Ria

💎🌹

[the-silver-stranger]

“I… guess I should introduce myself, shouldn’t I…?”

“If I have to sign off with something, you can find me using 💎🌹. But you can just call me… Ria. I… that should do. It fits better than my old name, at least…”

“I’m part of… my King’s Court, I guess? I-I kind of just… dropped here. So, I’m still figuring out what’s going on…”

((Ooc notes here! Usually, I’ll talk like this for ooc (in-post) stuff. But since this… is all ooc, I’ll drop it for now))

The picrew (pfp) can be found here: https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/2771936

Close up of the picrew:

It’s not 100% what they look like, but uh. Close enough to give an idea. Biggest difference is that 💎🌹 has more vampiric traits — four fangs, bigger ears (somewhat like rounder elf ears, mixed with the Townsend’s Big Eared Bat ears), bat wings (they’re usually tucked in to a degree), and their pupils are ever so slightly longer/more slitted. Also!! Her hair is darker, more of a blood color :P

Edit to add: her eyes have changed! They’re still mostly silver, but they have thin golden rings. Most of the rings are around the pupils (and circle the whole eye), but there are maybe one or two on the outside.

I should probably update this soon, but until then: refs by @eclipsen-smiles look at their art look at it /pos

Ooc you can call me Lista (any pronouns); 💎🌹 goes by she/they mostly, but is gender apathetic

Uhhh. This is related to @ask-the-king-in-yellow go check them and their community out. I think that’s all the things I have to say rn. This’ll probably be edited later once I get a better grasp on this variant?

みーとめーかー3

タグ未設定 現在調整中 少年少女が作れます。 パーツは随時追加予定です。 目を閉じてるパーツを使うときは瞳のパーツをそれぞれオフにして下さい OK ・SNSなどでのアイコンとしての使用 ・イラストの依頼の際の資料としての使用 ・原型がわかる範囲での

[the-silver-stranger]

For a child of His, you are so ignorant. I cant wait to see your face when you see just what ive done to her. Just how ive torn her apart and stitched her back just to do it again, and again, and again.

*Ria hums.* “You’re not very good at answering questions, are you?”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have made that a question…”

“I don’t think you know lots on how I react to things, either. I think you might be lying. You don’t know enough to be all that strong…”

[the-silver-stranger]

Thats what makes it so fun. Yet you underestimate just how easy she is to break. She's already started to crack.

Unfortunately for Him, He cannot reach her in My domain. Not unless I let Him.

“She already had those, they’re just part of her! Did you not see all the gold crack-things? They’re super pretty.”

“Cracking and breaking aren’t the same thing. Plenty of things crack. And then they get stronger for it!”

*Ria tilts its head.* “Why’s that?” ^•n•>?

[the-silver-stranger]

Everyone has a breaking point.

And im rather patient.

“…Three dollars. I’m not getting the money, am I?”

“Not everyone. Humans have spirit; it’s hard to break them like you want to. Even if it hurts. They’re good at finding things to fight for. It keeps them from breaking.”

“And Momea’s super strong, okay? She can get through it. Dad won’t let her stay away for long, and he knows lots.”

[the-silver-stranger]

Perfect

That just means she'll take longer to break. That means itll be even better.

“You owe me two dollars, now. Stop being mean.”

“She won’t break. I know her. She won’t. You’re being mean and hurting her for nothing.”

[yeehawpim]

I can be shaped by more than the things that hurt me

[comfort-bungon]

*Ria’s hopped its way into the garden; it looks like it’s taken fairly well to the tail, at least.*

*It’s here for lettuce for Nori; or, if that’s not possible, dandelions for her. It doesn’t seem aware of the bungon waiting for it.*

—💎🌹

[it sniffs. And then pauses. Quietly trailing up behind her and bumping its head on her legs.]

[it chitters. It looks like a normal bunny- oddly dark and lightless, with the occasional white speck that seems to float within it- but normal. Minus the white horns on its head]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes light up.*

“Bunny!! I didn’t know there were bunnies other than Nori here… hi!!”

*It kneels down, using its mouse tail to balance the movement more than its wings. They still hurt.*

“You’re so cute…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it creeps closer, sniffing her. It then sits. Looking as nice and polite and cute as possible.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“…Is it okay if I pet you? Do you have a name?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pushes its head against her again, purring softly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, scritching behind its ears.*

“Maybe…” *It looks at the bungon’s coat, thinking.* “…Sable? Does that work?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it tilts its head and blinks. It seemed pleased. It chitters and purrs.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Carefully, Ria sits down. She shifts, offering Sable a spot on her lap.*

“Okay!! Sable it is, then! It’s nice to meet you; I’m Ria!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops on with very little struggle. It weighs nothing. It spins and turns and then plops down. It is content, chittering quietly]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, carefully petting it.* “You’re so light!! And so soft, too!!”

“Good bunny, Sable…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it chirps and leans into her hand, rumbling a purr.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, tail wiggling behind it. She starts to purr back, slow-blinking at it.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it rises, stretches, and pads off her lap. It stands, and looks back at her. It seems it wants her to follow.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tilts its head. It wobbles up, trying to balance with its wings. It winces, switching to using its tail instead. Much easier.*

“Okay!! Can we grab some lettuce, first? I don’t want to forget…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops further along, looking at her and sniffing the air.]

[it stamps a foot, looking at her expectantly- theres not urgency though. It’s patient to wait]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria flinches back, ears twitching, before nodding.*

“…Okay. Never mind. Sorry. Let’s go?”

*It hops towards it, ready to follow.*

[eclipsen-smiles]

[it tilts its head at her apology. Then hops forwards, leading her to a patch. Its lettuce. Lettuce, kale, strawberries, carrots.. it stops, sits, and looks at her]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh!! Thank you! Do you want any of these? I can get some for you, too…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head. It needs nothing wants nothing.]

[it hops back over to her, crouching, hoping, and landing perfectly on her shoulders. It sniffs her face]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, freezing up. Her pupils go small as her eyes close.*

“I’m sorry please don’t-“

[comfort-bungon]

[it boops her check with its nose. It doesn’t touch her hair. It tilts it head at her, resuming its low rumble. Its oddly calming.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*It takes a moment to sink in. It relaxes, just enough, before opening its eyes.*

“…Sorry. Let’s… let’s start gathering stuff, okay, Sable?”

*Ria’s hand moves up, giving the bungon scritches once more.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it licks her cheek, sniffing her, rumbling contentedly]

[it sits down on her shoulder. It has weight, not heavy but.. almost like the weight of blanket.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, hopping towards the plants. It’s trying to move more carefully, so Sable isn’t knocked off.*

*It stares at the strawberries for a moment, giving them a blank (yearning?) look. It turns away, and starts to harvest the lettuce instead.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it stays quiet, just watching. It sniffs at the lettuce she picks but shows no sign of wanting to actually eat it.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Is it good lettuce? I dunno how to tell…”

*Ria tilts her head, watching Sable.*

“Sable? What do you eat?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops down, padding over to specific patches of lettuce and patting it with a paw.]

[at the question, it looks up at her with a tilt of its head. It almost seems to smile awkwardly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh! Are those Better Lettuce?”

*Ria’s ears twitch. It nods, slowly.*

“Okay, then… I won’t.” *It reaches out to pat Sable.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it bumps its head into her hand and rumbles, then sits down waiting for her to finish picking lettuce- occasionally helping her find the good parts.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Horn scritches! Yippee!*

*Ria collects a decent amount of lettuce.* “Okay!! I think that’s… all I should get. I don’t wanna take too much, and I don’t know how much I’ll see Nori. I don’t want the lettuce getting all gross and wilty before I can give it all to them!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pounces back up to her shoulders, turning and settling down. It shrinks, slightly, to fit nicely within her hair.]

[it blinks at her.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tenses, ever so slightly. It moves its hair, so as to not have it bumping into the bunny.*

“Nice Sable… it’s okay…”

*…It sounds more like it’s trying to convince itself.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it shrinks a tad further, not risking touching her hair. It purrs, licking her cheek again.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, then licks Sable in return. Okay. It… chirps? at it.*

“…Good bunny.”

*Bunnies shrink. This is definitely a normal property of bunnies. Or at least bunnies in Carcosa. Probably. Ria does not know much about bunnies.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it blinks slightly at being licked back-]

(Oh she has No Clue what that means to rabbits. Silly girl)

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria slow blinks in return, nudging its face against it.*

“Are you okay?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head a bit then nods.]

[the-silver-stranger]

^•w•>?

*Ria shifts, pulling the bunny into its arms. It starts to nibble on the top of the bunny’s head, affectionately. Apparently, it is (mental) bat time. It’s purring.*

^-w-^ <3

[comfort-bungon]

(??????? Yeah okay this is fine)

[the-silver-stranger]

*It seems like it’s just nibbling on the fluff; Ria’s being very careful to not break skin.*

*Sable will be clean. It has decided.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it just sits there. Accepting fate]

(Girly baby hunny you forgot why you came here didnt you. My adhd baby.)

[the-silver-stranger]

*After a while, it has decided that Sable is Clean Now.*

*It stares off for a bit. What was it- its ears twitch. THE LETTUCE.*

*It gathers the lettuce with a hand, the other still on the bnnuy. The lettuce has been Put in The Cooler.*

[comfort-bungon]

*Ria’s hopped its way into the garden; it looks like it’s taken fairly well to the tail, at least.*

*It’s here for lettuce for Nori; or, if that’s not possible, dandelions for her. It doesn’t seem aware of the bungon waiting for it.*

—💎🌹

[it sniffs. And then pauses. Quietly trailing up behind her and bumping its head on her legs.]

