#skekal

[wizardlamb]

When your Skeksis sona/OC has taken over your brain and you no longer can glaze other ACTUALLY CANON CHARACTERS, RELEASE ME-

Each time I draw them, they gain a piercing...

[skekbries]

This is one of the more fun skeksis that I've drawn so far. This is my friend @wizardlamb's oc, SkekAl the Judge. I had fun drawing all those piercings:)

[insanity6666]

Red By Danger. Risk In Safety.

It had been accidental, mostly. More so, it was convenient. Everything had lined up, and they all figured the more the merrier. None of them expected an egg to come of it!

“Do we know who…?” SkekNa asked, staring down at the small egg. Grey-blue and mottled in colour, making the small sprinkles of yellow all the more striking. 

“Er… no. I’m afraid ascertaining the parentage is impossible at this juncture.” SkekTek said, nervous as always, and fretted over the egg that’s small enough to fit easily in his palm. The Scientist turned the egg again, checked the heat lamp, adjusted the blankets that made the hastily constructed nest.

“Who-who cares?” SkekShod spoke up, leaning so close to the nest his beak was practically touching the egg. “It’s ou- it’s ours. W-w-w-e can all tak-take care-care of it-t-t,” He tilted his head, as though to get a better look, admiring the way it nearly glowed in the lighting. Such a pretty treasure, he wondered what the little one will look like once they’ve hatched.

Na sighed, rubbing at his one good eye. He could already feel a headache coming. It would certainly be easier to leave the pair to it, they clearly seemed eager to be parents, he wouldn’t be needed except for maybe the odd child-watch duty. And yet…

“Is it healthy?” He found himself asking, and Tek perked up as though he had been waiting for him to ask.

“Yes! Every distinguishable indicator points to a consummately healthy embrio!” He went on, but Na already stopped listening after ‘yes’. Instead leaning down to better observe the egg. It was a pretty little thing, and he wondered what kind of skekling they would raise. If it would be strong and vicious, if it would be small- he eyed the two other Skeksis, and quietly admitted to himself that it probably would be a small thing. Would it have his love of music? Tek’s intelligence? Shod’s quiet observance? What would it learn from them? 

Well, they would find out.

***

News quickly spread of their soon-to-be new addition, as the egg developed many came by to take a look and inquire about it’s health and make some small talk. When SkekSa visited SkekTek was relieved, and did not hesitate to ask for advice about newly hatched Skeklings and anything she might know to ensure the little one hatched well. What she told him were things he suspected or deduced himself, but having a second opinion and a confirmation of his own theories was welcomed. 

Once they left, he moved back to the nest (now properly set up, but he had to keep removing the gems and coins Shod kept sneaking in, worried it might compromise the integrity of the egg somehow) to rearrange the blankets again. It was nearly time, in another week or so the little one would be ready to hatch, and he didn’t want to risk anything that may cause a complication. He had taken to having the nest nearby Sidetic, who watched over the egg fiercely… or, as fiercely as the small creature could. If there was a slightest change or danger, his friend would squawk until he had the Scientists attention. He would also scream whenever the Chamberlain entered the lab, which was a hilarious development. 

If the little one hatched, they would have to present the skekling to the Emperor. While he was sure that their child would be welcomed, it was still a nerve wracking prospect, and he feared what would happen if the childing was deemed unfit or a disappointment somehow. 

He turned from the nest when he heard his lab door open, shifting in front to defend his little one, but it was only Na. Visiting again, as he often does when not conducting his duties. Tek relaxed, and nodded to the fellow parent before moving away to continue with his own work. He did keep an on him, though all he did was sit near the egg and begin to sing a low, quiet tune. Tek had been afraid, in the beginning, of how the other two would react to having a childling, but the other two had shown a keen interest in raising the little one once they hatched. They had agreed to keep the egg here, as it was the safest place- warm, away from the other Skeksis, away from everyone really, and close to all the medical equipment they might need for their little one.

The other two visited often, and one or both would stay whenever Tek needed to leave the lab for any amount of time. Luckily their collective schedules were chaotic enough that any of them would be up at any hour, so there was always one of them available to watch their precious little egg. He doubted it would grow big, if they were lucky they would grow as big as The Slave Master, but odds were they would be more The Treasurers or his own height. That too, worried him. Being small and weak was a dangerous thing for a Skeksis, and for one so young…

He shook his head, and focused on his work, letting the backdrop of his lab noises and Na’s singing soothe him, only reacting to Shod’s eventual arrival with a glance and nod. It seemed Shod had brought some kind of fabric, no doubt expensive and luxurious, to add to the nest. Tek didn’t mind, welcomed it, and refocused on his work. While the future was uncertain, there was comfort in knowing that the childling, when it hatched, would not be unloved.

