#Swallow-tailed Hummingbird

[lowcountry-gothic]

Pollen covered swallow-tailed hummingbird (Eupetomena macroura) in Misiones, Argentina. Photo by Maxi Cagel.

[okapiaconcolor]

Beija-flor - Hummingbird por silene andrade

[pmg227]

Favorite Bird Shots of July '24

“Watching birds is good for mental health, the research tells us; it reduces anxiety, stress and depression and builds a well-being connection that might remain for life.” Miriam Darlington in Owl Sense. Red-tailed Hawk White-eyed Vireo Barred Owl Yellow-throated Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Barred Owl (doing a little fishing) Pileated Woodpecker Great Crested Flycatcher (Another) Barred…

[wicked-barbie]

Sanguine Bond

House of the Dragon: Jacaerys x twin!reader (mentions of Jace x Baela and Dalton Greyjoy x reader)

Rating: Explicit (Minors DNI) 

WC: 1.8 k 

Warnings: Targcest/twincest, possessive!Jace, rough sex, blood, spanking (belt), blow jobs, knifeplay, mild humiliation

Summary: There are bonds others wouldn’t understand; the one between you and Jace runs deep

As you gripped the reigns tighter, your heart thrummed in your chest, like a hummingbird fluttering their wings in desperation. Gaelithox’s jade wings flapped hard, navigating through a slender opening between two cliffs, guiding your passage to Dragonstone. Blistering dragonfire exploded behind you, the heat singing your back and the end of your braid. You swallowed the fear before you barked the order,

“Aderī, Gaelithox!”

Your slender, swift dragon picked up speed, crossing the threshold that Aemond wouldn’t dare enter. You didn’t risk looking behind you when you heard Vhagar’s angry roar billow through the sky, which vibrated intensely through your bones. You hadn’t realized you had been holding your breath since giving the command until your throat spasmed and lips parted, allowing you to draw in a ragged gasp of air. Gaelithox parted her massive jaw and gave a screech of triumph as she lowered herself toward the lip of the Dragonmount.

Fear dissipated as a smug feeling of victory flooded through you as you dismounted and removed your moleskin gloves, walking toward the entrance of Dragonstone. You had secured the allegiance of Lord Dalton Greyjoy. The Red Kraken had been impressed with your command of Gaelithox and your bold tongue, and you didn’t see the harm in allowing him to believe he could have your hand in marriage once your mother’s throne was secure. He was bloodthirsty and a bit deranged, but if you had to follow through, so be it. There were worse matches.

You made straight for your mother’s quarters, and she embraced you once your presence was announced. Your twin, Jacaerys, and cousin, Baela, occupied the seats surrounding you, and you could feel your brother’s intense gaze lingering on you. From the corner of your eye, you saw Baela’s grip tighten around his hand.

“Was a pact agreed upon?” Rhaenyra asked, drawing your hands into her own, smoothing her thumbs across your knuckles.

“Indeed, it was. When all the dust settles, and you have your throne, I may have to wed Lord Greyjoy, but I’ll do so willingly, Mother,” you smiled, and she tilted her head.

“Only if you wish otherwise, I will not allow it,” she assured you, drawing you tightly into her arms.

“Well done, cousin,” Baela smiled, and you turned to face her and Jace, noting how tightly his jaw was set. Those dark eyes smoldered intensely, and you knew what the night held for you. A bit of guilt gnawed in your stomach. Baela was his intended, and you should not betray her in such a way, but you knew Jace would never be your husband. What was a harmless tryst? It would end once they were properly wed.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to bathe and change. Aemond gave me quite the chase,” you said.

Jace’s dark eyes widened, and your mother frowned.

“I should not have sent you alone,” Rhaenyra sighed.

“I did not anticipate that Aemond would be on his way to secure an alliance; he was most vexed,” you smirked. “He turned tail once I reached Dragonstone, so nothing to fret over.”

Baela laughed at your flippancy, nodding her approval while a thin line set across Jace’s mouth, his fingers digging into the thick fabric of his trousers and his knuckles turning white. Rhaenyra reached out to stroke your cheek.

“Do not be so careless, my heart. Aemond is a worthy foe, and you should not let your guard down around him,” she lectured.

You nodded, giving her your best sheepish look. “Apologies, Mother, I won’t be so foolish again.”

