#more-human-than-bird birdfolk

[fluentinchaos]

Nicky membranes: a sequel featuring bird people

Once upon a time (10 minutes ago) I wrote about nictitating membranes on birds. Now I’m putting on my writer’s cap (one of those multicoloured hats with the propeller on the top) and bringing out my world building tools (an inflated toy hammer and ibuprofen).

Avians. Angels. Archangels. I don’t care what you call them, I’m talking about Bird Boys. Flapper Folk. Feathered Fuckers. Them Man with Burd Wings. Squawkers in the form of Homo sapiens (alternatively, Homo erectus).

I’m SAYING that more-human-than-bird birdfolk may also have a need for nictitating membranes (every time I write that damn word, someone somewhere dies from the absurdity) because, well, they’re flying. And, thus, unless they be blinking a lot (every bird ever: 😧) then they’d be needing nicky membranes.

Eyelids: poo, make you blind for 0.2 seconds, not transparent, cannot see through, thick, ugly, poo poo, terrible 👎🤬😰😫🙄🥱🤮

Nicky membranes: transparent, can see through, visibility 100% throughout blinking process, thin, lovely, sleek, elegant ✨🥰😍❤️❤️‍🔥😚😩🤯

But for real though, human eyes are definitely not equipped to deal with the brutal, destructive force of wind. Eyes v Wind, I wonder who will come out victorious with a devastating 100-0.

Humans used to have nicky membranes themselves, but we lost them because we weren’t smart enough to realise their amazing worth (nicky please come back I miss you we can talk about it nicky ple-)

OKAY SERIOUSLY THOUGH (watch me not be serious like the clown I am) nictitating membranes do the exact same job as normal eyelids, which is blink. Blinking clears away whatever is in the eyes that isn’t supposed to be there (e.g, prophetic visions of me with your mom) and ~moisturises~ the eye. While maintaining vision (quoth the Wikipedia).

Because birds-but-actually-humans (back to my initial point (fucking finally)) do be flying, having human eyes is a no go because those eyeballs would shrivel up and die.

Anyways I rest my case. I’m smart take my advice (nicky membranes + feathers-glued-onto-human creature).

Also it’s almost 1am and I’m a grandpa these days so my head dead and my brain shrivelled like raisin and that’s it goodnight folks I’ll be here whenever I decide to show up.

Peace sluts

[tobiasdrake]

I guess we're at war now. Sure, I can take a detour.

So we have two plates that both need to be held down and five people in our group. I feel like we could probably solve this without climbing any further in the tower....

But maybe there's something worth stealing further up. Let's keep going.

My persistence has been rewarded with more work.

That's on me. I should have known better. *sigh*

Genuinely unsure what to make of these statues. Decapitated figures holding a helmet in one hand and a staff with a bird skull in the other. Given that these are birdfolk, I assume the skull on the staff is meant to be their own?

They're all over the place, too. The Triumvirate seems to be super fond of this art. I bet you a one of them (or a relative) made the original, so now they're being distributed everywhere even though nobody's really sure what the artistic intent was supposed to be.

Good news, we found Estrid. Bad news, we're embroiled in a political conflict and will have to come back to this. See you soon, Estrid. I have a cult to destabilize out of spite.

Okay, team. The sign on the wall clearly labeled this place "Seat of the Triumvirate" so we should be getting close to...

...to, uh....

...

Are you guys having a meeting without me? ._. That's hurtful.

Pay attention to me

I don't even remember what I was going to say now. Thanks, everyone. Just... expect to have to fight them all at once but don't stress over it because it's five against three and we are, each of us, worth ten.

This is going to be an easy in-and-out and then we're back to doing god stuff.

Also, the statues up here are even uglier. I don't know why that was important to bring up. But they are, and I hate them for it.

Hey, Wabbit Season over there declared war on us so now my crew and I have to turn you guys into a human centipede of regret. No hard feelings, nothing personal.

Fine, we can try diplomacy again. But if I see buttons pushed or switches pulled, I'm gonna start swinging. I don't know when I'll stop.

Well, this is going well. There's nothing religious people love more than having outsiders trample all over their sacred territories.

I'm sorry, were you saying something? We were too busy being way above your pay grade.

Come on, team. We're done he--

You know this dipshit, Resh'an?

Yeah, I'm both confused and alarmed too. You keep saying you've never been to this world. Is this something that happened pre-fracturing of the timelines?

Hold up, Aephorul pulled off a seemingly impossible feat of magic to give you that form, didn't explain how, and you've just... never questioned it? To this day? Even after everything with Aephorul went so horribly sour?

I've been wondering this for a while but, Resh'an? Do we have a conflict of interest? Because we're here to commit a murder. I made that very clear in my Statement of Intent speech. Are you too emotionally invested in Aephorul to carry that out?

I just. I need to be sure you're committed to this, man. And I'm not.

Shit, I want to try that. You've been with us for how long now and never even brought it up? Not even one "check out this cool drink I can make"?

Now my feelings are hurt. ._.

"I'm going to kill countless members of your population for a powerful enchantment and in exchange, you can have some neat elevators and I'll let you worship this rock with a face on it."

I don't see the bargain there. Pretty sure you were just being used. This sounds like revisionist dogma to try and whitewash over a historic catastrophe by pretending it was secretly good actually.

In any case, I need to go visit a rock with a face on it, if we're done here. We are done here, right?

...Resh'an?

[suzubelle-chan]

Breaking Chains Chapter 1

(Just a quick note, you may be spoiled if you haven’t finished the manga up to say Volume 12 since I mention characters and events that happen later on. Just in case you haven’t gotten that far or want to watch the anime first)

Thank you so much Ipham2525 for beta reading this fic! Now onto the story!

In which an unusual doctor makes a house call to the Sacrificial Princess

The King of Beasts roared at the menagerie of doctors cowering before him. Two weeks ago, he demanded that all available doctors gather at his castle. They crammed in, eager to earn the king’s favor. However, the roars of his majesty only grew louder, stronger, and more frequent in frustration.

For not one of the doctors could cure the human princess.

“Incompetent fools!” The king glared at the men, Beasts of all kinds faltering at his feet.

“Forgive us, your majesty,” said a bull from the Black Bovine-folk, either braver or forced to the front of the group to speak for all of them.

“Each and every one of you swore that you were the finest in your lands, if not the whole realm. Yet, none of you have done a single thing to help our queen.”

“Well,” a Rooster-folk raised his head slightly. “There was no mention that your bride was human….”

“Sounds like excuses,” the king growled out.

Another beast, more ears than head, sputtered, “S…she’s just too different! None of us here can treat a human.”

A woman’s voice called out, “Maybe you’re just a bunch of cowards who didn’t try enough.”

Everyone in the hall turned to see a lone crow standing there amongst the kneeling doctors. She was short, with a hood almost covering her eyes. A cloak covered her body, but still, they could make her out to be plump. A few feathers in her right wing held a large bag with a handle.

“And who are you supposed to be?” Anubis asked.

“I am known as Leona Carrin.” The birdfolk bowed, her beak moving slightly with each word. “I heard that there was someone sick in the King of Beasts’ castle so I came here.”

“But you’re a woman,” the lord speaker protested, all four of his eyes glaring.

The bird person tipped her head. “Huh, what was your first clue?” She glanced down at her chest and then covered it with her wings. “Excuse me sir, I’m a married woman, thank you very much.”