***

When Shod saw the egg move, just the smallest of twitches, he thought he was seeing things. Just his mind playing tricks as he was eager to see the little one break through the shell and join them properly. When it moved again, this time managing to rock back and forth a little, he quickly sent a podling to go get the other two. It was late -early- in the night, SkekTek had finally collapsed and SkekNa was sleeping after an outing of some kind. Probably something to do with his duties, but that wasn’t important right now.

The two burst into the lab like they were on fire, still wearing their sleeping clothes. Na hadn’t even put on his eyepatch and his claw was missing, though he didn’t seem to notice or care. Shod shifted over enough so all three had room to watch as the egg jumped and rolled, scratching, chirps, meeps and other adorable noises emanating from the little egg. 

“Spirited little thing.” Na said quietly, hand half-stretched out to catch the egg should the little one roll right out of the nest. A not impossible risk, giving how volatile the little one was struggling to break free.

They all collectively gasped when the first crack appeared, small at first, but with a few quick knocks it grew. Shod held his breath as he watched the first piece of the shell fall, then more pieces, and then the egg rolled over. There was a squeak of outrage, and Shod huffed a laugh. The others chuckled, and Na gently rolled the egg back. Tek had, at some point, acquired a pen and journal and was writing feverishly, even as his eyes barely left the cracking egg.

When the first dark blue limb burst out, it was almost like the air itself stilled, all of Thra holding its breath as this new being came into the world. Using the new angle, the little one pressed on the edges of the break and widened the gap. When it was big enough, a tiny little head poked through, it’s noises of struggle all the louder. The egg was half destroyed before the little one managed to fall and crawl out, calling out in triumph and dismay in turn.

Shod was the first to move, lightly placing his hand over the little one, it immediately turned and began grabbing at his fingers and making more noises. The little one hadn’t even opened it’s eyes yet, and probably wouldn’t for a few days. Na placed a finger under the chin and it grabbed at that too. Tek turned away and returned a moment later with a set of scales and some other equipment. He picked the noisy ball of fluff up and checked it over, weighing it and inspecting it as gently and quickly as Shod had ever seen the Scientist look over anything.

“My lords, I am pleased to announce we have produced a remarkably healthy daughter!” He announced with such pride and joy as he held up their hatchling to them, presenting her almost, and Shod felt a strange pride and delight burst through his chest as he watched her squirm and squeak. He glanced at the other two, and saw the pride and adoration in equal measure. Their little treasure would want for nothing, as long as they were able to give it.

He expected her dark blue to lighten once she had been dried and cleaned, but no, she was still a darker blue than he had seen any of the other Skeksis when they were young. The yellow markings under her eyes were obviously from Tek, and there were even matching markings on the tip of her tail! What really stood out, though, were the red markings. Like someone had dipped the tips of her feathers in red, mottled mostly on the top of her head and trailing down down to the back of her neck, there it thinned slightly before continuing down along her spine and top of her tail, near the end it covered most of her tail. Only the yellow at the tip. He had never seen a Skeksis so naturally colourful, and he wondered how the colours and shapes would change as she got older.

Once their daughter (Daughter! A daughter of his very own!) was settled back in the nest, Tek brought a tray full of different kinds of foods and liquids. The pair moved a little as Tek set the tray down and picked up a small bowl full of cut-up raw meat.

“Is that wise? To just try random foods?” Na asked for them both, and Tek looked between the two of them for a moment before speaking.

“I have theorised that any Skeksis offspring would have a penchant for meat, as we are naturally predisposed for carnivorous dietary habits. I will be focusing mostly on a variety of meats and some liquids, along with some supplementary nourishment. Observations and adjustments will be made as required.” He assured, taking a small piece of meat and holding it to the little one's mouth.

The blue ball immediately devoured the morsel, and tried to follow Teks hand as he moved to grab another piece, only to fall. An unhappy noise rising through the fabric from where her face was planted.

“Aaaaa lit-lit-little clumssssy.” Shod observed, not bothering to hide his smile as he righted their little treasure. This time holding the squirming thing steady as Tek fed her another piece.

“To be expected, though she is energetic for one newly hatched.” Na said, watching the little one as she ate piece after piece.

