Avery’s Black Wings

[yellow-inked-quill]

Dad doesn’t want me here.

My best chance is to leave.

Ooc:

This is an AU blog of Avery! He’s seen in the picture.

Here’s the jist of it: this Avery is the son of a King in Yellow (who I’m open to interactions as, although I’d prefer it to be primarily Avery). He’s run away, and now, Avery’s trying to recover from the abuse. His Derek is dead.

About the design: it’s just the profile picture, BUT! He has ink-black wings, which are… usually fluffy due to lack of preening. His dad used to do it, but not anymore. That’s actually where the blog’s name comes from! Beyond that, his eyes are a bit more green and have a circle of yellow in them!

About me? All you need to know is that I, the mod, go by she/they.

Discomforts: NSFW, hate

Both will be deleted.

Comforts: Magic anon! Silly asks! Funny asks! Serious asks! Trauma asks! Mess with my boy, and have fun, learn about him.

Tags:

Writing in Green Ink - asks!

A Broken Wing - lore!

Written in Yellow Ink - King in Yellow content!

A Broken Family - anything related to both of them!

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

[?]: Hi?? This would be the second time that person gave me a number I don’t recognize.

[?]: The last person was an Avery, like me. Does that mean you’re an Avery too?

-✒️🪽

Hihi! Up to you if this is a message to Avery or to D3r :3 okay have fun with Quill-

Hello hello!

I'm... An Avery.

Not a very tangible one, but it is what it is.

If you want, I can give you my Derek's number? He's. He can actually do things.

Anyways! How are you doing?

(( @yellow-inked-quill

[yellow-inked-quill]

Not tangible?? Like a ghost? That’s interesting! My dad said I might be able to do that one day, but I don’t know if it’d be the same….

Wait. Your Derek…?

I’m okay for the most part, I think? A little… emotionally off, but everyone says it’s normal, so….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Well, I mean, I am dead. So. Comes with the territory.

And, I mean. Technically correct on your Dad's part, but stay alive as long as possible, yeah?

My Derek's still alive, thankfully, but still. If you want his number, it's yours, though he probably won't believe you if you say you got it from me. That or he'll assume another Avery gave it to you. For someone so smart he sure is dumb sometimes.

Emotionally off? Are you sure you're okay? Um. Did something happen?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh. I’m sorry…. I didn’t mean to try to make light of that.

I’ll be okay! It’s something he does too! Apparently has to do with the…

Omnipresence? Is that the word I’m thinking of? Probably.

I… should’ve known other Dereks exist in the multiverse…. I mean, if other mes exist, why wouldn’t other versions of him exist?

Do you have like a nickname or something I could call you? I have other Averys call me Quill, cause that’s what the voices call me! Maybe your Derek would recognize that?

I sort of ran away from home after my dad killed Derek…? I’ve been feeling off ever since.

It’s all dizzying, and I feel like an idiot for leaving even though he was trying to make me forget my only friend and….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

You're fine, you didn't know. It's cool that you might be able to do it without being dead, though!

A long pause as the rest of the texts come through.

Oh. Oh, wow.

Um.

I'm sorry your Dad killed him, are you doing okay? I'd hug you, but. Can't. Do you have people around you who can do that for you?

Is your Dad a yellow guy? The knowing things yellow guy?

I... Guess I haven't thought about what else to call me, honestly. I never thought I'd connect with anyone, that being able to affect the tablet was a one-off. Um. I guess I could go by Ghost?

[yellow-inked-quill]

My wings hurt, but that’s typical for me.

I don’t really like being around people all that much, to be honest. They usually crowd me unless they’re smaller than me. But I can imagine the hug! I think.

Yeah! That’s my dad! Have all of us ran into him at some point?

Okay, Ghost! I’m glad I can talk to you, at least.

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Your wings hurt? I'm sorry about that. But. Also. You have wings???? That's SO cool! Are you able to fly with them when they're not hurting you?

I mean, I'm dead and thus can sink into the floor to be shorter than you. But, imagine me hugging you real tight!

I think so. Pretty sure we're all... Fated to meet Derek, who is fated to meet yellow guy in every universe.

[yellow-inked-quill]

They do sometimes, but not all the time. I haven’t let them heal enough to take the stitches out, though, so no flying for me yet. I need to preen them, but I don’t like it when things touch my wings.

You don’t have to do that! It’s okay. I don’t mind completely.

*There’s a long pause.*

Is one of us always faded to…

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

STITCHES????? Quill, what happened?

Actually, wait, that was tactless of me. Don't answer that if you don't want to.

I mean. It's not like changing my shape is hard or anything right now. I got a cool ghost whisp thing instead of legs right now so I can be however tall I want to be.

The response to the very hesitant question is... Also, very delayed.

I don't know. I don't think so, though. I think there are universes where all three of us live (us, Der, and yellow). Maybe not in harmony, but peacefully. My Derek would know more, I've only breached containment really recently. But I have hope. Whether yellow is your Dad or not might be subject to change though, he's certainly not my dad.

[yellow-inked-quill]

I sort of… gotthebladeofanetheriteswordstuckinmywing.

I’m fine! I promise! It’s not like I couldn’t fly with it in my wind! I mean, it hurt but I was okay!

Woah, you can do that?? I didn’t know I’d be able to have so many similar to ghosts I could be!

That does seem like something specific to me. Dad usually seems… kinda mean to the other us. I don’t understand why…

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Quill. Quill please tell me you didn't try flying with a whole ass netherite sword in your wing. That's very no bueno. Um. I'm wondering how the sword got there but I also feel like I really don't want to know.

Maybe you're secretly part ghost or something, that would be pretty cool! No death only the upsides of being a ghost.

I mean. Mine called me a vessel so. Maybe yours needed you as a vessel but didn't want to, since you're his kid, and he was mean to other Averys because he couldn't use them for whatever he needs a vessel for? Or maybe I'm overthinking things, I don't know if you'll ever really know. Though mine also hunted Derek for sport, literally, so maybe my yellow guy is the weird one here.

[yellow-inked-quill]

It wasn’t the entire thing!! Just the blade! And it didn’t even hurt or move that much and it wasn’t for that long!

Maybe? I don’t think Dad’s a ghost. But then again, I also don’t really know what he is.

I… don’t know. I don’t like the idea that Dad was considering using me as a vessel…. It doesn’t feel right or okay.

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

[?]: Hi?? This would be the second time that person gave me a number I don’t recognize.

[?]: The last person was an Avery, like me. Does that mean you’re an Avery too?

-✒️🪽

Hihi! Up to you if this is a message to Avery or to D3r :3 okay have fun with Quill-

Hello hello!

I'm... An Avery.

Not a very tangible one, but it is what it is.

If you want, I can give you my Derek's number? He's. He can actually do things.

Anyways! How are you doing?

(( @yellow-inked-quill

[yellow-inked-quill]

Not tangible?? Like a ghost? That’s interesting! My dad said I might be able to do that one day, but I don’t know if it’d be the same….

Wait. Your Derek…?

I’m okay for the most part, I think? A little… emotionally off, but everyone says it’s normal, so….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Well, I mean, I am dead. So. Comes with the territory.

And, I mean. Technically correct on your Dad's part, but stay alive as long as possible, yeah?

My Derek's still alive, thankfully, but still. If you want his number, it's yours, though he probably won't believe you if you say you got it from me. That or he'll assume another Avery gave it to you. For someone so smart he sure is dumb sometimes.

Emotionally off? Are you sure you're okay? Um. Did something happen?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh. I’m sorry…. I didn’t mean to try to make light of that.

I’ll be okay! It’s something he does too! Apparently has to do with the…

Omnipresence? Is that the word I’m thinking of? Probably.

I… should’ve known other Dereks exist in the multiverse…. I mean, if other mes exist, why wouldn’t other versions of him exist?

Do you have like a nickname or something I could call you? I have other Averys call me Quill, cause that’s what the voices call me! Maybe your Derek would recognize that?

I sort of ran away from home after my dad killed Derek…? I’ve been feeling off ever since.

It’s all dizzying, and I feel like an idiot for leaving even though he was trying to make me forget my only friend and….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

You're fine, you didn't know. It's cool that you might be able to do it without being dead, though!

A long pause as the rest of the texts come through.

Oh. Oh, wow.

Um.

I'm sorry your Dad killed him, are you doing okay? I'd hug you, but. Can't. Do you have people around you who can do that for you?

Is your Dad a yellow guy? The knowing things yellow guy?

I... Guess I haven't thought about what else to call me, honestly. I never thought I'd connect with anyone, that being able to affect the tablet was a one-off. Um. I guess I could go by Ghost?

[yellow-inked-quill]

My wings hurt, but that’s typical for me.

I don’t really like being around people all that much, to be honest. They usually crowd me unless they’re smaller than me. But I can imagine the hug! I think.

Yeah! That’s my dad! Have all of us ran into him at some point?

Okay, Ghost! I’m glad I can talk to you, at least.

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Your wings hurt? I'm sorry about that. But. Also. You have wings???? That's SO cool! Are you able to fly with them when they're not hurting you?

I mean, I'm dead and thus can sink into the floor to be shorter than you. But, imagine me hugging you real tight!

I think so. Pretty sure we're all... Fated to meet Derek, who is fated to meet yellow guy in every universe.

[yellow-inked-quill]

They do sometimes, but not all the time. I haven’t let them heal enough to take the stitches out, though, so no flying for me yet. I need to preen them, but I don’t like it when things touch my wings.

You don’t have to do that! It’s okay. I don’t mind completely.

*There’s a long pause.*

Is one of us always faded to…

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

STITCHES????? Quill, what happened?

Actually, wait, that was tactless of me. Don't answer that if you don't want to.

I mean. It's not like changing my shape is hard or anything right now. I got a cool ghost whisp thing instead of legs right now so I can be however tall I want to be.

The response to the very hesitant question is... Also, very delayed.

I don't know. I don't think so, though. I think there are universes where all three of us live (us, Der, and yellow). Maybe not in harmony, but peacefully. My Derek would know more, I've only breached containment really recently. But I have hope. Whether yellow is your Dad or not might be subject to change though, he's certainly not my dad.

[yellow-inked-quill]

I sort of… gotthebladeofanetheriteswordstuckinmywing.

I’m fine! I promise! It’s not like I couldn’t fly with it in my wind! I mean, it hurt but I was okay!

Woah, you can do that?? I didn’t know I’d be able to have so many similar to ghosts I could be!

That does seem like something specific to me. Dad usually seems… kinda mean to the other us. I don’t understand why…

[yellow-inked-quill]

Averyyyyy if you could do anything what would you do? No consequences or nothing, a whole freebie action.

No consequences…? No one mad…?

I think…

I make it so that Derek never found me. Maybe… maybe then he would be alive…. Then he could’ve gone back to his sister and his mom…

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

[?]: Hi?? This would be the second time that person gave me a number I don’t recognize.

[?]: The last person was an Avery, like me. Does that mean you’re an Avery too?

-✒️🪽

Hihi! Up to you if this is a message to Avery or to D3r :3 okay have fun with Quill-

Hello hello!

I'm... An Avery.

Not a very tangible one, but it is what it is.

If you want, I can give you my Derek's number? He's. He can actually do things.

Anyways! How are you doing?

(( @yellow-inked-quill

[yellow-inked-quill]

Not tangible?? Like a ghost? That’s interesting! My dad said I might be able to do that one day, but I don’t know if it’d be the same….

Wait. Your Derek…?

I’m okay for the most part, I think? A little… emotionally off, but everyone says it’s normal, so….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Well, I mean, I am dead. So. Comes with the territory.

And, I mean. Technically correct on your Dad's part, but stay alive as long as possible, yeah?

My Derek's still alive, thankfully, but still. If you want his number, it's yours, though he probably won't believe you if you say you got it from me. That or he'll assume another Avery gave it to you. For someone so smart he sure is dumb sometimes.

Emotionally off? Are you sure you're okay? Um. Did something happen?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh. I’m sorry…. I didn’t mean to try to make light of that.

I’ll be okay! It’s something he does too! Apparently has to do with the…

Omnipresence? Is that the word I’m thinking of? Probably.

I… should’ve known other Dereks exist in the multiverse…. I mean, if other mes exist, why wouldn’t other versions of him exist?

Do you have like a nickname or something I could call you? I have other Averys call me Quill, cause that’s what the voices call me! Maybe your Derek would recognize that?

I sort of ran away from home after my dad killed Derek…? I’ve been feeling off ever since.

It’s all dizzying, and I feel like an idiot for leaving even though he was trying to make me forget my only friend and….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

You're fine, you didn't know. It's cool that you might be able to do it without being dead, though!

A long pause as the rest of the texts come through.

Oh. Oh, wow.

Um.

I'm sorry your Dad killed him, are you doing okay? I'd hug you, but. Can't. Do you have people around you who can do that for you?

Is your Dad a yellow guy? The knowing things yellow guy?

I... Guess I haven't thought about what else to call me, honestly. I never thought I'd connect with anyone, that being able to affect the tablet was a one-off. Um. I guess I could go by Ghost?

[yellow-inked-quill]

My wings hurt, but that’s typical for me.

I don’t really like being around people all that much, to be honest. They usually crowd me unless they’re smaller than me. But I can imagine the hug! I think.

Yeah! That’s my dad! Have all of us ran into him at some point?

Okay, Ghost! I’m glad I can talk to you, at least.

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Your wings hurt? I'm sorry about that. But. Also. You have wings???? That's SO cool! Are you able to fly with them when they're not hurting you?

I mean, I'm dead and thus can sink into the floor to be shorter than you. But, imagine me hugging you real tight!

I think so. Pretty sure we're all... Fated to meet Derek, who is fated to meet yellow guy in every universe.

[yellow-inked-quill]

They do sometimes, but not all the time. I haven’t let them heal enough to take the stitches out, though, so no flying for me yet. I need to preen them, but I don’t like it when things touch my wings.

You don’t have to do that! It’s okay. I don’t mind completely.

*There’s a long pause.*

Is one of us always faded to…

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

[?]: Hi?? This would be the second time that person gave me a number I don’t recognize.

[?]: The last person was an Avery, like me. Does that mean you’re an Avery too?

-✒️🪽

Hihi! Up to you if this is a message to Avery or to D3r :3 okay have fun with Quill-

Hello hello!

I'm... An Avery.

Not a very tangible one, but it is what it is.

If you want, I can give you my Derek's number? He's. He can actually do things.

Anyways! How are you doing?

(( @yellow-inked-quill

[yellow-inked-quill]

Not tangible?? Like a ghost? That’s interesting! My dad said I might be able to do that one day, but I don’t know if it’d be the same….

Wait. Your Derek…?

I’m okay for the most part, I think? A little… emotionally off, but everyone says it’s normal, so….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Well, I mean, I am dead. So. Comes with the territory.

And, I mean. Technically correct on your Dad's part, but stay alive as long as possible, yeah?

My Derek's still alive, thankfully, but still. If you want his number, it's yours, though he probably won't believe you if you say you got it from me. That or he'll assume another Avery gave it to you. For someone so smart he sure is dumb sometimes.

Emotionally off? Are you sure you're okay? Um. Did something happen?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh. I’m sorry…. I didn’t mean to try to make light of that.

I’ll be okay! It’s something he does too! Apparently has to do with the…

Omnipresence? Is that the word I’m thinking of? Probably.

I… should’ve known other Dereks exist in the multiverse…. I mean, if other mes exist, why wouldn’t other versions of him exist?

Do you have like a nickname or something I could call you? I have other Averys call me Quill, cause that’s what the voices call me! Maybe your Derek would recognize that?

I sort of ran away from home after my dad killed Derek…? I’ve been feeling off ever since.

It’s all dizzying, and I feel like an idiot for leaving even though he was trying to make me forget my only friend and….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

You're fine, you didn't know. It's cool that you might be able to do it without being dead, though!

A long pause as the rest of the texts come through.

Oh. Oh, wow.

Um.

I'm sorry your Dad killed him, are you doing okay? I'd hug you, but. Can't. Do you have people around you who can do that for you?

Is your Dad a yellow guy? The knowing things yellow guy?

I... Guess I haven't thought about what else to call me, honestly. I never thought I'd connect with anyone, that being able to affect the tablet was a one-off. Um. I guess I could go by Ghost?

[yellow-inked-quill]

My wings hurt, but that’s typical for me.

