dracocheesecake

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Some Fayluna studies! The one where she's hugging Meego is my favorite.

The pic in the upper right corner is when she was still a baby. She'd often curl up like this on Daddy's head!

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Irkana Headcanons

Cassiora's younger sister.

Her fur is light cream with a gold hue, and her eyes are lavender. She’s beautiful by Dorcean standards. However, despite having many suitors, her eyes were set on ‘the greatest hunter in Orbona.’

She’s a master manipulator. So far, Cassiora, Besteel, and her own mother, Gala, are the few people she’s been unable to fool.

She believes that because her father told her she’s better than all the other females in the tribe, that automatically means she’s the only one worthy of marrying Besteel, the best hunter of their generation.

Due to her father’s influence, she grew up seeing her ’tribeless’ sister as inferior. The idea of Cassiora being favored over her in any way sets her off. She had a breakdown when Besteel outright chose Cassiora over her. She felt sadistic delight to hear four of her sister's cubs were stillborn but was angry that one survived.

She’s not really into hunting. She failed her First Hunt, so she’s not considered a fully-fledged huntress. She only became interested in it again because she thought it’d get her Besteel’s attention. 

Rather than hunt her own prey, however, she resorted to stealing the most impressive catches from traps and passing them as her own, a severe violation of the Hunter’s Code. Somehow, she managed to cover her tracks well.

Cassiora was the reason Irkana failed her First Hunt. Irkana wanted to hunt a waterbear, the easiest animal to kill, but Cassiora protected the herd that raised her with claws and teeth. To everyone’s surprise, Cassiora defeated Irkana. This started their bitter feud—though Cassiora didn’t know then that Irkana was her sister.

Despite not being an adept huntress, she does know the basics of making traps and tanning. With her spoiled and lazy attitude, however, she’d rather have other people do it. 

Irkana’s the youngest of her littermates, with Cassiora as the oldest and their brother Gormak as the middle child.

She was so used to getting everything she wanted that she was genuinely surprised when her father didn’t immediately acquiesce to her demand to have her betrothed to Besteel, as he’d already picked Cassiora as his mate. 

She started a relationship with Redimus, who had a crush on her for a while. She hoped to be close to Besteel and win his affection, but it didn’t end well.

After failing to steal her sister’s mate, her reputation was already in shambles, but the final nail in the coffin came when her theft of other hunters’ catches came to light. Even her indulging father was pissed at her for dishonoring their family in such a way.

Irkana was banished from her tribe, and once word spread, she was not welcome among the other forest tribes. She’s been barely fending for herself ever since.

She still has not given up in taking Besteel for herself.

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Crane doesn't just stress clean. He also boredom cleans- especially if he's left alone at someone else's place. Po learned this because once he invited him over to Mr. Ping's restaurant and showed him his old room- but then Po was called away to do a "celebrity appearance" for a birthday party there, and when Po came back he found his room completely and utterly spotless, and Crane was already working on the hall, the stairs, and about to move to do all the dishes in the restaurant.

Because of this Mr. Ping invites Crane over very often. Why refuse a free cleaning service?

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Oogway, after his near death experience: "Hey, I'm thinking that we should utilize this new knowledge we have been given to change the world for the better, and ourselves as well."

Kai:

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Are there any other alien species in Orbona other than the ones we know about?

There are! Plenty actually. In the books it mentioned Eva saw many aliens with a variety of different features and there were other alien villages she hadn't seen before. Cæruleans, Halcyonuses, Dorceans, Ojo's species, and the Arsians are only but a few!

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First Birthday

Doshika belongs to @dracocheesecake for proper credit! Also, we discussed writing this beforehand, and they loved the idea. (Plus, this is helping with my mental health by writing something more peaceful than normal. Enjoy!)

You sang to your little eyasses as you cleaned the den to get it ready to celebrate their first birthday. Your voice soothed their little cries, specifically your son Obesh. You kept him wrapped in a lovely cloth, gifted to you by Redimus himself to help carry your eyasses in a pouch-like fashion to keep them comfortable until they were old enough to be on their own. Groshka, your mate, was carving outside with some Martick tooth to make a special gift for you and your eyasses. Once you had finished making your famous Bovka dish, you continued tending to both your son and daughter, your son hanging on your front, while your daughter hung on your back. Despite being in your natural human state, you were dominating the Dorcean side of being a mother. You carried two heavy baby Dorceans both in your womb and then on your person, making other Dorceans question how you gave birth to such successfully healthy babies.