“Likely once she has eaten its fill, she will go to sleep.” Tek spoke up absently, seemingly enthralled with the simple act of feeding the Skekling. The group fell silent after that, minus some encouraging words as their daughter ate and wiggled about, and some other banal comments. Shod glanced at the other two, saw them smiling widely as they watched their little treasure, and couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for them now. When it was just an egg, it almost didn’t seem real, and Shod had honestly expected the egg to fail and the little one to die before it even hatched. Having the little one here, warm and alive, made reality crash through his mind like a violent storm. Things in the castle would change, again, politics may be in an upheaval soon, and the life and well-being of this new life hangs in the balance.

They couldn’t let that happen. He wouldn’t let that happen. One way or another, this one would be safe- as safe as a Skeksis could be in the castle, but he wouldn’t let her fall to the same fate he had. Shod would teach all he could to his little treasure, and whether or not she became a political powerhouse (he truly hoped they didn’t), he would ensure she could navigate the court and remain unscathed.

Once the feeding was done, their little treasure fell right asleep, like SkekTek predicted. The Scientist took the time to look her over one more time, before tucking her in and turning off the light that hung over the nest. The lab was warm enough, and with the blankets and fabrics, there was no worry of the hatchling getting cold.

“We should move her to her new room as soon as possible. We’ll all sleep there as often as we can, of course, but she needs to become acclimated as soon as possible.” Na stated, his tone brooking no argument.

“Iiisssss it-it ready?” Shod asked, petting his sleeping treasure as she cooed in her sleep.

“Yes, everything she could possibly need, close to all our chambers, and only we will have a copy of the key. Guards will be posted at all hours, and I have already talked with some of the more trustworthy Skeksis- they would gladly watch over her should we ever be… collectively indisposed.” They all knew they would do all they could to ensure that didn’t happen, but better to be prepared for any eventuality than to be blindsided.

“Then let us proceed. The longer we wait the greater the risk.” None of them spoke about said risks, but they all knew them. 

They made quick work of transferring the nest into a basket, the little one made an unhappy noise and shifted about, but settled back down after a moment. Together they all left the lab, Tek carrying their little treasure, with Shod in the front and Na bringing up the rear. All of them careful and quiet and keeping their eyes and ears open for any dangers that might present themselves.

Thankfully, they made it to their little treasure’s room with no incidents. Resettling her was far quicker and easier, as they had a large bed with a premade nest in the middle, and rearranging the extra fabric was easy enough. Once settled, they all climbed into bed and laid down around their little treasure. Safe and secure.

“Nnnname?” He asked before a yawn took him by surprise.

“Tomorrow. I have an idea that might garner the Emperor's favour, at least for a time.” While Shod didn’t like the sound of that, he could see the merit in doing so. If the Emperor approved of this little one, and favoured her (and them by lesser extension) then she would be all the safer. Only time would tell.

He could only hope it would tell a kinder story.

***

SkekShod wanted to kill SkekNa, and judging by the looks the Scientist was sending his way, the Teasurer wasn’t the only one. But it was necessary. A risk, certainly, if the Emperor wasn’t in a good mood or found some fault in the request, it was likely the hatchling in his hand that would be the most at risk. Even swaddled in rich dark fabric as she was, his little song didn’t look much of a threat. He doubted anything could make her look intimidating, certainly not at this age, but it did make the yellow and red markings all the more prominent. And it didn’t matter what you were, Skeksis, Gelfling, or even Podling, reds and yellows were natural markers of danger. She would grow into a fierce Skeksis.

He just needed to make sure she lived that long.

Entering the throne room, where everyone was gathered, SkekNa didn’t pause or look at any of the others- his focus solely on both the greatest threat and his only hope at ensuring their daughters' safety. He bowed low, careful not to disturb the little one as she shifted about at all the movement, making curious little meeps and chirps. He bit back a smile at the sounds. 

“My Emperor.” He intoned with all the respect and reverence he dare imbue. He heard the movement of fabric and knew the other two were bowing as well, opting to remain silent. Wise, as they were two of the lowest ranked members of their race, their sway in the court was severely limited at the best of times. In such a volatile situation, it was best they remain quiet unless necessary.

“Slave Master,” The Emperor returned courteously, “I hear that last night was when the latest addition to the family decided to make their entrance. All is well, I hope?” A question, concern veiled the truth of its intent. Is it weak? Is it worthy?

“All is well. She was hatched, healthy and spirited, by destroying half the shell. Probably would have torn it all to pieces if she hadn’t been so hungry.” He held up the bundle, carefully using his clawed prosthetic to remove the layers of fabric she had somehow managed to bury herself in. 

When she was revealed, he held her up to SkekSo, “May I present, our daughter, a strong addition to our great race.” He announced, not bothering to hide his pride. Better to show it than have the others think he was somehow displeased with his little song.

SkekSo stared down at the little one, a mix of wonder and contemplation on his face. He hummed as he lifted a hand to the hatchling, and SkekNa held his breath as he waited.

