IWSG: CHEERS! What fantasy character would you like to tip a glass with?

(Sorry I’m late with today’s post! I have no excuse except spring fever.)
The April 2nd IWSG Question is What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?
Though it was my first love as a young reader, I haven’t slipped into the fantasy realm for a long time. Not since I discovered the paranormal. I always thought of fantasy as dreamy and paranormal as the gritty stuff of nightmares. I guess I prefer to walk the edge of the dark side. The mid-‘60s horror soap opera DARK SHADOWS sealed the deal for me . . . I was paranormal all the way! Sigh, Barnabas Collins, the original tragic hero/villain. I’d tip a glass with him anytime . . . as long as I was wearing a silver cross and the content of the glass wasn’t red. And then there was his werewolf cousin. Quinton. Le sigh . . . I’d tip a pint with him in the foggy burg of Collins Port.
Since there was no PNR when I grew up, I devoured whatever darkish fantasy I could find. A WRINKLE IN TIME sold me on the genre because they fed my active imagination. Then came the Vampire Academy books . . . Because I was young(ish) back then, I never actually wrote more than snippets in the genre to entertain my friends at school. But when I became a published author that desire to sink my teeth into the dark side of romance became too powerful to deny and I approached my editor with what would become one of the two first mass market paranormal books, MIDNIGHT KISS in the mid-‘90s. So, I guess I am a trailblazer.
I plan to start a list of What to Read in Fantasy after checking out your posts . . .


The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. The awesome co-hosts for the April 2nd posting of the IWSG are Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!
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