Eighteen hours, four singed spots on the door, unnumbered curses thrown at anyone in the general vicinity, countless swearing. Granted that’d been the last three or four hours of it. Before that it’d been her sister panicking in her quiet way - books didn’t prepare people for certain things and, well, book were pretty much the foundation T’riel knew. The singed spot on the door was the result of T’zeitel finally losing all calm and throwing a ball of fire in the general direction of a well meaning sister. There was also one near it for a well meaning husband. The other two had been the doctor’s fault.
She still needed to apologize for both of those, she thought to herself as she ran a fingertip over one small, scaled cheek. For the billionth time she quietly marveled at the balance the the little pair seemed to have found in their opposite parent’s heritage. Both were curled up close, tucked under a blanket as their heads rested together. Little soft scales wrapped around little soft cheeks. Rounded tips of feline ears twitched now and then as they slept. Tiny nubs of horns were hidden partly by thick curls - the little boy’s white as hers, the little girl’s black as her father’s. Little tails were tucked under the blanket, but T’zeitel’d already memorized them - little scaled bases with nubs of her own feline tail. If they were anything like her own, they’d grow and she’d catch them tripping over them or sucking on them next year. Seeming to feel her studying them, the little girl - T’rana, in honor of their shared friend and the children’s godmother - blinked wide green eyes at her sleepily and silently. Her brother - T’azih, in honor of her grandfather - has eyes like his father’d worn once, red. Only he’d inherited the limbal rings, little brilliant gold flashes around the red.
Something in her told him he would be the mischievous one, with no end of being chased around once he learned to walk. The same way something in her said that little Rana would be quiet but quick in mind, likely wrangling in her brother from too much trouble. Or joining in and egging it on. Some mother’s instinct she’d heard jabbered about for ages but hadn’t realized she even possessed an ilm of til now told her this. Less than a day old and these little beings held all of her heart in their hands.
And their father’s as well if the way that the towering Xeala was gazing down on them was any indication. “They’re so tiny,” he rumbled softly, pushing Rana’s curls back from her face. The infant turned into the touch with a little content noise that pretty much did in both parent’s hearts by the look of it.
“The doctor said they’ll grow plenty - a healthy weight for twins, all things considered,” she replied. “...I still need to apologize for trying to blast them with fire…”
“Already made your apology to your sister and she’s on her way back to see her niece and nephew,” Sokhatai said, now stuck at the bassinet side until Rana relinquished a hold on his finger. He didn’t appear to particularly mind.
“Still...I know she meant well but I was, well-”
“Dear, I think she understands.” He grins over at her. “No apology to me for sending a blast at me?”
“I’ll think up a way to make it up to you later...I’ll let you have a night of sleep sometime in the near future.” He snorted in reply, making her grin.
“Not likely - you aren’t getting to have all the fun.”
“You say that now,” T’zeitel teased.
“You just spent almost a day birthing them, I’m not letting you wear yourself into the ground trying to care for them,” he said, somewhere between a scolding and a gentle threat.
“I-I just want to give them everything already and I don’t understand how it’s gone immediately to that. Weird parenting switch flipped or something,” she said.
“I know, love. But share the load, okay? Or I’ll have you medicated to sleep and then you’ll have guilt.”
“...you always know the threats that work against me,” she mumbled, grinning.
“Love you, too, dear.” He grins up at her briefly before becoming serious. “But I mean it. Don’t burn yourself out. You take care of everyone, let me help at least with these two little treasures, okay?”
She nods several time before reaching over and giving his arm a squeeze. “I promise, really. Just stop fretting over me. A day or two of rest...well, mostly rest, and I’ll be fine.”
“You can ask others for help, you know…”
She waves her hand with a ‘pft’ noise. “...eventually. Maybe. I want them all to myself for awhile now. You and Riel and her husband are about all that are going to be allowed to bother them for...well I’m not sure how long. But for a little while at least.”
“I could’ve sworn you were a miqo’te but it appears I was wrong,” he teased, leaning over to kiss the top of his hand as Rana shifted and released his finger. “Mama bear.”
She just shakes her head, grinning and mumbling something about taking a nice, long hot soak. Even though they both know she’ll be back in ten minutes, enraptured by the little pair again until she dozes off on the bed beside their bassinet.
.... you asked for it. :P Behind cut for WALL OF TEXT.
Alignment :: What wouldbe their D&D alignment? How might it come into play?Chaotic Neutral for the most part. She will follow her own ideals andthe law vaguely, but the needs of her and her own come first and foremost.
