Gnarls

"Once upon a time..." "There was a young man named Fionn." "He was the king of the Hyperboreans, a civilization that thrived in the distant north of the world, where peace and harmony reigned beneath skies of eternal frost." "One day, during one of his habitual walks beyond the walls of his grand, crystalline castle, Fionn heard a peculiar sound—a sharp squealing that pierced the stillness of the white forest surrounding his domain." "Startled and alert, he gripped the hilt of his regal sword and followed the noise, his boots crunching softly over snow-dusted leaves. As he pushed through the pale foliage, the source of the sound revealed itself—a girl, cornered by a thur." "The creature was monstrous, towering over both the girl and Fionn himself. Its thick, gnarled skin was the color of ash, mottled with scars and patches of coarse, dark hair. A pair of jagged tusks jutted from its wide, snarling mouth, and its eyes glowed faintly, like embers in a dying fire. Long, sinewy arms ended in clawed hands that could snap trees like twigs, and its breath came out in ragged, steaming huffs, filling the air with a stench of decay." "The thur growled, advancing on the girl with a lumbering gait, its massive frame causing the ground to tremble faintly beneath its weight. Every instinct in Fionn's body screamed at him to flee, but he stood firm." "Drawing his sword in one fluid motion, the king lunged forward. With a single, decisive strike, he felled the monster, its roar silenced as it collapsed into the snow." "-Are you all right?- Fionn asked, his voice steady but gentle as he turned toward the girl." "But she didn't respond. She didn't even look at him." "Fionn frowned, puzzled by her silence. Perhaps she was too shaken by the attack to speak, he thought. Yet, something else caught his attention—something even more peculiar." "Her skin. It wasn't the pale, snowy white of the Hyperboreans. It was... pink. A soft, warm hue unlike anything he had ever seen." "-Ehm... I know this might sound a little inappropriate, but... where are you from? You don't look like anyone from here,- Fionn ventured cautiously, hoping for a reply. But still, she said nothing." "-Wait!- He suddenly realized, his eyes widening. -Could it be that you don't understand me?-" "If she didn't respond because she didn't know his language, then she couldn't be from Hyperborea—or even anywhere nearby. But where else could she be from? Beyond Hyperborea, there was only the vast, unending sea... wasn't there?" "-Could it be that she's from one of the other Nine Worl—- Fionn's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the girl rose to her feet." "She stepped closer to him, her movements deliberate but strange, her expression unreadable. She—Oh!" ~Ronf~ ~Ronf~ ~Ronf~ "Looks like Artair is already asleep..." The mother lowered the book gently, a warm smile on her lips as she gazed at her son's peaceful face. "He must have played a lot today. I usually read him more of the story before he falls asleep..." Leaning over, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead. "Good night, my little Artair." With a quiet sigh, she tucked the blanket around him even more snugly than before, then rose from the bedside. Extinguishing the torch that lit his room, she left, closing the door behind her with care. In the dim stillness of the house, she paused, looking out through the small window at the darkened village. Her thoughts turned inward as she whispered to herself: "I hope, at least, that you'll be able to live a life free from war..."

John smiled as the mine owner plugged in an auth device to his Ship's logging manifest and pressed a couple of buttons confirming the transaction. John was right on the outskirts of the outer rim and currently landed on a mining colony known as Karron, a huge asteroid in the process of being hollowed out to extract the mineral wealth stored within. John cast his mind back to that eventful day over 2 months ago. He had been back in the Core Worlds having a drink at a local bar, well known for its tolerant attitude to the odd and eccentric. His companion was a drunk deep spacer he had befriended years before. The gnarled old spacer was called Jonah, or 'Mad Jonah' to the other regulars in the bar, who strongly suspected the poor unfortunate had gone space crazy years ago. John liked the old timer though and would spend hours listening to his wild stories of incredible sights beyond the outer rim. On this particular night, Jonah had recently returned from his latest jaunt into deep space and had been recounting a lurid time spent in a brothel on Karron......