"Aponi! Eez, everything ready for when Doshika and Redimus come here to celebrate our eyasses first year?" Groshka called from outside as he successfully finished his carvings. You smiled at him, gently cradling your son in your arms.

"Just about finished. The Bovka is just about done. I have it set to a low temperature to make sure it won't burn, and I made sure not to ruin it with any chilis. Do you want to handle one of your eyasses? They need attention from their father, too." You stated with a smirk on your face as he walked to you. His massive Dorcean frame completely shadowed over you, his massive talons ever so carefully caressed your face, a smile resting on his face as he looked down at you and your eyasses. Groshka gently grabbed Obesh from you, alongside his daughter, Hih-a-a. They began to stir from their slumber, their Dorcean limbs tucked in against their little bellies, making small chirps and rumbles as Groshka used his multiple limbs to carry them, unfortunately lacking a dewlap like the rest of his kin.

"Our little ones are so beautiful. Dey certainly didn't geet dat from me." Groshka commented, staring at his eyasses in his arms, giving you a playful wink at the same time. You chuckled softly, enamored by his flirtatious behavior towards you until the both of you were suddenly disturbed by the knock on your door. Groshka walks over to open it, revealing two large Dorceans: one white as snow like Groshka and a heavily scarred grey one, much smaller than his counterpart. Redimus and Doshika finally arrive to see and celebrate your two eyasses.

"Doshika, Redimus. Please, come in. Welcome to our domicile." Groshka politely allowed them entry, coming off as too formal for a friendly gathering. Doshika rolled her eyes at him, gently swatting his arm.

"Groshka, we are technically family at diz point. There iz no need to be so stiff as if you have a stick shoved up in what you Darkle-ings call a 'bashō'. Unless if Aponi was into dat zort of thing." Doshika teased Groshka, simultaneously winking at you in a playful manner, making the jab dig in a little bit deeper than before. You couldn't help but chuckle, Groshka simply rolling his eyes as he moved a pair of his limbs, revealing his eyasses from his makeshift pouch. Redimus and Doshika both perked up with excitement, knowing their own eyasses were far too old to be cradled and held in such a fashion, eagerly plucking them from Groshka's grasp.

"Why, hello, little ones! Eet iz your first year on Orbona. Your mother and zire have made you both strong and healthy little eyasses." Redimus cooed at your little ones, Hih-a-a chirping softly in his grasp as Doshika gingerly tucked Obesh into her dewlap, making him chirp happily. You watched with a content smile on your face before leaving into the kitchen to offer some refreshments and food. Groshka followed you soon after, gently nudging your back with his massive head.

"Hello, love. Is everything alright?" You asked him with a warm smile. He gently wrapped one of his pairs of arms around you, his massive arms engulfing you in his embrace, a deep rumble coursing through his chest and throat.

"Yez. Juzz content dat we have a moment to ourselves. Even though we had one about a week ago." He teased you gently, rubbing your once slim, now slightly plump belly. You smiled, gently placing your small hand over his massive taloned one.

"Groshka? There is something I have to tell you." You stated, trying to keep your excitement hidden. He hummed in response to you, lightly perking up. "I'm pregnant." You stated, breaking the silence, even hearing a slight gasp to your right, seeing Doshika and Redimus staring at you both in disbelief. Groshka looked down at you in shock as well.

"Already? Another litter?" Doshika asked bluntly, her eyes mock-glaring at Groshka while Redimus had a smirk tugging at his lips. You couldn't help but laugh at this, nodding at Doshika. "He iz going to run your womb to an exhaustion! I'm shocked you can even handle heem in general!" Doshika added in, teasing Groshka immensely for his stubborn history she grew up to know. You couldn't help but laugh again, clutching your belly from the fit of your laughter, while Groshka's hide bristled out of annoyance to Doshika for her blunt statements, but also out of surprise at your laughter. Well, this would be one birthday story you could tell your first litter of eyasses once they were older, and that didn't bother you one bit. You had a family, both in front of you, and now more growing inside of you. Nothing could change this lovely life you had been blessed with.

