Well, first up, I want to say a huge thank you for 10k reads on this book. It means a lot ;-; AToD has very quickly taken up a special place in my heart, and so much of that comes from the amount of support and enthusiasm I've received during and after its completion. Really, thanks, everyone :D

I know that the aspect I've always loved most about AToD is the characters, and so I thought, as a bit of fun (and maybe a little copying TheConfusedTurtle and dreams_of_silver but shh) I would do a character Q&A to celebrate!

I've set it up as each character sitting in a room, with the questions all scribbled on bits of paper for them to sift through. I debated interviewing them myself, but I decided I would rather not get murdered, so I kindly wrote them out and let them handle it by themselves. Don't worry, I do visit them. Sometimes. Mostly just Nathan.

Extra thanks to everyone who threw questions at me, on discord or otherwise. I hope their answers are enjoyable :D

~ Nathan ~

"What would you do if you met Pup?" -- Cross-Warrior

"I... I don't know." Nathan shifts, itching at a spot behind his ear. "She seems nice. I guess I'd... say thank you, for letting me write my story. She didn't have to do that for me."

"This isn't a question. I'm giving you a hug (WITH gLOVES PUP) and you can't stop me. You deserve to be safe and loved, and it's going to be okay or else I'm going to murder your author :sobbing:" -- dreams_of_silver

"Oh." A faint smile touches Nathan's lips. "That's very kind of you. I'm not sure why you'd want to hug me, but thank you. But please don't murder anyone," he adds quickly, shooting a hasty glance upwards.

"When did Nathan meet Sarielle? -- Novel_Worm

Immediately, a warm shade overtakes Nathan's pale cheeks. He brings a hand up to one, then drags it down to scratch at the side of his neck. "I don't know when exactly. Time was... difficult to grasp down there. But..." His eyes glimmer. "It felt like my life truly began from that point. All I remember from before her first visit is flickers of darkness. She brought the light."

"What do you say I take you away from the mean Pup and live a happy life without trauma and pain?" -- Ace_Guard

"Take me away?" Nathan stiffens, staring wide-eyed at the slip of paper. His gaze drops to the table. "I'm sorry. I don't think I can do that. I... I want to stay here, with my friends. I can't abandon them."

"What is Nathan's favourite ice cream flavour?" -- TheConfusedTurtle

"Oh!" Nathan sits forward, a rare glint of excitement lighting his dark eyes. "I know what ice cream is! Pup gave me some before." He catches himself, shrinking back into the chair, a little embarrassed for overreacting to such a simple thing. "I... I don't know about a favourite, though. I thought the normal one was really nice. The... vanilla?"

"Does Nathan like pudding?" -- ToWolfKin

"I have to admit I haven't tried that one." Nathan smiles shyly. "I think that's a sweet dish, though? If so, I would like it. I... quite like sweet things."

"Also hug lil Nathan for me pls he deserves the hugs :sobbing:" -- bamolas

A small, soft laugh slips out. "That's the second hug request. I'm sorry, but I'm really not very good at hugs." He ducks his head. "But... But thank you."

~ Finlay ~

"What would you do if you met Pup?" -- Cross-Warrior

A smirk tugs at Finlay's lips. "The writer?" Blue sparks light in his gaze, not quite as playful as his smile. "I have a few choice words for her."

"Hey Finlay why won't you yeet urself off a mountain into a pool of sharks and piranhas u little runt" -- bamolas

"Because..." Finlay looks utterly baffled. "Because I would die? Why would I do that?" He folds his arms, leaning back in his chair with a huff. "And I'm not a runt. I'm average height."

Distant laughter echoes from somewhere above him. He is not average height.

"Who's your favourite superhero?" -- bamolas

"My favourite hero?" A sly smile crawls across his face, illuminating his eyes, as he swings his legs over the arm of the chair. His azure cloak drapes freely behind him. "I've been inspired by many during my travels, but I think it would be wrong of me to pick a favourite. After all, heroes don't do it for the adoration, do they?"

A beat of silence passes. His grin turns crooked. "It's me. I'm my favourite hero."