She nodded, giving you a soft smile. “Go and recover from your eventful day.”

You felt Jace’s eyes burning into your back as you escaped to the privacy of your chambers. Two of your ladies helped you undress from your riding clothes as the others prepared a steaming bath with jasmine oil. You removed the dagger from your boot, running your thumb over the sharp blade. It also resembled the one Jace had, both gifted daggers on your eight-and-ten namedays. The dagger's hilt resembled a curved dragon’s head, with two rubies glistening in the eye sockets. A crimson bead of blood blossomed against the calloused pad of your thumb as a memory came rushing forward.

“Blood of my blood,” you whispered, pressing your bleeding finger to Jace’s mouth.

“Flesh of my flesh,” he replied, his blood as sharp against your tongue as the two of you shared a private moment on the beach of Dragonstone under the glistening silver moon.

His flesh melded against yours, mouth hot and hungry, like a starving beast longing to be satiated. Your nails clawed the smooth, pale skin of his back, bringing more blood forth as a beast awakened from deep inside you. Your dragon roaring, fervid, and tumultuous, consuming your being. Fire and blood. 

You were left in peace, dagger placed on the table, soaking in the balmy water as you closed your eyes, allowing the warmth to carry you away. You were startled awake a few minutes later, water sloshing over the tub's sides as Jace’s fingers tangled in your hair. You stared into his brown eyes; the warmth usually filling them was gone.

“Jace, what are you doing?” you demanded, his grip tightening in your hair, and out of your peripheral vision, you spotted the secret entrance next to your cupboard open—the sneaky shit. 

His jaw flexed with his displeasure, making your stomach twist as your pearl throbbed with desire. You loved it when this side of him came out, and it’s how you justified the dalliance. You embraced the darker side, the side only a twin could understand, while Baela got the best of him.

“You were foolish,” he spat, glowering.

“You’re jealous,” you teased, squealing when he let go of your hair and thrust his hands under your arms, tugging you out of the warm water. You shivered, dripping and bare before him.

“And what would I be jealous of?” he asked darkly as you wrapped your arms around your exposed chest to provide modesty and warmth.

“That I could secure an alliance without you and that I might marry Lord Greyjoy,” you stated, towing a dangerous line. His temper lingered deep beneath the finely crafted facade, and the dragonfire would burn you when it exploded. But you welcomed it. You did not wish to be treated like a dainty princess and craved things that would set your teeth on edge: blood and fire.

“You need to be taught a lesson,” Jace hissed.

“Then give me one,” you purred before crashing your lips against his.

The kiss was brutal, punishing, bruising. His teeth scraped against your lower lip, blood welling from the shallow splits as it spilled into his mouth. He pushed your wet, naked body over the chair and slipped his heavy leather belt free after removing the dagger and sword. It whistled through the air, leaving a sharp crack of pain against your vulnerable backside. A moan spilled from your mouth. Ten lashes left your skin searing and your cunt dripping.

“Get on your knees,” Jace growled, and you carefully moved, sinking before him with tear-stained cheeks.

You watched with eager eyes and a watering mouth as he freed his cock, dangling it in front of your face before slapping the leaking, ruddy tip against your lips. You parted your mouth, drawing his large cock as deep as it would go, more wetness spilling down your eyes.

“How pretty you look with my cock shoved in your mouth, sister. How quiet you are then,” he cooed, thrusting his hips to drive himself deeper.

You sputtered around him, taking what he gave you. You wondered if Dalton Greyjoy would understand this side of you, how you craved being taken in hand and humiliated, yet allowed you the freedom you also enjoyed. Once Jace’s cock was slick with your spit, he removed himself from your mouth and took you over the bed. There was a gentleness to him now, some of the fire simmering out. You tugged off his breeches, removing his vest and tunic until he was as naked as you were.

He laid beneath you, guiding you to mouth his enormous cock, trembling as he watched it split through your slick folds. You whined, tossing your head back as damp tendrils of hair clung to your shoulders until you were fully seated on him. You were a gifted dragon rider, after all. You felt stuffed, like you might split in two as you accommodated your twin’s girth and length. His large hands settled on your hips as you began to move, reaching down to lightly fondle a few of the dark curls falling in front of his hooded eyes.

“Blood of my blood, sister,” he whispered, hands sliding up to cup your breasts.

“Flesh of my flesh, brother,” you purred, riding him faster as the heat in your belly blossomed further through your body.