[it chitters. It looks like a normal bunny- oddly dark and lightless, with the occasional white speck that seems to float within it- but normal. Minus the white horns on its head]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes light up.*

“Bunny!! I didn’t know there were bunnies other than Nori here… hi!!”

*It kneels down, using its mouse tail to balance the movement more than its wings. They still hurt.*

“You’re so cute…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it creeps closer, sniffing her. It then sits. Looking as nice and polite and cute as possible.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“…Is it okay if I pet you? Do you have a name?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pushes its head against her again, purring softly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, scritching behind its ears.*

“Maybe…” *It looks at the bungon’s coat, thinking.* “…Sable? Does that work?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it tilts its head and blinks. It seemed pleased. It chitters and purrs.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Carefully, Ria sits down. She shifts, offering Sable a spot on her lap.*

“Okay!! Sable it is, then! It’s nice to meet you; I’m Ria!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops on with very little struggle. It weighs nothing. It spins and turns and then plops down. It is content, chittering quietly]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, carefully petting it.* “You’re so light!! And so soft, too!!”

“Good bunny, Sable…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it chirps and leans into her hand, rumbling a purr.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, tail wiggling behind it. She starts to purr back, slow-blinking at it.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it rises, stretches, and pads off her lap. It stands, and looks back at her. It seems it wants her to follow.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tilts its head. It wobbles up, trying to balance with its wings. It winces, switching to using its tail instead. Much easier.*

“Okay!! Can we grab some lettuce, first? I don’t want to forget…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops further along, looking at her and sniffing the air.]

[it stamps a foot, looking at her expectantly- theres not urgency though. It’s patient to wait]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria flinches back, ears twitching, before nodding.*

“…Okay. Never mind. Sorry. Let’s go?”

*It hops towards it, ready to follow.*

[eclipsen-smiles]

[it tilts its head at her apology. Then hops forwards, leading her to a patch. Its lettuce. Lettuce, kale, strawberries, carrots.. it stops, sits, and looks at her]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh!! Thank you! Do you want any of these? I can get some for you, too…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head. It needs nothing wants nothing.]

[it hops back over to her, crouching, hoping, and landing perfectly on her shoulders. It sniffs her face]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, freezing up. Her pupils go small as her eyes close.*

“I’m sorry please don’t-“

[comfort-bungon]

[it boops her check with its nose. It doesn’t touch her hair. It tilts it head at her, resuming its low rumble. Its oddly calming.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*It takes a moment to sink in. It relaxes, just enough, before opening its eyes.*

“…Sorry. Let’s… let’s start gathering stuff, okay, Sable?”

*Ria’s hand moves up, giving the bungon scritches once more.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it licks her cheek, sniffing her, rumbling contentedly]

[it sits down on her shoulder. It has weight, not heavy but.. almost like the weight of blanket.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, hopping towards the plants. It’s trying to move more carefully, so Sable isn’t knocked off.*

*It stares at the strawberries for a moment, giving them a blank (yearning?) look. It turns away, and starts to harvest the lettuce instead.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it stays quiet, just watching. It sniffs at the lettuce she picks but shows no sign of wanting to actually eat it.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Is it good lettuce? I dunno how to tell…”

*Ria tilts her head, watching Sable.*

“Sable? What do you eat?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops down, padding over to specific patches of lettuce and patting it with a paw.]

[at the question, it looks up at her with a tilt of its head. It almost seems to smile awkwardly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh! Are those Better Lettuce?”

*Ria’s ears twitch. It nods, slowly.*

“Okay, then… I won’t.” *It reaches out to pat Sable.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it bumps its head into her hand and rumbles, then sits down waiting for her to finish picking lettuce- occasionally helping her find the good parts.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Horn scritches! Yippee!*

*Ria collects a decent amount of lettuce.* “Okay!! I think that’s… all I should get. I don’t wanna take too much, and I don’t know how much I’ll see Nori. I don’t want the lettuce getting all gross and wilty before I can give it all to them!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pounces back up to her shoulders, turning and settling down. It shrinks, slightly, to fit nicely within her hair.]

[it blinks at her.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tenses, ever so slightly. It moves its hair, so as to not have it bumping into the bunny.*

“Nice Sable… it’s okay…”

*…It sounds more like it’s trying to convince itself.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it shrinks a tad further, not risking touching her hair. It purrs, licking her cheek again.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, then licks Sable in return. Okay. It… chirps? at it.*

“…Good bunny.”

*Bunnies shrink. This is definitely a normal property of bunnies. Or at least bunnies in Carcosa. Probably. Ria does not know much about bunnies.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it blinks slightly at being licked back-]

(Oh she has No Clue what that means to rabbits. Silly girl)

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria slow blinks in return, nudging its face against it.*

“Are you okay?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head a bit then nods.]

[the-silver-stranger]

^•w•>?

*Ria shifts, pulling the bunny into its arms. It starts to nibble on the top of the bunny’s head, affectionately. Apparently, it is (mental) bat time. It’s purring.*

^-w-^ <3

[comfort-bungon]

(??????? Yeah okay this is fine)

[the-silver-stranger]

*It seems like it’s just nibbling on the fluff; Ria’s being very careful to not break skin.*

*Sable will be clean. It has decided.*

[comfort-bungon]

*Ria’s hopped its way into the garden; it looks like it’s taken fairly well to the tail, at least.*

*It’s here for lettuce for Nori; or, if that’s not possible, dandelions for her. It doesn’t seem aware of the bungon waiting for it.*

—💎🌹

[it sniffs. And then pauses. Quietly trailing up behind her and bumping its head on her legs.]

[it chitters. It looks like a normal bunny- oddly dark and lightless, with the occasional white speck that seems to float within it- but normal. Minus the white horns on its head]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes light up.*

“Bunny!! I didn’t know there were bunnies other than Nori here… hi!!”

*It kneels down, using its mouse tail to balance the movement more than its wings. They still hurt.*

“You’re so cute…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it creeps closer, sniffing her. It then sits. Looking as nice and polite and cute as possible.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“…Is it okay if I pet you? Do you have a name?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pushes its head against her again, purring softly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, scritching behind its ears.*

“Maybe…” *It looks at the bungon’s coat, thinking.* “…Sable? Does that work?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it tilts its head and blinks. It seemed pleased. It chitters and purrs.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Carefully, Ria sits down. She shifts, offering Sable a spot on her lap.*

“Okay!! Sable it is, then! It’s nice to meet you; I’m Ria!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops on with very little struggle. It weighs nothing. It spins and turns and then plops down. It is content, chittering quietly]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, carefully petting it.* “You’re so light!! And so soft, too!!”

“Good bunny, Sable…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it chirps and leans into her hand, rumbling a purr.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, tail wiggling behind it. She starts to purr back, slow-blinking at it.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it rises, stretches, and pads off her lap. It stands, and looks back at her. It seems it wants her to follow.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tilts its head. It wobbles up, trying to balance with its wings. It winces, switching to using its tail instead. Much easier.*

“Okay!! Can we grab some lettuce, first? I don’t want to forget…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops further along, looking at her and sniffing the air.]

[it stamps a foot, looking at her expectantly- theres not urgency though. It’s patient to wait]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria flinches back, ears twitching, before nodding.*

“…Okay. Never mind. Sorry. Let’s go?”

*It hops towards it, ready to follow.*

[eclipsen-smiles]

[it tilts its head at her apology. Then hops forwards, leading her to a patch. Its lettuce. Lettuce, kale, strawberries, carrots.. it stops, sits, and looks at her]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh!! Thank you! Do you want any of these? I can get some for you, too…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head. It needs nothing wants nothing.]

[it hops back over to her, crouching, hoping, and landing perfectly on her shoulders. It sniffs her face]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, freezing up. Her pupils go small as her eyes close.*

“I’m sorry please don’t-“

[comfort-bungon]

[it boops her check with its nose. It doesn’t touch her hair. It tilts it head at her, resuming its low rumble. Its oddly calming.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*It takes a moment to sink in. It relaxes, just enough, before opening its eyes.*

“…Sorry. Let’s… let’s start gathering stuff, okay, Sable?”

*Ria’s hand moves up, giving the bungon scritches once more.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it licks her cheek, sniffing her, rumbling contentedly]

[it sits down on her shoulder. It has weight, not heavy but.. almost like the weight of blanket.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, hopping towards the plants. It’s trying to move more carefully, so Sable isn’t knocked off.*

*It stares at the strawberries for a moment, giving them a blank (yearning?) look. It turns away, and starts to harvest the lettuce instead.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it stays quiet, just watching. It sniffs at the lettuce she picks but shows no sign of wanting to actually eat it.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Is it good lettuce? I dunno how to tell…”

*Ria tilts her head, watching Sable.*

“Sable? What do you eat?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops down, padding over to specific patches of lettuce and patting it with a paw.]

[at the question, it looks up at her with a tilt of its head. It almost seems to smile awkwardly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh! Are those Better Lettuce?”

*Ria’s ears twitch. It nods, slowly.*

“Okay, then… I won’t.” *It reaches out to pat Sable.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it bumps its head into her hand and rumbles, then sits down waiting for her to finish picking lettuce- occasionally helping her find the good parts.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Horn scritches! Yippee!*

*Ria collects a decent amount of lettuce.* “Okay!! I think that’s… all I should get. I don’t wanna take too much, and I don’t know how much I’ll see Nori. I don’t want the lettuce getting all gross and wilty before I can give it all to them!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pounces back up to her shoulders, turning and settling down. It shrinks, slightly, to fit nicely within her hair.]

[it blinks at her.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tenses, ever so slightly. It moves its hair, so as to not have it bumping into the bunny.*

“Nice Sable… it’s okay…”

*…It sounds more like it’s trying to convince itself.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it shrinks a tad further, not risking touching her hair. It purrs, licking her cheek again.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, then licks Sable in return. Okay. It… chirps? at it.*

“…Good bunny.”