Gasps from doctors and fellow chancellors boomed throughout the hall.  Some snickers escaped from the younger soldiers standing guard. A quick glare from Anubis silenced them.

“We don’t require a midwife. I don’t know how you got in here, but be off with you.” Another council member with large pointed ears dismissed her with the wave of a skinny hand.

Leona leaned in, pointing a feather. “Hey! Don’t go insulting midwifery, it’s a grand profession. One most people owe their lives to. I can act as a midwife and doctor, whatever my patients need more. And I got in through the front door, like the other doctors. Though if being a woman disqualifies me…” The woman flopped over, tugging at her head. A black piece of fabric came off, along with her beak. Men gasped as black hair spilled out of her costume.  When she arose, the men saw a human face with brown eyes, the hair flowing down past her waist, covering half her face. A white streak in her hair acted as a dividing line between hair and skin. She tugged at her wings until they came off along with a pair of black gloves. Her lips smirked as she crossed her arms revealing her rough hands. “Then I guess being human isn’t going to help my chances.”

No beast stirred.

The human blinked; head tilted. “What is it, my breath?” She raised up her right hand, exhaled, and then sniffed. She then shrugged and turned back to the men.

“What are you doing here?” The King of Beasts asked, scowling.

“I heard there was a sick person, probably human. Some rumors disagreed on species, but human kept coming up so here I am.” She then started making small circles with her hands. “Although, no one could tell me if this was the ‘hacking-up-a lung, fever, throwing up’ kind of sick or the ‘mood swings, mad ravings, trying to eat socks’ kind of sick. Which is it?”

There was a slight pause as all the men looked at each other, asking if they were all seeing and hearing the same thing.

“What’s a sock?” one lizard soldier leaned in, whispering.

A fox soldier leaned in towards his comrade. “I think it’s a thing humans put on their feet.”

“Uh…the first one?” the king stated uncertainly.

“Thank you. I like to knowing what to expect in a patient’s room.” Leona picked up her bag and took several steps. “She’s in this room, right? Unless you like group around and argue outside of totally innocent broom closets.”

Anubis launched and stationed himself right in front of the human. “Now stop right there, human. You have no right to be here.”

The human doctor sighed, looking the minister right in the eye. “I know you don’t like me. I’m human so it’s a given. You have no reason to like me. But you don’t have to like me to let me do my job. You’ve let all kinds of people treat this princess of your majesty, maybe you need one more kind. I’ve never turned down a patient, regardless of wealth, status, or how many fingers they’ve got. ‘If you can, help.’ That’s been my family’s motto and I intend to live by it.”

Leonhart watched this small woman almost glare at his minister. Her brown eyes shone, determination brightening them. Just like how Sariphi’s eyes shone whenever she declared her intentions, steadfast and strong. He sighed the smallest of sighs.

“That is the room you seek, human. Anubis, let her pass.”

The chancellor turned towards his lord. “Sire!”

The king held his paw out. “She speaks the truth. We’ve asked other doctors to cure our queen consort. So, we shall ask one more.”

“Thank you.” Leona gave a bow, hand extended behind her. She then took several steps towards the menagerie of doctors and then rummaged through her bag, pulling out a ring made out of blue stone, placing it on her left hand. She then pulled out a pen and some paper. She licked the pen and posed, ready to write. “Alright, patient name?”

“Why ask us that?”

“I want to be sure we are all working on the same person. You’d be surprised how often I find patients with some kind of amnesia or dealing with some shady people, trying to pass off one person as another. So patient name?”

“Sariphi.”

As pen broke through paper, Leona flinched. “I’m sorry?”

“Sariphi. Her name is Sariphi.”

Leona tilted her head, shaking a bit. “That’s a name? Are you sure it isn’t short for Seraphina or Saphira or some other Saphy-ish name?”

“No.”

“Okay…” She then wrote it down with beasts catching her mutter, “Parents and their crazy baby names.” She then spoke out loud. “Last name?”

The beasts blinked. The chancellor said, “What?”

“Her last name, family name…” The woman stared at the beasts in confusion. “It’s something all humans have. You heard mine, Carrin, I got it from my parents.” She then turned to the King of Beasts, “You never told her doctors your future wife’s last name.”

Silence filled the room.

“Oh Mothers, you don’t even know her last name?” Leona deadpanned.

“She never told us, it’s not important at the moment,” the king dismissing it with a turn of his head.

“I’d argue it is, since it means she might be some kind of feral kid who’s never had a guardian. Even orphans get last names from the places that raise them.” The doctor sighed. “Alright, moving on…age?”

“Fifteen.”

Leona winced, again punching another hole through the paper.  She shot the king a glare and sighed to herself as she got some more paper. “Where did the Mothers go wrong with men?”

“What was that?” Anubis glared.

“Nothing, just a thought. Birthday?”

Once again, the doctors blinked and glanced at the king. The king didn’t face anyone, although his ears pressed against his head.

“Alright, where’s the royal doctor?” Leona called out, dropping her paper and pen.  “I think the king’s mind needs examination as soon as possible.”

“That’s enough!” Anubis almost roared himself.

Leona placed her hands on her hips. “Come on, not knowing the birthday of the person you intended to share your life with is kind of low.”

“WE. DON’T. KNOW!” The king roared.

Like the rest of the beasts, Leona closed her eyes at the blast of air, hand on the hair covering her face. Now she tightened her face into a painful smile. “Alright my turn. Pardon me your majesty, I’m just gonna need one moment.” She placed her things next to her bag. The beasts watched as the human stomped towards the nearest window, flung it open, took in a deep breath and yelled, “FUCK YOU!”, while holding both her hands in the air, middle fingers sticking out. She then sighed and shut the window. Leona faced her audience. “Sometimes you just got to curse at a god, society, the world, you know?”

The king huffed, a little bit of smoke coming out of his mouth. “Cease this behavior at once.”

“I’m just following simple doctor procedure. Is it my fault no one knows anything about this girl?” She sighed. “Let’s focus on the medical for now. Hopefully, I’ll get some real answers there.” She picked up her paper and pen. “Okay so what symptoms does the patient show?”

“Nausea, coughing, chills, fever, severe weakness due to the last one…” one doctor listed off.

Leona frowned, “That covers a lot of ground, disease-wise. What have you been giving her? Any kind of spell treatments?”

The priest stepped forward. “Forgive me, madam, but using magic on a human is dangerous. We have no way of knowing how a human body would react to such forces.”

“So, you haven’t tried anything at all…not even some kind cough-be-gone spell?”

The furry creature shook his head. “Again, too risky.”

Leona pinched her fingers an inch apart. “Not even a teeny-tiny spell?”

“Of course not.” He let out a huff.

“Alright.” She turned to the group of doctors. “So, no magic treatment. How about physical? What medication has she been given? Plants or animal?”

“You wouldn’t be able to understand. It would be so hard for your…particular mind to comprehend,” a tall emu doctor said.

Leona crossed her arms. “Try me, sir.”

“Well,” a lizard folk, a skin-like frilled collar around his neck, stepped up. “It’s just due to the miasma, different plants grow in the two realms. Thus, you might not be familiar with what grows here similar to how we don’t know what grows in the human realm. Nor do we know what effect beasts’ plants may have on a human.”

“You’ve got a point there. But you have been giving her medicine, right?”

“We have, of course.” A little figure waved a paw.

“Yet she hasn’t shown signs of improvement?” Leona rubbed her head. “Let me think…first thing, is this Sariphi taller or shorter than me?”