The End

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Costume change from "Kung Fu Panda: Chi Master"

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Marakeen and Redimus Headcanons

They first met when Redimus accompanied Besteel (now the chieftain of their tribe) on a diplomatic trip to Nalavega, the main village of the sea Dorceans. 

Redimus was apprehensive to talk to her, given he hadn’t had any good experiences with love before (cough Irkana cough). Eventually, Besteel gave him a little push—literally into the sea. Marakeen came to Redimus’s aid.

They kept in touch via letters, though occasionally Besteel would send Redimus to Nalavega on diplomatic duties AKA see his girlfriend.

Marakeen taught Redimus how to swim and how to operate a fishing sailboat. He was surprisingly good at it, though he still didn’t like getting wet.

Unlike the females in the forest tribes, Marakeen didn’t know about her brother-in-law’s reputation other than his recent appointment as the new chieftain of the An’rak Tribe. As such, her interest in Redimus was genuine. 

Marakeen’s parents initially had reservations about her being courted by a forest Dorcean. However, Redimus’s gentleness and kind nature won them over. His father-in-law eventually becomes the father-like figure he wished he could’ve had growing up.

They proposed at the same time. They secretly crafted clothing for the other, as customary amongst sea Dorceans—though Redimus’s piece was a bit clumsily made due to his lack of experience crafting with seaweed and seashells. 

Besteel, Fayluna, Eva Nine, Rovender, and Redimus’s old beaming crew were invited to their wedding. Besteel was the equivalent of a ‘best man,’ and Redimus got a little revenge by pushing him into the water. 

After the wedding, Redimus moved to Nalavega and got a job as the village’s lightkeeper, which didn’t require swimming. 

The one thing Redimus didn’t like about his mate was that Marakeen tended to add too much salt to her dishes, a common practice amongst her people. Needless to say Besteel loves his sister-in-law's cooking in contrast.

Eventually, they had three children: Selkie, the oldest daughter, and twins Thalyss and Merrow. Selkie was a hybrid of forest and sea traits, while the twins were forest and sea Dorceans, respectively.

Fayluna loves playing with her cousins despite being a few years older by then.

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Redimus' daughters are actually a little picky- not so much in matters of taste, they'll eat anything- but in how the food is prepared and presented; this, however, is only because they've been spoiled by their father. Redimus will grant any of their requests without complaint: if Dorcy wants that fried spiderfish- which she specifically requested be fried with breading- with its breading in a bowl on the side, Redimus will do it. If Besteen wants her knifejack stew without the legs in it, Redimus will pick through her bowl to take out all the legs.

Besteel always swears he'll never do any such thing for them, that they'll either eat what he (or they) catch as is without complaint or prepare it themselves, but when they visit he's always bending over backwards for any of their little requests.

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Dorcean Headcanons: Chieftains and Tribes

The chieftain is in charge of the tribe, though they may rule along with their spouse. Their duties involve organizing hunting parties, managing the tribe’s resources, and managing relations with other tribes and non-Dorcean peoples.

Allied tribes often engage in arranged marriages between the chieftains’ children to better relations. 

A chieftain may be female or male. 

If someone is banished from a tribe for breaking the Hunter’s Code, the rest of the tribes will shut their doors to the banished. 

The term “tribeless” refers to Dorceans who live in the wilderness by themselves, either by their own choice or otherwise. Cassiora was considered tribeless before her marriage to Besteel, automatically making her a member of his tribe. Irkana would become a tribeless following her banishment.

A chieftain chooses their successor based on skill and merit, not blood relations. Their children may be passed over as successors if the chieftain feels they’re not apt for the position. 

The chieftain’s successor must not only demonstrate immense skill in combat and hunting but also the character to make hard decisions for the good of the tribe. Besteel met these criteria, as not only was he willing to give up hunting and start over for the sake of Fayluna, but he did questionable things to secure her and Redimus’s release without breaking the Hunter’s Code. 

Depending on the tribe, the chieftain must die physically or symbolically for their chosen successor to take their place.

Should the chieftain die without choosing a successor, the tribe’s elders discuss potential candidates and vote.

It’s possible to challenge the chieftain to usurp the position—the challenge can be refused, but the chieftain risks losing the tribe’s respect. The fight lasts until one of the contenders cannot go on. Whoever loses the match must leave the tribe.   