*Bunnies shrink. This is definitely a normal property of bunnies. Or at least bunnies in Carcosa. Probably. Ria does not know much about bunnies.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it blinks slightly at being licked back-]

(Oh she has No Clue what that means to rabbits. Silly girl)

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria slow blinks in return, nudging its face against it.*

“Are you okay?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head a bit then nods.]

[the-silver-stranger]

^•w•>?

*Ria shifts, pulling the bunny into its arms. It starts to nibble on the top of the bunny’s head, affectionately. Apparently, it is (mental) bat time. It’s purring.*

^-w-^ <3

[comfort-bungon]

*Ria’s hopped its way into the garden; it looks like it’s taken fairly well to the tail, at least.*

*It’s here for lettuce for Nori; or, if that’s not possible, dandelions for her. It doesn’t seem aware of the bungon waiting for it.*

—💎🌹

[it sniffs. And then pauses. Quietly trailing up behind her and bumping its head on her legs.]

[it chitters. It looks like a normal bunny- oddly dark and lightless, with the occasional white speck that seems to float within it- but normal. Minus the white horns on its head]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes light up.*

“Bunny!! I didn’t know there were bunnies other than Nori here… hi!!”

*It kneels down, using its mouse tail to balance the movement more than its wings. They still hurt.*

“You’re so cute…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it creeps closer, sniffing her. It then sits. Looking as nice and polite and cute as possible.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“…Is it okay if I pet you? Do you have a name?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pushes its head against her again, purring softly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, scritching behind its ears.*

“Maybe…” *It looks at the bungon’s coat, thinking.* “…Sable? Does that work?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it tilts its head and blinks. It seemed pleased. It chitters and purrs.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Carefully, Ria sits down. She shifts, offering Sable a spot on her lap.*

“Okay!! Sable it is, then! It’s nice to meet you; I’m Ria!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops on with very little struggle. It weighs nothing. It spins and turns and then plops down. It is content, chittering quietly]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, carefully petting it.* “You’re so light!! And so soft, too!!”

“Good bunny, Sable…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it chirps and leans into her hand, rumbling a purr.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, tail wiggling behind it. She starts to purr back, slow-blinking at it.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it rises, stretches, and pads off her lap. It stands, and looks back at her. It seems it wants her to follow.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tilts its head. It wobbles up, trying to balance with its wings. It winces, switching to using its tail instead. Much easier.*

“Okay!! Can we grab some lettuce, first? I don’t want to forget…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops further along, looking at her and sniffing the air.]

[it stamps a foot, looking at her expectantly- theres not urgency though. It’s patient to wait]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria flinches back, ears twitching, before nodding.*

“…Okay. Never mind. Sorry. Let’s go?”

*It hops towards it, ready to follow.*

[eclipsen-smiles]

[it tilts its head at her apology. Then hops forwards, leading her to a patch. Its lettuce. Lettuce, kale, strawberries, carrots.. it stops, sits, and looks at her]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh!! Thank you! Do you want any of these? I can get some for you, too…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head. It needs nothing wants nothing.]

[it hops back over to her, crouching, hoping, and landing perfectly on her shoulders. It sniffs her face]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, freezing up. Her pupils go small as her eyes close.*

“I’m sorry please don’t-“

[comfort-bungon]

[it boops her check with its nose. It doesn’t touch her hair. It tilts it head at her, resuming its low rumble. Its oddly calming.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*It takes a moment to sink in. It relaxes, just enough, before opening its eyes.*

“…Sorry. Let’s… let’s start gathering stuff, okay, Sable?”

*Ria’s hand moves up, giving the bungon scritches once more.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it licks her cheek, sniffing her, rumbling contentedly]

[it sits down on her shoulder. It has weight, not heavy but.. almost like the weight of blanket.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, hopping towards the plants. It’s trying to move more carefully, so Sable isn’t knocked off.*

*It stares at the strawberries for a moment, giving them a blank (yearning?) look. It turns away, and starts to harvest the lettuce instead.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it stays quiet, just watching. It sniffs at the lettuce she picks but shows no sign of wanting to actually eat it.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Is it good lettuce? I dunno how to tell…”

*Ria tilts her head, watching Sable.*

“Sable? What do you eat?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops down, padding over to specific patches of lettuce and patting it with a paw.]

[at the question, it looks up at her with a tilt of its head. It almost seems to smile awkwardly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh! Are those Better Lettuce?”

*Ria’s ears twitch. It nods, slowly.*

“Okay, then… I won’t.” *It reaches out to pat Sable.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it bumps its head into her hand and rumbles, then sits down waiting for her to finish picking lettuce- occasionally helping her find the good parts.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Horn scritches! Yippee!*

*Ria collects a decent amount of lettuce.* “Okay!! I think that’s… all I should get. I don’t wanna take too much, and I don’t know how much I’ll see Nori. I don’t want the lettuce getting all gross and wilty before I can give it all to them!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pounces back up to her shoulders, turning and settling down. It shrinks, slightly, to fit nicely within her hair.]

[it blinks at her.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tenses, ever so slightly. It moves its hair, so as to not have it bumping into the bunny.*

“Nice Sable… it’s okay…”

*…It sounds more like it’s trying to convince itself.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it shrinks a tad further, not risking touching her hair. It purrs, licking her cheek again.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, then licks Sable in return. Okay. It… chirps? at it.*

“…Good bunny.”

*Bunnies shrink. This is definitely a normal property of bunnies. Or at least bunnies in Carcosa. Probably. Ria does not know much about bunnies.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it blinks slightly at being licked back-]

(Oh she has No Clue what that means to rabbits. Silly girl)

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria slow blinks in return, nudging its face against it.*

“Are you okay?”

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

*There’s the feeling of… something reaching out. It’s coated in the same warmth Ria has; if the King were to tug on it, she would be returned.* *It feels like someone else may be dragged along, as well.*

-💎🌹(?)

(( @the-silver-stranger @d3r-the-golden-spartan ))

…

…

…

[he waits. too long. longer than necessary.]

…

…

[but as expected,]

[he eventually pulls.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s ears twitch. Home!! They’re home!!*

*Excitement and love and comfort and- oh things hurt. But that’s okay! They’re home!! Both of them!!*

*She lets go of Der, near immediately, looking for The King. Her mom. She still has a grip on the box.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

First the hug (warm soft safe hatchling in arms yes protect protect protect) and then they were, shifting, and he thought he would die because he didn't have that bit of soul--

Derek thought he was going to die.

But here he is. Alive. In his Mate's Carcosa (Mate's Home Mate's Nest Mate Mate Mate--). With their Hatchling. And a prize for his mate, proof of his efforts.

His knees almost buckle from the sheer relief of it all. Not because he was scared, no, but because it meant the ordeal was over. Hatchling returned to the nest, safe. A little (lot) damaged, but recoverable.

Only now do the dregs of adrenaline start to leave his system.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

ria.

[instantly, hands seize her, poking and prodding angrily at her wounds with various methods of attempting to repair her.]

you idiot child.

[another hand reaches out and grasps derek by the throat, not choking but not exactly a comfortable grip either.]

give that to me.

[the box is snatched from her hands and dragged into darkness.]

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, before simply… melting into the hands. Love and affection and warmth and safety and love love love love. She winces at the touches and movements, pain shooting through her even with the painkillers. It’s… mostly the same injuries as before, just with the addition of her broken wings.*

*Her wings can be set, bones being pushed back in to ripped skin, being put back into placed, but it looks like they won’t be healing fully until she gets more blood in her; the drawback to the speed of which she heals. It needs some sort of fuel.*

*Ria flinches at being called an idiot. It’s deserved, though. From anyone looking in… no; even someone with access to her mind would think what she did was idiotic.* “I’m sorry, mom. But look, it’s okay!”

*She lets go of the box with no fight. The horns and soul were going to be given to it, anyways.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Derek doesn't complain about the grab. It makes his instincts croon - obviously, the Hatchling is the most important person in the room.

He doesn't lean into the touch, not because he doesn't want to, but because he is far too focused on watching Ria, ensuring she'll heal okay. He does, however, more the arm not holding the decapitated head of their foe to place a hand upon the limb holding his neck. Not pushing away, just. There. Acceptance without words. He rubs gentle circles to the skin with his thumb.

He... Had given her a bottle of blood, but it must have been left behind. He had only prepared enough for one, he did not have a spare.

His side twinged; most likely a bruise of some kind making itself known.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

okay?

you think this

okay?

[ria is slammed backward into the ground. hard.]

pathetic child. disgusting.

i should kill you here.

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria winces, vision going black for a moment. There’s a sharp snapping noise. Ow. Ow ow ow ow ow ow owowowow. It hurts. It hurts. She’s pretty sure the bones in her wings broke a little more, but… luckily, the position wasn’t As Bad.*

“I- sorry. Sorry. Sorry.”

*She makes no objections to being killed. It’s what she deserves, after all.*

*If it’ll make him happy, then she’d be happy to.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

The Hatchling getting harmed is what makes him snap.

He growls, low and deep, and it echoes in the space. Gently, he pulls himself from his Mate's grip; not totally removed from being grabbed again, but enough that he's out.

To his hatchling, he pushes love and affection and apologies. Had he known this would happen, he would have taken her place to be the one harmed.

To his mate, he sends concern. Worry. This was not the mate he thought he would return to. He had been warned what felt like ages ago, now, but seeing it was different.

"Mate mine. Do not kill our Hatchling."

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

[more hands snap towards him, restraining him and pulling him up into the air. away from the hatchling.]

o u r ?

there is nothing in this universe

that is o u r s .

there is mine.

there is yours.

this?