The blue bundle, upon realising that there was a new scent nearby, turned and latched on with fierce squeaking that quickly became curious when the unfamiliar thing didn’t do anything. When the Emperor smiled, and gave a huff of laughter, it was as though someone cut an artery- all the tension bleeding out. The mood of the room shifted, becoming excited and cheerful, even.

“The red markings are unusual,” SkekSo said idly, and SkekNa silently thanked Tek for the theories and information he had ranted about earlier in the morning.

“An evolutionary marker, most likely. The Scientist says that, in the wild, most dangerous creatures are coloured brightly. Thra has left her mark on her,” He said, a dark sort of pride filling his being. Even Thra itself knows his little song will be something to fear, and has marked her accordingly.

“Marked with a warning, at that! Very fitting.” The Scroll Keeper said, probably one of the few who could appreciate the meaning and importance of such an occurrence.

“Mmmmm, yes, fitting indeed! What name has been chosen for little Skekling? Has name been chosen? Name was not announced during great reveal.” Chamberlain made himself known, coming to stand at the Emperor's side. SkekNa avoided sparing more than a glance, for even a simple glare could ruin this.

“We have not chosen one for her.” His words caused a stir, but he ignored them and focused his attention on the Emperor once more. “We would be honoured if the Emperor himself would grace her with a name.” A silence filled in the space where the Skeksis chattering had once been, and SkekNa had to call on considerable willpower not to glance at any of them. Instead watching the surprise on the Emperors face shift into contemplation, his eyes turning to the little one, who had not let go of the Emperors clawed finger the entire time. She seemed quite content to try and tangle the claw with the fabric.

“Of course, it would be my pleasure to give this one her name.” He said, finally, after what felt like an age. “From henceforth, you shall be known as SkekAl. I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish, and what title you will earn.” He removed his claw, and lightly scratched at the hatchlings head before withdrawing his hand altogether. Around them, the court cheered and congratulations were abound. SkekNa held his little song (SkekAl, SkekAl, her new name. A good name) closer to his chest as he turned to the others to show them their newest addition. Whether instinct or common sense, they didn’t crowd too close or try to take the little one. Conversation exploded, compliments flowed and questions were asked. Together, the three of them were able to field most questions and altogether shared in the excitement.

SkekNa felt almost high, like he was on urdrupe berries, because his plan had worked. He could see it already, the change, how the others moved and talked and looked between them, the hatchling, and the Emperor. For the next many trine, no one would dare harm or meddle with their little song. And by the time they did… well, he looked forward to what she would do to them in turn.

[wizardlamb]

I hate this guy I hate this guy I hate this guy I hate this guy-

[wizardlamb]

My UrSkek sona AlUn (and skeksis and urru) The Seeker of the ultimate Truth broken in two: Judgment and Acceptance. (posting them here so I won’t forget)

[skekbries]

@wizardlamb had mentioned on discord that her oc SkekAl is supposed to have galaxy-colored hair, I decided to go back and put it on him. Al has the number one hair color that I want since I love all things holographic:)

[insanity6666]

Red By Danger. In The After.

SkekAl gave a long exhale, watching the smoke curl about above her before vanishing altogether. She idly gnawed on the stub of her pipe, encased in a soft metal for this very reason. A bad habit, she knew, she had been scolded by all three of her parents for it many times, and while she had rarely done it before, now that she had no one to stop her the habit had made a comeback.

She hummed an absentminded tune while she continued to weave a new basket. Always a need for baskets, it seemed, and she really was terrible with giving them away all the time. The long, curved neck of the pipe allowed her to actually see her work without having to stick it awkwardly out to the side. The bowl of the pipe glowed with embers as leaf-smoke billowed from it like a dying fire, that same smoke seeping through her teeth every time she exhaled. 

It really was a perfect day to weave and smoke outdoors. Sunny, with just a hint of a cool breeze to keep things from getting too warm, and the odd cloud to give relief should the wind fail. In addition to the babe she had helped the other day, no nightmares, and no would-be-attackers trying to rid Thra of the Skeksis plague or seek revenge, she was in good spirits.

Which is why she wasn't all that surprised when she heard a twig snap not too far from her. She knew, she bloody well knew, that any good mood was bound to be ruined. It was never a slow decline, it was always a sudden thing, like the snap of a twig cutting through the silence. SkekAl didn't really bother reacting, beyond a glance in the direction of the sound. Whatever it was, she didn't really care, as long as it didn't attack her.