I don’t really like being around people all that much, to be honest. They usually crowd me unless they’re smaller than me. But I can imagine the hug! I think.

Yeah! That’s my dad! Have all of us ran into him at some point?

Okay, Ghost! I’m glad I can talk to you, at least.

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

[?]: Hi?? This would be the second time that person gave me a number I don’t recognize.

[?]: The last person was an Avery, like me. Does that mean you’re an Avery too?

-✒️🪽

Hihi! Up to you if this is a message to Avery or to D3r :3 okay have fun with Quill-

Hello hello!

I'm... An Avery.

Not a very tangible one, but it is what it is.

If you want, I can give you my Derek's number? He's. He can actually do things.

Anyways! How are you doing?

(( @yellow-inked-quill

[yellow-inked-quill]

Not tangible?? Like a ghost? That’s interesting! My dad said I might be able to do that one day, but I don’t know if it’d be the same….

Wait. Your Derek…?

I’m okay for the most part, I think? A little… emotionally off, but everyone says it’s normal, so….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

Well, I mean, I am dead. So. Comes with the territory.

And, I mean. Technically correct on your Dad's part, but stay alive as long as possible, yeah?

My Derek's still alive, thankfully, but still. If you want his number, it's yours, though he probably won't believe you if you say you got it from me. That or he'll assume another Avery gave it to you. For someone so smart he sure is dumb sometimes.

Emotionally off? Are you sure you're okay? Um. Did something happen?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh. I’m sorry…. I didn’t mean to try to make light of that.

I’ll be okay! It’s something he does too! Apparently has to do with the…

Omnipresence? Is that the word I’m thinking of? Probably.

I… should’ve known other Dereks exist in the multiverse…. I mean, if other mes exist, why wouldn’t other versions of him exist?

Do you have like a nickname or something I could call you? I have other Averys call me Quill, cause that’s what the voices call me! Maybe your Derek would recognize that?

I sort of ran away from home after my dad killed Derek…? I’ve been feeling off ever since.

It’s all dizzying, and I feel like an idiot for leaving even though he was trying to make me forget my only friend and….

[d3r-the-golden-spartan]

[?]: Hi?? This would be the second time that person gave me a number I don’t recognize.

[?]: The last person was an Avery, like me. Does that mean you’re an Avery too?

-✒️🪽

Hihi! Up to you if this is a message to Avery or to D3r :3 okay have fun with Quill-

Hello hello!

I'm... An Avery.

Not a very tangible one, but it is what it is.

If you want, I can give you my Derek's number? He's. He can actually do things.

Anyways! How are you doing?

(( @yellow-inked-quill

[yellow-inked-quill]

Not tangible?? Like a ghost? That’s interesting! My dad said I might be able to do that one day, but I don’t know if it’d be the same….

Wait. Your Derek…?

I’m okay for the most part, I think? A little… emotionally off, but everyone says it’s normal, so….

[the-jade-monarch]

?: Hello?

?: Someone gave me this number, and said to tell you my name is Avery.

?: Who is this?

-✒️🪽 @yellow-inked-quill

Hihi, this is for current timeline :)

..my name is also avery, but.. for simplicity, you can call me either jade or sky.

who.. who gave you this number?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh! That’s probably why they gave me your number then. Some people were calling me Quill, so… I guess you can call me that?

I… don’t know their name. But they had this green hoodie, and said you knew…

I think they said her name was Lili? She reached out to me too, mentioning some kind of… place for people with our name.

[the-jade-monarch]

oh! lili sent you? alright then!

you know of the king, yes?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Yeah. He’s my dad, actually. That’s… unusual, it seems?

But I ran away.

[the-jade-monarch]

good for you. hes not here anymore, i killed him. i was forced to take over carcosa.

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh.

… I guess that might be me as well, one day….

Is it going well for you, at least?

[the-jade-monarch]

i hope you never have to go through this. it sucks ass. but i have a kickass omniscient boyfriend from another universe so thats awesome.

[yellow-inked-quill]

You don’t have to worry too much if it does happen. I’m… technically the prince of my Carcosa. If I take it over, it’s just… the way it’s supposed to be.

I’m guessing that it wasn’t by your choice or biology, in that case? I know Dad’s power is… usually overwhelming for people. I hope he didn’t hurt you, too…

[the-jade-monarch]

?: Hello?

?: Someone gave me this number, and said to tell you my name is Avery.

?: Who is this?

-✒️🪽 @yellow-inked-quill

Hihi, this is for current timeline :)

..my name is also avery, but.. for simplicity, you can call me either jade or sky.

who.. who gave you this number?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh! That’s probably why they gave me your number then. Some people were calling me Quill, so… I guess you can call me that?

I… don’t know their name. But they had this green hoodie, and said you knew…

I think they said her name was Lili? She reached out to me too, mentioning some kind of… place for people with our name.

[the-jade-monarch]

oh! lili sent you? alright then!

you know of the king, yes?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Yeah. He’s my dad, actually. That’s… unusual, it seems?

But I ran away.

[the-jade-monarch]

good for you. hes not here anymore, i killed him. i was forced to take over carcosa.

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh.

… I guess that might be me as well, one day….

Is it going well for you, at least?

[the-jade-monarch]

?: Hello?

?: Someone gave me this number, and said to tell you my name is Avery.

?: Who is this?

-✒️🪽 @yellow-inked-quill

Hihi, this is for current timeline :)

..my name is also avery, but.. for simplicity, you can call me either jade or sky.

who.. who gave you this number?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh! That’s probably why they gave me your number then. Some people were calling me Quill, so… I guess you can call me that?

I… don’t know their name. But they had this green hoodie, and said you knew…

I think they said her name was Lili? She reached out to me too, mentioning some kind of… place for people with our name.

[the-jade-monarch]

oh! lili sent you? alright then!

you know of the king, yes?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Yeah. He’s my dad, actually. That’s… unusual, it seems?

But I ran away.

[the-jade-monarch]

?: Hello?

?: Someone gave me this number, and said to tell you my name is Avery.

?: Who is this?

-✒️🪽 @yellow-inked-quill

Hihi, this is for current timeline :)

..my name is also avery, but.. for simplicity, you can call me either jade or sky.

who.. who gave you this number?

[yellow-inked-quill]

Oh! That’s probably why they gave me your number then. Some people were calling me Quill, so… I guess you can call me that?

I… don’t know their name. But they had this green hoodie, and said you knew…

I think they said her name was Lili? She reached out to me too, mentioning some kind of… place for people with our name.

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Ria has been Dropped In next to Quill! She’s wearing a Long Yellow Dress. Shoes, however, are not currently being worn. It doesn’t look like she was expecting being sent elsewhere.*

^•w•>?

*She looks around, a little confused. She’s not supposed to be outside of her room and this isn’t Carcosa, is it? And right after she said she wouldn’t leave… it’s a little worrying. But they’re used to being sent to other worlds. It’ll be okay.*

—💎🌹

*Avery jumps, hissing slightly as he jumps away. His eyes are wide as he looks at Ria.*

*Then, he notices her eyes.* Are- are you the one the Voice mentioned...? *He bites his lip, taking a deep breath.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria squeaks in return, wings pulling in. Smaller. Be smaller. Less of a threat. They won’t hurt you if you’re not a threat.*

*She waits for a few moments; keeping herself small. Looking down, so her face is harder to see. Fangs. They never like her fangs. But they hissed. Humans don’t usually hiss, so maybe her fangs are okay? And she isn’t being hurt yet… Ria’s eyes dart up, almost hopefully.*

“The… voice?” *They sound confused, for a moment. Voice… they hear voices, sometimes.* “…Maybe?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*The puff in his wings slowly fades. It's like some cat's tails, really, with how they puff and then go back to normal.*

I think so. I heard them again, and they said yes, so.... *Avery tilts his head, looking at her more closely.*

You're... more bat than I am...? *He does not realize Ria is adopted, yet, partially because he's assuming wings just come with being a child of a King in Yellow.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria figures the puffing down is.. probably a good thing. She shifts in place, wings… well, they’re still folded up small, but it looks less strained and like it probably hurts less.*

*One of their ears twitch.* “I didn’t… hear anything?” ^•n•>?

*She was not aware that this was a comparison that had to be made. He doesn’t seem like he’s a vampire, so why wouldn’t she be More Bat?* “Yeah! I’m a vampire, so that’s why I’m all bat-like!”

*A pause, followed by a smile. Her fangs are visible, but it seems to be a friendly action. It’s almost certainly not threatening, at least.* “I’m Ria, by the way. Who’re you?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery tilts his head.* Maybe they can choose to just talk to me, then? Or- or maybe it has something to do with my dad? I don't know. *He slowly folds his wings to be more comfortable, them almost acting as a cape instead of a barrier.*

*He tilts his head.* A vampire? *His eyes shine slightly.* So- so do you need blood? How do you get it? Does your dad create it for you, like my dad got me insects and worms? Are you allergic to garlic? Are-

*He abruptly stops, face going red.* Oh, uhm... sorry.... I'm Avery! Or uhm... some of the voices were calling me Quill! *His smile is barely visible. It's been a long time since he smiled.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria thinks for a moment. Or it looks like she’s thinking, at least.* “I dunno. Maybe? The voices are a little weird, sometimes. They can make things show up. I don’t think that happens normally, but I dunno what else they can do…”

“Yeah! I’m a vampire.” *Ria squeaks a few times. Very bat-like. Very beautiful, very powerful /ref* “I gotta have blood, but I’m usually hungry anyways. I just need it to do stuff like heal and keep control of my mind! I black out sometimes if I go too long without feeding, but that takes a super long time. I can eat bugs, too! I like moths. I also like worms, but not to eat. I have pet worms.” *Ria pauses. How does she get all of it?* “I… got some a while ago, but then mama had some people get me more, I think? I dunno who got it or how, though.”

*She nods.* “I’m allergic to garlic, but I was born that way, so I don’t think anything changed when I was turned. Other than me not having my own blood anymore, or normal sun hurting. The suns in Carcosa are nice, though, cuz they don’t make me feel all burny.”

“It’s okay! I’m sorry I don’t have lots of good answers. I don’t know lots about vampires, even though I am one…” *Ria blinks, studying Avery. Now that she thinks about it… they do have some resemblance? Probably?* “Woah… okay! Why do they call you Quill?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill listens with rapt attention, tilting his head this way and that. His eyebrows furrow for a moment.* It's not normal for food to hurt.... Do you eat enough? Why does it hurt? Doesn't using blood to heal take some of it away?

*His eyes widen for a moment.* Nonono, it's okay! Your answering to the... best of your ability... *He quiets down a bit, a silence lasting for a long minute.*

*Then, Avery shakes his head.* They call me Quill to differentiate me from... other Averys, I think? Like, the voice mentioned you were friends with another Avery, so....

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria blinks. She didn’t say her blood hurts, but it’s not wrong. She figures some of the words got mixed up. They hesitate, before shaking their head.* “It’s normal for me. Drinking blood has hurt since I was turned! It makes my veins feel all burny, like how the sun does. Or how the funny water did. Hole- holy water, I think? It’s a funny name. I dunno why they call it that. Dyou think it’s because it makes them feel like their hands will have holes in them, too?” *Ria looks… concerned. Worried for the mortals and their holy water that can hurt her. Because what if it hurts them, too? What if that’s why they knew to use it as a weapon?*

“I don’t think I eat enough, but eating makes me feel icky, sometimes. Not just the burning. I was Mal-malnourished…? I think? So I gotta get that fixed by eating more and more slowly, until I’m able to eat enough again! And I dunno why it hurts, it just does.” *She nods.* “Yeah! I gotta feed after I heal, because it uses blood up. I can’t heal lots on my own, though. When I don’t have any blood, I can’t heal at all!”

“…Are you okay? You went all quiet…” *Ria’s voice is quiet, too.*

*She perks up at the mention of Her Avery. She nods, happily.* “Yeah!! Avery’s super duper nice! He’s gonna show me movies, and he taught me some internet things! Like the smilies! Although Saturn helped me get even more smilies…” *They tilt their head.* “Do you wanna go by Quill, then? Or still Avery?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Holy water...? *Avery freezes, his wings puffing up slightly as he shifts towards Ria... almost as if to shield her. His eyes dart around the field.* Who would do that to you...? You're just trying to survive.... *As his voice gets quieter, his smile falls into something worried.* They're gone now, right...? Did your dad help...?

Eating shouldn't hurt... *He says again.* It shouldn't feel icky either.... At least, I've never heard of it being icky. I've never experienced it like that....

*He bites his lip, rubbing the back of his neck.* I'm.... I'm okay. I was just... I said something that my dad said to me when I was younger....

*Quill or Avery... Avery or Quill.... He'd be wondering which ever since he first found out he was being called Quill.* I... either work, I guess.

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! I think so. Why?” *He didn’t answer any of her questions. She’s still a little concerned over the humans having maybe-hurts-them-water.* “It’s okay! They were just trying to survive, too. Even though I was little, they wanted to keep their blood. It’s not their fault.” *More confusion follows.* “Why would mama help? He didn’t know me yet. And I dunno why they’d be gone… they were just scared of me… it’s okay!” *Clearly, Ria doesn’t hold any malice towards these people.*

“…I dunno. Blood hurts, but bugs don’t. I dunno why. And I think it makes me feel icky when I eat too much because my body isn’t super used to eating lots…”

“Okay… is that an okay thing, Avery?” ^•m•>?

*She nods.* “Okay!! I’ll try to use both, then, until you choose one? Or whichever one feels more right…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery exhales slowly, his wings unpuffing again.* Uhm... sorry. I just... don't like seeing people hurt. To my knowledge, it only hurts vampires and... ghosts? Demons? I can't remember. *He tilts his head.* Your version of dad didn't know you that? Are you adopted, then? *He seems... extremely confused.* And they hurt you. You were a child. They could've found another way....

Maybe eating more will help? *He tilts his head, eyebrows furrowing.* I'm... not sure if it'll help, but maybe?

I... I haven't figured that out yet...

*Quill nods in response to her last comment.* Okay. I guess I could tell you if I figure it out...?

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria nods, slowly. She understands. They understand better than others would likely think.* “…Does seeing them hurt make your chest hurt, too?”

“Oh. That feels like a weird group.” *She nods in response.* “Uh-huh! I fell into Carcosa, and mama took me in. He was super nice to me, and I even have my own room! I’m not supposed to leave it, right now…” *Ria glances around.* “…but I didn’t have a choice in leaving, so I don’t think I’ll be in lots of trouble…?” *They’re a little nervous, but hopeful!*

*A pause. Ria smiles.* “…it’s okay! They were just… scared. They thought I’d hurt them, cuz I’m a monster. I don’t blame them. It’s okay. It’s the same reason why I had the no-bitey!” *Ria looks down, wings tucking in to be a little smaller once again.* “I… know I’m only really safe in Carcosa, anyways… they’re the only ones that don’t see me as a monster…” *…Certainly, this allows for no control over her at all. It’s perfectly fine and healthy.*

“I’m working on being able to eat more without feeling icky, but I dunno if the burny will go away. My blood’s kinda funny. Sometimes, if I’m hurt and feed, I can see smoke coming out of the hurt!! It goes up and out and then it goes poof!”

“Did… something happen, Quill?” *Ria’s worried for her friend. They scoot a little closer.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you were trying to survive too. *He seems… extremely stuck on that, although it’s understandable why.* Vampire or not, you’re still a person, and a kind one at that.

“No… bitey…”? *Avery’s eyebrows furrow.* What’s that…? I don’t like it.

*He tilts his head, trying to picture what Ria’s describing.* And that’s… natural? Ever since you… turned?

*Quill’s wing wrap around Ria a bit more, although the other remains tucked as it usually is.* I’m okay. It’s just… I kind of… ran? From my dad?

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s okay. I don’t blame them for wanting to be safe. I showed up and it scared them, so they threw the burny water at me. I didn’t really know what was happening, but they just wanted to protect themselves! And that’s the only way they knew how to…” *A pause. Ria’s eyes go unfocused, for a few moments.* “I don’t blame them. I’d rather they hurt me than I hurt them. People don’t wake up when I hurt them, usually…” *She sounds… so sad about it.*

“Yeah! My no-bitey! It went around my head, and Mama had a lock so I couldn’t take it off! It went up against my face like a mask, but it was there to make sure I couldn’t bite, since my teeth are super sharp, and Mama was scared I’d try to bite her!” *…A muzzle. Ria is describing a muzzle. She’s describing it so happily, too — like it’s a normal thing.*

“Uh-huh! I don’t see the smoke lots, but I can usually feel the blood going through my body whenever I feed! It usually hurts for…” *Ria blinks, thinking.* “…Uhm, as long as a nap usually does?”

