MOST IMPRESSIVE RANKING #50 in Orc Danielle Flowers finds a world of magic when an estranged aunt passes away, leaving Danielle her home in a town Danielle has never ever heard of, much less can find on a map. Against the judgment of some family members, Danielle decides to take the house and start her life fresh in a new town, but she has no idea just how different the town of Mystic Springs really is. Mystic Springs is a haven for fantasy creatures who have long since abandoned the mortal world and made a new home where they could no longer be hunted by those who didn't understand them, and bore hatred toward those who were different out of fear.

Ever wanted to take a walk through the wilds of Skyrim, enjoy a pint with friends in The Prancing Pony, or warm yourself by a campfire in the snowy woods after a day of adventuring? Then welcome to Forsbyr, a small mining town tucked away in the mountains of cold, frosty Mailenstead. Grab a tankard of mead and make yourself at home in the great, hearth-lit hall of the Nightgate Inn and get to know the locals. Thirteen years have passed since Neea Kallenen left Forsbyr abruptly as a girl. Now a full-fledged member of the Scholar's Guild, she, along with her apprentice Pim, has returned to the town of her childhood to serve as its Scholar General. Will the people of Forsbyr accept her as one of their own? Will she be able to heal the wounds of her past, rekindle forgotten friendships, and perhaps reignite a long lost love? In this collection of tales, you'll meet a variety of characters as Neea and Pim explore and try to unravel the mysteries and magic of the town and the surrounding wilderness. There's Drazhen, the lonely woodworker who has shut himself away in a hut in the woods; Rikkar, the handsome smith in love with Neea, but engaged to another woman; Hedda, the kindly washerwoman who cares for her grown, simple-minded son; the new innkeeper, Tyr, and his sister, Indra, who hides a mysterious secret; Jan and Jorgen, a pair of mischievous halfling twins who keep everyone on their toes; and many more. Each story is written with its own unique style and flair. Some are humorous, while others are full of adventure and mystery, and still others tug at the heartstrings. But each one is infused with a sense of wonder, magic, coziness, and warmth that can only be found around the hearth of the Nightgate Inn.

Combine a mountain filled with rugged orcs with a mysteriously arrived shop serving delicate cups of tea. Could this be the start of a revolution? **** On Orc Mountain, there is nothing but dirt, smoke, and backbreaking labor in the mines. There are no colors, no sun, no breaks for rest. There is definitely no tea. That is, until a mysterious tea shop appears in the orcs' domain. Glimmering in blue and pink, it stands out against the rugged backdrop. At first, the hardened inhabitants of the mountain are understandably leery about the malpositioned shop, wondering how it got there and why. Lava, a dedicated supervisor at the mines, takes it upon herself to investigate the suddenly-arrived business. Stepping inside, she meets Jasper, the bubbly fairy shopkeeper, who offers her a fragrant brew. Once Lava takes a sip, the sweet yet bitter taste pulls her in, making her clamor for more. Soon, all orcs are hooked on tea, but something sinister is brewing under the surface. When Lava catches Jasper conducting a secret meeting in a backroom, the true purpose of the tea shop is revealed. Soon she is forced to choose between her newfound passion for tea (and Jasper) and her dedication to the mountain's mining operations. *** Legends & Lattes x Shrek *** An ONC novella using prompt #15: A mysterious tea shop suddenly appears and you can't help but wonder: what's its true purpose, and why does it seem so important?

Finnrick Tumblepot, a 55 year old gnome, was once a legendary rogue in the city's underworld. Finn specialized in high-profile heists and deception. His final job went south, forcing him into early retirement. Now, he owns a small tavern called The Velvet Ladle in the quiet town of Puddlebrook. However, trouble came knocking, and when he thought he brushed his past-life under the rug, years later it came back to torment him.