[a hand grabs ria’s face, squishing her cheeks.]

this is mine. i do with it as i please.

at least it knows how to apologize.

isn’t that right, ria? my little diamond? you’ve always been so good at remembering your place.

[the-silver-stranger]

*Guilt. ‘It’…*

*Yeah. Okay. Sh- Ria can be an it. That’s okay. It’s okay.*

*It’s okay. It loves him; this is hardly the worst that’s happened to it, anyways.*

*This is just what love is. How silly of it to forget that.*

*Good. It’s good. It’s good.*

*It smiles at Derek. The feelings sent in return are… softer. Reassurance.*

“Yeah! It’s okay. I don’t mind.” *Its voice is soft; slightly dazed. But that’s okay!*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Oh.

He is familiar with this dynamic.

Had not felt it in years, had hoped it left behind.

It seems the Fallen was right about him, after all.

How pathetic.

Learn the rules, speak when spoken to, do not take up space. He loathed them, but could play the game.

He refuses to stop sending Love towards Ria, even when she tries to reassure him that she's fine. Nothing is fine. But, if he can keep his Mate's ire away from her, it would be fine. It would have to be.

He would have to pretend his heart didn't shatter with the declaration. That the foundation he had been slowly building, the future he had been looking towards, was for not. There was no future here.

He should have known better.

But all of that is a later problem. For now, he just goes lax in the grip his mate has on him. He knows how to play.

For now, he keeps his mouth shut.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

how utterly horrid you two are.

how disgusting, wretched, detestable.

i make myself sick with the sight.

[both are quickly let go of, all hands retracting back into yellow safety.]

my little

ria. i have prepared you a room.

are you excited to see it?

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria is, luckily, already on the ground. It remains there for a few moments, processing. Keeping itself in check.*

“…I’m sorry. I don’t want to make you feel bad, dad. I love you.”

*Ria stumbles up, hissing in pain. Something new definitely broke.*

*But that’s okay.*

*Its eyes light up at the mention of a new room. It hopes it’s close to his — it doesn’t want to be far from it.*

“Yes, please, mom!”

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

He lands wrong when he's dropped, but it's fine. The only external indicator is a small hiss of pain, but that's it. That is all.

He keeps his face carefully blank. He will keep sending love to Ria, she deserved every drop of it he had, even when he felt her side of the bond slide closed. Nothing from her, but that was... Manageable.

He finds that whatever bruised his side aches, burned. Maybe he'd cracked a rib. He didn't know.

He's... Tired.

Really, really tired.

He misses his mate, even though said mate is right in front of him.

Keeping his mouth shut is what he is best at.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

good. good girl, ria.

stay here.

[the king’s presence melts away.]

[all that is left is a man, standing where the king once did, with horrified yellow eyes.]

“Oh god. Fuck- fuck.”

[he rushes forward, unsure who to reach for first. he eventually settles on ria, scooping her quickly up into his arms and dropping to his knees neck to derek.]

“Hi. Hi, I’m so sorry, hi.”

[he keeps his voice low and soft. he situates ria gently on his lap, inspecting her injuries carefully.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods. It’ll stay. It’ll be good.*

*It loves him, after all.*

*Ria hesitates at the feelings being sent to it. It opens its side of the bond a little bit; Pain, reassurance, pain, love, pain, gratitude, pain. It’s closed off after; it doesn’t want to give Derek too much pain. It doesn’t want to hurt him.*

*Ria closes its eyes, letting itself be scooped up. It knows exactly who this is, near immediately. It nuzzles into him, purring quietly.*

*It’s okay. It forgives him.*

“Hi. It’s okay. I love you.”

*The injuries are… a little worse than previous. Some of her wings were bent out of place after being thrown, again. There’s a bump on the back of her head, and her back will likely be bruised once it starts to heal.*

“…Mom, I smell blood. I think it’s Derek’s.”

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

The swap is baffling. He's never seen anything like this before. But... He supposes, if the King is infinite, it serves to reason that He might choose to split of the parts that care. And if He cared, he'd leave that part for Ria. For their - no, not theirs, not ours. His Hatchling.

Ria opening her end of the bond a little is a breath of fresh air. He sends more love for her, love and acceptance and as much calm as he can manage before her side slides shut again. He understands - she's hurting. He can, maybe, resolve some of that.

His heart aches, but this time he braves some stumbling steps towards his mate the king and Ria, leaving the head on the floor where he'd dropped it upon landing. Relieved that his mate the king is not harming her further. Cares for her safety. He is able to piece that through the bond, but it grows stronger the closer he is with this offshoot of his mate the king.

The... Deferring to him, the exposed neck, it makes his skin crawl. He would not harm his mate for being protective. The protection was never the problem.

He cannot help but love his mate, even the parts that scared him.

He gets to them with his slow limping walk, gentle hand placed on his mate's shoulder, fingertips gently brushing the exposed neck (a promise for a discussion later, their the Hatchling is more important), and looks as his mate looks his child over.

"You called her an it, a thing." He murmurs softly. Not enough to distract from the wound check, no, but enough to be heard. Fix it, he did not say. It did not need to be said.

He opened his mouth to say more--

When Ria speaks.

"... I am?" He takes stock of himself - sure, he has sole scrapes, but he would have noticed--

Ah.

Shit.

A stalagmite, broken during the fight, had gotten him in the side opposite his mate, buried... An inch or two, maybe. Hard to say.

It must have bled when he'd been dropped.

He's almost certain the surprise-shock-pain slipped through both bonds before he closed those emotions in their boxes.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

“…she’s beautiful.”

[he murmurs, pressing a gentle hand against ria’s cheek.]

“…I can’t… I can’t do much like this. Um, there might be-… fuck, I don’t know, I’m not supposed to be… anything, really.”

[he reaches a hand out to derek.]

“Let me see?”

[it’s a question this time.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria simply presses her face into to hand.*

“…I’m not angry at the main-you, mom. It’s okay. I know it was my fault. I’m sorry I scared you.”

*She means it; whatever bond she shares with the King, now, can tell that much. That, or the lack of veiled thoughts. Either way.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

"..." Does he trust this fragment of his mate?

Had he been asked before... Everything, it would be a resounding yes. Without question. And yet, that foundation was shattered. Not by his own harm, but because Ria had been harmed on purpose. Did he trust someone like that?

Yet, the baring of his mate's neck, even if all but a fragment of his mate, was enough to trust.

"Mate mine," he sighs quietly. "Do not physically harm ou--your hatchling ever again, and we will be fine." The need to defer Ria as not his Hatchling, not their Hatchling, hurts. Burns. But, she was his mate's first. This was a boundary he would not cross again, unless his mate allowed for it.

The hand on his mate's shoulder slid to the offered hand, holding it like a lifeline. He shuffled, turning enough for both Ria and his Mate to look at the damage.

Of stone punched through both armor and wing, hidden only by torn and tattered cape.

"Ria, Hatchling, your father and I were making a plan to retrieve my soul shard. We are... Less than pleased because you rushed in, and because you were harmed." It is easier to focus on what Ria says than the pain from the rock lodged in his side, so that is what he chooses to focus on.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

“Ria, nothing was your fault. You were amazing and strong and fantastic.”

“I need you to be angry with me. Okay? Can you try, Ri?”

[he nods at derek’s request.]

“I won’t hurt our hatchling again. At all. I promise.”

[he shifts ria gently in his lap to more easily reach the wound. he touches the rock, glancing up at derek for his reaction.]

“…Ri, eyes closed. Three, two, one.”

[he pulls it out, quickly pressing cotton bandages against the wound that absorb the blood.]

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

“…But I’m not supposed to be angry. That’ll make you upset. I don’t want to do that…”

“And I love you too much to be angry.”

*…Ria closes its eyes. It decides not to mention that it knows what’s happening, anyways. That it can smell the blood, hear each movement. Such hearing can be a curse, sometimes.*

*Its hands move to cover its ears at the noise. A small blanket, to cover the noise of rock ripped from flesh.*

*It waits a while before answering Derek.* “…You didn’t see, did you? What was in the box. Or what I grabbed and put in it, after.”

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Derek already knows Ria won't get mad at her father. She just loves him too much. He could admit he felt similarly.

As for his mate...

"I will hold all of you to that, should you mean it, mate mine. Do not make promises you... cannot or will not keep." He is giving his mate an out, should it be needed. It would be binding, otherwise, and he will not do that. Not without the knowledge. That Ria was referred to as their Hatchling soothed something inside, but it wasn't confirmation. He would place no weight upon such a fragile thing, not yet.

When the stone is tapped, he winces; it hurt, but he can't really tell how deep the wound is. Just that it's touching things it really, really shouldn't be. And when the rock is removed, he tries to make no sound and succeeds in nothing but a whimper.

He leans into the bandaging, hoping his body weight will help stop the blood flow. He doesn't look at the rock, he doesn't want to know how deep it went.

"The box, Hatchling? No, I didn't get to see anything inside of it. It felt... Important, but I had assumed that it was because it was held by you... I take it it's important?"

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

“…yeah, it probably would. But still, I want you to know I shouldn’t treat you like this.”

“I wouldn’t expect less from you.”

[he smiles weakly.]

“I mean it, Derek. I won’t hurt her. Physically, at least.”

[he quickly tosses the stone aside once it’s out, and with some concentration, the bandages whip around his torso to completely and effectively cover the wound.]

[then he turns his attention to ria, once again looking over the damage to her wings and trying to set things right.]

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

“Yeah. It had your horns in them.” *Ria pauses.* “And the thing I grabbed was your soul, I think. It’s in the box. I found where it was super early on, I just couldn’t get there.”

*It tilts its head.* “Why not? That’s just… how love is. It’s okay. I won’t even tell people! And-and I know better than to flinch. So it’s okay. You don’t have to worry! I know how it works.”