*It seems like Ria doesn’t mind the wing curling around her. Assuming she’s noticed it at all, that is.* “You did? Why?” ^•n•>?

[yellow-inked-quill]

That doesn’t make hurting you right…. *He seems sad about it.* You were a child… didn’t know any better….

*Avery has to take a deep breath, his feathers puffing up around Ria as if to protect her.* A muzzle…? Your biological parent… muzzled you?

*He doesn’t fully understand her analogy.* It hurts… for as long as a nap lasts…?

Uhm… *Quill hesitates.* It’s not important…

[the-darling-diamond]

“And they were scared. Even if I was small, I still had to be scary, right? They wouldn’t have hurt me if they didn’t think they had to…” *She doesn’t know that it’s not true; that they might’ve, just because she was a “bad” species. They don’t want to believe the worst.*

*Ria tilts her head at the puffed feathers.* “Nuh-uh! Muzzles are for dogs. I had a no-bitey, cuz I wasn’t a dog. Those are for monsters.” *She’s so… sure, when she says it. That she’s a monster.*

“Mhm! I’m not very good at telling time, but it’s not a super long time. The sun only moves a little bit. It’s usually gone or almost-gone if I take a nap after.”

“But it’s making you sad…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Fear doesn’t give people the right to hurt someone else…. *Avery shakes his head, closing his eyes.*

But what you were describing is a muzzle… *He opens his eyes and tilts his head.* And even if your teeth are sharp, you shouldn’t have had a… no-bitey. There’s a way to teach someone without outing a block on everything….

So… the length of a nap…. *He tilts his head the other way.* So… 30 minutes to 3 hours? That… doesn’t help. *His smile returns slightly, although a bit more teasing.*

*Then, it falls again, with Quill swallowing.* It’s okay. I’ll figure it out. I just need time. It’s better this way.

[the-darling-diamond]

“…They thought I was gonna hurt them. It’s like- like defense! Where you protect yourself. Even if I wasn’t gonna hurt them… they thought it was the only way that I wouldn’t. So it’s okay! It’s gotta be…”

“I guess… it was a little like a muzzle… but the face thingy wasn’t as long. It fit better than a muzzle would…” *Ria shakes her head.* “It’s okay. Mama was right, anyways. Something bad happened when my no-bitey broke off.”

“Yeah! I think so? Is that a bad range…?” *They… don’t seem to realize that they’re being teased.*

*She hesitates, before bumping her head into Quill’s chest, like how a cat would.* “…Okay. You’re super cool, Avery. You can do it!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It’s only self defense if you’re attacked first, *he whispers under his breath.*

But if she had just… explained about biting and given you what you needed… then you wouldn’t have needed the muzzle, and then there’d be no need for the bad things… *He shakes his head.* I don’t think I like your mama.

*Quill lets out a quiet chuckle at her question.* 3 hours has… 180 minutes in it. That’s… I think 6 times 30 minutes?

*Avery blinks at Ria when she bumps into him, but his eyes soften. He pulls her into a warm hug—wings and all.* Thanks, Ria…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s ears twitch. She pretends not to hear. It’s easier when she doesn’t hear.*

“…But I’m a monster, and monsters bite. Even if she explained, I might’ve hurt her anyways. She wanted to be okay, and she wanted to let me stay! That’s not a bad thing. She was just trying to help, the only way she knew to!”

*Ria nods.* “An hour is… 60 minutes, right? 6 and 3 make 18, so either way you do it will get you 180. It just changes if you’re multiplying the 6 by 10, or the 3.” *Ria tilts her head, before continuing.* “And the sun doesn’t move lots, so it’s probably not 3 whole hours. If day’s only 12 hours, then 3 hours would be about a quarter of the daytime! But that means the sun’s moving too much. So it’s gotta be… maybe half that? But that would be 90 minutes! And 30 to 90 minutes isn’t a super big range, I don’t think…?” *She didn’t pause at any of the math.*

*Ria blinks, wiggling into a better position. She’s freezing, as cold as a corpse; makes sense, considering she’s a vampire.* “It’s true! You don’t gotta thank me.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

You’re not a monster though… *Avery trills slightly, although it’s sort of a sad sound.*

*Quill blinks, not fully understanding all the math.* So… 30 minutes to an hour 30…? That… makes sense, I guess.

*He closes his eyes. The cold is nice. He’s always so warm, almost concerningly so.* It may be true, but the support is… really nice…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria hesitates, then shrugs. She’s not a person, she’s not decor, and she’s not a monster.* “…I’m just Ria. But people will see me as a monster, anyways. It’s okay.”

“Uh-huh! Is that super long? I don’t think it is… I’ve been hurting lots more recently, but that’s cuz I’ve been eating more. And I hafta spread it out a bit, so I don’t feel icky on top of it.”

*Ria starts to purr. For a few moments, she feels the warmth. And then her body adjusts, and she’s back to everything feeling… plain, almost.* “…You deserve it. Being supported.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It doesn't matter how other people see you. *Avery's tone is quiet but firm.* They don't matter. They shouldn't care. You're you. You're Ria, and Ria can be whatever you want her to be. Their opinions shouldn't overpower yours. *It seems like he's saying it for himself as much as he's saying it for Ria.*

A full day-night cycle is 24 hours, so it's not too long. *With the topic of night and naps on his mind, Quill thinks of something else.* Do you sleep well enough, when you do take naps?

*He hums, body loosing some tension.* You deserve support too...

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s quiet. Her opinions have never mattered. She has always been what everyone else says she is. But… he needs this, doesn’t he? This is what he needs to believe. She smiles.*

“Yeah. I’m me, and you’re you, and that’s that. No one else can say how we’ll act, or what we’ll be! We’re just… us.”

“Yeah! That’s only about… 1/24th of the day! Or about 4%.” *It’s longer than that, for her. But that’s just because of the spread out eating. She hesitates.* “…I sleep okay when I’m not alone. I get lots of scary dreams, when I’m alone… they make sleeping hard and I don’t like it lots.”

“Everyone deserves support. Otherwise, they’ll just give up. And that’s no good…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery trills again, a calming sound, almost like a relieved sigh.*

I mean, most people sleep for like 9 of the 24 hours, so… *He nods.* … you get nightmares too…?

[the-darling-diamond]

“That’s only a little under half… closer to a third…” *The speed she does that is almost impressive!*

*She nods.* “Uh-huh. They’re super bad. I wake up from them lots…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery lets out a quieter trill, holding her tighter for a moment.* I’m sorry… no one should have to go through that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“It’s okay! I should be used to them, by now. Most of them are based on memories, anyways.” *…Concerning!*

“Avery? How dyou usually sleep?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you should be able to sleep without fear… *Avery hums.*

I…. *After a moment of quiet, he shrugs.* I don’t need to sleep all that often. Dad made sure of that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s alright. I’m safe in Carcosa. The nightmares are just my head being silly!” *Ria pauses.* “…I like sleeping in mama’s pocket. It’s super soft, and I like being nearby.”

*Ria tilts her head.* “How does that work? Does that mean your head doesn’t need the rest, either?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery relaxes again slightly, a gentle trill sounding.* I’m glad you have someone who’s willing to do that for you….

It’s… *He hesitates.* It’s complicated. I just don’t need as much sleep, and it’s fine.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria pauses the purring to make an oddly bird-like trilling noise in return.* “Uh-huh. Most people don’t see how nice mama is, though. They think he’s mean… I dunno why…”

*She nods, bumping her head into the bottom of Quill’s chin.* “…Okay. But please take naps anyways, cuz they’re supposed to be good for you!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Aver hesitates, a sadder trill sounding.* I used to think that too…. *“But then again, there’s a reason why I ran.” It’s left unsaid.*

I sleep when I get tired, I promise. *Quill bumps Ria back, letting out another, happier trill.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria tilts her head. She has a feeling. She squeezes Quill, hugging him tighter.* “…It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay.”

“If you say so, Quill. I trust you…” *…She’s always been trusting. Hasn’t she?*

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery squeezes her back, taking a deep breath.* Yeah. Maybe you’re right. Maybe your dad is better than mine…. I hope you’re right

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! It’s okay. Even the mean version of mama wasn’t super bad. To me, at least. It was super mean to papa. It even toon part of his soul! But most of the versions of mama I met were really really nice.”

“Like Kaiwan, or…” *Ria hesitates, thinking.* “Akestor, I think? I dunno if they were a version of mama or not, though. I think so.”

*Ria naming three — four, if you count their parent — versions of The King might be a little concerning, but alright. She seems fine, at least.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

That’s… *Quill hesitates.* A lot… of versions…. The mean one didn’t hurt you, right…? Is it gone? *His wings puff up around Ria and himself.*

[the-darling-diamond]

“I- uhm…” *Ria blinks a few times, trying to think.* “I… think he did? But I think it was an accident… it was…” *She’s speaking slowly. Struggling to remember.* “It was… my…” *Her… her what? What was hurt?*

“Mama said I had to be all better, before I was supposed to leave my room… and I remember it being hard to move before papa put the… something on them…? And I had to drink lots of blood to feel better…”

*Ria’s still trying to figure it out. Accident, hurt a lot. Hard to move…*

“…My wings, I think. I think they got… squished a little bit?” *Considering how thin Ria’s wings are, ‘squished a little bit’ could be… bad. But that also means that few injuries can hide; she’s okay.*

“Thinking about it makes my head feel funny… I don’t like it lots…”

“But it’s okay! I’m super okay, and papa killed the mean version of mama. I called it Fallen. My hand went through its chest, cuz that’s where it was keeping papa’s soul… we had to get it, so he could go to mama’s Carcosa.”

*Ria blinks, easily distracted.* “Your wings look super fluffy, Quill!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery’s grip tightens slightly. He does not like the Fallen, it seems, but more than that, he worries over the forgotten memories. Pulling back for a mere moment, he scans Ria, only relaxing back into the hug after finding no injuries.*

O-oh. *His face goes slightly red.* They uh… they do that when I’m worried.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria lets herself be studied. She doesn’t mind. What she does mind, though, is the Lack Of Hug. She tries to press back against Quill, purring quietly once he goes back into the hug. She seems unaware that her missing memories are something to Worry About.*

“…Your wings go fluffy when you get worried?” ^•o•>?

“Wait, why are you worried?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill hums.* Yeah. Most things back down if my wings are big enough, so they puff up to make them look even bigger.

Forgetting memories isn’t good… *Avery’s voice is soft… but there’s an underlying tension that he can’t seem to shake.* It usually means something really, really bad happened or someone is messing with your head. Or at least… that’s what it was in my case…

[the-darling-diamond]

“Woah… you aren’t scared that they’ll think you’re mean, and try to attack anyways?”

“…Oh. I don’t… think either of those are true?” *Ria tilts her head.* “How do I know if someone’s messing with my head? I’ve forgotten lots of things… it’s easier to forget them, I think…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

I mean… sometimes… *Quill tilts his head.* But if I’m big enough, they could think I’m strong enough that they’d loose. And then they’d have no reason to attack me.

But… what if they’re important…?

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria hums. That’s the opposite of what she was taught. The scarier you are, the meaner others are… they shake their head.* “They could attack cuz they’re scared. They think you’re gonna hurt them, so they hurt you first…” *…That again, huh?* “People like it more when you aren’t scary… it makes them nicer, usually…”

*They shrug.* “They probably weren’t important enough to remember! Or… maybe they were so bad that it’s better I forgot, anyways?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery tilts his head.* Maybe, but puffed up wings are a known sign of panic among people, at the very least. Usually, people notice they’ve scared me…. Wouldn’t it be harder to tell that you’re scared if you make yourself smaller?

And if it’s not better forgotten? Or If it bleeds into good things too? *Quill seems… so worried…. He really doesn’t like the idea that Ria could forget even more things.* …what if you start to forget about your friends…?

[the-darling-diamond]

“They are?” *Ria hums, thinking on this.* “Maybe it’s not so bad for you, then. Cuz your wings can puff up, and they’re all feathery! Mine just…” *Ria unfolds her wings, just enough to reveal them properly. Her face twists for a moment, before settling back to her smile.*

*Ria’s wings are… big. It’s easy to tell, even with how folded they still are. For her size, they’re absolutely giant. Like they’re meant to be for someone bigger. However, her wings are also quite thin; light still gets through the skin of the wings, and the wing’s veins and bones are mostly visible.*

“…Do that.” *She tucks her wings back in, folding them ever-so-slightly too tight against her. It’s hardly noticeable. She can still fold them in more.* “And Nuh-uh! Getting small is also normal for being scared. Cuz it makes it easier to hide. People can’t hurt you if they can’t see you…”

*Hesitation. Just a moment of it. Just enough of it.* “Why would I forget my friends? Or anything good? And I… probably wouldn’t know, anyways. So it’ll be okay…” *She doesn’t like that thought.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

I guess... *Quill shrugs slightly.*

*His eyes widen at the sight of Ria's wings.* Woah.... Your wings are really big! But... they look so thin.... Can you fly with them, still?

*When he notices how much she folds up her wings, he makes a small, concerned chirp.* Hey, you probably shouldn't fold them up that tight.... It might damage them.

*Avery looks at Ria, fear and anxiety thinly veiled in his eyes. He holds Ria closer, trying not to let her see how afraid the idea of forgetting makes him.

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Ria has been Dropped In next to Quill! She’s wearing a Long Yellow Dress. Shoes, however, are not currently being worn. It doesn’t look like she was expecting being sent elsewhere.*

^•w•>?

*She looks around, a little confused. She’s not supposed to be outside of her room and this isn’t Carcosa, is it? And right after she said she wouldn’t leave… it’s a little worrying. But they’re used to being sent to other worlds. It’ll be okay.*

—💎🌹

*Avery jumps, hissing slightly as he jumps away. His eyes are wide as he looks at Ria.*

*Then, he notices her eyes.* Are- are you the one the Voice mentioned...? *He bites his lip, taking a deep breath.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria squeaks in return, wings pulling in. Smaller. Be smaller. Less of a threat. They won’t hurt you if you’re not a threat.*

*She waits for a few moments; keeping herself small. Looking down, so her face is harder to see. Fangs. They never like her fangs. But they hissed. Humans don’t usually hiss, so maybe her fangs are okay? And she isn’t being hurt yet… Ria’s eyes dart up, almost hopefully.*

“The… voice?” *They sound confused, for a moment. Voice… they hear voices, sometimes.* “…Maybe?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*The puff in his wings slowly fades. It's like some cat's tails, really, with how they puff and then go back to normal.*

I think so. I heard them again, and they said yes, so.... *Avery tilts his head, looking at her more closely.*

You're... more bat than I am...? *He does not realize Ria is adopted, yet, partially because he's assuming wings just come with being a child of a King in Yellow.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria figures the puffing down is.. probably a good thing. She shifts in place, wings… well, they’re still folded up small, but it looks less strained and like it probably hurts less.*

*One of their ears twitch.* “I didn’t… hear anything?” ^•n•>?

*She was not aware that this was a comparison that had to be made. He doesn’t seem like he’s a vampire, so why wouldn’t she be More Bat?* “Yeah! I’m a vampire, so that’s why I’m all bat-like!”

*A pause, followed by a smile. Her fangs are visible, but it seems to be a friendly action. It’s almost certainly not threatening, at least.* “I’m Ria, by the way. Who’re you?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery tilts his head.* Maybe they can choose to just talk to me, then? Or- or maybe it has something to do with my dad? I don't know. *He slowly folds his wings to be more comfortable, them almost acting as a cape instead of a barrier.*

*He tilts his head.* A vampire? *His eyes shine slightly.* So- so do you need blood? How do you get it? Does your dad create it for you, like my dad got me insects and worms? Are you allergic to garlic? Are-

*He abruptly stops, face going red.* Oh, uhm... sorry.... I'm Avery! Or uhm... some of the voices were calling me Quill! *His smile is barely visible. It's been a long time since he smiled.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria thinks for a moment. Or it looks like she’s thinking, at least.* “I dunno. Maybe? The voices are a little weird, sometimes. They can make things show up. I don’t think that happens normally, but I dunno what else they can do…”

“Yeah! I’m a vampire.” *Ria squeaks a few times. Very bat-like. Very beautiful, very powerful /ref* “I gotta have blood, but I’m usually hungry anyways. I just need it to do stuff like heal and keep control of my mind! I black out sometimes if I go too long without feeding, but that takes a super long time. I can eat bugs, too! I like moths. I also like worms, but not to eat. I have pet worms.” *Ria pauses. How does she get all of it?* “I… got some a while ago, but then mama had some people get me more, I think? I dunno who got it or how, though.”

