Q&A

Since I received questions that are also aimed at me, rather than the characters, I decided to answer these author questions this month. I got a bit carried away. Again. Sorry about that in advance.
(Outraged Fox stuff is coming up tomorrow!)

Also, the love language stuff is bit spoilery. I hope you don't mind. Please don't read the last part if you don't want little spoilers about the ROs' routes.

Whom of the characters did you come up with first? What were they like in the beginning or were they all fully fleshed out already? 

The very first character I came up with was the MC. I was writing another version of this story, it would've been about a Legionary who gets sent to Britain in the Ninth Legion (that one Legion which disappeared, no one knows what happened to it). But their character was so darn boring. They would've been more of a blank slate. I wrote one whole chapter starring them and didn't like it at all. "Innocence lost" would've been the theme. But it was too, too boring. Then, I realized that I'd written a prologue for that story. It was from the POV of a Pict who squeezed their sword on a beach all angry and stuff and swore vengeance at the Romans. That was my MC. I wanted to know the story through their perspective. Great decision, I really like them. That grumpy old grumpster.

Then came Marcus. The murderer. I was debating this a lot with myself, if it was too far, if people would absolutely hate his guts, if everyone would think I was an idiot for making him an RO. But I've played my share of otomes to know that this is a character that would be interesting, it would bring a lot of drama. People love drama. I love drama. So, I went with it.
His character changed somewhat from the start, at first I thought he was more ruthless than he actually was. I found it more interesting that he wouldn't be just a domineering asshole. I mean yeah, he's also that, but not just that. Lol. 

Then came Quinn. I knew that I wanted someone there who would know the MC from before. I don't usually like the childhood friend trope, to be honest, unless there's something more interesting about them. So, I came up with something more interesting. Hehe. At first, I thought that I wouldn't be so heavy-handed about the hints. I could've been more subtle. But… I didn't want to lead anyone on. So, I threw in a lot of red flags there with the mindset of "if you go with Quinn, you can only blame yourself" lol. Once I start editing, I think that I will improve on Quinn's character the most. Their and Marcus's route will need the most work.

Then came Camilla. I wanted to have a Roman noblewoman as an RO. I don't actually remember how I came up with her being the Legate's wife. Perhaps because it adds more drama. It's all about drama lol. She's the one who has changed the least. I knew she was the tsundere of the story and that's how she's remained. There's been some minor tweaks about her sexuality and backstory, but in the end, not that much has changed.

Then, Tinsae. I knew I wanted to have someone who wasn't Roman, but wasn't Celtic, either. An outsider. If you know Moominvalley, I've always thought of Tinsae as Snufkin. She comes and she goes, helps people when needed, but chooses her own path. Camilla is Moomintroll, stuck in Moominvalley, waiting for Tinsae to come and… Now I'm just rambling about Moomins. Anyway, Tinsae is someone I've had to get to know the most during the process. She wasn't as clear to me, I knew she was really gentle and kind, but I needed to know more. She's still showing me new sides of her, and her early route is something that needs some editing, too, when it comes down to it.

Quinn and Niall have changed the most during the process. Niall was actually two different characters, that's why I didn't mention him before. There was this Legionary called Crispus, a blond guy, very funny, my favorite character whom I loved dearly. But, he didn't have a proper role in the story. He was just there. The ROs need to have an important role, in my humble opinion. Something they teach to the MC, something they represent that is relevant to the MC. There was no reason for him to be there. So, I cut him out (the most difficult decision in this story so far). Then, there was the MC's bodyguard called Landulf. He was a big fellow, a gentle giant. He would've died and it would've been tragic, his death scene is already written lol. But, alas, he was cut before I could kill him (tragic). Landulf and Crispus became Niall. Niall's real life counterpart is Arminius (just throwing this out here). Niall has developed a lot after the merging happened, but it was its own difficulty to see him as his own character, rather than a mash-up. He's really grown on me, though.

They all are. I don't think I have a favorite, since they all have qualities that I really like. I enjoy writing each of their routes, which is really important.

Basically I knew Camilla and Marcus the best before I started writing. The others have developed significantly during the process. 

Ok I rambled a LOT about that one question. Sorry about that. I'll answer the love language question and save the rest for the coming months since I rambled a lot. I hope that's alright with you. 

What are the ROs' love languages? 

This is a difficult question and the answer might change, since I'm still in the process of getting to know the ROs. However, I will answer to the best of my abilities.

Marcus is going to be really difficult to be physical with, at first. He doesn't want to touch the MC. I think it's because he feels guilty. He will develop into someone who is really physical, since that's how he is with Robus and even Antonia. When people aren't looking, he will walk hand in hand with Antonia, he will cuddle with Robus, he's probably giving massages to Niall. His words don't usually match with his actions. At first, he will probably try to give gifts to the MC, since that is something that requires observation. He knows what the MC wants and needs because he's always studying them. 

Camilla is not good with words. She doesn't like to tell people how she feels, so instead, she will show her affection by giving gifts. Just as it's with Marcus. However, Camilla will not develop into someone who likes to cuddle. She will tolerate it, she will grow to enjoy it, but she will not be the one to offer her hand and start hugging. They will probably also be a fan of quality time. Yes. That sounds like Camilla. She hates it when people don't listen to her.

Niall is really physical. He has to restrain himself around the MC, since he really likes to mess people's hair, smack their bottoms (yes), cuddle with dogs and cats and everyone. Since he can't be physical with the MC, partly because he's afraid he might scare them away, he resorts to words of affirmation. He's not that good at it, though.

Tinsae is someone who really appreciates acts of service. She likes to show love by helping with menial tasks, she doesn't mind getting physical and doesn't really care how she's perceived. She also loves to give and receive words of affirmation, she's really good at expressing how she feels. She might actually be the only one good at it in this bunch, lol.

Quinn… I think they want to hear and give words of affirmation. They can be physical, but that's not something they necessarily thrive on. Words mean everything to them. And quality time. They give the MC their undivided attention, listen when they speak, they are present. 

This was a really helpful question. It made me really think about these things, thus I learned something new. Thank you. 

I hope this was a good Q&A for you, it really was one for me. ❤