“You two seem around the same height, but I think you’re just a bit taller than her,” a sparrow-looking beast decided.

“Alright, do you think she weighs less than I do or more?”

Another awkwardness enveloped the room.

“Please answer the question. And please next time only bring in your professionalism, leave any shame out the door.” Leona sighed.

“She’s thinner than you,” a ferret declared.

“What’s the point of these questions?” The bull doctor asked.

“Because how much medication you need to give them depends on how big the patient is.” She stuck out her thumb, pointing to the king and his advisor. “You certainly wouldn’t give his royal furriness the same amount as mister tall, dark, and snapping dog over there. One of them got muscle for days and the other is practically just fur and bones. Even if they had the same illness, I certainly wouldn’t give them the same amount. Would you?”

There was a mixed reaction, some men actually nodded with hums of affirmation. Others seem to shuffle and find parts of the ceiling very interesting.

“Now that I’ve got a reference, how much medicine have you given her and how often?” Leona asked.

“What does that have to do with anything?” the rooster said.

“Hey, sometimes it’s not what you give them but how much and how often you do it. Even the weakest poisons can kill with enough doses.”

Everyone blinked again.

“What?” Leona blinked and smiled. “So, none of you ever get pulled into examining dead bodies when you’re on the road or vacation? Must be nice.” She sighed and then straightened up. “So can each of you tell me how much you’ve given her?”

Each doctor produced something in his paws or wings. Leona looked over everything.

Leona then clapped her hands and pointed into the crowd. “Alright, can you, then you and you, please come forward.”

The frilled lizard, the sparrow, and the ferret came forward.

“Now can you tell me, what made you come up with these measurements?”

“Uh well, you see, we are friends, you see,” the lizard spoke.

“Really?” Leona said with a smile and a tilt of the head.  

“Ah yes, well, our clans have gotten along now since we were small. So we’ve often taken turns, caring for the sick and injured,” the ferret said.

“We based our estimations off of treating some of the smaller members of our clans,” the sparrow piped up.

“I see…that’s why your dosages are similar to what I’d give her,” Leona pondered out loud.

“What?” every doctor exclaimed.

“Yeah, given what you’ve told me, I’d give her similar amounts; it might be a bit different if I knew her exact height and weight.” She turned to the rest of the group.  “The rest of you were giving her what? Beast-child’s portions? I’ve seen your kids, they barely come up to my knee. You really think that amount could help an almost grown human woman? Even if she’s small, she still needs more.”

“But we still didn’t cure the queen.” The sparrow sighed.

“Well, that part is up in the air.” Leona shrugged. “It could be whatever you gave her might not work on humans. Or perhaps she needs a slightly different dosage. It’s hard to say without more time to treat her.”

The king sneered, “So this is what our land produces as doctors.”

Many doctors flinched. The three bowed lower.

“Hey you can’t blame the doctors for all of this…” Leona glanced at the larger group. “Completely.” Her attention then focused on the king, “If you want to keep a different species in your house, you’ve got know what to expect. Reminds me of when kids will bring home animals as pets with no clue how to take care of them at all. Leads to all kinds of trouble. That might be the reason you don’t know much about her at all.”

The king growled.

“Hey, just something to think on.” Leona rummaged through her bag and pulled out several large tomes and placed them into the priest’s paws. The moment he held the books, the white beast slammed into the ground. “Here you go, some human medical books. Translated for your convenience, of course.  There’s plenty of stuff about various plants used, there’s got to be something similar growing around here.” She then picked up her bag. “I think it’s about time to meet my patient now.”

Leona took several steps towards the room.

“Wait.” The king held out a paw.

She paused, looking rather disapprovingly over her shoulder.

The King of Beasts sighed, “What you say has merit. We do need a human’s help to save our bride. But know this.” He glared at the woman, a stare that sent many beasts shivering. “Do any harm to her and you will pay dearly for it. You’ll wish you’d never taken one step into our land. Understand that much.”

Leona stood firm. “Trust me, sire. I may be just a human and maybe one with a death wish, my husband would agree with you on that. Begged me not to come here, but he also knows I can’t turn my back on someone who needs my help. I’ll do everything I can to cure this bride you…care about.”

“We shall hold you to your word, human. Do no fail her or us.”

“Thank you.” Leona gave a bow. Just as she opened the door, she twisted her head over the shoulder. “Despite all I’ve said, it’s..nice to mee you, your majesty.”

Once the door shut behind her, Anubis glared daggers at it, trying to mentally will that chaotic, insolent woman out. It was already bad enough the king was losing his mind over one human, two humans in the King of Beasts’ castle ensured chaos. The public already held an inkling about that little girl, things finally settling down after that uprising with Fenrir. If people thought the king would be siding with humans…

Starting with at least three different scenarios in his mind, Anubis calculated how he could minimize the people’s knowledge of this second human. In the middle of his thoughts, Anubis’s eyes caught the king leaning towards the door. The chancellor let himself groan out loud as he stretched out his paw, blocking the royal.

“Sire, we’ve been over this. We can’t risk you being exposed to this disease. While it may be a human disease, there’s no telling how harsh it would be on you should you catch it. It’s best to trust servants with caring for her, in this case.”

“We know…we know…”

Anubis flinched ever so slightly. Although he’d seen that look for the last two weeks, it never failed to surprise him to see so much…longing and…sorrow…in the face of the king he’d trusted for so long.

Meanwhile, Leonhart paid no mind to his companion. Indeed, he paid no mind to anyone else in hall. Instead, he just gazed at the door. With each doctor, he’d hoped that this time, finally this time, Sariphi would be alright. That he could hold her in his arms and thank God for giving her back. So he could just be by her side again. But he never thought God ever listened to his prayers; this situation was more proof. So he had to pin his hopes on another stranger, what little he had left after all this time.  

 Inside the infirmary, Amit wiped Sariphi’s bright red forehead with a sigh. After all this time, the princess felt as though she was pouring out a bucket on a city-wide fire.

For almost two weeks, Sariphi lied in bed, fever scorching her mind, yet her body often shivered from chills.  She barely ate or drank, nausea dictating the bucket at her bedside. She didn’t even have the strength to keep her eyes open. Amit spared one glance to Bennu by Sariphi’s head, little wings clutched like fists, before stepping away.

The princess sighed as she turned around, lifting the curtains around the bed to see her friends where they’ve been for the last two weeks: Cy and Clops on one bed, trembling with worry. Lanteveldt on another, crossing his legs back and forth, paw tapping on his knee.

The hyena rested his hand on his paw, looking at the black creatures. “I know I’ve said this before, but are you sure we can’t leave her in the human realm for a bit? Didn’t the king leave her there when she got sick before?”

Clops lamented, letting out a sigh as big as he was. “The last time his majesty left Sariphi in the care of humans, he just needed a few days to come up with a way for her to live without worrying about miasma poisoning. She’s only gotten worse as the weeks go by, it’s hard to say how long this illness lasts. Plus, the humans kicked her out because she was a sacrifice. Now any human town might just kick her out on the spot without giving any help since they fear his majesty so much. And we can’t stay by her side in the human realm without them trying to kill us too…”

“No way,” Cy lamented.

They heard some shouting in the hall, but at this point they were used to it. The king yelling at the doctors, the doctors protesting, the council adding their own comments. Weeks-long song they knew the lyrics by now, so they tuned it out. They did hear one odd note, something akin to a woman’s yell, but they supposed it was just a maid in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“And Sariphi doesn’t really have anyone we can ask,” Amit continued, sitting down on another nearby bed, all the companions no more than a few steps from Sariphi.  “Her family won’t come for her and the only person I can think of who would dare come is her childhood friend. Yet he’s been banished after kidnapping her. Plus, we don’t have a way of reaching out and contacting him anyway.”