She belongs in the wilderness. Always have, always will. Abandoned in the wilderness since she was a child, she has clawed and killed for every scrap of food and every breath she breathes. She has been one with nature for as long as she has known, feeling at home with the gnarled roots, the twisting branches, and the constant danger of the Fingard Forest. Then, she met others like her, but now quite. - First novel written on Webnovel I'm not sure why, but tag says 'contemporary romance'. There is/will be romance, but that is not the main focus. Unstable updating schedule. May go on hiatus at any point. Publishing on Scribblehub

Lethwin is hunted endlessly by his brethren from the Order of the Purifying Flame for his disobedience. The gnarled scar on his face is the tell-tale sign of his fall from favour. Why was he ordained to be the Purifier's next chosen one minute and then had it wrenched from his grasp the next? To save a child's life. A fate he is now destined to share with upon the Purifying Pyre. Release schedule will be every Saturday

Jason is a troubled teenager who channels his emotions into intricate fantasy art and animations. However, his drawings mysteriously peel off the pages and transform into monstrous supernatural beings - including the intimidating demon lord Ravath. Jason is shocked to learn he has been unknowingly tapping into dangerous underworld magic. As more illustrations morph into harpies, gnarled trolls, and other dark creatures, they start attacking people around town. Jason realizes the sinister power dwelling inside him, able to conjure these torturous beings into existence. His friend Rachel She recognizes Jason's chaos magic, but neither know how to stop it. Read to find out more....... New Chapter Everyday at - 6:45 a.m GMT

Deep within the Hungering Woods, an egg hatched. As the egg hatched, nothing significant happened. It was just an egg, after all. It's the beast that had hatched, that will create ripples within the realms. But first, it's just a tiny little beastling, trying to survive within the dark and shadowed corners of the tangled roots, the gnarled trunks, and the creeping vines of the Hungering Woods. There's a reason it was named that, after all. - This will be my first attempt at a male lead. Updates (hopefully) daily

As she lay on her deathbed, the woman wondered what the future held for her. Would she be reincarnated? Would she go to heaven or hell? These were questions that she couldn't answer. But as it turned out, the woman was indeed reincarnated. She woke up in a strange and unfamiliar place, unsure of where she was or what had happened to her. As she looked around, she realized that she was no longer in a human body. Instead, she was a small and fluffy white cat. As she made her way through the desolate landscape, the woman noticed that there were strange creatures roaming the streets. They were grotesque and undead, with rotting flesh and empty eyes. They seemed to be drawn to her, reaching out with their gnarled hands as she tried to escape. The woman knew that she had to be careful. She had to stay hidden and avoid the zombies at all costs. She crept through the shadows, using all of her feline instincts to evade the undead creatures. As she wandered through the city, the woman realized that she was the only cat anyone had ever seen. People were terrified of her, and they ran in fear whenever she approached. The woman was sad and lonely, longing for the companionship of her human family.

In the mystical realm of Eldoria, where magic danced through the air like whispers and every corner held secrets untold, there lived a young orphan named Aric. He was but a humble boy, born in the small village of Rivertown, nestled between the towering mountains and the whispering woods. From a tender age, Aric possessed a curiosity that seemed to rival the depths of the ocean and a determination that burned brighter than the fiercest flame. Yet, fate had dealt him a harsh hand, leaving him to fend for himself in a world where survival was a daily battle. Despite the odds stacked against him, Aric harbored a dream within his heart – a dream to become the greatest mage Eldoria had ever known. He yearned to master the arcane arts, to command the elements, and to carve his name into the annals of history. With naught but a tattered cloak upon his back and a staff of gnarled wood in hand, Aric embarked on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Along the way, he faced countless trials and tribulations, each more perilous than the last. From the treacherous depths of the Forbidden Forest, where shadows lurked and ancient evils stirred, to the sun-kissed plains of the Golden Valley, where wild magic roamed free and dreams took flight, Aric traversed the breadth of Eldoria, seeking knowledge and power. Through hardship and adversity, Aric honed his skills, honing his mind as sharp as a sword and his spirit as resilient as the mightiest oak. He studied under the tutelage of wise sages and eccentric wizards, delving into dusty tomes and deciphering cryptic runes. But it was not just his intellect that grew with each passing day; it was his heart as well. Along his journey, Aric forged bonds of friendship and camaraderie with kindred spirits who shared his passion and his dreams.

