gondorff/Johnny Hooker
Characters: Henry Gondorff, Johnny Hooker, Alva Coleman
Additional Tags: Yuletide Treat, Con Artists, 1930s, Dreams and Nightmares, Survivor Guilt, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Family, Found Family
Summary:

By the time he finally felt he might be sleepy, it was the truly wee hours. And over the quiet breathing of a dozen other people, he recognized Hooker's voice at once.

Too soft to be a shout, too thin and high to be a groan. It was as if Hooker was on a train heading the other way, and this quiet keening noise was all Henry had left as he faded into the distance.

I am no great shakes at coming up with prompts when I sign up for challenges, but I greatly admire those who are. And I found myself struck by nahnahnahnah 's prompt for The Sting (1973), reminding me that Johnny was so close to Luther's family. I had never considered the likelihood of his survivor's guilt before, and I enjoyed getting to do that.


Plus, the authors of the gift stories I received were:

* Exorcist story: every saint has a past (every sinner has a future) is by fabulous_but_evil

* Guardian treat: The Light is by trascendenza

* Exorcist treat in Madness: Pray For Us Sinners is by CousinShelley

* The Sting treat: smiles were made, dear, for people like us is by indigostohelit, and may I add here again that if you haven't read it yet--I get it, there's a lot to read, and it's almost 19K--I encourage you to download it and give it a whirl!