“You don’t even have to love me as a person… it’s okay… I don’t care what I am, or how you treat me, as long as you love me…”

*Ria shifts. It can feel the attention on it. Its claws dig into its ear. It doesn’t know how to turn them back. It’s forgotten that it cares.*

*Its wings are… in better shape than when it arrived. Being thrown did knock some bones loose one again, a few extra pieces of bone shifting out.*

“…Mom? Can I open my eyes?”

*Ria’s nose is twitching. It can smell the blood on the cotton swabs. It wants to reach out and grab them; it would probably help with the healing, too…*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

The bandages covering the wound do an okay job. It's a stab wound, after all, but it gets the job done.

He takes the knowledge that his mate promised to never harm Ria physically again, and feels it toss and turn in the bond. It was his line in the sand - he wondered if the bond would make it binding. Perhaps it would, perhaps not.

He is, with great difficulty, pretending Ria isn't defending his mate harming her. For his own mental health. Which is, admittedly, easier with the knowledge that the box held fragments of his horns and possibly the bit of his soul.

Wait.

Did that mean he wasn't going to die soon? That he actually had time to try and work with his mate to repair the damage? His legs went to jelly at the thought, and he leans heavily on his mate with the full weight of the realization.

"Ria," he sighs quietly. "... Your plan worked, but I wish you had talked with your father about it before running off, assuming that it was my soul you grabbed. I think... we all need therapy."

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

“Ri… okay. Okay, girl. You are… you’re amazing. No matter what I say to you, I want you to know that, okay?”

“Yeah, baby. You can open your eyes now.”

[he sighs, pressing a soft kiss to her hair.]

“I’m assuming you don’t keep blood on hand, Derek?”

[he holds derek steady with a free hand.]

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

“…It’s okay. You don’t have to reassure me, mom…”

*Ria nods, opening its eyes. It presses its head into the kiss, wings flapping. This action is regretted, near immediately.* “…ow.”

*It glances at Derek.* “It was! And I… don’t know how I would’ve been able to do that. I dunno if I would’ve been able to get back to your world, if I stopped to tell dad. Also, you both woulda tried to stop me, even if you knew what I was planning.”

“Plus… it wasn’t all that hard, tricking the other version of mom. Even towards the end, I think it thought I was gonna attack you instead of it.” *Ria pauses, glancing away for a moment. Towards the, presumably discarded, cotton balls.* “Even though the other thing tripped it, and it was only us there. And it couldn’t have been you two, since it was different than the stuff you were using, and it was used against it.”

“…I think it was lonely. I feel a little bad…”

*It reaches out for the cotton balls — towards the bloodiest one — and quickly grabs it, shoving it in its mouth.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Derek nods along with a bit of a frown, listening to her laying out her train of thought. She wasn't wrong, was the thing; had she said anything about it, the both of them would have tried to stop her. And, while he didn't like her comment about the Fallen, he supposed she was just... The kindest one of them all. That final thought, he sends through the bond to her in feelings.

"I had a vial I'd prepared on the way to the fight... Unfortunately, I think it got left behind. I have a spare vial, if we have time to make more--" And the rest of the thought is cut off as Ria stuffs the cotton ball into her face like a chipmunk.

"Ria, sweetheart, I can prepare a vial for you in a minute, please spit that out." He goes to massage his temples, only to smack his fingers into something he's not expecting to feel. It doesn't tink like metal on metal, so...

"... Have I had this crown the entire time?" How he hadn't noticed... Could likely be attributed to the adrenaline, fighting, and saving Ria.

No, wait. Get Ria vial of blood. He fishes his gauntlets and vambraces off, digs a vial from his inventory, and nicks his arm with one of his claws next to a pre-bandaged thing to fill it. Does it like it's nothing, in a matter of seconds; it takes all but a moment to fill the vial.

"Here - this, for the cotton ball?" He adjusts the old bandage, covering the new wound with practiced ease. Like it's nothing.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

[he snatches the vial from derek, scowling angrily.]

“Now, I know I’m no saint, but what the hell is wrong with you? You just got stabbed by a giant rock!! If anything, I should be the donor here, this body is just a throwaway anyway!”

[he holds the vial in front of ria, petting her hair gently.]

“He’s right, though, sweetie, please spit out the cotton ball. That’s not good for you.”

[the-silver-stranger]

*…The rings in one of Ria’s eyes turn blue. The other remains gold. There’s… a vague sense of Panic coming through the bond, though not from Ria herself.*

*Ria spits the cotton ball (now clean, if a bit soggy) out. It takes the vial, eyes locked on the king. It looks… nervous, almost? And yet, confused. Ria doesn’t know what’s happening — not fully.*

“…You donating your blood to us would be a bad idea, Dear King. Especially if your ‘throwaway’ doesn’t have mortal blood.”

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

"I was already bleeding, mate mine, it's fine. Besides, I didn't lose enough to have any lingering health issues." He rolls his eyes at his mate - he knew where his blood loss limit was, he was fine. Except he's a touch wobbly on his feet already, and perhaps his mate had a point. But Hatchling comes first, always.

Derek feels the panic through the bond (both, technically, he had noticed the faint off-shoot, it was a distinct bond to him but to someone else it might not be), pinpoints that it must come from that which colors Ria's eyes blue, and decides then and there that he has two Hatchlings. He knew he had two, but he's seeing her (her? Them? He doesn't know) properly for the first time. He sends fierce love and support and protect protect protect down both of his Hatchling Bonds, supporting both his Hatchlings. He loves them both so much.

He slides to the ground, carefully using his mate to support his way down and ignoring that his mate was definitely correct on the blood loss issue, but it would be fine and, leaning into his mate's side (careful not to thwack his mate with the surprise crown), places a gentle hand in Ria's (was it Ria's right now?) shoulder.

"Hatchling, it's okay. Deep breaths for me, please. I don't... Understand why your father's blood is unusable for you, but if you need more of mine, you can have it. Would you be willing to explain that for us? So that we can have something on hand when you need it, in the future?"

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

“Derek, stuff it.”

[he snaps angrily at him, despite gently supporting him all the way to the ground.]

“You’ve lost too much blood and you will not be giving anymore. I swear, you’re the dumbest man alive, you reckless imbecile.”

[he pauses, regret quickly flashing across his face.]

“I’m sorry. You’re not dumb. Or an imbecile. I didn’t mean that and shouldn’t have said it, I was just really worried. But I did mean the bit about no more blood.”

[he then turns to ria, and speaks with the same soft voice.]

“This is just a shape I inhabit, a fully human shape. The blood is very normal, I promise you.”

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

*’Ria’ side eyes Derek.* “No more blood from you. You require it more than we do; life, versus injury. We know where our coolers are, and those have blood we can consume easily enough. The vial is… appreciated, though.”

*As he says, appreciation rings through the bond shared with Ria; although it has the same source as the panic. It feels almost like an echo of a feeling.*

“Normal for you is not the same as normal for a mortal, Dear King. It could harm us. Badly, if you are incorrect on your blood’s… nature.”

“Ah- Mi? I don’t… know what you’re talking about, either. Doesn’t feeding hurt me, anyways…?”

*Mi pauses. He sighs.* “Fine. I will answer; first, though…” *He glances at their — Ria’s — hands. The claws.* “First, we don’t need these. They’re just hurting us more… the cut they caused will heal fully when we get more blood, don’t worry.”

*In a moment, the claws are… gone. Shifted away.*

“…woah…”

“Please don’t try to bring them back, I can teach you that later, once we’re healed…”

“…you could feel that?” ^•n•>?

“Firstly, Derek; we do not breathe. Secondly, the Dear King is Ria’s father, not mine. Not in anything beyond a shared affection. And third… alright. I can, in a… simplified way. I don’t fully understand myself, this is just… information I have formed naturally, upon our turning.”

“Our blood is… I’m unsure if it’s the same as normal vampiric blood. It may be, it may not be. Or it may be, but only for certain species. I… don’t have the background to say for certain. However, our body… shifts the blood within it, to match our blood. The same will occur with our blood; it will overtake and change the existing blood, and turn it to ours. This is how our turning works — something gets access to our blood, it is either consumed or put into the bloodstream, or gets into the body some other way, and the process begins.”

“It changes in my body…? How-“

“If we had a sample of our blood, I could show what that means. There should be some on the back of our shirt, from our wings. Even a drop will do. Either way; that is what’s supposed to happen. It’s what happens with mortal blood, at least.”

*Mi pauses, letting it sink in. Once the other two seem ready, he continues.*

“However, not all blood is… equal, so to say. Just as our blood can overtake, it can be overtaken by blood that is stronger — divine blood, for instance, or if the blood has certain properties. Not all blood with special properties will necessarily be ‘stronger’, so it depends on the specific type. And, assuming it is a property our body is not built for… there will be negative effects from it. I’m unsure what the effects would be, in this case, but I don’t wish to risk it.”

“It can go the opposite way, as well, but that requires us to willingly shift our blood type to a ‘weaker’ sort. And it must be blood we’ve consumed; it’s… an effect of my presence, so to say. Most vampires likely can’t do that part. Our body may shift to be able to handle certain properties, but that would take… time. As well as possibly other variables, depending on the specific blood.”

“…If there are no more questions, and no one will be doing anything potentially harmful, I will be retreating into our mind once more. Being out this much has been… odd.”

*Ria’s head is spinning. This is a lot of information it didn’t know. About itself, no less!*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Derek snorts out a laugh at what his Mate says (calling him dumb and reckless); he's not even mad about that. Quite frankly, his mate isn't wrong

"You're fine, ᚺᛖᚱᛏᛊᛟᛜ. I... Appreciate the apology. You're not wrong, though." And then his newest Hatchling is speaking, and he's paying rapt attention while resting his head on his mate's shoulder. Is he, perchance, ignoring his new Hatchling scolding him for offering more blood? Maybe so. Only his mate would know for sure. (He absolutely is. He would do it again.)