It says superhero, idiot, Rigel chips in. Do you ever listen?

"Oh. Right." Finlay looks somewhat disappointed. "Batman, then."

"What is Finlay's net worth?" -- bamolas

He lifts his chin. "Unlike you, I am beyond being caged by the simple concept of money. My worth is not measured by a numbered amount of gold." Lifting a hand, he studies it, flexing his fingers as he smirks. "I bet it's a lot of gold, though."

"Does Finlay prefer being shot or stabbed to death?" -- bamolas

"Well..." He grins. "Does it really matter? Either can be heroic. As long as my death is a bold sacrifice for the greater good, heralded in songs for many years, I will accept any method the world can conjure."

"*holds up gun to his forehead* Can you pretty please protect Nathan with your life? :))" --dreams_of_silver

Finlay visibly swallows, his eyes remaining fixed on the note. He scratches at his hair. "Uh, sure. Of course. I'd do anything for Nathan." He squirms to right himself in his chair, his hand drifting to his forehead. "What's a gun?"

"What are your end goals in life?" -- dreams_of_silver

"That's easy." With a grin, Finlay sits up, arms spread in a wide gesture. "I'll save the world. Songs will be sung in my name, and I'll live as a hero, remembered long after I pass." He pauses, a hand moving to itch the back of his head. "And, uh... I guess I'd like somewhere nice to settle down, after all of that. With... with someone I love." His grin shrinks, a tad more half-hearted. "Can't be a hero forever, right?"

"Can F*nlay jump off a bridge and not land on water? Thanks <3" -- Ace_Guard

"What's with all the requests for my death?" Finlay folds his arms. "No." A moment later, a smile twitches his lips. "Actually, yes. You didn't specify the height of the bridge, so I'll just choose a small one. Ha."

-- TheConfusedTurtle

Finlay's eyes widen, genuine fear bright within them. He doesn't succeed in dimming it entirely with his blink. He slides the note to the other side of the table. "There's no need for me to attempt that, so I will not out of principle." He lifts his chin, somehow still managing to look haughty while clearly lying. "Though of course I could do it if I wished. I simply choose not to."

~ Sarielle ~

"What would you do if you met Pup?" -- Cross-Warrior

Sarielle's hand drifts towards her sheath, the tips of her fingers brushing the edge of her sword hilt. "We certainly have a few things to discuss regarding Nathan."

(Pup is beginning to regret handing out this question to everyone. She's been murdered enough times already.)

"How did Sarielle find Nathan?" -- Novel_Worm

"Ah." She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear with a shy smile. "I suppose that's a miniature tale. I was... nine, I think, and it was a cold, wet day, the kind you get at the tail end of spring when the weather is using up its last dregs of winter in order to fully embrace the warmth of summer. I spent a lot of my time outside back then, so I was quite bored trapped indoors. I was wandering the halls by my father's office when I overheard him talking to King Cyneric."

Her eyes slip to the side, shame tinting her face. "It was silly, really, but I hadn't seen him all day, so I pressed my ear to the door. They were talking about a monster." Her voice grows tight around the word. "Debating what to do with him. They came out, and I hid, and then I followed them. They were too preoccupied to notice the stray child shadowing them, I suppose. But anyway. We travelled down and down the stairs, to a part of the castle I'd never seen before. I waited outside, huddled against the wall, when they went inside that tiny room. When they left, I slipped inside, scrambled down the ladder, and ventured into the darkness. I was so afraid, I remember." Her smile turns sad. "I didn't even speak to him that first time. The fear dragged me back out. But I saw him. And when I returned, I realised he was afraid, too."

"What is Sarielle's preferred method of killing?" -- Novel_Worm

Sarielle's eyes widen. She fingers her sword hilt, though the action seems absentminded. "I wouldn't say I have a preference," she says with a shaky laugh. "Killing is more of a necessity, to be enacted only when the circumstances demand it. But I... I suppose I'd say whatever is cleanest. I wouldn't want to cause any more pain than needed." Discomfort riddles her expression. She looks down, her lips pressed tightly together.

