The Awakened Salad

Avren came to a stop in a clearing, out of breath. Tall trees rose around him, covered in white snow. He listened, for sounds of movement, but all he could hear was the distant sounds of fighting. He scanned the trees again, and... there! A man in armour, with a black beard, watching the fight from a distance. Avren drew the knife he kept at his side, but if it came to a fight, he didn’t know how much help it’d be. Best if he caught this man by surprise. He didn’t seem like a necromancer, though. He could’ve been wrong; there were many types of magic out there that he didn’t know about. Well, it was too late for any more contemplation. He crouched, and began sneaking through the undergrowth towards the mysterious man.

Avren stepped back as the bear roared. Where those... glowing eyes? He wasn’t well-versed in all types of magic, but in necromancy, a creature with glowing eyes meant one thing. There was a necromancer controlling it. He swore, and swept the woods with his gaze, trying to find the one responsible. They couldn’t be far. After finding no one, he tore off into the woods in search.

I was going through some of my old writing and found the beginning of a fanfic I wrote from all the way back in 2018. A few people wanted to read it, and since I don't currently plan on finishing it, I thought I could post what I already have. I made some quick edits, but it's mostly untouched. I'm not completely happy with this, though, especially towards the end. I might to come back to it at some point, but I'm not in the right mindset for it right now, and I have some other projects I'd like to finish first. This is also the first fic I've posted anywhere, and storms, it's nerve-wracking. It's a crossover fic with various main characters from the cosmere books all attending Shallan and Adolin's wedding, and it's as ridiculous as it sounds. I wrote this purely for fun, with no regard for realism or continuity. I will warn you, this is very unfinished and quite rough, and doesn't feature all of the characters I'd like it to. The scenes end rather abruptly as well, and there's no proper ending. Despite all of this, I hope you enjoy it! It's so hard to press the submit button... *crawls into a corner and hides* Tagging the people who replied to the status update

Avren nodded. Someone who knew the Shadow, perhaps? “So, how’d you end up here?”

I LOVE ALL OF THIS AHHHH

I’ve been wanting a cape or cloak for ages now, but I have no idea where to get a good quality one that isn’t ridiculously expensive. During the cloak part of the initiation ceremony, we could have our new members recite oaths (like Radiant oaths, but... for awkward people), and after they do that we can bring out the s’mores and sweaters? That’s still so awesome. What swords do you have?

Avren walked up to Minuet. “Do you know what’s happening?”

What is it with me and accidentally helping to start cults... But yes, s’mores are a must. *distributes to our new members*

Avren’s plant was dead again. He knew as soon as it died, his sense alerting him to the death. It had lasted two months this time, which was pretty good. For him, at least. He really did try to keep it alive, but no matter what he did, it always ended up as a withered, brown husk. This time he could ascribe some of it to the cold weather and travelling. What am I even doing here? He froze momentarily, staring down at his tiny dead plant and wondering if he would soon be the same. With effort, he brought his focus back to the present. Everyone else seemed distracted by something up ahead, which meant it was the perfect time to do some... healing. He held the pot with one hand and brought the other to rest on top, shielding it like a dome. He closed his eyes and reached out with his mind. This wasn’t evil, he told himself. He was doing something good, giving this plant another chance. There it was, empty of life force. He began to pour his own into it, feeling a slight tingling in his hands. It was only a small plant, so it didn’t take much. He felt the roots uncurl, the green bleeding back into the shrivelled leaves. He opened his eyes and removed his hand from the top of the pot, revealing a healthy, green plant, just as had been on the first day he had received it. Satisfied, he stored it back in his pack. It wasn’t the best place for it, but he didn’t want to risk it getting damaged out in this weather. He hurried to catch up to the rest of the group.

I’ve seen them online and I’ve wanted to try one, but I don’t know if I want to risk buying a candle if I don’t know what it smells like.

Let us begin your initiation ceremony... *moves towards you suspiciously*

A puzzled expression crossed Salad’s face. “I was... someone else?”

Salad’s expression became distant. “My Author...” They shook their head. “They do not wish to be named. They are quite timid. As for your second question, I’d rather leave that for X to answer.”

“My Author.” Salad cocked their head. “I think...”

Salad frowned. “I have always... been. I was created as a Narrator.”

Salad shrugged. “I just do it, I guess. It comes naturally. I never thought to question how or why.”

“Well I... I’m not sure. If I want something to happen, I just make it happen.” Salad said. “Like this.” The duck turned bright purple. They gestured towards X’s avatar. “I’m sure an older Narrator would know more.”

The duck jumped from Salad’s arms and began wandering around. “Why have you summoned me?” Salad asked.

Salad appeared, inexplicably holding a duck, which was quacking rather annoyingly.

Some of my thoughts from Part One: Ah, so the Ghostbloods are planning on transporting/selling cars stormlight across the cosmere! Still, I feel like there has to be more to it than that. But also, YES, FINALLY, MORE GHOSTBLOODS. The effects of the metals used in fabrial creation seem similar to Allomancy... Nooooo Rock don’t leave whyyyyyy Adolin is a gemheart and I love him. When there are all these references to the expedition in Aimia but you haven’t read Dawnshard yet. I’m glad that The Three (is this the correct way to refer to them?) have found a balance and seem to be doing okay, but I’m still worried about them. *hugs Kal* *hugs Kal even more* I’m liking how RoW seems to be more character focused than OB, hoping that it continues.

I’ve never been to one of those massive parties like you see in movies with all the drinking and dancing and people everywhere, but the ones I have been to were still... not great, so you’re not missing out.