The Gateway of Realms In the heart of an ancient, mystical forest bathed in twilight, a lone oak tree stands majestic and enigmatic. Its gnarled branches stretch out like the arms of a forgotten guardian, their dark silhouettes casting intricate shadows on the forest floor. Embedded within the tree’s trunk is an ornate, glowing door, its surface adorned with shifting runes and symbols that pulsate with a soft, iridescent light. The clearing around the oak is illuminated by a gentle, ethereal glow that contrasts with the deepening darkness of the forest. The air is alive with a subtle luminescence, creating an atmosphere of both wonder and mystery. Kael, a young man with an expression of awe and determination, stands at the threshold of the doorway. His figure is silhouetted against the magical light, his hand reaching out towards the door’s handle, which glimmers with a faint, magical sheen. Through the open doorway, a breathtaking new world unfolds. Beyond the threshold, the forest gives way to an expansive, otherworldly landscape. Rolling hills stretch out under a twilight sky, their surfaces adorned with vibrant, glowing flora that dances gently in an unseen breeze. Floating islands drift serenely above the ground, connected by delicate, shimmering bridges of light. The sky is a canvas of rich purples and blues, speckled with stars and hints of distant constellations. In the distance, strange, majestic creatures—winged beings and luminescent fauna—move gracefully through the landscape, adding life and vibrancy to this fantastical realm. The scene is both inviting and awe-inspiring, hinting at the adventures and wonders that lie ahead for Kael. The overall atmosphere of the image combines the serene beauty of the mystical forest with the boundless possibilities of the magical world beyond, capturing the essence of discovery and the allure of the unknown. --- This visual captures the enchanting transition from the familiar world of Kael to the new, magical realms he is about to explore.

The estate, surrounded by a gnarled forest that seemed to press in from all sides, exhaled an air of ancient secrets. Moss-clad stones cradled untold stories beneath the overgrowth, and the twisted branches of the trees intertwined like skeletal fingers, reaching out as if to grasp at anyone foolhardy enough to approach. As Lucas Thorne ventured past the rusted gates, a chill wind whispered through the skeletal trees, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and the faintest trace of something more sinister. Shadows, deep and unyielding, clung to the manor's exterior, as though the very darkness had taken root within its walls. The mansion's interior, once a testament to wealth and refinement, had succumbed to decay. Fading wallpaper peeled away to reveal the stained memories of forgotten revelries, and the floorboards creaked beneath Lucas's hesitant steps. Dim light filtered through tattered curtains, casting an otherworldly glow upon the dust motes that danced in the stagnant air. Hollow Manor seemed to groan with the weight of its own history, a history that Lucas was determined to unearth. Yet, as the echoes of Lucas's footsteps mingled with the ghostly whispers that permeated the halls, it became increasingly clear that the past was not a dormant relic but a malevolent force waiting to be awakened.

Oscar made his way through the dense forest, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his stomach. He had always been drawn to the woods, ever since he was a child, but today felt different. As he walked, he couldn't help but think about the day he lost his mother and grandmother to an incurable disease. It was a day that had changed his life forever. As he reached the edge of the forest, he paused to take a deep breath and gather his thoughts. He knew why he was here, to visit the graves of his loved ones, but something was drawing him deeper into the woods. He couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more in these woods, something important. As he made his way deeper into the woods, he couldn't help but notice the way the trees seemed to be closing in around him. The light filtering through the leaves was dimmer, and the air felt thick and heavy. He knew he was getting close to something, but what? As he pushed through the underbrush, he saw it. A large tree, unlike any he had ever seen before. The trunk was thick and gnarled, and the leaves were a deep, dark green. It seemed to be calling out to him, and without hesitation, he made his way toward it. As he approached the tree, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. It was as if he had been here before. As he reached out and touched the trunk, he felt a jolt of energy run through his body. He knew he had to explore this tree, and without hesitation, he began to climb. As he climbed higher and higher, he found himself in a hidden library. The room was filled with tomes and scrolls, and the air was thick with the musty smell of age. He knew he had to find out what was hidden in this library, and without hesitation, he began to search. It wasn't long before he found it, a scroll hidden in the back of the room. As he picked it up, he felt a strange energy emanating from it. He knew he had to open it, and without hesitation, he did. As he read the scroll, he discovered that it held the secret of a forbidden ability, the ability of adaptation. He knew that this ability would change his life forever, and without hesitation, he decided to leave the forest and explore the world with his newfound power. ===== This is my attempt at getting better at prompt engineering for fantasy writing. The story is completely crafted using AI, I simply provide the base ideas and make simple tweaks to make the story flow a little smoother. The quality of the story will progress as my skill with prompt engineering along with the technology behind it improves.