"What are your end goals in life?" --dreams_of_silver

"I..." Sarielle exhales, clasping her hands in her lap. "Honestly, I don't know. With the way my life is going at the moment, I've no idea where I might end up or how I might act. I'm doing the best I can with each day." A small smile, strained with a mix of sadness and hope, touches her lips. "Maybe that's it, really. My goal is to do the best I can, whatever form that takes. I'll go wherever the right path takes me."

~ Harlow ~

"What would you do if you met Pup?" -- Cross-Warrior

Harlow rests his chin in his palm, thoughtful. "I will admit, I would be interested in talking to her. I'm sure she has a fascinating mind."

"How much would Harlow pay for me if I killed Finlay?" -- bamolas

A brief scatter of amusement draws out the green in Harlow's eyes. He sits back. "If you know Finlay as I do, I doubt you require payment."

"What are your end goals in life?" -- dreams_of_silver

"That's an interesting one." Harlow hums as he sets down the paper, his expression entirely blank, giving nothing away. "I'd like to die knowing that I've changed the world for the better. There are many wrongs I wish to right in my lifetime, and I simply hope to have the time to achieve everything I have planned."

"What's Harlow's preferred method of death?" -- Novel_Worm

Harlow's lips twitch, just slightly. "I think most long for a peaceful, satisfying death, and I'm afraid to say I'm no less boring." He shrugs. "But in truth, I don't particularly mind. Death is our constant companion. It will come when it does, regardless of my wishes."

~ Giulia ~

"What's Giulia's preferred method of death?" -- Novel_Worm

Giulia grins, like the mere mention of death excites her. She's perched on the back of her chair, the toes of her boots touching its seat, her legs crossed over one another. She swings her head to the side, considering. "Let it be bloody," she decides. "I've driven many to their dramatic end at the mercy of a sword. It seems only right I'm finished in the same way, don't you think?" She laughs, a strange longing in her eyes. "It'll be fun."

~ Dalton ~

"What is Dalton's star sign?" -- Novel_Worm

Dalton squirms in the chair, clearly uncomfortable with the direct focus on him. He clears his throat. "Sign? In the stars? I'm not sure I know what you mean, I'm afraid. I, uh..." He shifts again. "I was born on a clear summer night, so the stars were rather visible, if that helps at all?"

"Does Dalton like pudding?" --ToWolfKin

Dalton smiles. "Oh, yes. It's a rare treat back home."

~ Gelani ~

-- TheConfusedTurtle

There's a long pause in which Gelani studies the note, an indiscernible mix of disbelief and confusion flitting across his expression. Finally, it crumples into a scowl. "I'm not doing your homework for you, milí zoi." He tosses the paper to the floor, where Altair pounces on it and promptly begins tearing it to shreds. The ferret does not like maths.

"Gelato, here's my question for you. Welcome to the Cormé world, shikat. I've seen sixteen-year-olds do this. Have fun."

-- dreams_of_silver

"Why is there another one? Is this some kind of joke?" Gelani's fingers singe the edge of the paper. "I didn't realise Cormé humour was quite this pathetic. For one, my name is Gelani, and for another, if this is your world, then I'm rather glad to not be a part of it. All you're proving is how empty of purpose your life is." He throws the note to a snarling Altair and folds his arms. "Let's have a proper question, shall we?"

~ Fiesi ~

"What is Fiesi's preferred method of killing?" -- Novel_Worm

"Of killing?" Fiesi waves both hands in a frantic motion. "No, no. I don't kill." He scoffs. "What kind of monster do you think I am?"

"Does Fiesi like pudding?" -- ToWolfKin

"Of course?" He appears genuinely appalled to have merely been asked such a pointless question. "Why, do you know someone who doesn't like pudding? Can I have their pudding?"

~ Miscellaneous ~

"How much can I buy Nathan and Fin for so I can protect them from the pain you inflict?" -- Novel_Worm

Pup twirls a pen between her fingers, smiling a perfectly innocent smile. "My boys are priceless. Sorry." She shrugs. "Besides, they're doing fine."

Really, there's no need to worry about any of my characters. My gosh, people, chill. They're fine. Look at how fine they are.