“I wish you could be mine,” he confessed.

“I know, but the stars are not aligned for us,” you whispered, tightening around him.

He lifted his top half, pressing into you, his arms circling your back as he filled you with his seed, and you crashed into euphoric bliss, holding tightly to him. The time would come when you had to separate, clinging to these memories. Ones only the two of you shared. He slipped free, tucking you under the covers as he petted your damp hair.

“I will carry you in my heart, always, sister.”

You smiled, kissing each pad of his rough fingertips. “Just as I will with you, brother.”

You padded over the table, dagger in hand. While straddling Jace’s waist, the two of you exchanged bloody lips and bloody fingers once again.

~~

The years faded, and one day, you found yourself curtseying before your brother and cousin as they now ruled as King and Queen of Westeros. You had married Dalton Greyjoy, enjoying his company a great deal, and learned to love the smell of the salty sea. It seemed your paths were destined to cross again as Jace’s gaze settled on you, that unmistakable look in his dark eyes.’

“We welcome you and Lord Greyjoy to court, sister. It is wonderful to see you again,” Jace said, his gaze lingering on your eldest son, with his dark curls and eyes. Traits easily passed off as your own. You wouldn’t make the same mistake your mother did.

He took you in the garden that night, the bloom of the roses filling your senses as the thorns nipped your skin. You gazed up into the inky sky as your fingers slipped through his silken curls, the blade pressed against your throat. The bond would never be broken, as you willed his seed to take once again.

[i-am-the-oyster]

I'm working on a thing, and I need a full list of the bird species Paul has mentioned in song. Here's what I have so far:

Blackbird (obvs :) ) Cardinal (You Tell Me) Hummingbird (You Tell Me) Wren (Jenny Wren) Bluebird Robin (Happy With You) Swallow (Is This Love?) Birds of Paradise (Rinse the Raindrops)

Can you think of any others?

I am beside myself that I missed any of these (thanks @therealsaintscully @sgtpeppers @kickittothekerbe @royaltyisshe64)

Crows (I Don't Know) Pigeon (Single Pigeon) Seagull (Single Pigeon, Great Cock and Seagull Race) Magpie (Two Magpies) Swan (This One) Nightingale (On The Wings of a Nightingale) Grey Goose (Morse Moose And The Grey Goose) Skylark (Mama's Little Girl) Chicken (When Winter Comes) Cock (Great Cock and Seagull Race) Peacocks (Peacocks)

I'm going to add

Rufous Bellied Thrush (Back in Brazil) because I'm convinced that's what the birdsong at the beginning is. Long Tailed Tit (Long Tailed Winter Bird) because it is a reasonable choice, and it also brings in the harmonies from Girl.

[ains-art]

I love your griffins! Their little ears are so cute

I was wondering if you chose to pick traits from species of cats in overlapping native ranges, or if it was all vibes based?

Thank you so much <33

Just based off the vibes the birds gave me, i'm afraid this challenge was too spontaneous for me to have the energy to do further research :') would've been super cool to pair them with felines close to them!!

To list the inspirations (they aren't meant to be represented accurately in the art) for you:

-Pheasant coucal: various vague feline species, looks similar to a classic griffin on purpose

-Rufous hummingbird: harvest mice

-Hamerkop: sighthounds, horses, angora cats

-Swallow-tailed kite: generic cat

-Orange fruit dove: genet

-Citrine canary-flycatcher: kitten

-Diederik cuckoo: aardwolf

-Comoro blue vanga: cougar

-Purple quail-dove: bulldog

All the othera just have unspecific inspirations

[shithowdy]

birds i have seen on my trip this week that i was able to ID (for posterity and later logging. * marks first sighting since i started keeping track, though some i know i saw as a kid):

american crow

common raven

chihuahuan raven *

steller's jay

red tailed hawk

swainson's hawk *

northern harrier *

american kestrel

turkey vulture

snowy egret

great blue heron

gambel's quail *

greater roadrunner

bushtit

mountain chickadee *

white-winged dove *

mourning dove

rock dove/common pigeon (let them be on a list okay)

western kingbird

say's phoebe *

killdeer *

western tanager *

western bluebird *

black-chinned hummingbird

european starling (begrudgingly added)

great-tailed grackle

brown-headed cowbird

brewer's blackbird

tree swallow

house sparrow (thin ice being here)

chipping sparrow

tree sparrow

savannah sparrow *

[juustozzi]