He's taking mental notes - the differences between Mi and Ria, the knowledge about the blood, everything that sounds even remotely important - all while nodding along.

"My blood won't harm you, then?" He knows his mate's won't work, but given that he's not human either, he wants to be certain. "Also, would it be worth considering making something for you two to bring blood with you, then? Something that keeps an emergency stash cool and ready to use?"

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

[the offshoot presses a small kiss to the top of derek’s head, but doesn’t seem to be paying much attention to mi.]

“I’m not wrong, but I fear I still hold too close to the original in temperament.”

[he then addresses mi with a noticeable drop in softness or care. it’s not cruel, but not kind either.]

“I am not incorrect. The blood is exactly the same as any random person off the street. It is entirely mortal and perfectly safe for Ria. That was a requirement of my creation, after all.”

[the-silver-stranger]

*He pauses, before smiling. Mi likes this one. Separate of Ria’s feelings, at least.* “Correct, it shouldn’t. It will likely taste different, due to your species, but it should be fine. And… yes, that would be pleasant. Thank you.”

*Mi… doesn’t seem to care much on the King’s tone.*

“We see. Just; please, start off small? I doubt either of us wish for her death. Call me paranoid, but… it is what’s allowed us to survive so long, Dear King.”

“…I can still hear you…” ^•w•^”

“Mhm. Now; I will take that as no more questions. Farewell, you two.”

*The blue fades away, leaving just the golden rings in both eyes. Ria looks… confused. She keeps glancing at her hands, at where her claws were.*

“…That was weird.”

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

To his mate, Der simply raises an eyebrow again. He was a dragon; possessiveness and anger were par for the course. That was never the problem. It was the actions chosen to release those feelings. Though, he supposed, if that was what was meant, then perhaps he could give the point to this offshoot of his mate. Maybe... Half a point. As a treat.

That Mi didn't view his mate as her (their? He wasn't sure; he would have to ask later) father was the only reason he tolerated the change in tone. That was his Hatchling, thank you very much.

"Farewell, Mi. Rest well." Derek murmurs. He was glad to meet his other Hatchling, if only briefly. She seemed rather level headed; he was already incredibly fond of her.

"I suppose it was weird. Does Mi talk to you often? No, sorry, I'm distracted; please, drink the vial before answering that." He is distracted, yes, but also, the adrenaline has finally worn off. He could sleep for a year, not literally, but it certainly felt like it.

Though that could also be blood loss.

He leans more into his mate; had his ᚺᛖᚱᛏᛊᛟᛜ always been this warm, or was he getting clammy? Or, again, just the adrenaline crash? Regardless. He had mate, he had Hatchlings, all was well. Properly, this time.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

“Yeah, I bet it was, Ri.”

[he smiles, patting her head again. it seems he can’t go very long without affectionately touching her in one way or another.]

“Derek, do you need sleep? I think I’m returning here soon, and you’ll…”

[he—it— pauses, staring off into the distance with wide eyes as though witnessing a murder. then he blinks, and smiles even more sickeningly sweetly.]

“You’ll be able to rest properly, both of you.”

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, drinking the vial in one gulp. The cut on its ear fully heals, its wings mending… a bit. Only small bits of skin on them are fixed. The healed portions are sizzling, ever so slightly. It’s… not clear if Ria’s feeling anything or not.*

“Yeah! Mi talks to me, sometimes. I only learned his name recently, though! And he only started talking once I got here, for some reason. But he’s said some stuff that makes it seem like he’s been here a super long time!”

*Ria bumps its head into the King’s hand, much like a cat would. It’s gone back to purring.*

*It tilts its head at the change in tone, but decides not to say anything — its mom is its mom, no matter if it’s the base or an offshoot.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

He listens to Ria talk about Mi, smiling warmly down at her. He loves her so much.

"Does Mi use he him all the time? Or just sometimes?" He wants to learn more about his Hatchlings, and since Mi is resting that's up to Ria.

He clocks the change, watches the expression shift, and sends concern through the bond with his mate. Is his mate okay?

Then, the swap back to being sweet.

... His mate is up to something.

"... Mate mine. Dearest beloved. Song of my heart. I love you dearly, but sleeping right now would be a bad idea. Wound care and all. I appreciate it, though. I've been looking forward to seeing your nest, if you'll have me." He wants to sleep, right there on the floor. That's why he knows he can't.

That, and his side with the hole is... Getting wet again.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

“No, no. Sleeping would be a good idea, since once you’re asleep, I can—“

[it stops. frozen.]

n o w w h e r e d i d t h i s l i t t l e m o r s e l c o m e f r o m ?

[the light dims. as though something blocks it.]

“Ri, baby, I love you so much, you’re amazing and wonderful and I’m so sorry, okay? Okay? I love you. You’re my lovely daughter, the best child ever, and I am so, so, so sorry.”

[it speaks frantically, pressing ria as close to itself as possible, shoulders trembling. it reaches out, fumbling for derek, before pressing a kiss to his forehead.]

“You too. You too, Derek, I love you too, you’re so sweet, so kind, and I’m—”

noisy. is that what you’re for?

t o a n n o y m e ?

come here, you ant.

[the-silver-stranger]

“Mi uses- uhm- I don’t really know. What everyone else uses, I think.”

*Ria tilts its head. It doesn’t seem overly surprised by the King showing up again. Its ears twitch at the dimmed light, head swirling around to see the Main Body. Its attention is quickly brought back to the Offshoot, though.*

“Hi, m-!”

*It squeaks. Ow. Being squished hurts. That’s okay. It nudges into the Offshoot.* “It’s okay, mom. I love you, too.”

*Shaking. He’s shaking. Ria presses into him, purring quietly. Trying to make it better.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

... Huh. Mi uses.... Everything, he guessed.

And then the offshoot of his mate froze solid, the lights dimmed, and he knew the whole of his mate had returned.

He was conflicted. The offshoot of his mate proclaimed love and affection and apologies, scooping himself and the Hatchling close for comfort, yet the whole of his mate seemed... Annoyed? By the display of affection. No, that wasn't quite right...

Oh.

Oh, his mate is so silly. Getting jealous over a portion of yourself that you split off for this exact purpose. Through their bond, he sends a wave of love and affection, targeted specifically for the main body of his mate. The offshoot was lovely and wonderful, and yet he loved all of his mate. Not just the bits that loved him the loudest.

"Hello, starlight." He murmurs, looking up at his mate's main body through the shadow He cast. He can't quite make out the full shape, but it's enough for his heart to soar. Has he mentioned that he loves his mate?

He does notice the offshoot trembling, which is alarming to him. Is this not just his mate, in a different form? He finds he also starts to purr to try and soothe, a quiet thing that seems to fill the spaces his mate's presence has left gaps for. Was it lingering feelings his mate was feeling, or was it just the off-shoot feeling this way?

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

let go of them now, if you please.

“Please don’t. I know I’ll just-“

l e t g o o f t h e m n o w .

“—ruin everything again because I’m too scared to do anything else—“

i would have made this painless out of courtesy for your existence.

“—it’s not too late, it’s not too late and I know it, all I want is entertainment, isn’t it?! And this is so—“

if you quiet down, they won’t have to watch me eat you.

much better. now stand apart.

“Ri..”

stand apart now. you’ll just be whole again.

[the offshoot carefully separates itself from the two people it can love. the two people who are loved. it distances itself from being anything at all.]

splat.

[the distinct sound of bones being crushed and blood hitting red against golden tile is loud. but the sight is hidden by the falling of that golden robe and ria especially is distracted by gentle hands tending her and petting her and holding her.]

[derek’s head is turned roughly to see the small splotches of blood remaining on the ground once all else is swept away.]

[the king is calmer, it seems.]

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes dart between the two as they talk. It hugs the offshoot one last time, nibbling on its clothes (affectionate, probably, an instinct to Clean Family from its more bat-like feelings).*

“…I love you, too. It’ll be okay. I know.”

“I’ll love you no matter what, mom.”

*Ria lets itself be separated, without much fight. It’s for the best, isn’t it?*

*It turns its attention away from the sound. It knows. It can hear and smell the blood and the squish.*

*It is simply ignoring them. It’s much easier.*

*Ria buries itself in the affectionate hands, nuzzling and pressing into them. It closes its eyes.*

*It tries to forget.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

When his mate and the offshoot.... Debated the continued existence of the off-shoot, Der shuffled to lean into the off-shoot once more. Comfort for the off-shoot, for himself at the discussion, he wasn't sure.

When the off-shoot climbed to standing, he took the moment to scoop Ria into his own lap, already pressing her ear to his chest and purring as loudly as he could. His attempt to drown out whatever was about to happen for her.

Oh.

Oh, fuck.

Mark him down as alarmed and impressed.

He knew his mate had a violent streak, but this? This was a touch much, given Ria's presence. And yet, in the parts of him that wanted that, needed that proof of protection, something instincts-deep soothed. Mate Commits Violence To Protect Hatchling And Self, Mate Good Mate. Perfect Mate.

Besides, he had no room to talk. He'd blood eagled an enemy in front of Ria to protect her, and he'd do it again.

He lets his mate move his head to see the resulting smear on the floor, and the only response his heart seems to have is Oh Wow, Mate Protects So Well with something resembling a swoon of all things. Thee hand that had been subtly holding his side went to grab the limb that moved his head to just, hold it in his own. He needs that extra scrap of grounding or his instincts might just make him float away.

"Welcome back, my Starlight." He says, once he's cleared his head of the duelling thought processes.

(( @ask-the-king-in-yellow

[ask-the-king-in-yellow]

that scared you, didn’t it, ria? oh, poor child.