Beverage :: What do they most like to drink, and why?Coffee made into syrup by liberal application of sugar. Which she’s hadto lay off of for the past few months cause is it turns her stomach with thekiddos. She’s gone to mostly water and she’s started appreciating Sokh’s teasmore.
Co-Habitate :: Do they live with anyone? What’s “need toknow” before moving in?With her lovely hubby and with her sister and her brother in lawcoming and going as their work allows. What you need to know? She’s going tomake you the best breakfasts of your life – pancakes so light they could floatif given proper motivation, herb infused syrups, fruit cut into fun shapes. She’sgoing to ruin every other breakfast for you. You have been warned.
Decor :: What kind of home do they keep? Are there anydefining details? Nothing extravagant. She likes comfortable places tosit with others or read or just relax. She doesn’t like too much clutter butisn’t going to obsessively pick it up. Her home looks lived in but neat. Andthere are always flowers around somewhere that she’ll end up changing out nowand then.
Escape :: What do they do to destress? How successful is it?Usually go out and blow up something or convince Sokh to spar with her.Since she can’t really do either at the moment, she’s taken up attempting tosew, which, honestly was a horrible idea. She’s lit more than one piece offabric on fire in frustration.
Fluff :: What hits their soft spot? Does anything them intoemotional goo?Goofy happy Sokh smiles. She’s done. Just scoop the goo that T’zeibecomes into a little bucket and be done with it.
Grudge :: How bad does an insult go over? Do they hold agrudge long?She holds a grudge like a miser holds a damn coin.She’ll act like she let it go but she WILL NEVER let it go, forget it orforgive it.
Hobby :: What’s something they do for fun that might besurprising?When no one’s home, when she’s sure she’s alone, she attempting to learnhow to play music. She’s horrible at it. But she’s trying.
Insomnia :: What’s their sleeping schedule like? Snorer?Sound sleeper?She sleeps fairly soundly and regularly normally. When something is awryor as it currently is (husband’s aether all squirrely and her sister burningcandles at every end), she sleeps lighter and is prone to getting up and doinga ‘patrol’ around the house to check on everyone at random times during thenight.
Jaded :: Do they buy into the “happily ever after” ideal?What’s their standard?To a point? There will always be troubles and interesting times, shefigures, as long as she’s with Sokh (which is the rest of her life). She ishappy. The ever after isn’t important.
Kin :: What’s their role among their relations? Do theyconsider others family?She’s the one that will mother hen you and comfort you while asking you ‘whodo I have to go murder, sweetheart?’ in a voice that leaves no question thatshe would willingly and often do it. She tends to be very protective of thepeople she considers her family, both blood and not, and time or distance doesnot change that. If someone she hadn’t seen in years asked for her help and shehad at one point considered them family, she would be putting on some armor,grabbing a weapon and going to bash some heads.
Law :: What do they think about abiding rules? Are theyselective about it?While laws aren’t meant to be followed to the tee, nor are they meant tobe broken willy nilly. If she does something to break a law or bend a law, it’sfor a good reason. That said, she’s likely not going to go out and murderpeople on a daily basis. No matter how much she wants to.
Magic :: In a magic series or not, are they accepting, or iseach instance a shock?She makes fire with her hands and her mind and her heart. Magic is aneveryday occurrence in her house hold used for even mundane things.
Network :: Are they connected to the people? How much do theyreach out to others?Honestly she tends to keep to herself, more afraid of what other peoplewould think of her than for lack of social graces. She likes talking to peopleand helping people but she’s awkward about approaching people or making thefirst move. She’s more likely to force herself through her problems then askfor people’s help.
Offspring :: What kind of parent would they be? Would theyprefer one, or multiple?She’s terrified that she’s going to be a horrible mother but she’lllikely be a great mother. Although she’ll likely be the one that the kids won’tbe able to get away with giving the puppy eyes and getting away with things.The stern but loving momma bear. Woe be unto anyone that tries to harm herchildren. They likely won’t see the next day.
Pistol :: Is this character skilled with a weapon? What’stheir opinion of violence?She’s skilled with fire and at least passable with a rapier. Violencefor violence sake is horrible but for defense and protection of her and herloved ones it’s a hundred percent allowed and encouraged.
Question :: How often do they feel doubt? What topics arethey defensive about?Daily? In different levels. She feels awkward about things and doubtsher skills are worth anything. She doubts why people would want to be herfriend but she keeps this all under lock and key. She’s very defensive (and maystart pulling out fire and sharp implements) should anyone say anythingsideways about her husband or her family.