A small click sent the beasts facing towards the opening door. Despite all the doctors who left their Sariphi behind, they held their breaths, scraping up just a little bit of hope for their friend.  

The group watched as a human woman wearing a black cloak opened the door, her face half covered by mostly black hair. She twisted her neck and said, “Despite all I’ve said, it’s…nice to meet you, your majesty.” When the woman shut the door behind her, she slumped against the wood, head tilted upwards. “All of the Family help me, that was hard.��� She then looked and saw the group of beasts gaping at her. “Uh…hi. Are you here for the human too or did I make a wrong turn somewhere?”

“A human doctor…here.” Amit said in awe, hand in mouth. She leapt to her feet and then crashed into the human, hugging her tightly to her chest. “Oh thank God! Thank God!”

“Hey there, we humans are squishy things that need air,” Leona murmured, face squished tightly against Amit’s chest. She gently pushed the maiden away, looking up at her. Leona watched tears stream down the crocodile’s face. Leona asked, almost in awe, “Do you…care about the human? Really care and not just because the king told you to?”

“Of course, Lady Sariphi is a dear friend to all of us,” the reptile maiden said.

“Sariphi…” The human doctor let out a sad sigh. “That’s really her name…”

“Pardon?” Amit asked.

“Don’t worry about it, let’s just focus on her health for now,” she muttered a bit. “If not for her own, then for my sanity.”  She pulled up her sleeve, using it to wipe Amit’s face. “I’m going to do everything to help your friend. I promise.” She then tugged at her cloak with her hand. “Let me just get a bit more comfortable, alright?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

“Thanks,” the woman sighed. She tugged the cloak off her, revealing a dress made out of feathers, which soon joined its companion on the floor, a few feathers scattering. The woman, now in a white top with something brown around her waist and small white shorts and brown boots, plopped her bag on the bed. Several scars scattered over her arms and legs. One could just see a pink shape at the bottom of her right wrist. She pulled out a white long-sleeved shirt and black pants. After taking off her boots and socks, she put on the shirt, pants, and put back on the boots. She then pulled out a black ribbon, tying her hair back.

Everyone gasped.

On her face, four red scars slashed across her eyebrow, almost touching her lip.  

“What?” Then she touched the side of her face. “Ah right, my scars. I got these a long time ago, long before your Sariphi was born. I didn’t want anyone to think I had a grudge against beasts with these so I covered them up.”

Cy pointed with his tiny hand. “They hurt?”

“Nah, they stopped hurting a long, long time ago.” The doctor stepped towards the bed. “Now let’s see this princess…”

Bennu leapt up into the air and in a burst of light transformed into his large form, white flames flowing at the edges of his wings.  “NOW JUST WAIT A MOMENT HUMAN! I’VE HAD IT WITH DOCTORS COMING IN AND FAILING MY MISTRESS! IF YOU FAIL HER, YOU’LL WISH A BEAST WOULD CHOMP YOU DOWN!”

However, all Leona heard were several screeches right to her face. She quickly held her hands up. “Easy…easy…I’m here to help, Mr. Big Beast Bird.” She twisted her head. “Is this some kind of guardian the king set up or something?”

“That’s Lord Bennu, Sariphi’s holy beast. He’s been doing that with all the doctors lately…I apologize.” Amit admitted with a bowed head.

“Bennu….the Bennu?  The bird that heals troops of men with a single beat of his wings? I’ve heard legends about this guy.” Leona bowed to the holy beast, hands still up in the air. “It’s a great honor to meet you, my lord.” Then she stood up, a finger pointed at him. “Wait, if he’s the great healer I’ve heard about, why didn’t he just magic Sariphi better?”

Amit clasped her hands, her head still down. “It would seem Lord Bennu’s domain is injuries, not illnesses.”

“Yeah.” Lanteveldt shrugged, pointing to the large bird. “Can’t help with motion sickness, can’t help with whatever Sariphi’s got, but handy to have around if you get stabbed.”

The holy beast squawked loudly in the hyena’s face, “SHUT UP, CUR!”

Leona gently took the bird’s beak in her hands, a serene, yet serious look on her face.  “I bet it’s hard for you as well, seeing this girl ill. Feels like I’m making promises until my face turns blue, but I’ll say it again. I’ll do all I can do to help your lady.” She slowly scratched his head. “So may I please see her?”

The holy beast glowered at her and with a huff, he returned to his small form, wings crossed.

“I’m keeping an eye on you, lady. No funny business!” he chirped out.

“Of course, whatever you say, my lord,” she added, scratching his head with a single finger. He let out a small blush as he crossed his wings.

Leona reached for the curtain, yet paused as she took in a deep breath, a serious look now on her face. “Now time to meet this rumored princess of the King of Beasts.” She pulled back the curtain and looked down at Sariphi with her red face. The doctor leaned towards the maiden’s face, gently caressing her forehead and then her cheek.

At the contact, Sariphi’s eyes fluttered. “Who?” she croaked; voice rusty from weeks of no use. She tried to open her eyes wider, but the lids refused to move. Instead, she tried lifting her head. “Leo?”

If there was a moment of shock, a slight pause in Leona’s stroking, she resumed before anyone could notice. “Hey there, kiddo. I’m a doctor, the last one you’ll need if we’re lucky.” She placed her bag, opened it up, and then pulled out a metal cone attached to a white wire with a small metal tip at the end. She pressed the cone to Sariphi’s chest, putting the tip in her ear. “Okay, Sariphi. I’m gonna need you to take in a deep breath, the deepest you can, okay?”

The maiden nodded and inhaled audibly, but her chest didn’t move much.

“Uh-huh…” the woman muttered, slightly adjusting the cone. She rose, putting away her device. “Her lungs are really congested; she’s got a fever.” She then turned towards the group. “Has she had trouble eating?”

“Indeed, she barely eats anything. Sometimes it seems like she has trouble keeping water down too,” Amit commented, starting to sniffle.

At that moment, Sariphi’s cheek puffed up, hand flying to her mouth. She bobbed with gags.

“Ah, the bucket!”

“Bucket!”

Leona glanced around and saw the bucket, right by her boot. She quickly lifted it towards the maiden. Sariphi managed to push herself to lean over the bucket, gagging and releasing the contents of her mouth. The beasts flinched at the familiar watery and brown ooze. Some slipped over the side and ended up sloshing right on the woman’s boots.

Sariphi slowly pushed herself away, eyes open just a crack. Their unfocused, almost blurry gaze only added to her haggard appearance. “Sorry,” she croaked, wiping some of the brown slime off her lips.

Leona set the bucket at her bedside, then rubbed the maiden’s back. “No need to apologize. You’re sick. What kind of doctor would I be if I flinched at patients being sick in front of me?” Leona slowly lowered the woman back down on the pillows. “A lousy one with a very short career, that’s what.”

A puff of laughter escaped Sariphi’s lips. She clenched the woman’s hand, smiling softly. “Thank you.”

“Save your words until you’re better.” Leona ruffled the snow-white hair just a bit. Now she turned again to the group. “Did she have long hacking coughs before she ended up like this? It’s often the first sign of illness.”