Still, she grabbed a hidden dagger with one of her secondary hands, just in case something did try to attack her. She was no great warrior, but she knew how to fight, and she knew how to survive. Whatever was there, she was ready.

And then Thra decided to prove her wrong, as it so loves to do, because who else should step out of the canopy's shade but SkekTif herself! The reclusive woman never left her land, as far as SkekAl was aware, and they rarely interacted beyond the odd check-up or drinking-buddy session that occured, and even those times were fairly sparse. They weren't exactly neighbours. It took nearly a week of travel to reach the scavengers house, less if one didn't bother with roads, but that's still a considerable distance.

So why was she here?

"Run out of liquor?" She asked once she recovered, giving the other skeksis a once-over. She didn't look injured, not in the way she moved or held herself, and beyond that old limp there didn't seem to be anything wrong with her. So she couldn't imagine anything beyond some extra alcohol being the reason Tif would make the effort here. Al did have her own distillery, some homebrewed grog went a long way when she needed to trade for anything she couldn't make or get herself.

"No." The taller female said, short and crisp. Al, however, noted the hesitation in her gaze, the way it flickered about before settling back on her.

"Well, you're welcome to it either way," She took a deep breath from her pipe before taking it out of her mouth so she could use it to point to the crate full of bottles, "And get me one while you're at it." And with that, stuck the pipe back in her beak and went back to weaving. While she didn't know SkekTif all that well, she probably knew her better than most, and so was well aware that trying to get her to talk was nigh impossible. Better to let the girl get around to it herself.

Tif seemingly took the hint, and after acquiring a few bottles, sat down beside her in the light of the suns and seemed to relax a little as she sunbathed and took droughts from her bottle. Al occasionally took mouthfuls of her own bottle, enjoying the mix of the mellow woodsy smoke and the sweet-tangy drink. They stayed like that for a good while.

"Want some?" Al offered her pipe, the mix was almost gone, and would only get a few more puffs, might as well share it.

"What's in it?" Tif eyed the pipe like it was something dangerous. 

"Relax, nothing to get high off of, that would make for a poor weaving session." She grinned, careful not to show her too-many-teeth, as it had a propensity to unnerve others, "it's mostly for flavour and a minor mood enhancement, for calmness and all that, but it won't inhibit you in any way... unless you're a lightweight." She teased, and gestured with the pipe again. After a few more moments, her not-quite-friend took the offered pipe and took a long drag.

Or, it would have been, if she hadn't burst into a coughing fit. Al laughed as she wacked Tif's back a few times, granted that didn't actually help to clear the airways, but people thought it did so it was more symbolic than anything. Tif glared at her, which just made her laugh more.

"You could have warned me!" Tif shoved an elbow into her side, which made her go from laughing to coughing, but it didn't stop the mirth. She held her abused side, and just continued to grin at the woman.

"Like you warned me about that bottle'a port?" She returned, and got a disbelieving look.

"That was trines ago! Don't tell me you're still on about that?" This time Tif shoved her shoulder, but it was less forceful than it could have been, so Al figured the other skeksis wasn't that upset.

"I spent an hour throwing up in a push because of that. But no, I'm over it now." 

"'Cause you got ye vengeance?"

"Basically, yes."

"Yer terrible."

"Yes, I know."

Tif rolled her eyes and grumbled, but kept the pipe and took another -more careful- breath of leaf smoke. Well, she called it leaf smoke, but a lot of it wasn't actually made from leaves. Roots and bark, herbs and even flowers, different blends for different effects and purposes. As she watched her guest slowly exhale, smoke billowing around her face before the breeze caught it. She gave a proper sigh, and handed it back. Al checked the bowl, found it mostly ash, and so smothered it with a claw before tapping it against the bench she had set up for days like this, and set it aside.

"You work with gelfling, right?" Tif asked, and Al suddenly found it very hard to focus on her weaving, on the warm sun and gentle breeze. With a careful, deliberate inhale, she looked to Tif. But the female wasn't looking at her, instead looking out into the trees. It was a very small clearing, only a few metres, but enough for sun and wind, spacious enough to not feel crowded or smothered, but enclosed enough to not feel exposed. 

"Hardly. I help them, when I can. Sometimes there's trade, but usually... well, you know." She shrugged, straightening her spine and leaning back until it touched the suns-warmed stone of the rock face the bench was set against.

"So you know what they need?" That question was an odd one, and only sparked several more in Al's mind. Tif was a recluse at the best of times, and lived in an area most folk don't even know about, it was isolated in a way her little abode wasn't. Out of the way, yes, but people could still find it if they needed to. Tif's home wasn't like that, it was chosen because it was so hard to find and get to.