Reminder :: How are they at remembering daily needs? Whatfalls through the cracks?She’s pretty good at daily lists, both for herself, her job and hergeneral tasks. Things that fall through the cracks usually end up being mildlyunimportant – little things that she had to do, little cleaning tasks that canwait. She doesn’t let the important things slip up.
Sing :: Do they like music? Do they listenoften/sing/hum/play songs in their head?She loves music – a hold over from her days as a dancer. She’ll move unconsciouslyto any music around her and will often hum and dance while she’s cooking. Sheloves catching Sokh humming or mouthing words to a song. She has no voice forsinging (alas, vulture, not songbird). She’s trying to learn some musicalinstrument just to keep up.
Touch :: How do they handle contact? Is their personal bubblebig?With people not in her family, she has A HUGE DAMN personal bubble. Donot touch the cat lady. Do not poke the ears or tail. Do not. Those that sheconsiders family? Sure, touch. Not anything super personal but she’s not goingto claw someone if they give her a hug or a little arm pat.
Upcoming :: How much do they think of the future? Do theymake long-term plans?She tends to take things at a cautions ‘one day at a time’ pace. She hasvague plans but she honestly never thought that she’d survive life this long,as bad as that sounds. Life before now had been a ton of battles and potentialfor death and injury. Now that she’s almost peacefully living and atradeswoman, she’s trying to come to terms with the fact that she could happilylive til she’s old and grey.
Vice :: What bad habits do they have? Is there something theywould be ashamed of?Not really? She’s horribly boring when it comes to vices.
Wardrobe :: What’s their fashion style? Do they have anystaple pieces?ALL THE COMFORTABLE THINGS. She’s recently discovered ponchos and lovesthem so damn much – it’s a blanket you can wear! Do you realize how amazingthat is!? She also has a soft spot for insanely tall boots.
X-Ray :: How’s their health? Any problem areas? Do they takecare of themselves?She’s in very good health – mostly because she has to keep herselfhealthy to make sure everyone else is taken care of, or at least that’s whatshe tells herself. She isn’t prone to getting sick and tends to bounce backfrom injuries quickly enough. Granted, that’s more because she’s too stubbornto sit around for too long.
Yack :: What’s their favorite thing to talk about? What dothey go on about?She could go on for days about plants and baked goods and dancing andmagic. She tries not to because she just imagines people’s eyes glossing overafter a little while. But get her drunk and ask about any of them and she willtalk to you for hours and you will be her best friend.
Zodiac :: What’s their astro sign? Does it fit? What wouldyou pick, if it’s unknown?Capricorn. A lot of it fits really well for her. “…they are ambitious,conservative, determined, practical and helpful. …sometimes their negativequalities – suspicious, resentful, inhibited, pessimistic and stubborn – are clearlyseen, but deep inside the Goat is a humbled heart.
I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT AAAAAAAH! (props to @zeiyth and the husbando who I don’t have a tag for @obby I think?)
Go throw all the commissions at them! They’re fantastic!
My kinds of ships are the ships where the men know their women are powerful forces of nature and that they could fuck up entire armies in a matter of seconds and THEY EMBRACE IT AND TAKE PRIDE IN IT???! “Oh… It’s not me you should be worried about… It’s my WIFE.“ *smirks* YAAASSSSSSSSSS GIVE ME MORE.
Alignment :: What would be their D&D alignment? How might it come into play?
Beverage :: What do they most like to drink, and why?
Co-Habitate :: Do they live with anyone? What’s “need to know” before moving in?
Decor :: What kind of home do they keep? Are there any defining details?
Escape :: What do they do to destress? How successful is it?
Fluff :: What hits their soft spot? Does anything them into emotional goo?
Grudge :: How bad does an insult go over? Do they hold a grudge long?
Hobby :: What’s something they do for fun that might be surprising?
Insomnia :: What’s their sleeping schedule like? Snorer? Sound sleeper?
Jaded :: Do they buy into the “happily ever after” ideal? What’s their standard?
Kin :: What’s their role among their relations? Do they consider others family?
Law :: What do they think about abiding rules? Are they selective about it?
Magic :: In a magic series or not, are they accepting, or is each instance a shock?
Network :: Are they connected to the people? How much do they reach out to others?
Offspring :: What kind of parent would they be? Would they prefer one, or multiple?
Pistol :: Is this character skilled with a weapon? What’s their opinion of violence?
Question :: How often do they feel doubt? What topics are they defensive about?
Reminder :: How are they at remembering daily needs? What falls through the cracks?
Sing :: Do they like music? Do they listen often/sing/hum/play songs in their head?
Touch :: How do they handle contact? Is their personal bubble big?
Upcoming :: How much do they think of the future? Do they make long-term plans?