[where did the body go?]

you still don’t know a single thing, do you, girl?

[the bones? muscles?]

i do so enjoy the brutality of your personhood, derek.

[the hands that were soft?]

i find it intriguing. bendable.

[not even the blood remains.]

i have surprises for each of you.

@the-silver-stranger

[the-silver-stranger]

*The smell of blood… doesn’t disappear. Of course it doesn’t; Derek is still bleeding.*

*The soft hands are right here; they’re its dad’s. They always were. Perhaps the other ones were only a part of his hands, but they were always its.*

*It shakes its head. Forget forget forget; it’s easier. Easier to forget. To love. It smiles at him.* “You don’t scare me, mom! It’s okay. I love you lots.”

*Of course it doesn’t know anything — it’s not supposed to.*

*It’s even forgotten what it’s supposed to be scared of.*

“You do? What is it?” *Ria’s looking up at the king with those Big Eyes of its.*

@d3r-the-golden-spartan

[comfort-bungon]

*Ria’s hopped its way into the garden; it looks like it’s taken fairly well to the tail, at least.*

*It’s here for lettuce for Nori; or, if that’s not possible, dandelions for her. It doesn’t seem aware of the bungon waiting for it.*

—💎🌹

[it sniffs. And then pauses. Quietly trailing up behind her and bumping its head on her legs.]

[it chitters. It looks like a normal bunny- oddly dark and lightless, with the occasional white speck that seems to float within it- but normal. Minus the white horns on its head]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes light up.*

“Bunny!! I didn’t know there were bunnies other than Nori here… hi!!”

*It kneels down, using its mouse tail to balance the movement more than its wings. They still hurt.*

“You’re so cute…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it creeps closer, sniffing her. It then sits. Looking as nice and polite and cute as possible.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“…Is it okay if I pet you? Do you have a name?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pushes its head against her again, purring softly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, scritching behind its ears.*

“Maybe…” *It looks at the bungon’s coat, thinking.* “…Sable? Does that work?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it tilts its head and blinks. It seemed pleased. It chitters and purrs.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Carefully, Ria sits down. She shifts, offering Sable a spot on her lap.*

“Okay!! Sable it is, then! It’s nice to meet you; I’m Ria!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops on with very little struggle. It weighs nothing. It spins and turns and then plops down. It is content, chittering quietly]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, carefully petting it.* “You’re so light!! And so soft, too!!”

“Good bunny, Sable…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it chirps and leans into her hand, rumbling a purr.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, tail wiggling behind it. She starts to purr back, slow-blinking at it.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it rises, stretches, and pads off her lap. It stands, and looks back at her. It seems it wants her to follow.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tilts its head. It wobbles up, trying to balance with its wings. It winces, switching to using its tail instead. Much easier.*

“Okay!! Can we grab some lettuce, first? I don’t want to forget…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops further along, looking at her and sniffing the air.]

[it stamps a foot, looking at her expectantly- theres not urgency though. It’s patient to wait]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria flinches back, ears twitching, before nodding.*

“…Okay. Never mind. Sorry. Let’s go?”

*It hops towards it, ready to follow.*

[eclipsen-smiles]

[it tilts its head at her apology. Then hops forwards, leading her to a patch. Its lettuce. Lettuce, kale, strawberries, carrots.. it stops, sits, and looks at her]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh!! Thank you! Do you want any of these? I can get some for you, too…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head. It needs nothing wants nothing.]

[it hops back over to her, crouching, hoping, and landing perfectly on her shoulders. It sniffs her face]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, freezing up. Her pupils go small as her eyes close.*

“I’m sorry please don’t-“

[comfort-bungon]

[it boops her check with its nose. It doesn’t touch her hair. It tilts it head at her, resuming its low rumble. Its oddly calming.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*It takes a moment to sink in. It relaxes, just enough, before opening its eyes.*

“…Sorry. Let’s… let’s start gathering stuff, okay, Sable?”

*Ria’s hand moves up, giving the bungon scritches once more.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it licks her cheek, sniffing her, rumbling contentedly]

[it sits down on her shoulder. It has weight, not heavy but.. almost like the weight of blanket.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, hopping towards the plants. It’s trying to move more carefully, so Sable isn’t knocked off.*

*It stares at the strawberries for a moment, giving them a blank (yearning?) look. It turns away, and starts to harvest the lettuce instead.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it stays quiet, just watching. It sniffs at the lettuce she picks but shows no sign of wanting to actually eat it.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Is it good lettuce? I dunno how to tell…”

*Ria tilts her head, watching Sable.*

“Sable? What do you eat?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops down, padding over to specific patches of lettuce and patting it with a paw.]

[at the question, it looks up at her with a tilt of its head. It almost seems to smile awkwardly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh! Are those Better Lettuce?”

*Ria’s ears twitch. It nods, slowly.*

“Okay, then… I won’t.” *It reaches out to pat Sable.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it bumps its head into her hand and rumbles, then sits down waiting for her to finish picking lettuce- occasionally helping her find the good parts.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Horn scritches! Yippee!*

*Ria collects a decent amount of lettuce.* “Okay!! I think that’s… all I should get. I don’t wanna take too much, and I don’t know how much I’ll see Nori. I don’t want the lettuce getting all gross and wilty before I can give it all to them!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pounces back up to her shoulders, turning and settling down. It shrinks, slightly, to fit nicely within her hair.]

[it blinks at her.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tenses, ever so slightly. It moves its hair, so as to not have it bumping into the bunny.*

“Nice Sable… it’s okay…”

*…It sounds more like it’s trying to convince itself.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it shrinks a tad further, not risking touching her hair. It purrs, licking her cheek again.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, then licks Sable in return. Okay. It… chirps? at it.*

“…Good bunny.”

*Bunnies shrink. This is definitely a normal property of bunnies. Or at least bunnies in Carcosa. Probably. Ria does not know much about bunnies.*

[comfort-bungon]

*Ria’s hopped its way into the garden; it looks like it’s taken fairly well to the tail, at least.*

*It’s here for lettuce for Nori; or, if that’s not possible, dandelions for her. It doesn’t seem aware of the bungon waiting for it.*

—💎🌹

[it sniffs. And then pauses. Quietly trailing up behind her and bumping its head on her legs.]

[it chitters. It looks like a normal bunny- oddly dark and lightless, with the occasional white speck that seems to float within it- but normal. Minus the white horns on its head]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes light up.*

“Bunny!! I didn’t know there were bunnies other than Nori here… hi!!”

*It kneels down, using its mouse tail to balance the movement more than its wings. They still hurt.*

“You’re so cute…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it creeps closer, sniffing her. It then sits. Looking as nice and polite and cute as possible.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“…Is it okay if I pet you? Do you have a name?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pushes its head against her again, purring softly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, scritching behind its ears.*

“Maybe…” *It looks at the bungon’s coat, thinking.* “…Sable? Does that work?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it tilts its head and blinks. It seemed pleased. It chitters and purrs.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Carefully, Ria sits down. She shifts, offering Sable a spot on her lap.*

“Okay!! Sable it is, then! It’s nice to meet you; I’m Ria!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops on with very little struggle. It weighs nothing. It spins and turns and then plops down. It is content, chittering quietly]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, carefully petting it.* “You’re so light!! And so soft, too!!”

“Good bunny, Sable…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it chirps and leans into her hand, rumbling a purr.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, tail wiggling behind it. She starts to purr back, slow-blinking at it.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it rises, stretches, and pads off her lap. It stands, and looks back at her. It seems it wants her to follow.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tilts its head. It wobbles up, trying to balance with its wings. It winces, switching to using its tail instead. Much easier.*

“Okay!! Can we grab some lettuce, first? I don’t want to forget…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops further along, looking at her and sniffing the air.]

[it stamps a foot, looking at her expectantly- theres not urgency though. It’s patient to wait]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria flinches back, ears twitching, before nodding.*

“…Okay. Never mind. Sorry. Let’s go?”

*It hops towards it, ready to follow.*

[eclipsen-smiles]

[it tilts its head at her apology. Then hops forwards, leading her to a patch. Its lettuce. Lettuce, kale, strawberries, carrots.. it stops, sits, and looks at her]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh!! Thank you! Do you want any of these? I can get some for you, too…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head. It needs nothing wants nothing.]

[it hops back over to her, crouching, hoping, and landing perfectly on her shoulders. It sniffs her face]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, freezing up. Her pupils go small as her eyes close.*

“I’m sorry please don’t-“

[comfort-bungon]

[it boops her check with its nose. It doesn’t touch her hair. It tilts it head at her, resuming its low rumble. Its oddly calming.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*It takes a moment to sink in. It relaxes, just enough, before opening its eyes.*

“…Sorry. Let’s… let’s start gathering stuff, okay, Sable?”

*Ria’s hand moves up, giving the bungon scritches once more.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it licks her cheek, sniffing her, rumbling contentedly]

[it sits down on her shoulder. It has weight, not heavy but.. almost like the weight of blanket.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, hopping towards the plants. It’s trying to move more carefully, so Sable isn’t knocked off.*

*It stares at the strawberries for a moment, giving them a blank (yearning?) look. It turns away, and starts to harvest the lettuce instead.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it stays quiet, just watching. It sniffs at the lettuce she picks but shows no sign of wanting to actually eat it.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Is it good lettuce? I dunno how to tell…”

*Ria tilts her head, watching Sable.*

“Sable? What do you eat?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops down, padding over to specific patches of lettuce and patting it with a paw.]

[at the question, it looks up at her with a tilt of its head. It almost seems to smile awkwardly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh! Are those Better Lettuce?”