*She nods.* “I’m allergic to garlic, but I was born that way, so I don’t think anything changed when I was turned. Other than me not having my own blood anymore, or normal sun hurting. The suns in Carcosa are nice, though, cuz they don’t make me feel all burny.”

“It’s okay! I’m sorry I don’t have lots of good answers. I don’t know lots about vampires, even though I am one…” *Ria blinks, studying Avery. Now that she thinks about it… they do have some resemblance? Probably?* “Woah… okay! Why do they call you Quill?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill listens with rapt attention, tilting his head this way and that. His eyebrows furrow for a moment.* It's not normal for food to hurt.... Do you eat enough? Why does it hurt? Doesn't using blood to heal take some of it away?

*His eyes widen for a moment.* Nonono, it's okay! Your answering to the... best of your ability... *He quiets down a bit, a silence lasting for a long minute.*

*Then, Avery shakes his head.* They call me Quill to differentiate me from... other Averys, I think? Like, the voice mentioned you were friends with another Avery, so....

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria blinks. She didn’t say her blood hurts, but it’s not wrong. She figures some of the words got mixed up. They hesitate, before shaking their head.* “It’s normal for me. Drinking blood has hurt since I was turned! It makes my veins feel all burny, like how the sun does. Or how the funny water did. Hole- holy water, I think? It’s a funny name. I dunno why they call it that. Dyou think it’s because it makes them feel like their hands will have holes in them, too?” *Ria looks… concerned. Worried for the mortals and their holy water that can hurt her. Because what if it hurts them, too? What if that’s why they knew to use it as a weapon?*

“I don’t think I eat enough, but eating makes me feel icky, sometimes. Not just the burning. I was Mal-malnourished…? I think? So I gotta get that fixed by eating more and more slowly, until I’m able to eat enough again! And I dunno why it hurts, it just does.” *She nods.* “Yeah! I gotta feed after I heal, because it uses blood up. I can’t heal lots on my own, though. When I don’t have any blood, I can’t heal at all!”

“…Are you okay? You went all quiet…” *Ria’s voice is quiet, too.*

*She perks up at the mention of Her Avery. She nods, happily.* “Yeah!! Avery’s super duper nice! He’s gonna show me movies, and he taught me some internet things! Like the smilies! Although Saturn helped me get even more smilies…” *They tilt their head.* “Do you wanna go by Quill, then? Or still Avery?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Holy water...? *Avery freezes, his wings puffing up slightly as he shifts towards Ria... almost as if to shield her. His eyes dart around the field.* Who would do that to you...? You're just trying to survive.... *As his voice gets quieter, his smile falls into something worried.* They're gone now, right...? Did your dad help...?

Eating shouldn't hurt... *He says again.* It shouldn't feel icky either.... At least, I've never heard of it being icky. I've never experienced it like that....

*He bites his lip, rubbing the back of his neck.* I'm.... I'm okay. I was just... I said something that my dad said to me when I was younger....

*Quill or Avery... Avery or Quill.... He'd be wondering which ever since he first found out he was being called Quill.* I... either work, I guess.

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! I think so. Why?” *He didn’t answer any of her questions. She’s still a little concerned over the humans having maybe-hurts-them-water.* “It’s okay! They were just trying to survive, too. Even though I was little, they wanted to keep their blood. It’s not their fault.” *More confusion follows.* “Why would mama help? He didn’t know me yet. And I dunno why they’d be gone… they were just scared of me… it’s okay!” *Clearly, Ria doesn’t hold any malice towards these people.*

“…I dunno. Blood hurts, but bugs don’t. I dunno why. And I think it makes me feel icky when I eat too much because my body isn’t super used to eating lots…”

“Okay… is that an okay thing, Avery?” ^•m•>?

*She nods.* “Okay!! I’ll try to use both, then, until you choose one? Or whichever one feels more right…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery exhales slowly, his wings unpuffing again.* Uhm... sorry. I just... don't like seeing people hurt. To my knowledge, it only hurts vampires and... ghosts? Demons? I can't remember. *He tilts his head.* Your version of dad didn't know you that? Are you adopted, then? *He seems... extremely confused.* And they hurt you. You were a child. They could've found another way....

Maybe eating more will help? *He tilts his head, eyebrows furrowing.* I'm... not sure if it'll help, but maybe?

I... I haven't figured that out yet...

*Quill nods in response to her last comment.* Okay. I guess I could tell you if I figure it out...?

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria nods, slowly. She understands. They understand better than others would likely think.* “…Does seeing them hurt make your chest hurt, too?”

“Oh. That feels like a weird group.” *She nods in response.* “Uh-huh! I fell into Carcosa, and mama took me in. He was super nice to me, and I even have my own room! I’m not supposed to leave it, right now…” *Ria glances around.* “…but I didn’t have a choice in leaving, so I don’t think I’ll be in lots of trouble…?” *They’re a little nervous, but hopeful!*

*A pause. Ria smiles.* “…it’s okay! They were just… scared. They thought I’d hurt them, cuz I’m a monster. I don’t blame them. It’s okay. It’s the same reason why I had the no-bitey!” *Ria looks down, wings tucking in to be a little smaller once again.* “I… know I’m only really safe in Carcosa, anyways… they’re the only ones that don’t see me as a monster…” *…Certainly, this allows for no control over her at all. It’s perfectly fine and healthy.*

“I’m working on being able to eat more without feeling icky, but I dunno if the burny will go away. My blood’s kinda funny. Sometimes, if I’m hurt and feed, I can see smoke coming out of the hurt!! It goes up and out and then it goes poof!”

“Did… something happen, Quill?” *Ria’s worried for her friend. They scoot a little closer.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you were trying to survive too. *He seems… extremely stuck on that, although it’s understandable why.* Vampire or not, you’re still a person, and a kind one at that.

“No… bitey…”? *Avery’s eyebrows furrow.* What’s that…? I don’t like it.

*He tilts his head, trying to picture what Ria’s describing.* And that’s… natural? Ever since you… turned?

*Quill’s wing wrap around Ria a bit more, although the other remains tucked as it usually is.* I’m okay. It’s just… I kind of… ran? From my dad?

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s okay. I don’t blame them for wanting to be safe. I showed up and it scared them, so they threw the burny water at me. I didn’t really know what was happening, but they just wanted to protect themselves! And that’s the only way they knew how to…” *A pause. Ria’s eyes go unfocused, for a few moments.* “I don’t blame them. I’d rather they hurt me than I hurt them. People don’t wake up when I hurt them, usually…” *She sounds… so sad about it.*

“Yeah! My no-bitey! It went around my head, and Mama had a lock so I couldn’t take it off! It went up against my face like a mask, but it was there to make sure I couldn’t bite, since my teeth are super sharp, and Mama was scared I’d try to bite her!” *…A muzzle. Ria is describing a muzzle. She’s describing it so happily, too — like it’s a normal thing.*

“Uh-huh! I don’t see the smoke lots, but I can usually feel the blood going through my body whenever I feed! It usually hurts for…” *Ria blinks, thinking.* “…Uhm, as long as a nap usually does?”

*It seems like Ria doesn’t mind the wing curling around her. Assuming she’s noticed it at all, that is.* “You did? Why?” ^•n•>?

[yellow-inked-quill]

That doesn’t make hurting you right…. *He seems sad about it.* You were a child… didn’t know any better….

*Avery has to take a deep breath, his feathers puffing up around Ria as if to protect her.* A muzzle…? Your biological parent… muzzled you?

*He doesn’t fully understand her analogy.* It hurts… for as long as a nap lasts…?

Uhm… *Quill hesitates.* It’s not important…

[the-darling-diamond]

“And they were scared. Even if I was small, I still had to be scary, right? They wouldn’t have hurt me if they didn’t think they had to…” *She doesn’t know that it’s not true; that they might’ve, just because she was a “bad” species. They don’t want to believe the worst.*

*Ria tilts her head at the puffed feathers.* “Nuh-uh! Muzzles are for dogs. I had a no-bitey, cuz I wasn’t a dog. Those are for monsters.” *She’s so… sure, when she says it. That she’s a monster.*

“Mhm! I’m not very good at telling time, but it’s not a super long time. The sun only moves a little bit. It’s usually gone or almost-gone if I take a nap after.”

“But it’s making you sad…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Fear doesn’t give people the right to hurt someone else…. *Avery shakes his head, closing his eyes.*

But what you were describing is a muzzle… *He opens his eyes and tilts his head.* And even if your teeth are sharp, you shouldn’t have had a… no-bitey. There’s a way to teach someone without outing a block on everything….

So… the length of a nap…. *He tilts his head the other way.* So… 30 minutes to 3 hours? That… doesn’t help. *His smile returns slightly, although a bit more teasing.*

*Then, it falls again, with Quill swallowing.* It’s okay. I’ll figure it out. I just need time. It’s better this way.

[the-darling-diamond]

“…They thought I was gonna hurt them. It’s like- like defense! Where you protect yourself. Even if I wasn’t gonna hurt them… they thought it was the only way that I wouldn’t. So it’s okay! It’s gotta be…”

“I guess… it was a little like a muzzle… but the face thingy wasn’t as long. It fit better than a muzzle would…” *Ria shakes her head.* “It’s okay. Mama was right, anyways. Something bad happened when my no-bitey broke off.”

“Yeah! I think so? Is that a bad range…?” *They… don’t seem to realize that they’re being teased.*

*She hesitates, before bumping her head into Quill’s chest, like how a cat would.* “…Okay. You’re super cool, Avery. You can do it!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It’s only self defense if you’re attacked first, *he whispers under his breath.*

But if she had just… explained about biting and given you what you needed… then you wouldn’t have needed the muzzle, and then there’d be no need for the bad things… *He shakes his head.* I don’t think I like your mama.

*Quill lets out a quiet chuckle at her question.* 3 hours has… 180 minutes in it. That’s… I think 6 times 30 minutes?

*Avery blinks at Ria when she bumps into him, but his eyes soften. He pulls her into a warm hug—wings and all.* Thanks, Ria…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s ears twitch. She pretends not to hear. It’s easier when she doesn’t hear.*

“…But I’m a monster, and monsters bite. Even if she explained, I might’ve hurt her anyways. She wanted to be okay, and she wanted to let me stay! That’s not a bad thing. She was just trying to help, the only way she knew to!”

*Ria nods.* “An hour is… 60 minutes, right? 6 and 3 make 18, so either way you do it will get you 180. It just changes if you’re multiplying the 6 by 10, or the 3.” *Ria tilts her head, before continuing.* “And the sun doesn’t move lots, so it’s probably not 3 whole hours. If day’s only 12 hours, then 3 hours would be about a quarter of the daytime! But that means the sun’s moving too much. So it’s gotta be… maybe half that? But that would be 90 minutes! And 30 to 90 minutes isn’t a super big range, I don’t think…?” *She didn’t pause at any of the math.*

*Ria blinks, wiggling into a better position. She’s freezing, as cold as a corpse; makes sense, considering she’s a vampire.* “It’s true! You don’t gotta thank me.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

You’re not a monster though… *Avery trills slightly, although it’s sort of a sad sound.*

*Quill blinks, not fully understanding all the math.* So… 30 minutes to an hour 30…? That… makes sense, I guess.

*He closes his eyes. The cold is nice. He’s always so warm, almost concerningly so.* It may be true, but the support is… really nice…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria hesitates, then shrugs. She’s not a person, she’s not decor, and she’s not a monster.* “…I’m just Ria. But people will see me as a monster, anyways. It’s okay.”

“Uh-huh! Is that super long? I don’t think it is… I’ve been hurting lots more recently, but that’s cuz I’ve been eating more. And I hafta spread it out a bit, so I don’t feel icky on top of it.”

*Ria starts to purr. For a few moments, she feels the warmth. And then her body adjusts, and she’s back to everything feeling… plain, almost.* “…You deserve it. Being supported.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It doesn't matter how other people see you. *Avery's tone is quiet but firm.* They don't matter. They shouldn't care. You're you. You're Ria, and Ria can be whatever you want her to be. Their opinions shouldn't overpower yours. *It seems like he's saying it for himself as much as he's saying it for Ria.*

A full day-night cycle is 24 hours, so it's not too long. *With the topic of night and naps on his mind, Quill thinks of something else.* Do you sleep well enough, when you do take naps?

*He hums, body loosing some tension.* You deserve support too...

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s quiet. Her opinions have never mattered. She has always been what everyone else says she is. But… he needs this, doesn’t he? This is what he needs to believe. She smiles.*

“Yeah. I’m me, and you’re you, and that’s that. No one else can say how we’ll act, or what we’ll be! We’re just… us.”

“Yeah! That’s only about… 1/24th of the day! Or about 4%.” *It’s longer than that, for her. But that’s just because of the spread out eating. She hesitates.* “…I sleep okay when I’m not alone. I get lots of scary dreams, when I’m alone… they make sleeping hard and I don’t like it lots.”

“Everyone deserves support. Otherwise, they’ll just give up. And that’s no good…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery trills again, a calming sound, almost like a relieved sigh.*

I mean, most people sleep for like 9 of the 24 hours, so… *He nods.* … you get nightmares too…?

[the-darling-diamond]

“That’s only a little under half… closer to a third…” *The speed she does that is almost impressive!*

*She nods.* “Uh-huh. They’re super bad. I wake up from them lots…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery lets out a quieter trill, holding her tighter for a moment.* I’m sorry… no one should have to go through that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“It’s okay! I should be used to them, by now. Most of them are based on memories, anyways.” *…Concerning!*

“Avery? How dyou usually sleep?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you should be able to sleep without fear… *Avery hums.*

I…. *After a moment of quiet, he shrugs.* I don’t need to sleep all that often. Dad made sure of that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s alright. I’m safe in Carcosa. The nightmares are just my head being silly!” *Ria pauses.* “…I like sleeping in mama’s pocket. It’s super soft, and I like being nearby.”

*Ria tilts her head.* “How does that work? Does that mean your head doesn’t need the rest, either?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery relaxes again slightly, a gentle trill sounding.* I’m glad you have someone who’s willing to do that for you….

It’s… *He hesitates.* It’s complicated. I just don’t need as much sleep, and it’s fine.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria pauses the purring to make an oddly bird-like trilling noise in return.* “Uh-huh. Most people don’t see how nice mama is, though. They think he’s mean… I dunno why…”

*She nods, bumping her head into the bottom of Quill’s chin.* “…Okay. But please take naps anyways, cuz they’re supposed to be good for you!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Aver hesitates, a sadder trill sounding.* I used to think that too…. *“But then again, there’s a reason why I ran.” It’s left unsaid.*

I sleep when I get tired, I promise. *Quill bumps Ria back, letting out another, happier trill.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria tilts her head. She has a feeling. She squeezes Quill, hugging him tighter.* “…It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay.”

“If you say so, Quill. I trust you…” *…She’s always been trusting. Hasn’t she?*

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery squeezes her back, taking a deep breath.* Yeah. Maybe you’re right. Maybe your dad is better than mine…. I hope you’re right

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! It’s okay. Even the mean version of mama wasn’t super bad. To me, at least. It was super mean to papa. It even toon part of his soul! But most of the versions of mama I met were really really nice.”

“Like Kaiwan, or…” *Ria hesitates, thinking.* “Akestor, I think? I dunno if they were a version of mama or not, though. I think so.”