Vice :: What bad habits do they have? Is there something they would be ashamed of?
Wardrobe :: What’s their fashion style? Do they have any staple pieces?
X-Ray :: How’s their health? Any problem areas? Do they take care of themselves?
Yack :: What’s their favorite thing to talk about? What do they go on about?
Zodiac :: What’s their astro sign? Does it fit? What would you pick, if it’s unknown?
So T’zei managed to grab a little house in the housing rush/pre rush when someone abandoned their small in the Goblet. Slowly becoming a little botany supply/bakery. Bottom floor is not ready for its close up.
Reblog if you want to build non-romantic relationships!
Relationships between muses not necessarily have to be romantic and it doesn’t make it any less interesting. Just imagine what adventures can two good friends go through! Maybe your muse will find themselves a new rival? Or maybe they will be enjoying presence of their relatives? These and many other relationships are just as important and intriguing as (romantic) ships.
Sokhatai stood amidst the field of blood. The field of death and despair and sorrow. He saw it in every face that was cut down, every son or daughter that disappeared into the crimson sea.
Their terror. Of him. Of his darkness.
He had surrendered to it long ago. Became one with it’s comforting blackness. It hid his pains. His rage. His fury and his wrath. He could be anything he desired in that inky black. Anything but the man that he was oh so slowly becoming as he was being dragged into the light.
Sokhatai felt it for some time, his inner demons raging against him. Thrashing and demanding release. Yet, his surroundings had changed. No longer was he surrounded by death, Void, the constant struggle just to carve out a piece of himself. He still fought, yes but…He just hunted instead.
His powers were of the Dark. He knew this intimately, as the blackness coiled around his body, his arms, his heart and yet…yet…was it all he was? This infinite darkness that suffocated the joy from him? That only let him smile when he was with Zeitel?
It was then that he noticed that the din of battle had gone quiet. That all eyes were on him. Before the full moon overhead suddenly exploded with light and power and yet it wasn’t the same malevolent blaze that he thought he knew.
This was a calm, warm glow, a fire in the hearth in the middle of a winter storm. The color of the moonrise over a mountain, of so many different feelings and emotions he could not process or understand. It seared the air and earth, exuding power with every link as it forged it’s way through the carnage, wrapping around him as he struggled to be free of…
I would cross deserts and oceans to reach you… He heard in his head, the darkness in his form screaming in torment as each voice linked sang one song, one chorus that drove out the ever consuming, unyielding hatred. I, too, have felt your sorrows and anger. Your tears are my tears, your night terrors my dreams, your blood my own; we are family, you and I.
Beams.
Moon beams.
The fingers of the eternally watching Mother.
Discard the daggers others have placed in you. Retrieve the blades you have placed in others. Let go of the double-edged sword you sheathe in your own heart.
In that moment, all the raw, hard, mathematical logic in the world seemed so insignificant and useless, dwarfed by the sheer emotional strength of - it was - Sokhatai couldn’t - he couldn’t -
Though the desert nights are cold and dark, tomorrow there always exists another dawn. For I am the tides, always again rising. For I am Nhaama, The moon whispered, the voice as quiet as a million chanting ghosts, innumerable and breathtaking. Who are you?
It was funny. He’d been put in situation where he’d felt small and worthless before. Like nothing he ever did would make a difference. Like no matter what he tried, he wouldn’t be able to protect the people he cared about. It always made him feel so, so awful.
And yet, here, somehow, it felt absolutely wonderful, knowing that instead of floating along in the universe, he was instead existing as a part of something greater…
And that was more than okay by him.
I know who you wish to be, Sokhatai of the Qalli, and who you are.
This is not who you are.
And just like that, the poison of the night mare receded, the dream disappeared, the monsterous darkness dissolved away to reveal a little boy. Just as beaten and terrified as he was. A boy that smiled, for the first time in a long time, and disappeared into motes of light.
Jolting awake in bed, hand outstretched to catch the light, Sokhatai paused, breathing heavily before he felt a set of arms wrap around his waist, calming his troubled soul.
“What is it my love?” He heard the soft whisper of his wife, Zeitel before he smiled down at her, the glow of his golden eye giving off a faint light…
He went still, feeling around for the cloth that was no longer there. “He’s…gone. The darkness. It’s gone…it’s gone!” He whispered, barely daring to hope before wrapping his arms tightly around his wife with a smile, and began to cry.
The Ananta — Serpent-like people who inhabit the mountains of Gyr Abania. Consisting solely of women, this tribe has existed since the time of the Allagans, and is famed for their proficiency with gemcraft, along with employing age-old magicks passed down through generations.