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Ok I don't have access to scans of these pictures so bear with me you get shoddy photos instead:

The similarities and differences between these two are astounding. They obviously look related, but at the same time, very different. Redimus looks softer and more gentle than his brother (because he is a sweet little baby and Besteel is the devil lol).

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Keest, pulling out his freshly emerged eyasses: "And deze are my babiez! I had twinz. But dis one," *points to baby Besteel* "iz my favorite becauze dis one...dis one geets me. Dis ozzer one iz alright, but he knowz he'z not my favorite, so he workz really hard to be a goot perzon. My favorite baby iz probably going to grow up to not be a particularly great perzon, but eet's ok. He's da bezt. Leetle Besteel. You'll be a great huntzman zomeday, won't you?"

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Nobody Cares

An interlude to the story "Losing Interest" I had written earlier. I'm still feeling a lot, but this song and this story will be a bittersweet angst in this case. So, I hope this kind of gives a sense of healing despite there being angst. Songs are called "Nobody Cares" and "I'll Keep You Safe" by Shiloh Dynasty.

'Tell me why I'm waiting for so long... They couldn't give a fuck about me...'

Redimus heard the lyrics from Faith's song list play on repeat in his head. He had accidentally stumbled onto her own songs she went to for comfort and healing, but this song brought no healing. Only heartache. He had remained by Faith's weakened frame after managing to heal what was left of her injuries. It was successful. She was alive. But, this time... she took longer to heal. Already two weeks had passed with no signs of awakening from her weakened comatose like state. Her eyes were still the same vacant grey, her hair now a bright white, but immensely shorter now that the once long hair had broken apart as if it had been cut off at shoulder length. Redimus watched her frame, unmoving but also in deep pain. His hearts ached with pain. He couldn't eat, couldn't sleep knowing she was like this. The Doctor could only watch from afar, unable to take Redimus out of his sulken state. Rose Tyler had tears flowing down her face, caring about Faith like a little sister at times, now seeing her little frame remaining that of a six year old child. Her abilities hadn't even returned fully yet. Redimus doubted they ever would. The Doctor knew she would come back to normal after this, but this was taking longer for her to heal, while Mickey tried comforting Rose Tyler by staying close to her side. Redimus was inconsolable. His hide remained low and slumped over Faith's frame as if he were examining her every movement. He only held her little hand in between two of his taloned fingers, her hand being so small in comparison to his. His other hands stayed rubbing her brow as if he were comforting her while she healed.

"Faith... Pleaze be okay. Eet's been two weeks, zince we got you healed up. I'm begging you to finally wake up. I need my little friend again. The friend that drove me crazy going through zo many wild adventures, even making me feel youthful once more. I need to hear from you again." His voice croaked out, sounding dry in his throat, when in reality, he was holding back sobs from how tired and sick he was feeling. He had refused to eat much those days, only eating one small human sized meal to fill his crop while remaining by her side. He never took his eye off of her, fearing she'd vanish from his sight and be lost to time itself. Despite being older than everyone there, Faith was mentally young. She was always deemed an immature Darkling amongst outsiders, viewed as if she were a disabled child, when actually she just wanted to relive her youth since she was constantly reborn at such young intervals throughout her energy's lifespan. Darklings couldn't be chosen in such a fashion, except by a divine cause. She had been reincarnated over a thousand times and lived a thousand lives only knowing how to be too mature for her youthful age. Now, she that was a Darkling, she didn't have to worry about such responsibilities despite being a first blood born Celestial of her class. So, she got to enjoy being childish in her life, traveling with the Doctor. Redimus saw her act mature in a lot of cases, but he preferred her childish demeanor far more because it healed what he had lost: his own innocence. She remained innocent for so long that he forgot how it felt to be so innocent. So, he wanted to at least preserve what little innocence there was that was still alive, thanks to Faith.

"Redimus...? Hey, buddy, I think... we should let Faith rest for now. She's going to be fine." Mickey slowly walked towards his burly frame, gently placing a warm and delicate hand on one of his many limbs. Redimus didn't budge from his spot.