Your winged people AU is so cool, and the concept of anyone having certain bird's wings sounds kinda cute; and tbh I just love whenever Tenma is associated with birds or wings in general, it fits him a lot n.n

I saw you made Kirino and Shindou as winged people too, and was wondering what birds you think would fit the other members of Raimon, out of curiosity

hello, thank you so much!! shoutout to the person who dropped the first ask about Tenma with wings that caused this to snowball, haha!

this au has separated into two in my head; the one where the plot-ish drawings are set in, where only people with bird association have wings, and then there's the side where picking and designing wings is fun and anyone could have a pair! but the line is blurry because this is all just for the funsies c:

here's my personal favourite picks - oriental stork and malabar parakeet! some characters were harder to find a match for, and please share if you have opinions about these or your own ideas! full team list under cut 👇 (also let me know if you want me to draw someone else from the list!)

Sangoku: oriental stork

Kurumada: greater roadrunner

Amagi: shoebill

Shinsuke: tree swallow

Hamano: black-headed gull

Hayami: manx shearwater

Kurama: jackdaw

Aoyama: eurasian coot

Ichino: piping plover

Nishiki: great blue heron

Kariya: malabar parakeet

Hikaru: little blue penguin

Tsurugi: taiwan blue magpie

and the ones I've done before:

Tenma: bar-tailed godwit

Shindou: peacock

Kirino: anna's hummingbird

[okapiaconcolor]

Beija-flor por silene andrade

[iamthekaijuking]

I think I finally figured out what Astalos is supposed to be. It's a Nightjar/Swallow. The majority of its prey are Neopterans, but instead of catching them mid-air like the birds in question, it can instead use electrical pulses from its piezoelectric organs to kill and stun them in mass as it flies through the swarm, only to land and eat them once they've fallen to the ground. This might explain why Astalos is so psycho. It's constantly spending energy on its electricity to kill large amounts of prey to sustain itself and to aquire large amounts of energy to create more piezoelectricity to aquire more prey, and so it goes on and on and on. In a way similar to animals like hummingbirds and short tailed shrews, Astalos may very well be trapped in a viscous cycle of energy acquisition and high energy expenditure. I looked closely at astalos's design as well, and it has a wing shape quite reminiscent to that of nightjars, long with pointed tips, good for sustained high speed flight. I also looked at the feet, and they're pretty much an identical copy of how nightjar feet look.

There’s a possibility that that’s what’s going on! Although there might be some issues.

Astalos’s electrogenesis might mean it can’t fly as long as other volant wyverns. Unless it has a completely novel way of generating electricity, it’s likely it’s using modified muscle tissue. Like with all electricity generating animals, these muscle cells probably gave up their ability to contract in order to maximize electricity output. This means that Astalos effectively has less “muscle” per muscle and is weaker than other creatures of similar mass.

If this is true then it might be more energy efficient to forage on the ground by using their massive claws to sift through leaf litter. And in sunbreak one of his idle animations has him do exactly that! Astalos’s third toe is noticeably bigger than his second and fourth toes, which might be an adaptation for cursoriality. It is similar to nightjars yes, but more extreme.

Thanks to @krmoaten-blog for the pics again

Male astalos also have those big knuckle duster claws that they use to brute force beat the fuck out of things, much like the males of some species of birds. These are likely an adaptation for fighting other male Astalos over mates. If male wings are more dedicated to combat than flight then they probably spend less time in the air than females (in fact a few duck species have entirely flightless males with wings dedicated exclusively for combat). This could also offer an explanation for the aggression of the Astalos we fight, which are all male. Instead of aggression caused by hunger it might instead be them using things as punching bags for practice when they fight for mates, which some of those species of ducks I mentioned do.

[makairodonx]

Somewhere on the oak-savannas of Yariloia, the largest continent of Mars ll, two Great Koniks and their foal give way for a pair of Testudotitian atlas as they march towards a grove of Acacia-Oaks while a lone Ibis-Headed Parachiropteran flies overhead; swooping high above the giants are a flock of Indigo Flycatchers, large swallow-tailed relatives of the hummingbird that feed upon the insects that swarm about the large herbivores that dominate the oak-savannas.