Tif's eyes turned to her, and Al realised she hadn't answered. "Medically... yes. But, this isn't about that, not really." She knew she shouldn't push, and she wasn't really, but she needed to know what this was about. Her curiosity sprang to life, and she was hard pressed to keep it in check. Dad said her curiosity was a gift, important and to be nurtured, papa said it could be dangerous, and father had warned her against letting her curiosity get the best of her. Two of three warned her the dangers of it, and yet it was the one she often listened to. She wonders if dad would think that now, talking to the daughter of the Hunt and the Sea.

"Aye." Tif sighed, taking off her hat to run a hand through her feathers. "Observant as always. Damn it all. How do you deal with it? Deal with them?" She spat the words, like getting them out faster would help somehow. Judging by the look of regret on her face, Al would guess it didn't help much.

'Well...' was all Al could think for a moment, before she put her considerable intellect to task and gathered all the clues and evidence and strung it all together in a way that made sense. Tif never asked for help, at least not from her, and wouldn't come all this way unless she had no choice. It was about gelfling, but none lived anywhere near Tif's territory. Unless...

"Gelfling have finally reached your corner of the world, have they?" That got her a growl, which was fair, probably shouldn't have said it so flippantly. Still, she found it a little funny that the great and mighty SkekTif, daughter of SkekMal the Hunter and SkekSa the Mariner, is so put out of shape by a gaggle of gelfling.

...

Oh Thra she needs a smoke. 

With a sigh, she put her project down and stood. She gestured for Tif to remain seated when she started to stand, and with a final 'wait' gesture she went back into her little abode. A large enough, comfortable cave and some short dead-end tunnels that she's turned into a home. She grabbed some of her special blend, turned away, had second thoughts and turned back to grab some more, a spare pipe, and a few different blends as well. She grabbed a bowl of honeyed nuts she kept in the larder, and some of the good grog she kept around for... well, occasions like this, apparently.

When she left, she expected the Scavenger to have left or at least moved. But no, there she was, still sitting on the bench. With a happy noise, she placed the food and drinks down between them as she sat in her previous spot, and practically shoved the spare pipe into Tif's hands. 

"To put it bluntly, you don't really need to deal with them. They rarely visit or even manage to find me here, and even then they're eager to leave as soon as they have what they need." She started as she cleaned out her pipe and added a blend into it, this one woodsy and warm and light, with just a touch of sweetness and something floral. It also took ages to burn through, even when smoking hard. Tif copied her when she pointed out the same blend from before, which she seemed to like- or least trust more than her other blends. Which was fair.

"But they're so damn curious, and I keep running into them, and then they try to follow me!" She grabbed her still-open bottle and down the rest of it. She threw it at a tree, and it shattered against the bark, startling a flock of birds out of the trees.

"Nice. Thanks for that." At the look Tif gave her, Al shook her head and lit a match. Once she gave a few careful puffs, and sure the blend wouldn't go out, she handed the matches to the aggravated skeksis. She stopped being afraid of her fellows long ago, even the ones that could kill her so easily.

"Look," She tried again, "You can try asking nicely, explain that you don't like being followed, and that it's very rude- gelfling still seem to care about that. You can talk to whoever's in charge about it. You can throw them into a bush if you need to get the point across," Al ignored the look she got for that comment, but it was true. It was remarkably effective in keeping undesirables away from her home. "There's no gelfling handbook, though I'm sure dad made one at some point. It probably feels like so much because, except for your beau, you've been on your own for so long. When was the last time you were around so many people for any great length of time?" She asked, adding that last bit because the last time she was around people, it was when she was cursing out SkekSo on his deathbed.

"Hmmm... I- hey!" Tif turned slugged her arm, indignant. "Mikono is not my beau!" She snarled, and Al laughed even as she leaned away to avoid another strike. 

"I didn't say anything about Mikono," She said, rubbing her arm and no doubt grinning like a loon. Her grin widened to a delighted smile as she watched Tif come to the realisation that she had made a terrible, terrible mistake, and the mortification and embarrassment she expressed only lasted for a moment before she turned away. But oh, it was glorious. Before anymore retribution could be, rightfully, bestowed, Al carried on.

"Seriously though, when was the last time?" She asked, careful to word her question. She didn't want to bring back memories of the court if she could avoid it. Al handed her fellow blue skeksis another bottle after a moment of deliberation, the woman probably needed it.

Tif fell silent at that, staring at the bottle, turning it around in her hands. Occasionally taking a drag from her pipe, which she largely left sitting at her side, and staring at nothing. Lost in her thoughts. Al didn't try to bring her out of it or pry any answer from her. Thra knows, if she had been asked that question herself... 