The forest was dark and silent, the only sound was the rustling of leaves in the wind. But there was something else, a faint whisper on the breeze, a whisper that called to her from the shadows. Soleil hesitated, her hand resting on the iron gate that led into the darkness. She took a deep breath and stepped through, the gate closing behind her with a heavy thud. Soleil found herself in a world unlike anything she had ever seen. The sky was black, and the trees were twisted and gnarled, their branches reaching out like claws. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay. And in the distance, she Could see a figure standing motionless, watching her. She took a step forward, her heart pounding in her chest. My name is Tarn, and I am the crown prince of this realm, he said, his voice deep and resonant. Welcome to the world of shadows and darkness, where light is scarce and secrets abound. Soleil felt a chill run down her spine at his words. Why did you call me here? she asked, her voice trembling. Because you have something that I desire, Tarn replied, his gaze never leaving her. You have a spark of light within you, a spark that I crave, Tarn continued. It is a power that I have never encountered before, and I am drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Will you give it to me? Soleil hesitated, unsure of what to say. The thought of giving this man something she didn't even understand was frightening, but she couldn't deny the strange attraction she felt towards him. I...I don't know what you're talking about, Soleil stammered, her heart racing. She had never felt so afraid, and yet, there was something about Tarn that drew her in. You will, in time, Tarn replied, his voice soft but insistent. But for now, rest and recover from your journey. We will speak again soon. With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows. Soleil stood there, trembling, unsure of what to do. But even as the thought crossed her mind, Soleil found herself rooted to the spot. It was as if a spell had been cast over her, and she could not move. She stood there, trembling, until finally, her legs gave way and she sank to the ground. Her last thought before sleep overtook her was of Tarn's burning red eyes, and the strange power that he seemed to hold over her.

In the realm of Eldoria, a tale unfolds of a young woman named **Aurelia**, whose beauty was said to eclipse the night sky, her eyes shimmering like constellations and her hair cascading in waves of midnight silk. As the daughter of Baron Lysander, Aurelia's fate was sealed by the ambitions of her father, betrothed to Prince Darian—the second son of King Gavriel—for the sake of political alliance. The eve before her wedding, the weight of a life not chosen bore heavily upon her. In a desperate bid for freedom, Aurelia fled into the **Whispering Woods**—a place of ancient secrets and fearsome legends. It was here, amidst the gnarled trees and veiled shadows, that Aurelia discovered the truth of her lineage. Guided by the enigmatic **Elder Moth**, a creature of magic and keeper of the forest's lore, she learned of her true heritage. Aurelia was not merely a baron's daughter but the last scion of the **Starborne Lineage**, a family of powerful mages thought to be extinct. Her real parents, mages of unparalleled ability, had perished in the **Great Mage Purge** orchestrated by the very crown that now sought to claim her. The Elder Moth revealed that her parents had left behind a legacy—a wellspring of magic that Aurelia alone could wield. As Aurelia embraced her newfound powers, she uncovered the dark machinations of the royal court. Prince Darian, unbeknownst to all, was a puppet in a grander scheme devised by his elder brother, Prince Emeric, who sought to eradicate magic from Eldoria. Aurelia's marriage was but a ruse to draw out the last of the Starborne bloodline for Emeric's sinister purpose. With the Elder Moth as her mentor, Aurelia honed her abilities, mastering the arcane arts that flowed through her veins. She forged alliances with the denizens of the Whispering Woods and other magical beings who had long been oppressed under the king's rule. Together, they ignited a rebellion to overthrow the tyrannical prince and restore balance to Eldoria. Aurelia's journey was fraught with peril, love, and self-discovery. She battled dark sorcerers, navigated court intrigues, and unraveled the mysteries of her past. Through it all, she remained steadfast, her resolve as unyielding as the stars that guided her. The novel culminates in an epic confrontation between Aurelia and Prince Emeric. With the fate of Eldoria hanging in the balance, Aurelia must embrace her destiny as the true heir of the Starborne Lineage and wield her magic to secure the future of her homeland and the freedom of its people. This is the story of **Aurelia Starborne**, a beacon of hope in a world on the brink of darkness, a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within one who is destined for greatness. It is a tale of courage, of magic reborn, and of a star that descended to walk among mortals, forever altering the course of history.