*Ria naming three — four, if you count their parent — versions of The King might be a little concerning, but alright. She seems fine, at least.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

That’s… *Quill hesitates.* A lot… of versions…. The mean one didn’t hurt you, right…? Is it gone? *His wings puff up around Ria and himself.*

[the-darling-diamond]

“I- uhm…” *Ria blinks a few times, trying to think.* “I… think he did? But I think it was an accident… it was…” *She’s speaking slowly. Struggling to remember.* “It was… my…” *Her… her what? What was hurt?*

“Mama said I had to be all better, before I was supposed to leave my room… and I remember it being hard to move before papa put the… something on them…? And I had to drink lots of blood to feel better…”

*Ria’s still trying to figure it out. Accident, hurt a lot. Hard to move…*

“…My wings, I think. I think they got… squished a little bit?” *Considering how thin Ria’s wings are, ‘squished a little bit’ could be… bad. But that also means that few injuries can hide; she’s okay.*

“Thinking about it makes my head feel funny… I don’t like it lots…”

“But it’s okay! I’m super okay, and papa killed the mean version of mama. I called it Fallen. My hand went through its chest, cuz that’s where it was keeping papa’s soul… we had to get it, so he could go to mama’s Carcosa.”

*Ria blinks, easily distracted.* “Your wings look super fluffy, Quill!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery’s grip tightens slightly. He does not like the Fallen, it seems, but more than that, he worries over the forgotten memories. Pulling back for a mere moment, he scans Ria, only relaxing back into the hug after finding no injuries.*

O-oh. *His face goes slightly red.* They uh… they do that when I’m worried.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria lets herself be studied. She doesn’t mind. What she does mind, though, is the Lack Of Hug. She tries to press back against Quill, purring quietly once he goes back into the hug. She seems unaware that her missing memories are something to Worry About.*

“…Your wings go fluffy when you get worried?” ^•o•>?

“Wait, why are you worried?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill hums.* Yeah. Most things back down if my wings are big enough, so they puff up to make them look even bigger.

Forgetting memories isn’t good… *Avery’s voice is soft… but there’s an underlying tension that he can’t seem to shake.* It usually means something really, really bad happened or someone is messing with your head. Or at least… that’s what it was in my case…

[the-darling-diamond]

“Woah… you aren’t scared that they’ll think you’re mean, and try to attack anyways?”

“…Oh. I don’t… think either of those are true?” *Ria tilts her head.* “How do I know if someone’s messing with my head? I’ve forgotten lots of things… it’s easier to forget them, I think…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

I mean… sometimes… *Quill tilts his head.* But if I’m big enough, they could think I’m strong enough that they’d loose. And then they’d have no reason to attack me.

But… what if they’re important…?

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria hums. That’s the opposite of what she was taught. The scarier you are, the meaner others are… they shake their head.* “They could attack cuz they’re scared. They think you’re gonna hurt them, so they hurt you first…” *…That again, huh?* “People like it more when you aren’t scary… it makes them nicer, usually…”

*They shrug.* “They probably weren’t important enough to remember! Or… maybe they were so bad that it’s better I forgot, anyways?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery tilts his head.* Maybe, but puffed up wings are a known sign of panic among people, at the very least. Usually, people notice they’ve scared me…. Wouldn’t it be harder to tell that you’re scared if you make yourself smaller?

And if it’s not better forgotten? Or If it bleeds into good things too? *Quill seems… so worried…. He really doesn’t like the idea that Ria could forget even more things.* …what if you start to forget about your friends…?

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Ria has been Dropped In next to Quill! She’s wearing a Long Yellow Dress. Shoes, however, are not currently being worn. It doesn’t look like she was expecting being sent elsewhere.*

^•w•>?

*She looks around, a little confused. She’s not supposed to be outside of her room and this isn’t Carcosa, is it? And right after she said she wouldn’t leave… it’s a little worrying. But they’re used to being sent to other worlds. It’ll be okay.*

—💎🌹

*Avery jumps, hissing slightly as he jumps away. His eyes are wide as he looks at Ria.*

*Then, he notices her eyes.* Are- are you the one the Voice mentioned...? *He bites his lip, taking a deep breath.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria squeaks in return, wings pulling in. Smaller. Be smaller. Less of a threat. They won’t hurt you if you’re not a threat.*

*She waits for a few moments; keeping herself small. Looking down, so her face is harder to see. Fangs. They never like her fangs. But they hissed. Humans don’t usually hiss, so maybe her fangs are okay? And she isn’t being hurt yet… Ria’s eyes dart up, almost hopefully.*

“The… voice?” *They sound confused, for a moment. Voice… they hear voices, sometimes.* “…Maybe?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*The puff in his wings slowly fades. It's like some cat's tails, really, with how they puff and then go back to normal.*

I think so. I heard them again, and they said yes, so.... *Avery tilts his head, looking at her more closely.*

You're... more bat than I am...? *He does not realize Ria is adopted, yet, partially because he's assuming wings just come with being a child of a King in Yellow.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria figures the puffing down is.. probably a good thing. She shifts in place, wings… well, they’re still folded up small, but it looks less strained and like it probably hurts less.*

*One of their ears twitch.* “I didn’t… hear anything?” ^•n•>?

*She was not aware that this was a comparison that had to be made. He doesn’t seem like he’s a vampire, so why wouldn’t she be More Bat?* “Yeah! I’m a vampire, so that’s why I’m all bat-like!”

*A pause, followed by a smile. Her fangs are visible, but it seems to be a friendly action. It’s almost certainly not threatening, at least.* “I’m Ria, by the way. Who’re you?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery tilts his head.* Maybe they can choose to just talk to me, then? Or- or maybe it has something to do with my dad? I don't know. *He slowly folds his wings to be more comfortable, them almost acting as a cape instead of a barrier.*

*He tilts his head.* A vampire? *His eyes shine slightly.* So- so do you need blood? How do you get it? Does your dad create it for you, like my dad got me insects and worms? Are you allergic to garlic? Are-

*He abruptly stops, face going red.* Oh, uhm... sorry.... I'm Avery! Or uhm... some of the voices were calling me Quill! *His smile is barely visible. It's been a long time since he smiled.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria thinks for a moment. Or it looks like she’s thinking, at least.* “I dunno. Maybe? The voices are a little weird, sometimes. They can make things show up. I don’t think that happens normally, but I dunno what else they can do…”

“Yeah! I’m a vampire.” *Ria squeaks a few times. Very bat-like. Very beautiful, very powerful /ref* “I gotta have blood, but I’m usually hungry anyways. I just need it to do stuff like heal and keep control of my mind! I black out sometimes if I go too long without feeding, but that takes a super long time. I can eat bugs, too! I like moths. I also like worms, but not to eat. I have pet worms.” *Ria pauses. How does she get all of it?* “I… got some a while ago, but then mama had some people get me more, I think? I dunno who got it or how, though.”

*She nods.* “I’m allergic to garlic, but I was born that way, so I don’t think anything changed when I was turned. Other than me not having my own blood anymore, or normal sun hurting. The suns in Carcosa are nice, though, cuz they don’t make me feel all burny.”

“It’s okay! I’m sorry I don’t have lots of good answers. I don’t know lots about vampires, even though I am one…” *Ria blinks, studying Avery. Now that she thinks about it… they do have some resemblance? Probably?* “Woah… okay! Why do they call you Quill?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill listens with rapt attention, tilting his head this way and that. His eyebrows furrow for a moment.* It's not normal for food to hurt.... Do you eat enough? Why does it hurt? Doesn't using blood to heal take some of it away?

*His eyes widen for a moment.* Nonono, it's okay! Your answering to the... best of your ability... *He quiets down a bit, a silence lasting for a long minute.*

*Then, Avery shakes his head.* They call me Quill to differentiate me from... other Averys, I think? Like, the voice mentioned you were friends with another Avery, so....

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria blinks. She didn’t say her blood hurts, but it’s not wrong. She figures some of the words got mixed up. They hesitate, before shaking their head.* “It’s normal for me. Drinking blood has hurt since I was turned! It makes my veins feel all burny, like how the sun does. Or how the funny water did. Hole- holy water, I think? It’s a funny name. I dunno why they call it that. Dyou think it’s because it makes them feel like their hands will have holes in them, too?” *Ria looks… concerned. Worried for the mortals and their holy water that can hurt her. Because what if it hurts them, too? What if that’s why they knew to use it as a weapon?*

“I don’t think I eat enough, but eating makes me feel icky, sometimes. Not just the burning. I was Mal-malnourished…? I think? So I gotta get that fixed by eating more and more slowly, until I’m able to eat enough again! And I dunno why it hurts, it just does.” *She nods.* “Yeah! I gotta feed after I heal, because it uses blood up. I can’t heal lots on my own, though. When I don’t have any blood, I can’t heal at all!”

“…Are you okay? You went all quiet…” *Ria’s voice is quiet, too.*

*She perks up at the mention of Her Avery. She nods, happily.* “Yeah!! Avery’s super duper nice! He’s gonna show me movies, and he taught me some internet things! Like the smilies! Although Saturn helped me get even more smilies…” *They tilt their head.* “Do you wanna go by Quill, then? Or still Avery?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Holy water...? *Avery freezes, his wings puffing up slightly as he shifts towards Ria... almost as if to shield her. His eyes dart around the field.* Who would do that to you...? You're just trying to survive.... *As his voice gets quieter, his smile falls into something worried.* They're gone now, right...? Did your dad help...?

Eating shouldn't hurt... *He says again.* It shouldn't feel icky either.... At least, I've never heard of it being icky. I've never experienced it like that....

*He bites his lip, rubbing the back of his neck.* I'm.... I'm okay. I was just... I said something that my dad said to me when I was younger....

*Quill or Avery... Avery or Quill.... He'd be wondering which ever since he first found out he was being called Quill.* I... either work, I guess.

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! I think so. Why?” *He didn’t answer any of her questions. She’s still a little concerned over the humans having maybe-hurts-them-water.* “It’s okay! They were just trying to survive, too. Even though I was little, they wanted to keep their blood. It’s not their fault.” *More confusion follows.* “Why would mama help? He didn’t know me yet. And I dunno why they’d be gone… they were just scared of me… it’s okay!” *Clearly, Ria doesn’t hold any malice towards these people.*

“…I dunno. Blood hurts, but bugs don’t. I dunno why. And I think it makes me feel icky when I eat too much because my body isn’t super used to eating lots…”

“Okay… is that an okay thing, Avery?” ^•m•>?

*She nods.* “Okay!! I’ll try to use both, then, until you choose one? Or whichever one feels more right…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery exhales slowly, his wings unpuffing again.* Uhm... sorry. I just... don't like seeing people hurt. To my knowledge, it only hurts vampires and... ghosts? Demons? I can't remember. *He tilts his head.* Your version of dad didn't know you that? Are you adopted, then? *He seems... extremely confused.* And they hurt you. You were a child. They could've found another way....

Maybe eating more will help? *He tilts his head, eyebrows furrowing.* I'm... not sure if it'll help, but maybe?

I... I haven't figured that out yet...

*Quill nods in response to her last comment.* Okay. I guess I could tell you if I figure it out...?

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria nods, slowly. She understands. They understand better than others would likely think.* “…Does seeing them hurt make your chest hurt, too?”

“Oh. That feels like a weird group.” *She nods in response.* “Uh-huh! I fell into Carcosa, and mama took me in. He was super nice to me, and I even have my own room! I’m not supposed to leave it, right now…” *Ria glances around.* “…but I didn’t have a choice in leaving, so I don’t think I’ll be in lots of trouble…?” *They’re a little nervous, but hopeful!*

*A pause. Ria smiles.* “…it’s okay! They were just… scared. They thought I’d hurt them, cuz I’m a monster. I don’t blame them. It’s okay. It’s the same reason why I had the no-bitey!” *Ria looks down, wings tucking in to be a little smaller once again.* “I… know I’m only really safe in Carcosa, anyways… they’re the only ones that don’t see me as a monster…” *…Certainly, this allows for no control over her at all. It’s perfectly fine and healthy.*

“I’m working on being able to eat more without feeling icky, but I dunno if the burny will go away. My blood’s kinda funny. Sometimes, if I’m hurt and feed, I can see smoke coming out of the hurt!! It goes up and out and then it goes poof!”

“Did… something happen, Quill?” *Ria’s worried for her friend. They scoot a little closer.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you were trying to survive too. *He seems… extremely stuck on that, although it’s understandable why.* Vampire or not, you’re still a person, and a kind one at that.

“No… bitey…”? *Avery’s eyebrows furrow.* What’s that…? I don’t like it.

*He tilts his head, trying to picture what Ria’s describing.* And that’s… natural? Ever since you… turned?

*Quill’s wing wrap around Ria a bit more, although the other remains tucked as it usually is.* I’m okay. It’s just… I kind of… ran? From my dad?

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s okay. I don’t blame them for wanting to be safe. I showed up and it scared them, so they threw the burny water at me. I didn’t really know what was happening, but they just wanted to protect themselves! And that’s the only way they knew how to…” *A pause. Ria’s eyes go unfocused, for a few moments.* “I don’t blame them. I’d rather they hurt me than I hurt them. People don’t wake up when I hurt them, usually…” *She sounds… so sad about it.*

“Yeah! My no-bitey! It went around my head, and Mama had a lock so I couldn’t take it off! It went up against my face like a mask, but it was there to make sure I couldn’t bite, since my teeth are super sharp, and Mama was scared I’d try to bite her!” *…A muzzle. Ria is describing a muzzle. She’s describing it so happily, too — like it’s a normal thing.*

“Uh-huh! I don’t see the smoke lots, but I can usually feel the blood going through my body whenever I feed! It usually hurts for…” *Ria blinks, thinking.* “…Uhm, as long as a nap usually does?”

*It seems like Ria doesn’t mind the wing curling around her. Assuming she’s noticed it at all, that is.* “You did? Why?” ^•n•>?

[yellow-inked-quill]

That doesn’t make hurting you right…. *He seems sad about it.* You were a child… didn’t know any better….

*Avery has to take a deep breath, his feathers puffing up around Ria as if to protect her.* A muzzle…? Your biological parent… muzzled you?

*He doesn’t fully understand her analogy.* It hurts… for as long as a nap lasts…?

Uhm… *Quill hesitates.* It’s not important…

[the-darling-diamond]

“And they were scared. Even if I was small, I still had to be scary, right? They wouldn’t have hurt me if they didn’t think they had to…” *She doesn’t know that it’s not true; that they might’ve, just because she was a “bad” species. They don’t want to believe the worst.*

*Ria tilts her head at the puffed feathers.* “Nuh-uh! Muzzles are for dogs. I had a no-bitey, cuz I wasn’t a dog. Those are for monsters.” *She’s so… sure, when she says it. That she’s a monster.*

“Mhm! I’m not very good at telling time, but it’s not a super long time. The sun only moves a little bit. It’s usually gone or almost-gone if I take a nap after.”

“But it’s making you sad…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Fear doesn’t give people the right to hurt someone else…. *Avery shakes his head, closing his eyes.*

But what you were describing is a muzzle… *He opens his eyes and tilts his head.* And even if your teeth are sharp, you shouldn’t have had a… no-bitey. There’s a way to teach someone without outing a block on everything….

So… the length of a nap…. *He tilts his head the other way.* So… 30 minutes to 3 hours? That… doesn’t help. *His smile returns slightly, although a bit more teasing.*

*Then, it falls again, with Quill swallowing.* It’s okay. I’ll figure it out. I just need time. It’s better this way.

[the-darling-diamond]

“…They thought I was gonna hurt them. It’s like- like defense! Where you protect yourself. Even if I wasn’t gonna hurt them… they thought it was the only way that I wouldn’t. So it’s okay! It’s gotta be…”

“I guess… it was a little like a muzzle… but the face thingy wasn’t as long. It fit better than a muzzle would…” *Ria shakes her head.* “It’s okay. Mama was right, anyways. Something bad happened when my no-bitey broke off.”

“Yeah! I think so? Is that a bad range…?” *They… don’t seem to realize that they’re being teased.*

*She hesitates, before bumping her head into Quill’s chest, like how a cat would.* “…Okay. You’re super cool, Avery. You can do it!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It’s only self defense if you’re attacked first, *he whispers under his breath.*

But if she had just… explained about biting and given you what you needed… then you wouldn’t have needed the muzzle, and then there’d be no need for the bad things… *He shakes his head.* I don’t think I like your mama.

*Quill lets out a quiet chuckle at her question.* 3 hours has… 180 minutes in it. That’s… I think 6 times 30 minutes?

*Avery blinks at Ria when she bumps into him, but his eyes soften. He pulls her into a warm hug—wings and all.* Thanks, Ria…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s ears twitch. She pretends not to hear. It’s easier when she doesn’t hear.*

“…But I’m a monster, and monsters bite. Even if she explained, I might’ve hurt her anyways. She wanted to be okay, and she wanted to let me stay! That’s not a bad thing. She was just trying to help, the only way she knew to!”