[marygih]

Brazilian peculiar fauna

As promised, my peculiar Brazilian fauna! I will explain what each animal is

1 .Two-headed jaguar

Exactly similar to two-headed lynxes, these large cats inhabit forests and are aggressive. They are large animals and need help to survive as both heads need to eat equally for the animal to survive.

2. Demon Piranhas

They are a dangerous and peculiar species of piranha, they have larger than normal teeth and horns, they are larger than common piranhas and they even devour alligators, it is an extremely dangerous animal.

3. Hummingbird with two tongues

This animal has a beak that opens much wider than that of a common hummingbird, it has two tongues that help it when eating. They eat much faster than a common hummingbird. These birds are naturally extremely fast and are peaceful.

4. Pink dolphin - Holadeira

Photographed in 1995 by Jeremy Wade, this species of Amazonian dolphin is extremely rare to find. It has notches on its back that are very characteristic. Unlike normal pink dolphins, this animal is aggressive just like a piranha, it is recommended to stay very far away from this animal

5. Fire maned wolf

This large animal is peaceful, extremely cautious and does not pose any immediate danger. However, if cornered or in a situation of danger or a lot of stress, this animal's body will catch fire. Fire does not hurt it, it is used solely as defense, unfortunately this animal is often responsible for Forest fire

6. Harpybara

This animal is a mix of a harpy and a capybara, harpybaras have the wings and tail of harpies and the body of a friendly and cute capybara, it is a peaceful and omnivorous animal. She swims very well, is terrestrial, and flies long distances, but prefers to stay on the ground and lie down under the shade of trees. They are the preferred animals as pets for ymbrynes, as they are completely harmless to children and are good companions.

7. Peculiar Coral Snakes

Coral snakes are already naturally dangerous with their deadly venom, now imagine a coral snake that can swallow anything regardless of size. This is the peculiar ability of these snakes. In addition to the naturally dangerous venom, these snakes are born with a jaw that stretches infinitely and an elastic body. They can eat things infinitely bigger than themselves and go years without needing to eat again. Obviously they are extremely dangerous.

8. Indestructible armadillo

Of normal size to that of any common armadillo, the indestructible armadillo has the peculiarity of its impenetrable body, its shell is proof of everything, it cannot be broken, shot or burned. It's indestructible.

Soon you met the ymbryne who rescues and shelters all these animals, Miss Tainá Urutau.

[eirianerisdar]

hi! i'm really loving icarus, you're a wonderful writer! but i just had a quick question. i love the flock graphics, and they're super helpful! would it be possible for you to maybe list the species of birds for the main 'characters' of the story as well? you don't have to post example photos or anything crazy, but i think just a list like that would be helpful too. sometimes i forget who has what kind of wings, and i think having a list so i can google image the bird would be great.

if that's not something you want to do or don't have time to do or something, no worries!! i really appreciate you taking the time to write icarus in the first place <3

Oof I might as well do a general guide! I never thought a maxiel wingfic would spawn so many specific wing allocations but here's the general list:

Paddock wings in Icarus:

Current grid:

Daniel Ricciardo - Scarlet Macaw (colourful, nimble flyers)

Max Verstappen - Peregrine Falcon (raw speed, inherited from his mother)

Sergio Perez -Crested Caracara (a type of mexican bird of prey)

Lewis Hamilton - Greater Bird of Paradise (beautiful wing plumes, lovely singer)

George Russell - Blue swallow (beautiful metallic-blue feathers, scream like madmen when they fly)

Carlos Sainz - Spanish Imperial Eagle (white epaulets, very regal)

Charles Leclerc - White Dove (need I say more? Perfect white wings, exploited because they're pretty but so intelligent in pathfinding)

Lando Norris - Lucifer Hummingbird (Small, colourful, likes to hover in place)

Oscar Piastri - Little Lorikeet (One of the smaller types of Australian parrot. Very cute)

Yuki Tsunoda - Japanese Long-tailed tit (Photos should be self explanatory. They fly like ballistic missiles)

Alexander Albon - Crested Fireback (National bird of Thailand. Beautiful dark blue and fiery plumage)

Logan - Blue Jay (Commonly found in Florida. Blue, like Logan's current posting, and his eyes)

Pierre Gasly - Osprey (A bird of prey often found near coasts along the European shoreline, and Pierre is from Normandy)

Esteban Ocon - Black Stork (Tall, gangly, also migrates through France)

Fernando Alonso - Kestrel (a type of small bird of prey, hunts by biding their time and waiting then divebombing)

Lance Stroll - Snowy Owl (Lance is cuddly ok and I didn't want to make him a Canadian goose because that's his dad)

Valtteri Bottas - Bullfinch (Look it up. The picture is self-explanatory. The manliest of men)

Zhou Guanyu - Chinese Red-Crowned Crane (A crowned crane for the champion of the universe, as translates his name)

Kevin Magnussen - Raven (Viking. quoth the raven.)

