Koshka

@koshka

The French internal dialogue is my fav

Callum

Callum only half-listened to the conversation between LeQoi and his cook. LeQoi was an all-knowing master and knew exactly how to restore order. The best way for Callum to be worthy of this job was to hold his head down and do as he was told.

He had to be fast. Efficient. Thorough.

He…[Read more]

@koshka

Callum

Callum rolled out of bed at the crack of dawn. He rubbed his eyes, tracing his hand over the colorful decor of his bedroom walls to find a lamp. He lit it, shook his head hard enough to strike his own face with his hair beads, and let out a tired groan.

In the hall, outside his room, hardly anybody was there. Most of the doors…[Read more]

@koshka

I approve of the lore dump. That feels rather high stakes even though Ari might not be aware of how important his decisions will be. Those destinies are so impactful, long term. I like that a lot.

@koshka

😛 Yes, he is a babyyy

And Ari is probably going to unofficially adopt Moth as a little brother.

I shall look forward to the time when they are bonded like that.

By the way, you said Ari is half human? What else is he? Or is that a secret I’m not supposed to know yet?

@koshka

Would it help if Moth found out Ari isn’t entirely human?

It might. He cares very quickly about other people, but he gets ignored a lot. His world is filled with unfeeling faeries, eldritch gods, monsters, etc. who don’t need connections and relationships to thrive. Moth is just a little dude who wants to hug other fantastical beings but…[Read more]

@koshka

Moth

“Are you alright, my good gentleman?” Moth stood over Ari, peering down at him with equal parts amusement and concern. One of his antennae fell loose from under his hair, and fluttered a little in the wind. “That was harrowing, I must say.”

@koshka

Up. The first urge of his life.

Ahh. That’s why he’s a climber.

Moth

Ari waited until the right moment and went for it.

Moth followed. He flitted across the path, lightly jumped up onto the wall, and climbed it on all fours with ease. Being non-human was almost like cheating, sometimes.

He let his body glow brighter, just so he could…[Read more]

@koshka

yes, actually, fair point

@loopylin

What Koshka said. Her words exactly.

@koshka @elishavet-pidyon @ellette-giselle

Something within me keeps insisting Ari broke Wilhelm’s nose. That has to be factually inaccurate, though.

@koshka

Moth

”Of course.” Moth reached out his hand to help Ari up. “Good thing you told me what to do.”

He pulled Ari to his feet, and the two of them crept their way through the gardens. A clear, paved walkway surrounded the back of the academy, lit by lanterns, and patrolled by a couple servants. Bedroom lights flickered silently in the win…[Read more]

@koshka

Moth

Pulling a thorn out of his heel, Moth whispered a few choice words in an old language. He had heard other people say things when they got hurt, so he decided to give it a go. His heel didn’t stop hurting.

“Perhaps they’ll forget about this in the morning. But yes, we should go. Do you think you can climb up to your room?”

@koshka

Oh right

Moth

Moth let out a muffled sound, face covered under the mantle. He stood still for a split second, then wrapped the mantle around his head like a shawl, and followed Ari into the bushes.

The thorns pricked his bare feet, and he bit his lip to keep from saying something aloud. If they were caught now, how much less attainable…[Read more]

@koshka

*Puts a stamp of approval on the hedgehog/kitten idea*

Moth

“My nose is my favorite thing about my appearance. Please avoid breaking it,” Moth requested. “But yes, I want to shoot with you. It will be worth it, I’m sure of that.”

@koshka

He’s a little bit of a snot, bless his heart.

That’s why I like him

@koshka

If anyone picks on Moth at this point, Ari is going to pulverize them.

Awww.

I don’t know why, but I can’t help imagining Ari as a grumpy hedgehog with prickles. I’ve probably already said that, but I’ll say it again

Moth

“Well, I, uh… I’m not an archer.” Moth scuffed the path with his bare foot. “I don’t know anything about arch…[Read more]

@koshka

@koshka

Moth

Moth stitched his brows together, and as Ari explained a little, his heart twinged again. There was injustice here. “I will practice archery with you tomorrow.”

@koshka

I want to read his book.

@koshka

Moth

“Are your brothers kind to you?”

@koshka

Moth

“Thrashed?” Moth stopped walking. His heart leaped into his throat. “Do you get hit when you’re home?”