The hyena’s ears perked up. “Yeah, about two weeks ago, they started up. Thought she was hacking up a hairball. But she insisted she was fine, didn’t want to see the priest. Of course, seems like the priest is useless just like the rest of the docs.”

“Perhaps if we had pushed her back then…the priest could have done something,” Amit lamented, tears slipping out.

The two black balls, trembling so hard now, looked down. Clops sobbed, “It’s our fault.”

“Fault,” Cy agreed.

Leona held her hands up. “Hey, it’s no one’s fault when someone gets sick.” Then she paused, rubbing her chin. “Well, unless those fancy-looking, old fleabags locked her up in a dark, dingy cell while the king was away, then we can blame them. But I doubt we’ll get that lucky. And I’m not going to lie, when people get illnesses like this, without the right attention, they tend to fade fast. The fact you’ve managed to keep her alive this long shows how much you care.”

“Of course, we care about Sariphi,” Amit declared, hands against her heart. “We love her!”

“Yeah, we love her!”

“Love!”

Lanteveldt scratched his nose, his face a little pink. “Well, she is my lady. I wouldn’t be a knight without her. But sounds like you’ve seen this disease before, that means you can cure it, right?”

Leona smiled. “You’re a smart one.” She opened up her bag. “Now I’ve talked to the doctors outside, so it’ll be safe for her to try some new medicine.” She pulled out two vials. “I recommend two spoonfuls of this one every three hours.” She held out the white bottle. “And then two spoonfuls of this one every four hours.” She offered up the brown bottle. “In case I’m not here when it’s time to give her medicine.” She then set the bottles on the bedside table.

“That is quite a bit,” Amit commented.

Leona twisted her head towards the princess. “Say what?”

“Pardon me, it’s just that most of the doctors never gave my lady that much.”

Clops included, “Well, they were giving beast medicine to a human. So they gave her smaller doses.”

“A lot smaller,” Cy agreed.

“Yeah, I’ve heard,” Leona commented. “Sounds like a good portion even didn’t show up in the first place, made more complaints about the patient not responding to their medication rather than actually helping her.” She then turned towards Sariphi.  “Although, it would be better if she had something to eat.” She then turned towards Amit. “Pardon me miss, could you fetch something for Sariphi to eat. Something light and maybe a bit salty?”

Yet Amit didn’t move, staring wide-eyed with a slight shiver in her stance. Leona glanced around the room and saw all of the beasts looking startled as they stared at something. She followed their gazes to her bag, now wiggling on its own. Out of its open mouth, a red box appeared, balanced on a brown kitten's head. It let out a small meow.

“Aw! Sekhmet, good idea!” The woman reached up and picked up the kitten, revealing the dark trails all over her body which made a wing-like pattern on her back. “What would I do without you?” she asked as she snuggled the kitten, who mewed in response. The woman set the cat down on the bed. The moment her little paws hit the sheets; she dashed over to Sariphi’s head. Yet Bennu stopped her, squawking at her. The cat stopped abruptly, back arched as she hissed at the little bird.

Leona smiled, grabbing the kitten by the neck. She used her other hand to wave a finger at the kitten. Her smile continued as she chided, “Now, now, Sekhmet. Lord Bennu was here first. He’s more in charge here than I am. Be nice.”

Once set down, the cat’s ears lowered in an almost bow at the bird. She then set upon the important task of licking Sariphi’s hand.

“What is that?” Lanteveldt asked, pointing at the cat.

“That is a cat. The not-beastly type that doesn’t talk or eat humans. Her name is Sekhmet. She’s my dear companion and often acts as an assistant on these house calls.”

“Are you sure you can keep her here? If his majesty finds out…” Amit said.

Leona tore open the box with her finger, sitting down next to Sariphi. “If he has a problem with my pet, then he’ll have to take it up with Sekhmet herself.  Hope he knows how to deal with claws.”

The doctor wheezed laughter at her joke as she pulled out a small, round, grain-colored disc. The rest of the room just watched and blinked.  After a few deep breaths, her laughter ceased and she turned towards Sariphi, offering the circle near her lips. “This should help settle your stomach enough for you to take some medicine. Try to eat some, okay?”

The patient shifted away from the kitten, giving a small nod. Her mouth opened just a crack to let in the cracker. Slowly she chewed and swallowed. Then she opened her mouth again and continued to eat one small disc after another until the box was half empty.

“Bet that tastes good after so long, right?” Leona asked, stroking the girl’s head.

Sariphi gave a small nod and a small smile, eyes still firmly closed.

Leona smiled, tapping the brown bottle, powder now tipping into a small cup. “Alright, now I’ve got some medicine for you. It won’t taste as good, but it will help you feel better, okay?”  

Once again, Sariphi nodded and opened her mouth. Leona tipped the medicine into the girl’s mouth, watching her face twist, lips puckered. Then Sariphi stuck out her tongue and groaned.

“Yeah, it seems like it’s medicine’s lot in life to be bad tasting,” Leona commented as she washed the cup and filled it with the brown powder.  “My ma told me it just drives whatever ails you out because they can’t stand it either.” She then pressed the cup to Sariphi’s lips. “Once again please.”

Again, Sariphi obeyed. Leona smiled, grabbing a cup of water from the nearby table, tipping that into Sariphi’s mouth. “Alright, that’s enough meds for now. Get some rest.”

Sariphi nodded again, cheek against pillow now, a small smile on her face. Sekhmet snuggled against the maiden’s forehead. Leona hummed, a warm low sound, as she rubbed the maiden’s cheek. The doctor then slowly rose and pulled the curtains down. Just as she turned around, Amit clutched Leona to her, letting out small sobs.

“Oh, thank you, Miss Leona!” she declared. “I haven’t seen Sariphi eat so much in so long!”

The two black blobs clung onto her legs. “Thank you so much! Sariphi’s going to get better, right?” Clops asked, voice wobbling.

“Better?” Cy’s voice trembled like his brother’s.

“Yeah, I’d say so. It might be a bit, maybe a week or so, given how long she’s been sick. It’ll be a few days before we see any change in her though. I’d better tell the king my findings.” She tugged at the ribbon, releasing her hair and sliding it over the scarred half of her face. She looked down to see Cy and Clops, still shaking but one mouth and one eye set in determination.

“We’ll go with you. We’ll testify you’re a good doctor in front of the king.”

“We will!”

Leona smiled, patting the two small beasts at the top of their heads. “Thanks, little spooks.” She took in a deep breath and stepped out into the hallway. Not a single man had left.

“Well, human? How is the patient?” The bull doctor asked.

Leona commented, “It’s Doctor Human, please and thank you. And she’s in a pretty bad way.”

Somewhere in the menagerie, another voice spoke, “See, your majesty, not even human medicine can help the acting queen consort!”

“You didn’t let me finish.” She turned towards the king, “Good news your majesty,” Leona declared. “I know what’s wrong with your future queen, I’ve got medications to help, so, barring an act of the Family or your God, I’d say she will recover.”

“Is that so?” Anubis asked.

“Yes!” Clops declared, floating right around Leona’s arm. “She got Sariphi to eat food and take some medicine! That’s got to be worth something!”

“Something!” Cy shouted.

“Aw shucks, you little spooks,” Leona said, rubbing the back of her head. “Just doing what doctors are supposed to do.” She then gave the king a hard look. “But it does appear you need some human help around here. The decision is well… in your court, your majesty.”