She lifted an arm and settled it against the rockface. At just the perfect height, the rock jutted inward in such a way that allowed one to rest their arms along it like the back of a couch or sofa, and able to lean one's head back to rest at a comfortable angle. Truly, this was the perfect spot to put the bench. She stretched out her legs before crossing them, letting her other arm lay comfortably in her lap, only moving to either snack on the honeyed nuts, take a drink, or fiddle with her pipe a bit. If introspection was the way to go with Tif, then she was happy to just sit and give her company. If she wanted to talk, or needed to, she would be here.

Honestly, she's amazed Tif had talked as much as she had. This was the longest conversation they've had sober, and talks when one was injured or sick didn't count, because those weren't really conversations- just an exchange of details and information necessary for the situation. This, however, was a large turn. Not only talking, but seeking her out for it, and the subject.

Tif didn't talk about this, not about feelings, unless she was blackout drunk and in a particularly foul mood. Which usually meant that a fight was inevitable. Al was able to hold her own by virtue of not being nearly as drunk as her compatriot, but even completely shit-faced, Tif was a dangerous opponent. And when she was feeling mean... Al had a scar to show just how mean Tif could be when she was feeling like it. 

Plus, she had her urskeks to talk to. If she was going to talk to anyone, Al fully expected it to be him. Yet she hadn't. Or maybe she had? It's entirely possible that Mikono simply didn't know how to address this? Tif was full Skeksis, like her, so it made sense that she would turn to someone more like her for this. There were things Mikono, being half Urru, simply wouldn't understand when it came to Tif. Things that Al understood all too well.

Al took a deep breath, and started blowing smoke rings into the air, one smaller than the other. Once she had managed to get a few out there, she took another short puff and blew a thin spear of smoke through the centre ring. Her own form of archery, eat your heart out, UrVa. She snickered a little to herself at the thought, ridiculous as it was. 

"My mother." The sound startled her a little, and when she looked over, Tif was still staring blankly. But now it was into the trees, towards the ocean that was so far away. 

"Pardon?" She asked, old manners rising up. She had been taught, had it drilled into her (and slightly beaten into her) to use etiquette as a shield as much as a sword. Whenever she was surprised or blindsided or surprised, she fell back on good manners. 

"The last time I had been around good company, was with the Gelfling. With my mother." Oh. Oh. Oh Thra. Al rubbed at her face, smoothing her hand over her head to ruffle at her feathers and finally resting on the side of her neck. She looked to the older Skeksis, and felt the weight of their parents' sins anew. No doubt an old scar had just been ripped open, as fresh and painful as the day it happened. Maybe it had never even healed enough to scar, instead scabbed, or maybe she just covered it and let it fester. Ignoring it, because ignoring it hurt less than facing it and dealing with it, facing the truth and accepting it. Sure, the pain flared up, sometimes it paralyzed you, or sent you spiraling, but after a while you can cover it up again. Maybe drain it a little. And then go right back to ignoring it. 

"Well." Thra, how does she handle this? What is she to say? "What was it like? The Gelfling." She didn't dare ask about SkekSa, not now and probably not ever. She had never asked about her parents, except maybe when blind drunk, but those times were few and far between.

"It was... nice. They were friendly, helpful, and snuck me treats. They helped teach me how to swim, I..." She huffed out a laugh, "One time I pretended to be a sea monster, they all played along, and by the time mother came back I had 'killed' the entire crew." Tif was smiling, a soft and happy and wistful smile. Al had never seen her smile like that, and felt a new kind of grief over what could have been and never would be. A happy life, one without this guilt and grief and pain. Al wanted to rail against Thra, against the way things turned, she wanted to scream that it wasn't fair. But of course it wasn't. It wasn't fair to anyone. And could she really say that? Her of all people?

Neither of them could.

"Maybe you could return that kindness, maybe you could have something like that again. Something new." The words fell out before she could think it through, and she knew she had made a mistake.

Tif's entire countenance changed, and she stood, fury etched in every line.

"What? You mean make friends with them? The people our parents slaughtered!? Just ignore everything they-"

"I didn't say that!" Al cut in, she didn't stand up but she straightened. "But how are you to make amends if you never start! Never try!"

"Amends?" Tif laughed, a horrid, cruel noise. "You really think there is any mending that can undo what was done? We're monsters! We're better off being left alone!"

Now, SkekAl stood. She was not as tall as SkekTif, but her height was not so lacking she couldn't look the other skeksis in the eye and snarl, "I know! No penance will ever be enough, there is no changing the past. Nothing we do can make up for what our parents did, but we don't have to be them. We don't have to fall like they did! They destroyed everything, tore it all down and had others build a mockery of order and defiled nature, defiled Thra! But we can do better. We can help, not hurt, we can help them build, we can follow their lead, we can do better!"