"I will not leave her. Not until I see her wake up. How do you even know she'll be alright? Ze Doctor here doesn't even show any remorse for Faith. Only standing back there. I thought that with heem traveling wiz her for zo long, he would show more compassion." Redimus grumbled, his words stinging with hurt and anger that bubbled in his throat. The Doctor furrowed his brows at the accusation.

"I can only do so much for Faith, Redimus. Same as the TARDIS, Rose Tyler, Mickey, or even you. You can't blame me for this one. You need to give Faith time to he-"

"I would love to give her time to heal! She wouldn't even be in diz mess if eet weren't for me being here! Not to mention dat you could have easily stopped the Daleks at any time! Yet, you let them live despite them hunting Faith like some pest! You haven't even shown any remorse for Faith! You barely even care for her! You throw her into problems you can't fight because you know you'll lose those fights! She relies on you as her protector of not only her but also her people! And you throw her away to get hurt and get killed! I've seen her take too many hits for others, including me. I can't bear seeing such selfish people abusing such innocent ones like her!" Redimus bellowed with rage, turning his tired, solemn face to them, talons bared on his dominant hands while his other limbs balled into tight fists. His words echoed in the chamber, sending chills down everyone's spines, but the Doctor's. He merely stared at him, knowing he was right, but also knowing he was speaking out of a tired and broken mindset. Redimus wasn't doing well in this situation. His entire body showed a sickness that comes to those who are burdened with loss and self-loathing. He blamed himself for getting Faith so severely injured, but also blamed the Doctor for allowing Faith to continue such self-destructive behavior like sacrificing her life for others continuously.

"Redimus...?" A soft voice whispered in the now quiet room. It's gentle call ringing in everyone's ears, leading them all to look behind Redimus. Faith was awake, but her eyes were still a vacant grey, as if they were not done healing. Redimus immediately came to her side, holding her little body tightly in the pool, a weak but relieved smile resting on his face.

"Faith! Oh, thank Orbona's Rings, you're alright!" He choked out, gently pressing his large head against hers. Her body still felt cold from the healing pool she was in.

"What... happened? I don't... feel so good..." Faith whispered in a sickly voice. Redimus's one eye welled with tears, finally flowing down into the pool, causing the water to glow and ripple, accepting his everflowing tears.

"You got... badly hurt. But, eet's okay now. I got you. You're safe. I'm zo sorry. Diz is all my fault. Faith, I-" His throat grew dry, choking on every breath he let out, every word fumbling out of his maw like a deep and sickly tasting bile. Faith could only rest in his arms, her breaths smelling of her gold blood, but giving off a sickly sweet scent of poppies.

"Faith, you're okay!" Rose Tyler ran to Redimus's side, looking down at Faith in the pool. Rose looked at Redimus, seeing his tears flowing down into the pool, violet blood dripping from his maw down to his chin from biting his own lip so hard to stifle back sobs. His hands were locked up, holding Faith in the water.

"Did I... do something bad, again? Why is Redimus crying...?" Faith softly whispered, her arms too heavy to lift to wipe the tears from his eye while Rose slowly lifted Faith out of the pool.

"No. You didn't. We... are all just hurting because you got hurt. You almost died because of us... and Redimus isn't... taking the guilt too well right now. He hasn't left your side this whole time. He hasn't even eaten or slept in weeks since you have been healing. We're just glad you're okay, and we promise to make it up to you." Rose whispered to her, cradling her like if Faith were her own daughter, gently rocking her while also holding Redimus's hand for support while he couldn't bear to look at anyone while sobbing silently. Faith stared at Redimus, wanting to comfort him despite being so fragile at that moment. Rose Tyler could only hold Faith now, cradling her like a baby to help her get some sleep to make sure she still finished healing. The Doctor and Mickey stayed close to Redimus during this time, telling him to rest in the healing pool to heal his body while taking some private time to heal his spirit. Rose Tyler changed Faith's wet clothes into soft pajamas to make her feel safe and comfortable and laid her in her now bright green bed, no longer her room full of death and decay, but now new growing life instead.

'Tell me why I'm waiting... for so long... they couldn't give a fuck about me...'