Just then, one of the fox guards ran down the hall with two other beasts behind him. One was a dog folk, golden silky fur trailing from his simple shirt and pants, his ears long and covered in long fur, a blue stone earring on his left ear. The other was a reptilian woman wearing a light-yellow dress and veil, black spots on her brown scales. A necklace of blue beads on a black cord hung around her neck.  As they came before the king, the two men bowed while the woman curtsied, all panting.

“Will, Juno, you made it!” Leona smiled, waving.

The two beasts gave one horrified look at the woman before groaning. The dog pulled at his ears, grumbling. The lizard clasped her eyes, shaking her head. She looked up, agony on her face. “Your majesty, if you are going to execute us, please make it swift.”

“Let me tell my family I loved them,” the dog asked, one finger pointed up, his other paw still clutching his ear. “That’s all I ask.”

Anubis’s eyes glanced between the newcomers. “Do you…know each other?”

Leona brightened. “Yeah, we go way back. I’ve known them for decades. We have an arrangement about helping each other.” She pointed to the dog. “That’s Will. Resident historian and nerd. Taught my kids how to read and write.” The finger then moved towards the lizard. “She’s Juno. Makes the best snacks any side of the Gate. Thanks to them, I was able to get this far into Ozmargo. Would it be alright if they stayed here with me while I look after your princess?”

The two beasts quickly bowed and curtsied respectfully.

Will took a step out. “Pardon our boldness, your majesty. I’ve known Leona for many years. She may be a peculiar…person. I’m sure you’ve already noticed. But she’s one of the best doctors in the land. I’ve seen her tend to beasts and humans alike and help them all with the same smile and care.” He lowered his head before continuing. “When my daughter was dying, Leona was the one who saved her. I’ll always be grateful to her for that.”

“Indeed,” the King of Beasts shifted a brow, then bore holes into the group.

He then turned to the doctors. “You are dismissed. We are certain you don’t need to be escorted on the way out.”

Most of the men scurried away. The lizard, sparrow, and ferret gave low bows to Leona before leaving.

The King of Beasts turned towards the woman. “Human woman.”

Leona stiffened before huffing, holding up a finger. “I’d rather be called Doctor human woman, if it’s all the same to you.

He gave a small inhale, the council and soldiers braced themselves.

She then held up both hands. “Okay, okay, you call me whatever you want. You’re the boss, king.”

“How long will it take for you to cure our bride?”

“Well, I’m estimating a week or so, given her dosage size.  I’d like to stick around a bit longer, just to make sure she’s made a full recovery.”

“Fair.” The King of Beasts held up his paw. “We shall offer you the same promise to those wretches. Tend to the queen consort-to-be. A boon if you cure her. Pray to God you don’t fail.”

He then turned away and left, his council following behind him.

“Leona…” Will started to growl.  Yet the human focused on the king, watching him stalk away, her hand clenching right over her heart.  

The dog sighed and placed a paw on her shoulder. She flinched, snapped out of her thoughts, twisting quickly to the man. Her expression melted into a warm smile, returning the one on his face.

He said, “Just let me know next time, okay? If you’d told me, I’d saved money on the inn and save you from going out the window.”

“Yeah.” She placed a hand on his paw, stretching her back. “I’m not as young as I used to be.”

Cy and Clops bounced over, hovering right by Leona’s face.

“Ms. Leona, are you alright?”

“Right?”

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

“But why do you look so sad?”

Leona found her eyes clouding up with some tears. She quickly wiped them away with her sleeve. “Ah sorry to worry you little guys. I guess I’m tired. Plus, did you smell that roar? Phew.” She waved a hand in front of her face.

The two beasts continued to face her, Cy with his one eye and Clops with his large mouth.

“Ah right,” Leona noted. Then her brows rose in surprise. She then stepped away from the group, kneeling down where the king once stood, picking up a small pile of brown fur. “Hey spooks, does the king always shed like this?”

The blobs bounced over.

“We’ve never seen the king shed like this before.”

“Never.”

Leona hummed, “Looks like I’ve got a lot of work to do. Thanks, kids, for helping, but my friends and I will take it from here. Go get some rest.”

The two blobs cried out, “WHAT?!?

“Sorry doc,” Lanteveldt said, leaning on the door frame. “We’re happy to have you here. But we’re not leaving Sariphi when she needs us.”

Amit stood in the doorway; hands clasped in front of her. “Please ma’am. Let us stay.”

The whole group stared, blinking at one another.

“Ah right.” Leona held a hand out. “Will, Juno, these are…” then blinked. “I’m sorry, I never learned your names.”

“Oh, do forgive me please.” Amit gave a proper curtsy. “I’m Amit, sixth princess of Murga, it is an honor to meet you. Thank you two for escorting Miss Leona here.”

Juno stepped forward. “Think nothing of it, your highness. And it is a great honor to meet you as well. I’m Juno.”

Amit watched the older woman, her mouth trying to speak but no words came out. The hyena stepped up. “I’m Lanteveldt, Queen consort’s knight. You can call me Lan.”

“I’m Clops and this is my brother Cy, we’re Sariphi’s faithful servants.”

“Cy, hello!”

“Will, humble scholar, at your service.” He offered a small bow.

“Hello there,” Juno gracefully curtseyed.

Will held out his paw towards the human. “And of course, you’ve met Leona.”

“’Lo,” she said with a small wave.

Cy tugged at her pant leg. “Please, Miss Leona? Us stay, please?”

Leona turned away, hands out defensively. “Ack! Stop being so cute, you little spook! You’re messing with my heartstrings!” She then looked down at his earnest look and smiled. “Well, I’d be no better than those hypocrites if I didn’t listen to people who cared about my patients. But I’d like for you kids to take a small break, wash up, relax a bit. Let me and my friends get settled in and come back in, say, an hour? Sound fair?”

“Sounds alright by me.”

“Indeed.”

“Okay.”

“’Kay.”

The young folk left the adults. The princess twisted her head behind her, but then scurried away. The three adults watched them turn a corner. They glanced at each other. With a nod, they walked into the infirmary, shutting the door behind them. Juno all but collapsed on the bed while Will leaned on the wall. Leona stood between them.

“So…what’s the king like?” Will asked.

“Well, at first glance, he’s just like the old king, commanding and domineering. Threatening everyone…and maybe it’s me being crazy or hopeful, but for a few moments there…he sounded like his Pa…”

“Leona, I’ve known you for at least, what, a century now? And I know that you try to look for the good in others, Ghenna, that’s how you ended up married in the first place. And you’ve got a good sense of finding it in people where they least expect it. So I don’t think you’re crazy, well, at least this time. I bet deep down he’s got good in him.”

“Probably keeps in the liver. It’s a family trait,” Leona said, wiping her face again, a few tears leaking out. “Mothers, I’m so tired…” She then noticed her other companion, staring at the wall. “Juno, are you okay?”

Juno continued, still as a statue.  

“Juno? Juuuno? HERA!” Leona snapped her fingers in front of the reptile’s face.

The woman jumped up. “Yes. What? Sorry?”

The human blinked and let out a long “Ooooh! That princess…she’s your Amit. The one you’ve talked about.”

The lizard woman flinched, sighing and clutching her skirt. “I should have known they would send her here. I heard the stories, but I couldn’t have believed it. She must have been terrified coming here. I’ve wanted to see her so badly after all these years.” Now the fabric of the skirt bunched in her claws. “Yet if she finds out what happened…what I’ve done…”  

Leona sat down, leaning against her friend. “I mean, I’ve only known her for a few moments but she doesn’t seem to have changed much from that hatchling you loved and cared for. Still is really sweet. Still cries for others. Shame we didn’t know she was here; you could have warned me about how strong her hugs were.”