Tif snarled and hissed, stepping forward threateningly. But Al was no Mikono, who would back off, and certainly no Gelfling that would back down in fear. Al shoved and snarled right back, not caring if they got in a fight. She would lose, she knew, but she wouldn't let Tif cow her. 

“Oh don’t act so righteous.” Tif sneered, her strange eyes -red and something else she can’t identify- flashing. “You do this to ease your own guilt. You were complacent in the acts of the others, you tended to the Emperor himself- don’t lie, I know you did! You let them burn villages and drain hundreds, possibly thousands, of innocent gelfling. You may not have had any essence yourself, but don’t you dare act like some martyred saint! It’s not about penance or doing good, it’s about clearing your own conscience!”

SkekAl reared back, feeling as though she had been slapped. Tif wasn’t exactly wrong, but that was only part of it. She didn’t know. Didn’t know-

“It’s- That’s-” Words failed her as her rage grew, faster than it had ever before. She had always been easy to annoy, irritate, but she didn’t rise in anger often. It was a slow thing, and something she could always control. Her parents had always praised her for it. She remembered, and she desperately tried to cling to that control, even as it slipped through her fingers and she burned.

SkekTif huffed, “I knew it. You can’t even deny-”

“I let the Emperor die!” 

Silence filled the clearing, Al breathing like she had run to the silver sea. She blinked rapidly, her vision returning from the red haze. SkekTif’s head was turned to the side, she had a bruise swelling under the patch of ruffled feathers, Al felt her knuckles throb and a dawning realisation washed through her like cold water. 

Al took a deep breath and retreated a few steps. Holding her fist to her chest and glared at the taller female, biting back her tongue until she could actually use her words.

“I let the Emperor die. I knew how to save him, and instead let him crumble to dust. I shared a drink with dad and papa, while father sang a victory song, we were hidden away in the lab so no one would hear. They didn’t know, they just thought it was time and luck. They didn’t know I had the answers, and I said nothing, did nothing. I let the Emperor die.” She spat the word with all the venom and spite she could muster, which was enough to make even SkekTif take pause. 

“SkekAl-” With a sharp gesture, SkekAl cut Tif off. 

“You’ve asked for my words. I’ve given them. Take them and do what you will with them. Leave.” She turned from her guest, bending to pick up her pipe and clean it, making sure the embers hadn’t caught the grass or anything else.

“No, wait, Al-” 

“Leave!” She screamed, whirling violently to glare at the other skeksis, who flinched back at the motion. Quickly, Al turned away, ashamed and satisfied and furious and scared and she didn’t even know. She refused to look at Tif, lest she see the tears in her eyes -“Skeksis do not show weakness”- and stormed into her home. She slammed the sliding door shut, and didn’t bother to lock it. Tif was many things -Insensitive, judgmental, cruel- but she would not invade her home at the clear dismissal. 

Once she was sure Tif was long gone, she let out a long breath that choked itself into a sob at the end. Fury filled her as the sound, and she threw her pipe at the wall, the harsh ‘crack!’ as it broke against the wall was good, but not enough. There was too much anger, too much fear, too much sorrow, too much, toomuch, toomuchtoomuch-!

She screamed as she swiped at one of her tables, glass and clay and wood and metal scattered and shattered in the wake of her rage, she slammed her fists on the flimsy table and it snapped, she grabbed one piece and threw it, something -many somethings- broke and shattered. Her blurred vision tinted red, and she didn’t stop it, all the emotions and thoughts and- dear Thra she’s sorry, she’s sorry she’s so, so sorry she should have been there she could have saved him she could have saved daddy he would be gone but still alive- what if she had saved SkekSo what if she had done something or nothing what if whatifwhATIFWHAT-

When SkekAl finally came to, she was standing in the ruins of her home. Her actions. Her life. Her throat hurt and her hands hurt and everything hurt. She was bleeding, she knew, probably some broken bones, maybe even some torn muscles by the feel of things. She felt better. And infinitely worse. 

SkekAl dropped to her knees, and to no one but herself, showed weakness. 

Authors Note:

Massive thanks to @darkskek for all their help and letting me rant at them. Tif gets a bit more than a cameo with this one! I think I’ll officially call this series of random scenes and one-shots Red By Danger. I like it. I might throw in some more cameo’s, but largely I’ll properly start working on this as it’s own thing. Of course, whenever I post something will be entirely random. But, eh, such is life. Hope y’all enjoyed the read!