*Ria nods.* “An hour is… 60 minutes, right? 6 and 3 make 18, so either way you do it will get you 180. It just changes if you’re multiplying the 6 by 10, or the 3.” *Ria tilts her head, before continuing.* “And the sun doesn’t move lots, so it’s probably not 3 whole hours. If day’s only 12 hours, then 3 hours would be about a quarter of the daytime! But that means the sun’s moving too much. So it’s gotta be… maybe half that? But that would be 90 minutes! And 30 to 90 minutes isn’t a super big range, I don’t think…?” *She didn’t pause at any of the math.*

*Ria blinks, wiggling into a better position. She’s freezing, as cold as a corpse; makes sense, considering she’s a vampire.* “It’s true! You don’t gotta thank me.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

You’re not a monster though… *Avery trills slightly, although it’s sort of a sad sound.*

*Quill blinks, not fully understanding all the math.* So… 30 minutes to an hour 30…? That… makes sense, I guess.

*He closes his eyes. The cold is nice. He’s always so warm, almost concerningly so.* It may be true, but the support is… really nice…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria hesitates, then shrugs. She’s not a person, she’s not decor, and she’s not a monster.* “…I’m just Ria. But people will see me as a monster, anyways. It’s okay.”

“Uh-huh! Is that super long? I don’t think it is… I’ve been hurting lots more recently, but that’s cuz I’ve been eating more. And I hafta spread it out a bit, so I don’t feel icky on top of it.”

*Ria starts to purr. For a few moments, she feels the warmth. And then her body adjusts, and she’s back to everything feeling… plain, almost.* “…You deserve it. Being supported.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It doesn't matter how other people see you. *Avery's tone is quiet but firm.* They don't matter. They shouldn't care. You're you. You're Ria, and Ria can be whatever you want her to be. Their opinions shouldn't overpower yours. *It seems like he's saying it for himself as much as he's saying it for Ria.*

A full day-night cycle is 24 hours, so it's not too long. *With the topic of night and naps on his mind, Quill thinks of something else.* Do you sleep well enough, when you do take naps?

*He hums, body loosing some tension.* You deserve support too...

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s quiet. Her opinions have never mattered. She has always been what everyone else says she is. But… he needs this, doesn’t he? This is what he needs to believe. She smiles.*

“Yeah. I’m me, and you’re you, and that’s that. No one else can say how we’ll act, or what we’ll be! We’re just… us.”

“Yeah! That’s only about… 1/24th of the day! Or about 4%.” *It’s longer than that, for her. But that’s just because of the spread out eating. She hesitates.* “…I sleep okay when I’m not alone. I get lots of scary dreams, when I’m alone… they make sleeping hard and I don’t like it lots.”

“Everyone deserves support. Otherwise, they’ll just give up. And that’s no good…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery trills again, a calming sound, almost like a relieved sigh.*

I mean, most people sleep for like 9 of the 24 hours, so… *He nods.* … you get nightmares too…?

[the-darling-diamond]

“That’s only a little under half… closer to a third…” *The speed she does that is almost impressive!*

*She nods.* “Uh-huh. They’re super bad. I wake up from them lots…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery lets out a quieter trill, holding her tighter for a moment.* I’m sorry… no one should have to go through that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“It’s okay! I should be used to them, by now. Most of them are based on memories, anyways.” *…Concerning!*

“Avery? How dyou usually sleep?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you should be able to sleep without fear… *Avery hums.*

I…. *After a moment of quiet, he shrugs.* I don’t need to sleep all that often. Dad made sure of that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s alright. I’m safe in Carcosa. The nightmares are just my head being silly!” *Ria pauses.* “…I like sleeping in mama’s pocket. It’s super soft, and I like being nearby.”

*Ria tilts her head.* “How does that work? Does that mean your head doesn’t need the rest, either?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery relaxes again slightly, a gentle trill sounding.* I’m glad you have someone who’s willing to do that for you….

It’s… *He hesitates.* It’s complicated. I just don’t need as much sleep, and it’s fine.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria pauses the purring to make an oddly bird-like trilling noise in return.* “Uh-huh. Most people don’t see how nice mama is, though. They think he’s mean… I dunno why…”

*She nods, bumping her head into the bottom of Quill’s chin.* “…Okay. But please take naps anyways, cuz they’re supposed to be good for you!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Aver hesitates, a sadder trill sounding.* I used to think that too…. *“But then again, there’s a reason why I ran.” It’s left unsaid.*

I sleep when I get tired, I promise. *Quill bumps Ria back, letting out another, happier trill.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria tilts her head. She has a feeling. She squeezes Quill, hugging him tighter.* “…It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay.”

“If you say so, Quill. I trust you…” *…She’s always been trusting. Hasn’t she?*

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery squeezes her back, taking a deep breath.* Yeah. Maybe you’re right. Maybe your dad is better than mine…. I hope you’re right

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! It’s okay. Even the mean version of mama wasn’t super bad. To me, at least. It was super mean to papa. It even toon part of his soul! But most of the versions of mama I met were really really nice.”

“Like Kaiwan, or…” *Ria hesitates, thinking.* “Akestor, I think? I dunno if they were a version of mama or not, though. I think so.”

*Ria naming three — four, if you count their parent — versions of The King might be a little concerning, but alright. She seems fine, at least.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

That’s… *Quill hesitates.* A lot… of versions…. The mean one didn’t hurt you, right…? Is it gone? *His wings puff up around Ria and himself.*

[the-darling-diamond]

“I- uhm…” *Ria blinks a few times, trying to think.* “I… think he did? But I think it was an accident… it was…” *She’s speaking slowly. Struggling to remember.* “It was… my…” *Her… her what? What was hurt?*

“Mama said I had to be all better, before I was supposed to leave my room… and I remember it being hard to move before papa put the… something on them…? And I had to drink lots of blood to feel better…”

*Ria’s still trying to figure it out. Accident, hurt a lot. Hard to move…*

“…My wings, I think. I think they got… squished a little bit?” *Considering how thin Ria’s wings are, ‘squished a little bit’ could be… bad. But that also means that few injuries can hide; she’s okay.*

“Thinking about it makes my head feel funny… I don’t like it lots…”

“But it’s okay! I’m super okay, and papa killed the mean version of mama. I called it Fallen. My hand went through its chest, cuz that’s where it was keeping papa’s soul… we had to get it, so he could go to mama’s Carcosa.”

*Ria blinks, easily distracted.* “Your wings look super fluffy, Quill!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery’s grip tightens slightly. He does not like the Fallen, it seems, but more than that, he worries over the forgotten memories. Pulling back for a mere moment, he scans Ria, only relaxing back into the hug after finding no injuries.*

O-oh. *His face goes slightly red.* They uh… they do that when I’m worried.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria lets herself be studied. She doesn’t mind. What she does mind, though, is the Lack Of Hug. She tries to press back against Quill, purring quietly once he goes back into the hug. She seems unaware that her missing memories are something to Worry About.*

“…Your wings go fluffy when you get worried?” ^•o•>?

“Wait, why are you worried?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill hums.* Yeah. Most things back down if my wings are big enough, so they puff up to make them look even bigger.

Forgetting memories isn’t good… *Avery’s voice is soft… but there’s an underlying tension that he can’t seem to shake.* It usually means something really, really bad happened or someone is messing with your head. Or at least… that’s what it was in my case…

[the-darling-diamond]

“Woah… you aren’t scared that they’ll think you’re mean, and try to attack anyways?”

“…Oh. I don’t… think either of those are true?” *Ria tilts her head.* “How do I know if someone’s messing with my head? I’ve forgotten lots of things… it’s easier to forget them, I think…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

I mean… sometimes… *Quill tilts his head.* But if I’m big enough, they could think I’m strong enough that they’d loose. And then they’d have no reason to attack me.

But… what if they’re important…?

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Ria has been Dropped In next to Quill! She’s wearing a Long Yellow Dress. Shoes, however, are not currently being worn. It doesn’t look like she was expecting being sent elsewhere.*

^•w•>?

*She looks around, a little confused. She’s not supposed to be outside of her room and this isn’t Carcosa, is it? And right after she said she wouldn’t leave… it’s a little worrying. But they’re used to being sent to other worlds. It’ll be okay.*

—💎🌹

*Avery jumps, hissing slightly as he jumps away. His eyes are wide as he looks at Ria.*

*Then, he notices her eyes.* Are- are you the one the Voice mentioned...? *He bites his lip, taking a deep breath.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria squeaks in return, wings pulling in. Smaller. Be smaller. Less of a threat. They won’t hurt you if you’re not a threat.*

*She waits for a few moments; keeping herself small. Looking down, so her face is harder to see. Fangs. They never like her fangs. But they hissed. Humans don’t usually hiss, so maybe her fangs are okay? And she isn’t being hurt yet… Ria’s eyes dart up, almost hopefully.*

“The… voice?” *They sound confused, for a moment. Voice… they hear voices, sometimes.* “…Maybe?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*The puff in his wings slowly fades. It's like some cat's tails, really, with how they puff and then go back to normal.*

I think so. I heard them again, and they said yes, so.... *Avery tilts his head, looking at her more closely.*

You're... more bat than I am...? *He does not realize Ria is adopted, yet, partially because he's assuming wings just come with being a child of a King in Yellow.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria figures the puffing down is.. probably a good thing. She shifts in place, wings… well, they’re still folded up small, but it looks less strained and like it probably hurts less.*

*One of their ears twitch.* “I didn’t… hear anything?” ^•n•>?

*She was not aware that this was a comparison that had to be made. He doesn’t seem like he’s a vampire, so why wouldn’t she be More Bat?* “Yeah! I’m a vampire, so that’s why I’m all bat-like!”

*A pause, followed by a smile. Her fangs are visible, but it seems to be a friendly action. It’s almost certainly not threatening, at least.* “I’m Ria, by the way. Who’re you?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery tilts his head.* Maybe they can choose to just talk to me, then? Or- or maybe it has something to do with my dad? I don't know. *He slowly folds his wings to be more comfortable, them almost acting as a cape instead of a barrier.*

*He tilts his head.* A vampire? *His eyes shine slightly.* So- so do you need blood? How do you get it? Does your dad create it for you, like my dad got me insects and worms? Are you allergic to garlic? Are-

*He abruptly stops, face going red.* Oh, uhm... sorry.... I'm Avery! Or uhm... some of the voices were calling me Quill! *His smile is barely visible. It's been a long time since he smiled.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria thinks for a moment. Or it looks like she’s thinking, at least.* “I dunno. Maybe? The voices are a little weird, sometimes. They can make things show up. I don’t think that happens normally, but I dunno what else they can do…”

“Yeah! I’m a vampire.” *Ria squeaks a few times. Very bat-like. Very beautiful, very powerful /ref* “I gotta have blood, but I’m usually hungry anyways. I just need it to do stuff like heal and keep control of my mind! I black out sometimes if I go too long without feeding, but that takes a super long time. I can eat bugs, too! I like moths. I also like worms, but not to eat. I have pet worms.” *Ria pauses. How does she get all of it?* “I… got some a while ago, but then mama had some people get me more, I think? I dunno who got it or how, though.”

*She nods.* “I’m allergic to garlic, but I was born that way, so I don’t think anything changed when I was turned. Other than me not having my own blood anymore, or normal sun hurting. The suns in Carcosa are nice, though, cuz they don’t make me feel all burny.”

“It’s okay! I’m sorry I don’t have lots of good answers. I don’t know lots about vampires, even though I am one…” *Ria blinks, studying Avery. Now that she thinks about it… they do have some resemblance? Probably?* “Woah… okay! Why do they call you Quill?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill listens with rapt attention, tilting his head this way and that. His eyebrows furrow for a moment.* It's not normal for food to hurt.... Do you eat enough? Why does it hurt? Doesn't using blood to heal take some of it away?

*His eyes widen for a moment.* Nonono, it's okay! Your answering to the... best of your ability... *He quiets down a bit, a silence lasting for a long minute.*

*Then, Avery shakes his head.* They call me Quill to differentiate me from... other Averys, I think? Like, the voice mentioned you were friends with another Avery, so....

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria blinks. She didn’t say her blood hurts, but it’s not wrong. She figures some of the words got mixed up. They hesitate, before shaking their head.* “It’s normal for me. Drinking blood has hurt since I was turned! It makes my veins feel all burny, like how the sun does. Or how the funny water did. Hole- holy water, I think? It’s a funny name. I dunno why they call it that. Dyou think it’s because it makes them feel like their hands will have holes in them, too?” *Ria looks… concerned. Worried for the mortals and their holy water that can hurt her. Because what if it hurts them, too? What if that’s why they knew to use it as a weapon?*

“I don’t think I eat enough, but eating makes me feel icky, sometimes. Not just the burning. I was Mal-malnourished…? I think? So I gotta get that fixed by eating more and more slowly, until I’m able to eat enough again! And I dunno why it hurts, it just does.” *She nods.* “Yeah! I gotta feed after I heal, because it uses blood up. I can’t heal lots on my own, though. When I don’t have any blood, I can’t heal at all!”

“…Are you okay? You went all quiet…” *Ria’s voice is quiet, too.*

*She perks up at the mention of Her Avery. She nods, happily.* “Yeah!! Avery’s super duper nice! He’s gonna show me movies, and he taught me some internet things! Like the smilies! Although Saturn helped me get even more smilies…” *They tilt their head.* “Do you wanna go by Quill, then? Or still Avery?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Holy water...? *Avery freezes, his wings puffing up slightly as he shifts towards Ria... almost as if to shield her. His eyes dart around the field.* Who would do that to you...? You're just trying to survive.... *As his voice gets quieter, his smile falls into something worried.* They're gone now, right...? Did your dad help...?

Eating shouldn't hurt... *He says again.* It shouldn't feel icky either.... At least, I've never heard of it being icky. I've never experienced it like that....

*He bites his lip, rubbing the back of his neck.* I'm.... I'm okay. I was just... I said something that my dad said to me when I was younger....

*Quill or Avery... Avery or Quill.... He'd be wondering which ever since he first found out he was being called Quill.* I... either work, I guess.

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! I think so. Why?” *He didn’t answer any of her questions. She’s still a little concerned over the humans having maybe-hurts-them-water.* “It’s okay! They were just trying to survive, too. Even though I was little, they wanted to keep their blood. It’s not their fault.” *More confusion follows.* “Why would mama help? He didn’t know me yet. And I dunno why they’d be gone… they were just scared of me… it’s okay!” *Clearly, Ria doesn’t hold any malice towards these people.*

“…I dunno. Blood hurts, but bugs don’t. I dunno why. And I think it makes me feel icky when I eat too much because my body isn’t super used to eating lots…”

“Okay… is that an okay thing, Avery?” ^•m•>?

*She nods.* “Okay!! I’ll try to use both, then, until you choose one? Or whichever one feels more right…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery exhales slowly, his wings unpuffing again.* Uhm... sorry. I just... don't like seeing people hurt. To my knowledge, it only hurts vampires and... ghosts? Demons? I can't remember. *He tilts his head.* Your version of dad didn't know you that? Are you adopted, then? *He seems... extremely confused.* And they hurt you. You were a child. They could've found another way....

Maybe eating more will help? *He tilts his head, eyebrows furrowing.* I'm... not sure if it'll help, but maybe?

I... I haven't figured that out yet...

*Quill nods in response to her last comment.* Okay. I guess I could tell you if I figure it out...?

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria nods, slowly. She understands. They understand better than others would likely think.* “…Does seeing them hurt make your chest hurt, too?”

“Oh. That feels like a weird group.” *She nods in response.* “Uh-huh! I fell into Carcosa, and mama took me in. He was super nice to me, and I even have my own room! I’m not supposed to leave it, right now…” *Ria glances around.* “…but I didn’t have a choice in leaving, so I don’t think I’ll be in lots of trouble…?” *They’re a little nervous, but hopeful!*

*A pause. Ria smiles.* “…it’s okay! They were just… scared. They thought I’d hurt them, cuz I’m a monster. I don’t blame them. It’s okay. It’s the same reason why I had the no-bitey!” *Ria looks down, wings tucking in to be a little smaller once again.* “I… know I’m only really safe in Carcosa, anyways… they’re the only ones that don’t see me as a monster…” *…Certainly, this allows for no control over her at all. It’s perfectly fine and healthy.*

“I’m working on being able to eat more without feeling icky, but I dunno if the burny will go away. My blood’s kinda funny. Sometimes, if I’m hurt and feed, I can see smoke coming out of the hurt!! It goes up and out and then it goes poof!”