Juno sighed, “She did always cling so strongly to my skirts…”

“See? I bet the moment you tell her who you are, she’ll squish you in one of her hugs, the two of you will start bawling and it’ll be like you never left.”

The lizard woman smiled warmly. “That would be nice…” She then took the human’s hand. “And I’m really wishing you can reach your cub in some way.”

Leona squeezed her hand in return, leaning into the woman. “Thanks, I’ll need it. Hopefully, I’ll learn what to call him soon.”

Will sighed dramatically, slightly shoving the women away so he could sit between them, then hugged the women close to his sides.  “Well, looks like it’s reunions all around here. Alas, I have no child to reunite with here, so I guess I’ll just be the emotional support and shoulder to cry on here.”

“Aris, you sure?” Leona wiggled herself free from his grip, standing up. She pointed to the door behind her. “You sure you didn’t leave any little pups or cubs like that hyena when you stuck it to that bastard and ran off with your wife?”

“Please,” the dog started, waving a paw.  “The previous kings did everything they could to stamp out the hyena clan. I doubt our most beloved bastard would have offered me a hyena woman on a silver platter like other women. Though I wonder how one managed to get into the palace. Along with those Cyclopeans too, hard to find members of the Magic clan around here…”

“There’s a lot of stories to be told…” Leona looked up at the veiled bed.  “Can’t wait to hear hers especially.”

The two beasts twisted, following their friend’s gaze.  They both rose, stepping towards the bed eagerly. “I wonder if she looks like her wanted posters,” Juno pondered. “She looked very lovely in those.”

Still looking back on his friend, Will lifted the curtain. “Those things are terribly inaccurate. They always get the noses wrong.” As he twisted his head, he continued, “You’d think that with camera thingies, humans could—” However, once he saw the human girl, he froze.

“Will? Aristophanes?” Leona asked once she caught up to her friend. She followed his gaze, eyes just moving between the maiden’s white hair and the small bird lying against Sekhmet’s stomach.

“Leona…is that a holy beast I’m seeing near Sekhmet…” he pointed to the sleeping beauty. “Her holy beast?”

Leona looked at the two beasts curled up against each other. “Yeah, the kids said he was hers.”

“But…then her hair…” He now looked agasht at the white streak gracing Leona’s face.

“Hey, I was not in the best mindset when I started, you know that.” Leona wove the strands around her finger. “She probably had far better reasons than I did. Besides, if her hair is the result of summoning, she’d probably look more like a little old granny. You know about the Choseh people, she might be one of them. We’ll ask her when she’s better.”  A yawn escaped her lips.

The dog sighed, relief in his tone. He rubbed his eye. “You’re right. You humans are often right. But be careful about using our real names, you never know who might be listening. The council will never forgive me for the character assassination I’ve done to them.”

“Well, you did often kill them in your plays or demote them into toilet cleaners,” Juno commented. “But yes, the longer no one knows who we really are, the longer we can stay here.”

“Good point,” Leona said. “Make sure you let me know when that potion wears off on your eye. Looks like that bunch of relics doesn’t recognize you while it works.” She yawned, “Let’s get ready for bed, the kids will be back soon.”

Once Leona changed out of her clothes and into a T-shirt she could almost swim in, she sat down on the bed near the two holy beasts. “I hope you’ve explained to Lord Bennu everything, that I’d be really grateful if he kept this to himself for a while.”

The kitten meowed to almost everyone in the room, but Bennu and Leona heard, “Rest assured, my lady, Lord Bennu has allowed us to stay and for you to treat his lady. But he does request that should something go wrong; I use my powers to save her.”

Leona shrugged, “Sure, that was the plan all along. But I’m pretty sure he’s more of a swearing bird.”

The bird pointed a wing. “See, you young folks keep fixing the words of your elders for nothin’. You shouldn’t try so hard.”

“I didn’t want to you to hear such words, milady. You’re an excellent doctor and it pains me when people dismiss you.”  The kitten lowered her ears.

“Come on Sek, you know I’ve heard it all before.” Leona leaned, scratching her beast on the head. “But thanks for looking out for me.” Then she scratched the bird’s head. “Thank you Lord Bennu as well.”

The bird huffed, “Just cure my lady and keep her safe. Like you promised. Though some human booze wouldn’t hurt.”

“What did he say?” Leona asked.

Sekhmet replied, “He’s fine with it. He does want some human liquor though.”

“I’ve got some, I’ll start my payment tomorrow.” A yawn again broke her thoughts. “Okay?”

“Alright.” The bird quickly shifted, turning to his side. The kitten let out a small yawn and then curled around the bird as she fell asleep.

Leona then turned her attention to the maiden sleeping, wheezing with each breath. “I know I’m a terrible mother-in-law for letting you suffer like this. I’m selfish, using you to see my son after all these years.” She leaned down to pull out a small round bottle filled with a glowing, bright purple liquid. “But I promise that I’m here to take care of and love you like I should. Just have a little faith in me, okay?” She pulled out the cork, aiming the bottle at Sariphi. Vapor flowed out, quickly transforming into a large purple moth, landing right on the girl’s head and scattering into tiny purple specks. As the creature scattered, Sariphi’s wheezes almost ceased, her chest rising and falling more.

Leona smiled, kissing her fingers and pressing them onto Sariphi’s cheek. “Sweet dreams, dear.”

[dragmirc]

Any attempt at rebuttal against the archivist was caught behind his teeth in the flurry of activity that followed. Ganondorf had taken it more or less for her committing the word of his homeland to memory. A test of syllables, perhaps, and the notice that the woman's advisor was quietly playing with it only helped to solidify his reminder to watch what was spoken around the young man.

However, he did not wholly expect the entire library to come alive with more of the occupation. Like glittering silken birds, they descended from the aisles beyond and the knowledge he was right in assuming they moved in synchronicity was paled at realizing how perfect the movement actually was. Like a well-oiled clock, pieces moving to advance rather than to hinder.

While he admired such fine motions, it also was a stern reminder that any rushed schemes he may have put together on the way to the library died in that moment. Taking the kingdom from these people was going to require more time. More effort. More patience. Who knew how many of them were still out in the world, and if they all moved like this, nothing short of a well-formed plan was going to move him forward from here. His jaw set in frustration at the thought.

A further blow was struck when she replied, turning down his offer as a part of her court. On a strategic level, he understood her choices. He was as much an unknown to her as she was to him. It didn't stop the chord from being struck however, especially with the added element of foreign eyes laid into him and his.

Memories of the prior court surfaced in his mind and he could almost hear them snickering behind his back. How it was a surprise that they dared to enter Hyrule looking like that it was the dry season they were doing their best how could they even call themselves a nation when there were no settlements to claim as center the desert is an unforgiving place the clans are nomadic to in order to follow resources how can they be considered polite society when there are rumors of bandits so strong in their numbers it's become a problem you forced us into it to survive...

While there were no mutterings that he heard from these foreigners, the remembered blows still remained. Logically, they were focused on the way their leader spoke, in such a fashion as to be commanding to them as it was to turn him down. It wasn't meant to be judgmental. It was precaution, preemptive. But even with his eyes lowered in feigned reverence, Ganondorf took the refusal as mocking. Perhaps he had more in common with the prior Hylians than he thought and as the thought surfaced, he felt disgusted by it. Yet it did not curb his subjectivity, a small twist of the lip and a clench of a fist the only evidence of his internal reprimand.