Nico Hulkenberg - Crow (he keeps coming back. As wily as many of their bird counterparts but has a bad rep for being a bad omen)

Retired drivers or drivers not currently on the grid:

Sebastian Vettel - Swiftlet (Extremely good fliers, reaching up to 160km/h and pulls insane G-forces)

Mick Schumacher - European robin (Very cute. Universally liked. Same wings as his father)

Nico Rosberg - Eurasian Sparrowhawk (a bird of prey that hunts by ambushing before a high-speed, agile chase)

Jenson Button - Northern Harrier (hunts in a high-speed flight close to the ground, exceptionally good listeners)

Mark Webber - Cassowary (look up a photo. Just look at it.)

Kimi Raikkonen - Giant Albatross (King of gives no shits, flies very long distances without a care)

David Coulthard - Bush-Stone Curlew (White trousers!)

Romain Grosjean - Red-tailed Hawk (I chose the bird of prey that could best mesh with the phoenix metaphor)

Antonio Giovannazi - White-spotted Starling (Very pretty plumage)

Daniil Kyvat - Great Bustard (I honestly don't remember why. Distributes in Russia)

Nyck De Vries - Common European Sparrow (Small. Commonly found. Unfortunately often hunted)

Nikita Mazepin - Flamingo (Need I say more)

Sir Jackie Stewart - (Clipped) Merlin Wings (Extremely fast Scottish bird of prey. In-fic, Jackie was one of the generation of drivers that clipped their wings, permanently robbing them of flight)

Team Principals and people in the paddock:

Toto Wolff - Black Swan (self-explanatory)

Christian Horner - Golden Eagle (A bit pompous. Matches his hair)

James Vowles - Magpie (Utterly clever, not from any particular prestige)

Fred Vasseur - Partridge (Affable. Cuddly.)

Guenther Steiner - Shoebill (self-explanatory, look up a photo)

Cyril Abiteboul - Eagle Owl (something about his face is very Eagle Owl)

Micheal Italiano - Kookaburra (laughs when they shouldn't)

Zak Brown - Chicken (self-explanatory. Literally and metaphorically)

Andreas (mclaren) - Common Quail (short lifespan)

Mattia Binotto - Pigeon (wants to be as pretty and loved as Charles. Is a public nuisance instead)

Otmar sznafnauer - Peacock (Struts around, can't really fly)

Resident Bastard:

Jos Verstappen - Cuckoo (Cuckoos are brood parasites, and lay their eggs in nests of birds of other species'. The cuckoo parent therefore does nothing while other birds raise their young)

[idalenn]

Day 2 - Horizon

Ao3 Link

Continuation of Day 1's prompt and Alphinaud and Lillian's meeting with Lolorito. Hearing of their experience with the Syndicate, another member offers assistance to the Crystal Braves (A Realm Reborn)

Full text below the cut:

“As a show of good faith, I shall be transparent: My self-aggrandizing rival is settling down for a feast that will surpass all before, and I intend to steal every morsel he has yet to lay his sordid hands on. All will be mine: meat, wine, bread, cheese, salt, and fruit. He has prepared the silverware and I will allow him that, if only to savor his cries upon raising the cloche to find my excrement steaming on that plate, and every plate besides.” The mustachioed Lalafell sunken into the cushions cackles like a fiend, hands clapping as he cheers for fantasies long on the horizon, his mirth mirrored by the cadre of servants circling the terrace.

Laughing loudest are the two Roegadyn rippling in muscle on his left and right, grey skin glistening in the sun, their palm leaf fans children’s toys in gargantuan hands. Clad in nothing but violet loincloths sheerer than summer clouds, every breeze is a test of will; the mind’s need to track movement against the social faux pas of being caught staring.