*Ria’s ears twitch. It nods, slowly.*

“Okay, then… I won’t.” *It reaches out to pat Sable.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it bumps its head into her hand and rumbles, then sits down waiting for her to finish picking lettuce- occasionally helping her find the good parts.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Horn scritches! Yippee!*

*Ria collects a decent amount of lettuce.* “Okay!! I think that’s… all I should get. I don’t wanna take too much, and I don’t know how much I’ll see Nori. I don’t want the lettuce getting all gross and wilty before I can give it all to them!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pounces back up to her shoulders, turning and settling down. It shrinks, slightly, to fit nicely within her hair.]

[it blinks at her.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tenses, ever so slightly. It moves its hair, so as to not have it bumping into the bunny.*

“Nice Sable… it’s okay…”

*…It sounds more like it’s trying to convince itself.*

[the-silver-stranger]

...no

Her skinning makes her fear and pain. And it is quite entertaining. I think ill keep her here for a while, see just how much of her will i can break before she succumbs to the void.

“Oooone dollar, please.”

“She’s lots stronger than you seem to think, purple voice. Momea will be okay. I believe in her.”

“She’s seen lots of things, and that hurt, too. But she didn’t give up there. So she won’t give up here, either. Okay?”

[comfort-bungon]

*Ria’s hopped its way into the garden; it looks like it’s taken fairly well to the tail, at least.*

*It’s here for lettuce for Nori; or, if that’s not possible, dandelions for her. It doesn’t seem aware of the bungon waiting for it.*

—💎🌹

[it sniffs. And then pauses. Quietly trailing up behind her and bumping its head on her legs.]

[it chitters. It looks like a normal bunny- oddly dark and lightless, with the occasional white speck that seems to float within it- but normal. Minus the white horns on its head]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes light up.*

“Bunny!! I didn’t know there were bunnies other than Nori here… hi!!”

*It kneels down, using its mouse tail to balance the movement more than its wings. They still hurt.*

“You’re so cute…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it creeps closer, sniffing her. It then sits. Looking as nice and polite and cute as possible.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“…Is it okay if I pet you? Do you have a name?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pushes its head against her again, purring softly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, scritching behind its ears.*

“Maybe…” *It looks at the bungon’s coat, thinking.* “…Sable? Does that work?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it tilts its head and blinks. It seemed pleased. It chitters and purrs.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Carefully, Ria sits down. She shifts, offering Sable a spot on her lap.*

“Okay!! Sable it is, then! It’s nice to meet you; I’m Ria!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops on with very little struggle. It weighs nothing. It spins and turns and then plops down. It is content, chittering quietly]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, carefully petting it.* “You’re so light!! And so soft, too!!”

“Good bunny, Sable…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it chirps and leans into her hand, rumbling a purr.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, tail wiggling behind it. She starts to purr back, slow-blinking at it.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it rises, stretches, and pads off her lap. It stands, and looks back at her. It seems it wants her to follow.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tilts its head. It wobbles up, trying to balance with its wings. It winces, switching to using its tail instead. Much easier.*

“Okay!! Can we grab some lettuce, first? I don’t want to forget…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops further along, looking at her and sniffing the air.]

[it stamps a foot, looking at her expectantly- theres not urgency though. It’s patient to wait]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria flinches back, ears twitching, before nodding.*

“…Okay. Never mind. Sorry. Let’s go?”

*It hops towards it, ready to follow.*

[eclipsen-smiles]

[it tilts its head at her apology. Then hops forwards, leading her to a patch. Its lettuce. Lettuce, kale, strawberries, carrots.. it stops, sits, and looks at her]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh!! Thank you! Do you want any of these? I can get some for you, too…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head. It needs nothing wants nothing.]

[it hops back over to her, crouching, hoping, and landing perfectly on her shoulders. It sniffs her face]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, freezing up. Her pupils go small as her eyes close.*

“I’m sorry please don’t-“

[comfort-bungon]

[it boops her check with its nose. It doesn’t touch her hair. It tilts it head at her, resuming its low rumble. Its oddly calming.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*It takes a moment to sink in. It relaxes, just enough, before opening its eyes.*

“…Sorry. Let’s… let’s start gathering stuff, okay, Sable?”

*Ria’s hand moves up, giving the bungon scritches once more.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it licks her cheek, sniffing her, rumbling contentedly]

[it sits down on her shoulder. It has weight, not heavy but.. almost like the weight of blanket.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, hopping towards the plants. It’s trying to move more carefully, so Sable isn’t knocked off.*

*It stares at the strawberries for a moment, giving them a blank (yearning?) look. It turns away, and starts to harvest the lettuce instead.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it stays quiet, just watching. It sniffs at the lettuce she picks but shows no sign of wanting to actually eat it.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Is it good lettuce? I dunno how to tell…”

*Ria tilts her head, watching Sable.*

“Sable? What do you eat?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops down, padding over to specific patches of lettuce and patting it with a paw.]

[at the question, it looks up at her with a tilt of its head. It almost seems to smile awkwardly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh! Are those Better Lettuce?”

*Ria’s ears twitch. It nods, slowly.*

“Okay, then… I won’t.” *It reaches out to pat Sable.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it bumps its head into her hand and rumbles, then sits down waiting for her to finish picking lettuce- occasionally helping her find the good parts.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Horn scritches! Yippee!*

*Ria collects a decent amount of lettuce.* “Okay!! I think that’s… all I should get. I don’t wanna take too much, and I don’t know how much I’ll see Nori. I don’t want the lettuce getting all gross and wilty before I can give it all to them!”

[the-silver-stranger]

moea's dead, but that doesn't mean the torment will stop. She will feel every agonizing second of her skin being ripped apart to be claimed by nothing.

“I should start asking ominous purple voices to pay me every time they’re ominous.”

“Please stop hurting Momea…” ^•n•^

[comfort-bungon]

*Ria’s hopped its way into the garden; it looks like it’s taken fairly well to the tail, at least.*

*It’s here for lettuce for Nori; or, if that’s not possible, dandelions for her. It doesn’t seem aware of the bungon waiting for it.*

—💎🌹

[it sniffs. And then pauses. Quietly trailing up behind her and bumping its head on her legs.]

[it chitters. It looks like a normal bunny- oddly dark and lightless, with the occasional white speck that seems to float within it- but normal. Minus the white horns on its head]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria’s eyes light up.*

“Bunny!! I didn’t know there were bunnies other than Nori here… hi!!”

*It kneels down, using its mouse tail to balance the movement more than its wings. They still hurt.*

“You’re so cute…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it creeps closer, sniffing her. It then sits. Looking as nice and polite and cute as possible.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“…Is it okay if I pet you? Do you have a name?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it pushes its head against her again, purring softly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria blinks, scritching behind its ears.*

“Maybe…” *It looks at the bungon’s coat, thinking.* “…Sable? Does that work?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it tilts its head and blinks. It seemed pleased. It chitters and purrs.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Carefully, Ria sits down. She shifts, offering Sable a spot on her lap.*

“Okay!! Sable it is, then! It’s nice to meet you; I’m Ria!”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops on with very little struggle. It weighs nothing. It spins and turns and then plops down. It is content, chittering quietly]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, carefully petting it.* “You’re so light!! And so soft, too!!”

“Good bunny, Sable…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it chirps and leans into her hand, rumbling a purr.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, tail wiggling behind it. She starts to purr back, slow-blinking at it.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it rises, stretches, and pads off her lap. It stands, and looks back at her. It seems it wants her to follow.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria tilts its head. It wobbles up, trying to balance with its wings. It winces, switching to using its tail instead. Much easier.*

“Okay!! Can we grab some lettuce, first? I don’t want to forget…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops further along, looking at her and sniffing the air.]

[it stamps a foot, looking at her expectantly- theres not urgency though. It’s patient to wait]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria flinches back, ears twitching, before nodding.*

“…Okay. Never mind. Sorry. Let’s go?”

*It hops towards it, ready to follow.*

[eclipsen-smiles]

[it tilts its head at her apology. Then hops forwards, leading her to a patch. Its lettuce. Lettuce, kale, strawberries, carrots.. it stops, sits, and looks at her]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh!! Thank you! Do you want any of these? I can get some for you, too…”

[comfort-bungon]

[it shakes its head. It needs nothing wants nothing.]

[it hops back over to her, crouching, hoping, and landing perfectly on her shoulders. It sniffs her face]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria squeaks, freezing up. Her pupils go small as her eyes close.*

“I’m sorry please don’t-“

[comfort-bungon]

[it boops her check with its nose. It doesn’t touch her hair. It tilts it head at her, resuming its low rumble. Its oddly calming.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*It takes a moment to sink in. It relaxes, just enough, before opening its eyes.*

“…Sorry. Let’s… let’s start gathering stuff, okay, Sable?”

*Ria’s hand moves up, giving the bungon scritches once more.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it licks her cheek, sniffing her, rumbling contentedly]

[it sits down on her shoulder. It has weight, not heavy but.. almost like the weight of blanket.]

[the-silver-stranger]

*Ria nods, hopping towards the plants. It’s trying to move more carefully, so Sable isn’t knocked off.*

*It stares at the strawberries for a moment, giving them a blank (yearning?) look. It turns away, and starts to harvest the lettuce instead.*

[comfort-bungon]

[it stays quiet, just watching. It sniffs at the lettuce she picks but shows no sign of wanting to actually eat it.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Is it good lettuce? I dunno how to tell…”

*Ria tilts her head, watching Sable.*

“Sable? What do you eat?”

[comfort-bungon]

[it hops down, padding over to specific patches of lettuce and patting it with a paw.]

[at the question, it looks up at her with a tilt of its head. It almost seems to smile awkwardly.]

[the-silver-stranger]

“Oh! Are those Better Lettuce?”

*Ria’s ears twitch. It nods, slowly.*

“Okay, then… I won’t.” *It reaches out to pat Sable.*