“Did… something happen, Quill?” *Ria’s worried for her friend. They scoot a little closer.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you were trying to survive too. *He seems… extremely stuck on that, although it’s understandable why.* Vampire or not, you’re still a person, and a kind one at that.

“No… bitey…”? *Avery’s eyebrows furrow.* What’s that…? I don’t like it.

*He tilts his head, trying to picture what Ria’s describing.* And that’s… natural? Ever since you… turned?

*Quill’s wing wrap around Ria a bit more, although the other remains tucked as it usually is.* I’m okay. It’s just… I kind of… ran? From my dad?

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s okay. I don’t blame them for wanting to be safe. I showed up and it scared them, so they threw the burny water at me. I didn’t really know what was happening, but they just wanted to protect themselves! And that’s the only way they knew how to…” *A pause. Ria’s eyes go unfocused, for a few moments.* “I don’t blame them. I’d rather they hurt me than I hurt them. People don’t wake up when I hurt them, usually…” *She sounds… so sad about it.*

“Yeah! My no-bitey! It went around my head, and Mama had a lock so I couldn’t take it off! It went up against my face like a mask, but it was there to make sure I couldn’t bite, since my teeth are super sharp, and Mama was scared I’d try to bite her!” *…A muzzle. Ria is describing a muzzle. She’s describing it so happily, too — like it’s a normal thing.*

“Uh-huh! I don’t see the smoke lots, but I can usually feel the blood going through my body whenever I feed! It usually hurts for…” *Ria blinks, thinking.* “…Uhm, as long as a nap usually does?”

*It seems like Ria doesn’t mind the wing curling around her. Assuming she’s noticed it at all, that is.* “You did? Why?” ^•n•>?

[yellow-inked-quill]

That doesn’t make hurting you right…. *He seems sad about it.* You were a child… didn’t know any better….

*Avery has to take a deep breath, his feathers puffing up around Ria as if to protect her.* A muzzle…? Your biological parent… muzzled you?

*He doesn’t fully understand her analogy.* It hurts… for as long as a nap lasts…?

Uhm… *Quill hesitates.* It’s not important…

[the-darling-diamond]

“And they were scared. Even if I was small, I still had to be scary, right? They wouldn’t have hurt me if they didn’t think they had to…” *She doesn’t know that it’s not true; that they might’ve, just because she was a “bad” species. They don’t want to believe the worst.*

*Ria tilts her head at the puffed feathers.* “Nuh-uh! Muzzles are for dogs. I had a no-bitey, cuz I wasn’t a dog. Those are for monsters.” *She’s so… sure, when she says it. That she’s a monster.*

“Mhm! I’m not very good at telling time, but it’s not a super long time. The sun only moves a little bit. It’s usually gone or almost-gone if I take a nap after.”

“But it’s making you sad…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Fear doesn’t give people the right to hurt someone else…. *Avery shakes his head, closing his eyes.*

But what you were describing is a muzzle… *He opens his eyes and tilts his head.* And even if your teeth are sharp, you shouldn’t have had a… no-bitey. There’s a way to teach someone without outing a block on everything….

So… the length of a nap…. *He tilts his head the other way.* So… 30 minutes to 3 hours? That… doesn’t help. *His smile returns slightly, although a bit more teasing.*

*Then, it falls again, with Quill swallowing.* It’s okay. I’ll figure it out. I just need time. It’s better this way.

[the-darling-diamond]

“…They thought I was gonna hurt them. It’s like- like defense! Where you protect yourself. Even if I wasn’t gonna hurt them… they thought it was the only way that I wouldn’t. So it’s okay! It’s gotta be…”

“I guess… it was a little like a muzzle… but the face thingy wasn’t as long. It fit better than a muzzle would…” *Ria shakes her head.* “It’s okay. Mama was right, anyways. Something bad happened when my no-bitey broke off.”

“Yeah! I think so? Is that a bad range…?” *They… don’t seem to realize that they’re being teased.*

*She hesitates, before bumping her head into Quill’s chest, like how a cat would.* “…Okay. You’re super cool, Avery. You can do it!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It’s only self defense if you’re attacked first, *he whispers under his breath.*

But if she had just… explained about biting and given you what you needed… then you wouldn’t have needed the muzzle, and then there’d be no need for the bad things… *He shakes his head.* I don’t think I like your mama.

*Quill lets out a quiet chuckle at her question.* 3 hours has… 180 minutes in it. That’s… I think 6 times 30 minutes?

*Avery blinks at Ria when she bumps into him, but his eyes soften. He pulls her into a warm hug—wings and all.* Thanks, Ria…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s ears twitch. She pretends not to hear. It’s easier when she doesn’t hear.*

“…But I’m a monster, and monsters bite. Even if she explained, I might’ve hurt her anyways. She wanted to be okay, and she wanted to let me stay! That’s not a bad thing. She was just trying to help, the only way she knew to!”

*Ria nods.* “An hour is… 60 minutes, right? 6 and 3 make 18, so either way you do it will get you 180. It just changes if you’re multiplying the 6 by 10, or the 3.” *Ria tilts her head, before continuing.* “And the sun doesn’t move lots, so it’s probably not 3 whole hours. If day’s only 12 hours, then 3 hours would be about a quarter of the daytime! But that means the sun’s moving too much. So it’s gotta be… maybe half that? But that would be 90 minutes! And 30 to 90 minutes isn’t a super big range, I don’t think…?” *She didn’t pause at any of the math.*

*Ria blinks, wiggling into a better position. She’s freezing, as cold as a corpse; makes sense, considering she’s a vampire.* “It’s true! You don’t gotta thank me.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

You’re not a monster though… *Avery trills slightly, although it’s sort of a sad sound.*

*Quill blinks, not fully understanding all the math.* So… 30 minutes to an hour 30…? That… makes sense, I guess.

*He closes his eyes. The cold is nice. He’s always so warm, almost concerningly so.* It may be true, but the support is… really nice…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria hesitates, then shrugs. She’s not a person, she’s not decor, and she’s not a monster.* “…I’m just Ria. But people will see me as a monster, anyways. It’s okay.”

“Uh-huh! Is that super long? I don’t think it is… I’ve been hurting lots more recently, but that’s cuz I’ve been eating more. And I hafta spread it out a bit, so I don’t feel icky on top of it.”

*Ria starts to purr. For a few moments, she feels the warmth. And then her body adjusts, and she’s back to everything feeling… plain, almost.* “…You deserve it. Being supported.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It doesn't matter how other people see you. *Avery's tone is quiet but firm.* They don't matter. They shouldn't care. You're you. You're Ria, and Ria can be whatever you want her to be. Their opinions shouldn't overpower yours. *It seems like he's saying it for himself as much as he's saying it for Ria.*

A full day-night cycle is 24 hours, so it's not too long. *With the topic of night and naps on his mind, Quill thinks of something else.* Do you sleep well enough, when you do take naps?

*He hums, body loosing some tension.* You deserve support too...

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s quiet. Her opinions have never mattered. She has always been what everyone else says she is. But… he needs this, doesn’t he? This is what he needs to believe. She smiles.*

“Yeah. I’m me, and you’re you, and that’s that. No one else can say how we’ll act, or what we’ll be! We’re just… us.”

“Yeah! That’s only about… 1/24th of the day! Or about 4%.” *It’s longer than that, for her. But that’s just because of the spread out eating. She hesitates.* “…I sleep okay when I’m not alone. I get lots of scary dreams, when I’m alone… they make sleeping hard and I don’t like it lots.”

“Everyone deserves support. Otherwise, they’ll just give up. And that’s no good…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery trills again, a calming sound, almost like a relieved sigh.*

I mean, most people sleep for like 9 of the 24 hours, so… *He nods.* … you get nightmares too…?

[the-darling-diamond]

“That’s only a little under half… closer to a third…” *The speed she does that is almost impressive!*

*She nods.* “Uh-huh. They’re super bad. I wake up from them lots…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery lets out a quieter trill, holding her tighter for a moment.* I’m sorry… no one should have to go through that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“It’s okay! I should be used to them, by now. Most of them are based on memories, anyways.” *…Concerning!*

“Avery? How dyou usually sleep?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you should be able to sleep without fear… *Avery hums.*

I…. *After a moment of quiet, he shrugs.* I don’t need to sleep all that often. Dad made sure of that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s alright. I’m safe in Carcosa. The nightmares are just my head being silly!” *Ria pauses.* “…I like sleeping in mama’s pocket. It’s super soft, and I like being nearby.”

*Ria tilts her head.* “How does that work? Does that mean your head doesn’t need the rest, either?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery relaxes again slightly, a gentle trill sounding.* I’m glad you have someone who’s willing to do that for you….

It’s… *He hesitates.* It’s complicated. I just don’t need as much sleep, and it’s fine.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria pauses the purring to make an oddly bird-like trilling noise in return.* “Uh-huh. Most people don’t see how nice mama is, though. They think he’s mean… I dunno why…”

*She nods, bumping her head into the bottom of Quill’s chin.* “…Okay. But please take naps anyways, cuz they’re supposed to be good for you!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Aver hesitates, a sadder trill sounding.* I used to think that too…. *“But then again, there’s a reason why I ran.” It’s left unsaid.*

I sleep when I get tired, I promise. *Quill bumps Ria back, letting out another, happier trill.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria tilts her head. She has a feeling. She squeezes Quill, hugging him tighter.* “…It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay.”

“If you say so, Quill. I trust you…” *…She’s always been trusting. Hasn’t she?*

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery squeezes her back, taking a deep breath.* Yeah. Maybe you’re right. Maybe your dad is better than mine…. I hope you’re right

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! It’s okay. Even the mean version of mama wasn’t super bad. To me, at least. It was super mean to papa. It even toon part of his soul! But most of the versions of mama I met were really really nice.”

“Like Kaiwan, or…” *Ria hesitates, thinking.* “Akestor, I think? I dunno if they were a version of mama or not, though. I think so.”

*Ria naming three — four, if you count their parent — versions of The King might be a little concerning, but alright. She seems fine, at least.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

That’s… *Quill hesitates.* A lot… of versions…. The mean one didn’t hurt you, right…? Is it gone? *His wings puff up around Ria and himself.*

[the-darling-diamond]

“I- uhm…” *Ria blinks a few times, trying to think.* “I… think he did? But I think it was an accident… it was…” *She’s speaking slowly. Struggling to remember.* “It was… my…” *Her… her what? What was hurt?*

“Mama said I had to be all better, before I was supposed to leave my room… and I remember it being hard to move before papa put the… something on them…? And I had to drink lots of blood to feel better…”

*Ria’s still trying to figure it out. Accident, hurt a lot. Hard to move…*

“…My wings, I think. I think they got… squished a little bit?” *Considering how thin Ria’s wings are, ‘squished a little bit’ could be… bad. But that also means that few injuries can hide; she’s okay.*

“Thinking about it makes my head feel funny… I don’t like it lots…”

“But it’s okay! I’m super okay, and papa killed the mean version of mama. I called it Fallen. My hand went through its chest, cuz that’s where it was keeping papa’s soul… we had to get it, so he could go to mama’s Carcosa.”

*Ria blinks, easily distracted.* “Your wings look super fluffy, Quill!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery’s grip tightens slightly. He does not like the Fallen, it seems, but more than that, he worries over the forgotten memories. Pulling back for a mere moment, he scans Ria, only relaxing back into the hug after finding no injuries.*

O-oh. *His face goes slightly red.* They uh… they do that when I’m worried.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria lets herself be studied. She doesn’t mind. What she does mind, though, is the Lack Of Hug. She tries to press back against Quill, purring quietly once he goes back into the hug. She seems unaware that her missing memories are something to Worry About.*

“…Your wings go fluffy when you get worried?” ^•o•>?

“Wait, why are you worried?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill hums.* Yeah. Most things back down if my wings are big enough, so they puff up to make them look even bigger.

Forgetting memories isn’t good… *Avery’s voice is soft… but there’s an underlying tension that he can’t seem to shake.* It usually means something really, really bad happened or someone is messing with your head. Or at least… that’s what it was in my case…

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Ria has been Dropped In next to Quill! She’s wearing a Long Yellow Dress. Shoes, however, are not currently being worn. It doesn’t look like she was expecting being sent elsewhere.*

^•w•>?

*She looks around, a little confused. She’s not supposed to be outside of her room and this isn’t Carcosa, is it? And right after she said she wouldn’t leave… it’s a little worrying. But they’re used to being sent to other worlds. It’ll be okay.*

—💎🌹

*Avery jumps, hissing slightly as he jumps away. His eyes are wide as he looks at Ria.*

*Then, he notices her eyes.* Are- are you the one the Voice mentioned...? *He bites his lip, taking a deep breath.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria squeaks in return, wings pulling in. Smaller. Be smaller. Less of a threat. They won’t hurt you if you’re not a threat.*

*She waits for a few moments; keeping herself small. Looking down, so her face is harder to see. Fangs. They never like her fangs. But they hissed. Humans don’t usually hiss, so maybe her fangs are okay? And she isn’t being hurt yet… Ria’s eyes dart up, almost hopefully.*

“The… voice?” *They sound confused, for a moment. Voice… they hear voices, sometimes.* “…Maybe?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*The puff in his wings slowly fades. It's like some cat's tails, really, with how they puff and then go back to normal.*

I think so. I heard them again, and they said yes, so.... *Avery tilts his head, looking at her more closely.*

You're... more bat than I am...? *He does not realize Ria is adopted, yet, partially because he's assuming wings just come with being a child of a King in Yellow.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria figures the puffing down is.. probably a good thing. She shifts in place, wings… well, they’re still folded up small, but it looks less strained and like it probably hurts less.*

*One of their ears twitch.* “I didn’t… hear anything?” ^•n•>?

*She was not aware that this was a comparison that had to be made. He doesn’t seem like he’s a vampire, so why wouldn’t she be More Bat?* “Yeah! I’m a vampire, so that’s why I’m all bat-like!”

*A pause, followed by a smile. Her fangs are visible, but it seems to be a friendly action. It’s almost certainly not threatening, at least.* “I’m Ria, by the way. Who’re you?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery tilts his head.* Maybe they can choose to just talk to me, then? Or- or maybe it has something to do with my dad? I don't know. *He slowly folds his wings to be more comfortable, them almost acting as a cape instead of a barrier.*

*He tilts his head.* A vampire? *His eyes shine slightly.* So- so do you need blood? How do you get it? Does your dad create it for you, like my dad got me insects and worms? Are you allergic to garlic? Are-

*He abruptly stops, face going red.* Oh, uhm... sorry.... I'm Avery! Or uhm... some of the voices were calling me Quill! *His smile is barely visible. It's been a long time since he smiled.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria thinks for a moment. Or it looks like she’s thinking, at least.* “I dunno. Maybe? The voices are a little weird, sometimes. They can make things show up. I don’t think that happens normally, but I dunno what else they can do…”

“Yeah! I’m a vampire.” *Ria squeaks a few times. Very bat-like. Very beautiful, very powerful /ref* “I gotta have blood, but I’m usually hungry anyways. I just need it to do stuff like heal and keep control of my mind! I black out sometimes if I go too long without feeding, but that takes a super long time. I can eat bugs, too! I like moths. I also like worms, but not to eat. I have pet worms.” *Ria pauses. How does she get all of it?* “I… got some a while ago, but then mama had some people get me more, I think? I dunno who got it or how, though.”

*She nods.* “I’m allergic to garlic, but I was born that way, so I don’t think anything changed when I was turned. Other than me not having my own blood anymore, or normal sun hurting. The suns in Carcosa are nice, though, cuz they don’t make me feel all burny.”

“It’s okay! I’m sorry I don’t have lots of good answers. I don’t know lots about vampires, even though I am one…” *Ria blinks, studying Avery. Now that she thinks about it… they do have some resemblance? Probably?* “Woah… okay! Why do they call you Quill?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Quill listens with rapt attention, tilting his head this way and that. His eyebrows furrow for a moment.* It's not normal for food to hurt.... Do you eat enough? Why does it hurt? Doesn't using blood to heal take some of it away?