Below them, sunken into the center of the tiered seating pit, a trio of Au’ra giggle and splash about; one man and two women clad only in airs. Sirens looking to draw in the unwary. One climbs onto a slab of rock baked warm under the sun before turning over to expose her chest for Monetarist and guests, tail bone-yellow as teeth lazily drifting its tip across one velvet thigh, black as the night.

As his eyes begin to drift downward, Lillian jabs Alphinaud’s shin with the toe of her boot and draws a sharp gasp from the boy.

“I averted my gaze that time,” he angrily whispered.

“You’re doing better than me.”

A shadow falls across Lillian’s face, the entertainment above wordlessly calling out to be noticed, all contorting pale limbs and an arched back with feline ears twitching, a strip of silk obscuring nothing as they twist across a causeway of ropes. At a snap of the Lalafell’s fingers, the Miqo’te snatches a soft white pearl from a bowl hanging near. With the rope in hand, she uncurls her body like a snake lowering a curious head, legs outstretched and spread, and places the pearl atop the mound between, balancing it perfectly until level with his mouth for him to slurp the prize up.

He fixes his guests with a wry grin and winks at Lillian as she crosses her legs, red-faced. “Half-boiled hummingbird’s eggs. Care for a taste?” Something glistens on his gentleman’s mustache styled after Lolorito’s own.

A harsh laugh echoes. “I’d reckon the boy fancies more than a single taste of your lavish company, my lord.”

“Pleased am I to know that my establishment appeals to a potential partner. Pray let me know if you desire of me to whet your appetite or wet your lips while we discuss my terms.” He waved the Miqo’te contortionist back into her ropes. “I will be more than delighted to oblige. Ilberd has informed me much and more about you, my dear Warrior of Light. Such a splendid title. Well earned, I’m told. Shame I’d not possessed his crucial eye during your first arrival to Ul’dah all that time ago, else we might have sealed our alliance earlier. Alas, the coin turns.”

Alphinaud straightened his back, keeping his eyes forward along the narrow road free of distracting bodies. “Lord Adeledji…”

“Teledji Adeledji. To the name I was born, and the name you will speak.” He held an open hand aloft. A flurry of activity overtook the servants.

 “… Lord Teledji Adeledji.”

A glass brimming with layers of blue and red liquid topped with citrus slices appeared in the Lalafell’s hand with a blur of movement, bowl wider than his palm. He sipped at the contents, a crude appreciative noise rolling up his throat while he swallowed as the servants looked on. A visible weight lifted from their figures after he smacked his lips. “Continue,” he said.

“Ample allowance we’ve given to review your letter, in part because of your generous offer of supplying the Crystal Braves with weapons, manpower, and funding, but also in part,” he paused, looking to Lillian for a supportive nod, “Not that we doubt your magnanimity, but our experience with Lolorrito has taught us – has taught me – that no member of the Syndicate would willingly choose to operate on a loss.” Reaching into his pocked he pulled forth the letter received by the Crystal Braves, the seal placed by Teledji’s own hand broken. “No demands of us are written.”

“You believe I possess ulterior motive?”

The boy swallowed. “I do. A man of business, and a capable leader, nonetheless, always seeks profit in any form.”

Silence stretched long and thoughtful between them punctuated so often by the flapping of fabric and the splash of water. Teledji sipped at his drink, eyes closed, though none could discern if he were thinking, listening, or waiting out Alphinaud’s sanity. His accusation had been a bold one, and anticipation of the answer multiplied its weight and sodden the mass in a fearful poison. Apprehension had slowed even the servants' movements.

“Did I not tell you, Teledji?” Ilberd’s features twisted into a wolfish smirk. “Lolorito’s mistake was your gain.”

“Indeed, it was. Young Alphinaud can see right through us now.”

Teledji opened one eye to regard the boy. “I have misled you. I can provide the Crystal Braves funding and men, but no weapons. Close your mouth before the flies intrude. Time comes now for a lesson from me – I intend to teach you the art of trade and favors. By the end of our arrangement, you shall have all the weapons you desire in addition to my previous offerings, and I the means to carry out my campaign against Lolorito.”

“If I acquiesce to your new terms.”

“I assure you they’re supremely fair. And Ilberd will be assisting, as will your Warrior of Light.” He drained the rest of his glass, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Tell me – are you familiar with Castrum Occidens?”

[demeter1111]

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