The lyrics still echoed in his head once more, tears flowing from his eye as he lay in the pool, his arms tucked under his frame, his gaze remaining on the reflection in the water. He questioned why he was there. Why was he even alive? Why was he such a disgrace? Why was he such a failure to everyone around him? Just why? Why did everything have to be so cruel to the sweetest of people? Why was his life such a disappointment to others around him? He viewed himself as such a disappointment on Orbona, but now, traveling on the TARDIS, he was a disappointment to his own comrades. Especially to Faith. He had been just as guilty as the Doctor for putting her life on the line. He clenched his eye shut tight, ducking his head under the water, holding his breath as long as he could. He heard a gentle heartbeat in the water, definitely not one of his larger heartbeats. This was quieter. Softer even. He felt his burly frame sink deeper into the supposed shallow water in the pool, its bright blue color becoming darker as he sank. He opened his eye, immediately noticing he was floating in darkness. How did he? When did he? He looked around in the water, trying to find some source of light, only finding himself engulfed in darkness. Until... he felt a tiny hand brush his back, immediately making him spin around to see who touched him. It was Faith in her child form. She was surrounded by a soft white glow, her hair gently floating around her face as she stared up at him.

"Redimus? Are you okay?" Her voice was so innocently sweet. Reminded him of his own voice in his youth. He only stared at her in surprise, his maw slightly opening at a loss for words until he immediately started choking on the water he was in. Faith gently swam to his face, tracing a small insignia on his face, allowing him to breathe underwater.

"Faith! What are you -!? How are you -!? Faith, I-I am sorry. Eet iz my fault you're hurting. I shouldn't be alive. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't -" He cut off the minute he saw her form once again. She was in her adult form once more. Her hair being the original length it was before her fatal injuries. He could only stare at her in surprise, unable to speak. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, her embrace surprisingly warm despite floating in the dark abyss of the water. He hesitated to hug her back, not knowing what to do.

"I'm sorry I made you worry so much. I heard your spirit hurting. You're in your mind right now. Surrounded by the darkness you are hurting from. It's not your fault. You are only doing the best that you are given. I would never blame you for this at all. I'll gladly give my life to my people, my friends, my own family, and my loved ones. You are one of my very best friends I could ever befriend, and I'll lay my life on the line for you time and time again. Do not blame yourself for this. Let your mind and spirit heal. You need rest. Rejuvenate yourself for now. In the meantime, I'll be resting for a bit longer. I don't know when I'll wake up, but I'm okay now. Don't be sad for me." She whispered softly to his ear, his body now quaking with sobs deeper than he could have ever felt before. His burdens becoming all the lighter for him at that moment, his body slowly floating back up to the surface, allowing him to pull his head out of the healing pool he was in, back to his conscious state of mind. He looked around, gasping for air, the room empty all except for a soft song playing in the background. The lyrics were different this time, repeating the phrase:

'I'll keep you safe in these arms tonight...'

He knew... he was going to be okay now.

The End... Time to Begin Healing...

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Ok so in book one Besteel's camp was described as having "a massive pile of loot" at its center. Where did this loot come from? He doesn't seem like a petty thief that would waylay travelers- Rovender would have described him as such, and Queen Ojo probably would have had him arrested if that were so.

So my theory is: Besteel was raiding the old human Sanctuaries, and that's how he found Eva's still working. Finding her, a live human, was just a pleasant bonus.

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The incident that finally made Besteel cut ties with his father was when Vamphyr tried to throw away Fayluna's blankie made from Cassiora's fur because he considered she was 'old enough' to be weaned off it.

Pestering Besteel to 'get over Cassiora's death' and go after Broken Tooth is one thing, but trying to take the only thing Fayluna had from her mother away was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

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Hello there ^^ I don't know if you're still answering these, but, out of curiosity, I thought I might give it a shot :> How did Besteel react when he found out Vamphyr was intercepting Thalyss’s letters?

Well, he actually found out after Vamphyr died—I won't spoil the circumstances of his death for now. It turns out Vamphyr didn't destroy them; he just hid them. Redimus and Besteel found the letters under his bed in his cabin.

In the letters, Thalyss would ask Besteel how he was doing, wish him the best, and apologize for not being able to take him with her too. With time, the letters became more melancholic and sad, with Thalyss believing that Besteel's lack of response to her letters was because he wanted nothing to do with her, unaware that her mate had been intercepting them.

Besteel didn't sleep that night. He read through the letters, which drove him to tears of regret.