*His eyes widen for a moment.* Nonono, it's okay! Your answering to the... best of your ability... *He quiets down a bit, a silence lasting for a long minute.*

*Then, Avery shakes his head.* They call me Quill to differentiate me from... other Averys, I think? Like, the voice mentioned you were friends with another Avery, so....

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria blinks. She didn’t say her blood hurts, but it’s not wrong. She figures some of the words got mixed up. They hesitate, before shaking their head.* “It’s normal for me. Drinking blood has hurt since I was turned! It makes my veins feel all burny, like how the sun does. Or how the funny water did. Hole- holy water, I think? It’s a funny name. I dunno why they call it that. Dyou think it’s because it makes them feel like their hands will have holes in them, too?” *Ria looks… concerned. Worried for the mortals and their holy water that can hurt her. Because what if it hurts them, too? What if that’s why they knew to use it as a weapon?*

“I don’t think I eat enough, but eating makes me feel icky, sometimes. Not just the burning. I was Mal-malnourished…? I think? So I gotta get that fixed by eating more and more slowly, until I’m able to eat enough again! And I dunno why it hurts, it just does.” *She nods.* “Yeah! I gotta feed after I heal, because it uses blood up. I can’t heal lots on my own, though. When I don’t have any blood, I can’t heal at all!”

“…Are you okay? You went all quiet…” *Ria’s voice is quiet, too.*

*She perks up at the mention of Her Avery. She nods, happily.* “Yeah!! Avery’s super duper nice! He’s gonna show me movies, and he taught me some internet things! Like the smilies! Although Saturn helped me get even more smilies…” *They tilt their head.* “Do you wanna go by Quill, then? Or still Avery?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Holy water...? *Avery freezes, his wings puffing up slightly as he shifts towards Ria... almost as if to shield her. His eyes dart around the field.* Who would do that to you...? You're just trying to survive.... *As his voice gets quieter, his smile falls into something worried.* They're gone now, right...? Did your dad help...?

Eating shouldn't hurt... *He says again.* It shouldn't feel icky either.... At least, I've never heard of it being icky. I've never experienced it like that....

*He bites his lip, rubbing the back of his neck.* I'm.... I'm okay. I was just... I said something that my dad said to me when I was younger....

*Quill or Avery... Avery or Quill.... He'd be wondering which ever since he first found out he was being called Quill.* I... either work, I guess.

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! I think so. Why?” *He didn’t answer any of her questions. She’s still a little concerned over the humans having maybe-hurts-them-water.* “It’s okay! They were just trying to survive, too. Even though I was little, they wanted to keep their blood. It’s not their fault.” *More confusion follows.* “Why would mama help? He didn’t know me yet. And I dunno why they’d be gone… they were just scared of me… it’s okay!” *Clearly, Ria doesn’t hold any malice towards these people.*

“…I dunno. Blood hurts, but bugs don’t. I dunno why. And I think it makes me feel icky when I eat too much because my body isn’t super used to eating lots…”

“Okay… is that an okay thing, Avery?” ^•m•>?

*She nods.* “Okay!! I’ll try to use both, then, until you choose one? Or whichever one feels more right…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery exhales slowly, his wings unpuffing again.* Uhm... sorry. I just... don't like seeing people hurt. To my knowledge, it only hurts vampires and... ghosts? Demons? I can't remember. *He tilts his head.* Your version of dad didn't know you that? Are you adopted, then? *He seems... extremely confused.* And they hurt you. You were a child. They could've found another way....

Maybe eating more will help? *He tilts his head, eyebrows furrowing.* I'm... not sure if it'll help, but maybe?

I... I haven't figured that out yet...

*Quill nods in response to her last comment.* Okay. I guess I could tell you if I figure it out...?

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria nods, slowly. She understands. They understand better than others would likely think.* “…Does seeing them hurt make your chest hurt, too?”

“Oh. That feels like a weird group.” *She nods in response.* “Uh-huh! I fell into Carcosa, and mama took me in. He was super nice to me, and I even have my own room! I’m not supposed to leave it, right now…” *Ria glances around.* “…but I didn’t have a choice in leaving, so I don’t think I’ll be in lots of trouble…?” *They’re a little nervous, but hopeful!*

*A pause. Ria smiles.* “…it’s okay! They were just… scared. They thought I’d hurt them, cuz I’m a monster. I don’t blame them. It’s okay. It’s the same reason why I had the no-bitey!” *Ria looks down, wings tucking in to be a little smaller once again.* “I… know I’m only really safe in Carcosa, anyways… they’re the only ones that don’t see me as a monster…” *…Certainly, this allows for no control over her at all. It’s perfectly fine and healthy.*

“I’m working on being able to eat more without feeling icky, but I dunno if the burny will go away. My blood’s kinda funny. Sometimes, if I’m hurt and feed, I can see smoke coming out of the hurt!! It goes up and out and then it goes poof!”

“Did… something happen, Quill?” *Ria’s worried for her friend. They scoot a little closer.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you were trying to survive too. *He seems… extremely stuck on that, although it’s understandable why.* Vampire or not, you’re still a person, and a kind one at that.

“No… bitey…”? *Avery’s eyebrows furrow.* What’s that…? I don’t like it.

*He tilts his head, trying to picture what Ria’s describing.* And that’s… natural? Ever since you… turned?

*Quill’s wing wrap around Ria a bit more, although the other remains tucked as it usually is.* I’m okay. It’s just… I kind of… ran? From my dad?

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s okay. I don’t blame them for wanting to be safe. I showed up and it scared them, so they threw the burny water at me. I didn’t really know what was happening, but they just wanted to protect themselves! And that’s the only way they knew how to…” *A pause. Ria’s eyes go unfocused, for a few moments.* “I don’t blame them. I’d rather they hurt me than I hurt them. People don’t wake up when I hurt them, usually…” *She sounds… so sad about it.*

“Yeah! My no-bitey! It went around my head, and Mama had a lock so I couldn’t take it off! It went up against my face like a mask, but it was there to make sure I couldn’t bite, since my teeth are super sharp, and Mama was scared I’d try to bite her!” *…A muzzle. Ria is describing a muzzle. She’s describing it so happily, too — like it’s a normal thing.*

“Uh-huh! I don’t see the smoke lots, but I can usually feel the blood going through my body whenever I feed! It usually hurts for…” *Ria blinks, thinking.* “…Uhm, as long as a nap usually does?”

*It seems like Ria doesn’t mind the wing curling around her. Assuming she’s noticed it at all, that is.* “You did? Why?” ^•n•>?

[yellow-inked-quill]

That doesn’t make hurting you right…. *He seems sad about it.* You were a child… didn’t know any better….

*Avery has to take a deep breath, his feathers puffing up around Ria as if to protect her.* A muzzle…? Your biological parent… muzzled you?

*He doesn’t fully understand her analogy.* It hurts… for as long as a nap lasts…?

Uhm… *Quill hesitates.* It’s not important…

[the-darling-diamond]

“And they were scared. Even if I was small, I still had to be scary, right? They wouldn’t have hurt me if they didn’t think they had to…” *She doesn’t know that it’s not true; that they might’ve, just because she was a “bad” species. They don’t want to believe the worst.*

*Ria tilts her head at the puffed feathers.* “Nuh-uh! Muzzles are for dogs. I had a no-bitey, cuz I wasn’t a dog. Those are for monsters.” *She’s so… sure, when she says it. That she’s a monster.*

“Mhm! I’m not very good at telling time, but it’s not a super long time. The sun only moves a little bit. It’s usually gone or almost-gone if I take a nap after.”

“But it’s making you sad…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

Fear doesn’t give people the right to hurt someone else…. *Avery shakes his head, closing his eyes.*

But what you were describing is a muzzle… *He opens his eyes and tilts his head.* And even if your teeth are sharp, you shouldn’t have had a… no-bitey. There’s a way to teach someone without outing a block on everything….

So… the length of a nap…. *He tilts his head the other way.* So… 30 minutes to 3 hours? That… doesn’t help. *His smile returns slightly, although a bit more teasing.*

*Then, it falls again, with Quill swallowing.* It’s okay. I’ll figure it out. I just need time. It’s better this way.

[the-darling-diamond]

“…They thought I was gonna hurt them. It’s like- like defense! Where you protect yourself. Even if I wasn’t gonna hurt them… they thought it was the only way that I wouldn’t. So it’s okay! It’s gotta be…”

“I guess… it was a little like a muzzle… but the face thingy wasn’t as long. It fit better than a muzzle would…” *Ria shakes her head.* “It’s okay. Mama was right, anyways. Something bad happened when my no-bitey broke off.”

“Yeah! I think so? Is that a bad range…?” *They… don’t seem to realize that they’re being teased.*

*She hesitates, before bumping her head into Quill’s chest, like how a cat would.* “…Okay. You’re super cool, Avery. You can do it!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It’s only self defense if you’re attacked first, *he whispers under his breath.*

But if she had just… explained about biting and given you what you needed… then you wouldn’t have needed the muzzle, and then there’d be no need for the bad things… *He shakes his head.* I don’t think I like your mama.

*Quill lets out a quiet chuckle at her question.* 3 hours has… 180 minutes in it. That’s… I think 6 times 30 minutes?

*Avery blinks at Ria when she bumps into him, but his eyes soften. He pulls her into a warm hug—wings and all.* Thanks, Ria…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s ears twitch. She pretends not to hear. It’s easier when she doesn’t hear.*

“…But I’m a monster, and monsters bite. Even if she explained, I might’ve hurt her anyways. She wanted to be okay, and she wanted to let me stay! That’s not a bad thing. She was just trying to help, the only way she knew to!”

*Ria nods.* “An hour is… 60 minutes, right? 6 and 3 make 18, so either way you do it will get you 180. It just changes if you’re multiplying the 6 by 10, or the 3.” *Ria tilts her head, before continuing.* “And the sun doesn’t move lots, so it’s probably not 3 whole hours. If day’s only 12 hours, then 3 hours would be about a quarter of the daytime! But that means the sun’s moving too much. So it’s gotta be… maybe half that? But that would be 90 minutes! And 30 to 90 minutes isn’t a super big range, I don’t think…?” *She didn’t pause at any of the math.*

*Ria blinks, wiggling into a better position. She’s freezing, as cold as a corpse; makes sense, considering she’s a vampire.* “It’s true! You don’t gotta thank me.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

You’re not a monster though… *Avery trills slightly, although it’s sort of a sad sound.*

*Quill blinks, not fully understanding all the math.* So… 30 minutes to an hour 30…? That… makes sense, I guess.

*He closes his eyes. The cold is nice. He’s always so warm, almost concerningly so.* It may be true, but the support is… really nice…

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria hesitates, then shrugs. She’s not a person, she’s not decor, and she’s not a monster.* “…I’m just Ria. But people will see me as a monster, anyways. It’s okay.”

“Uh-huh! Is that super long? I don’t think it is… I’ve been hurting lots more recently, but that’s cuz I’ve been eating more. And I hafta spread it out a bit, so I don’t feel icky on top of it.”

*Ria starts to purr. For a few moments, she feels the warmth. And then her body adjusts, and she’s back to everything feeling… plain, almost.* “…You deserve it. Being supported.”

[yellow-inked-quill]

It doesn't matter how other people see you. *Avery's tone is quiet but firm.* They don't matter. They shouldn't care. You're you. You're Ria, and Ria can be whatever you want her to be. Their opinions shouldn't overpower yours. *It seems like he's saying it for himself as much as he's saying it for Ria.*

A full day-night cycle is 24 hours, so it's not too long. *With the topic of night and naps on his mind, Quill thinks of something else.* Do you sleep well enough, when you do take naps?

*He hums, body loosing some tension.* You deserve support too...

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria’s quiet. Her opinions have never mattered. She has always been what everyone else says she is. But… he needs this, doesn’t he? This is what he needs to believe. She smiles.*

“Yeah. I’m me, and you’re you, and that’s that. No one else can say how we’ll act, or what we’ll be! We’re just… us.”

“Yeah! That’s only about… 1/24th of the day! Or about 4%.” *It’s longer than that, for her. But that’s just because of the spread out eating. She hesitates.* “…I sleep okay when I’m not alone. I get lots of scary dreams, when I’m alone… they make sleeping hard and I don’t like it lots.”

“Everyone deserves support. Otherwise, they’ll just give up. And that’s no good…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery trills again, a calming sound, almost like a relieved sigh.*

I mean, most people sleep for like 9 of the 24 hours, so… *He nods.* … you get nightmares too…?

[the-darling-diamond]

“That’s only a little under half… closer to a third…” *The speed she does that is almost impressive!*

*She nods.* “Uh-huh. They’re super bad. I wake up from them lots…”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery lets out a quieter trill, holding her tighter for a moment.* I’m sorry… no one should have to go through that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“It’s okay! I should be used to them, by now. Most of them are based on memories, anyways.” *…Concerning!*

“Avery? How dyou usually sleep?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

But you should be able to sleep without fear… *Avery hums.*

I…. *After a moment of quiet, he shrugs.* I don’t need to sleep all that often. Dad made sure of that…

[the-darling-diamond]

“…It’s alright. I’m safe in Carcosa. The nightmares are just my head being silly!” *Ria pauses.* “…I like sleeping in mama’s pocket. It’s super soft, and I like being nearby.”

*Ria tilts her head.* “How does that work? Does that mean your head doesn’t need the rest, either?”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery relaxes again slightly, a gentle trill sounding.* I’m glad you have someone who’s willing to do that for you….

It’s… *He hesitates.* It’s complicated. I just don’t need as much sleep, and it’s fine.

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria pauses the purring to make an oddly bird-like trilling noise in return.* “Uh-huh. Most people don’t see how nice mama is, though. They think he’s mean… I dunno why…”

*She nods, bumping her head into the bottom of Quill’s chin.* “…Okay. But please take naps anyways, cuz they’re supposed to be good for you!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Aver hesitates, a sadder trill sounding.* I used to think that too…. *“But then again, there’s a reason why I ran.” It’s left unsaid.*

I sleep when I get tired, I promise. *Quill bumps Ria back, letting out another, happier trill.*

[the-darling-diamond]

*Ria tilts her head. She has a feeling. She squeezes Quill, hugging him tighter.* “…It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay.”

“If you say so, Quill. I trust you…” *…She’s always been trusting. Hasn’t she?*

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery squeezes her back, taking a deep breath.* Yeah. Maybe you’re right. Maybe your dad is better than mine…. I hope you’re right

[the-darling-diamond]

“Yeah! It’s okay. Even the mean version of mama wasn’t super bad. To me, at least. It was super mean to papa. It even toon part of his soul! But most of the versions of mama I met were really really nice.”

“Like Kaiwan, or…” *Ria hesitates, thinking.* “Akestor, I think? I dunno if they were a version of mama or not, though. I think so.”

*Ria naming three — four, if you count their parent — versions of The King might be a little concerning, but alright. She seems fine, at least.*

[yellow-inked-quill]

That’s… *Quill hesitates.* A lot… of versions…. The mean one didn’t hurt you, right…? Is it gone? *His wings puff up around Ria and himself.*

[the-darling-diamond]

“I- uhm…” *Ria blinks a few times, trying to think.* “I… think he did? But I think it was an accident… it was…” *She’s speaking slowly. Struggling to remember.* “It was… my…” *Her… her what? What was hurt?*

“Mama said I had to be all better, before I was supposed to leave my room… and I remember it being hard to move before papa put the… something on them…? And I had to drink lots of blood to feel better…”

*Ria’s still trying to figure it out. Accident, hurt a lot. Hard to move…*

“…My wings, I think. I think they got… squished a little bit?” *Considering how thin Ria’s wings are, ‘squished a little bit’ could be… bad. But that also means that few injuries can hide; she’s okay.*

“Thinking about it makes my head feel funny… I don’t like it lots…”

“But it’s okay! I’m super okay, and papa killed the mean version of mama. I called it Fallen. My hand went through its chest, cuz that’s where it was keeping papa’s soul… we had to get it, so he could go to mama’s Carcosa.”

*Ria blinks, easily distracted.* “Your wings look super fluffy, Quill!”

[yellow-inked-quill]

*Avery’s grip tightens slightly. He does not like the Fallen, it seems, but more than that, he worries over the forgotten memories. Pulling back for a mere moment, he scans Ria, only relaxing back into the hug after finding no injuries.*

O-oh. *His face goes slightly red.* They uh… they do that when I’m worried.