He did not rise when the Regent's name was called, though he did raise his eyes to see the distinct shift of the woman as her title was announced. She had been slouching earlier, relaxed perhaps. A veil to show she was still a force of presence but not enough to hide the much more human aspects of such a takeover. The workload would weigh more and more, he suspected, until she snapped. And he would be there to pick up the pieces of what was left and put everything he was meant to do back into action.

Just a little more time...

Although, he realized as he thought about it he had never heard of Sidhe. He knew most of, if not all of, the other races and territories that existed in broader Hyrule, aided by his mothers in their teachings and from his own researching into the world that directly surrounded Gerudo and its inhospitable desert. He studied what he thought of as his world, studied the Gorons and the Zora, delved into stories of Kokiri and the fairy children who lived there. Studied Hyrule Kingdom and all they had done. Even learned about a race of birdfolk who very rarely passed over the broader Field in their annual migrations, or what little he could find of them.

But Sidhe was a new name to him. As foreign as they were. It only proved in his mind that perhaps even the broad scope of the world he had studied and learned of throughout his childhood and even now was still so narrow. The world was a bigger place than he thought. And if the promises of the witches were true, someday he would rewrite it and rule it all...

Which brought his mind back to the occupation itself and the events that had transpired out of sight and out of mind as he rose to stand again, shifting the wrathful sneer into a soft and reverent smile by the time he was upright again. A hand flourishing in her direction with a single small step, the fingertips of the other against his chest in an attempt to convey he was speaking from the deepest reaches of his heart and concern.

"Ah, High Empress. You are very kind to still see to my prior appointments with the King, despite it being such a surprise on your part. If you do not mind my asking, as it is a point of concern for myself--

What happened to the young Princess Zelda?"

He played it thick, in his mind. And although he didn't try to backpedal against it, he only hoped his faux worry for the child would glean the hidden side of any true conquer.

"I can only imagine the death of her father would weigh heavily on her young heart. I seek only to--" Wrest that damned Ocarina from her. "--Ease her pain and suffering in such a tumultuous time in her young life."

The librarian looked up at being threatened, though he didn't say a word. Fariah was keenly aware he looked to her though, aware of his eyes on her back over his reading glasses. She was aware of his nervousness in the situation, perhaps silently pleading with her to keep him safe. Which she did. Arnie was, in her opinion, a fine archivist and considering how she saw Hyrule's inability to write unbiased records, that would be high praise coming from her.

"None who matter are missed."

It was matter-of-fact, flat with little emphasis. Her word, her will, and her will would be carried out even in times like these. Arnie relaxed a little at being indirectly assured of his safety. She knew he knew who this was, though, between the towering other's clear disdain toward the Hylian and Arnie's reaction.

Markesh tasted the word of the region once or twice, she heard him repeating it over her shoulder to himself. Committing it and the way it was spoken to memory. She knew he was already working to parse it out. He was left to his devices for the time being, however, as her attention was firmly on the Gerudo King himself.

"Gerudo."

The word seemed at first disjointed from the rest of the conversation, but the intent was clearly made in the following minutes. The Sidhe flitting through the rest of the library coalesced, pulling resources with them to show in small brief glances, a fine dance that seemed almost rehearsed between their Imperial and the other monarch. The agenda was lowered long enough she could skim words across a page here and there, the last one holding a map of the continent open to point to a flat region of what looked like wastes to the west. Almost as suddenly, the flurrying pack was gone and back into the bookcases with their prizes.

Cold gilded gaze continued to bore into his on being momentarily enlightened, taking notice first of the original hesitation earlier in his entrance. The clear sneer toward Arnie. The way he was quick to move in placating deliberate flourishing. How quick he was to bow, to emphasize his own roles within the prior kingdom's court.

'Anyone who claims power and prostrates either has no power, or is up to something.'

Papa's words came to her as he whispered them to his young Princess, sat on his throne to watch the monarch of a neighboring nation take a knee. No pride in prostration, the King of Hyrule must have been truly ignorant to allow this so close to him, while simultaneously upholding the bias of his ancestors against the Sidhe for being so militant.

To say such a move made her mistrust Ganondorf was an understatement. He had some form of power, or at least confidence enough to facade it well, so that meant he was sly. Best kept at arm's length.

She would have to see what she could dredge of this man and his entourage from others around her. Another job for Markesh; she used him so frequently in such conquests but his ability to charm his way into social circles was invaluable for information. Not everything could be found in writing, after all; word of mouth traveled faster and while some may be rumors only, they were still fine starting points. Gossip had source, after all, it was simply following the breadcrumbs to find out where.

She inhaled slowly, deeply, letting the entire display sink in before she spoke again, choosing her words carefully.

"My cabinet is full."

There might have been a little bit of ire set into a few of the syllables of so short a statement, wound around rich tones that fell like a blanket of ash on the room. It pulled Markesh out of his musings, stopped activity in the bookcases with a frizz and eyes peering through and around the shelves. Expectant. Waiting for the next command.

"Markesh."

The Regent's name was harsh. One that told him exactly what his next task was, and he straightened himself up immediately to step forward with a stiff flourish of his own, a waving hand to present his Empress properly.

"Her Imperial Eminence. High Empress Fariah Ariad of House Ariad, of the Clouded Isle of Imperial Sidhe. As Katya in War Aspect."

A good herald could make a bad monarch look good, and a good one look better than they already were. In her mind, Markesh fit the bill for the job, and she swelled in the pride he gave her. She moved just barely, straightening her shoulders and her back so as to appear the monolithic presence even veiled. Drawing upward so she may look more towering even compared to Ganondorf's obscene height.

"That being said. What else can I do for you."

[borldwuilding]

The Races - Mortal Races

Continued!

For the races who were not made by the divine, including humans, orcs, gnomes, goblins, birdfolk, ratfolk, dwarves and sphinxes. Unlike for the elvish races, I don’t have quite the same like... pin down for direct traits? Because most of these I think i’m kind of swinging with the air of ‘kinda what they normally are / they are in like. DnD vaguely’ right now. So their descriptions are going to be generally less... exact.

Humans are human. Frankly I have nothing fun to say on them other than ‘mmeyup and there are Humans here too.’ They speak Common, and common just means ‘whatever you, the reader, understands’ vs ‘ah yes common = english or w/e”. 

Orcs: Orcs are known for being largely nomadic when not integrated with another culture. Their skin tones are darker tones of grey, green or red, and are known for having impressive tusks.  They’re usually around the same size as sun elves, or a head or two taller than most humans. Their life span is about the same as human’s, albeit it can be a bit shorter on average. Their core / traditional language is Mögchin.

I have gone back and forth as having ‘oni’ as a orcish subspecies / ethnicity (or ‘mountain orcs’ / non-nomadic orcs), but honestly have not settled on it vs having oni-like species being separate. 

Gnomes: The smaller mortal race of humanoids. They’re significantly smaller than humans, and have sort of ‘mouse-ish’ ears. Similarly to orcs, they are a largely nomadic population. Orcs and gnomes are often seen together in bands as a result, and share a lot of cultural overlap. Their core / traditional language is Inlelish.

Goblins: I think they’re going to exist but frankly have not put a ton of thought into them. I do know that they will share a core language with orcs and debate on having them be the outcome of ‘well I guess when orcs and gnomes travel together and share so much cultural overlap that their crossbreed offspring have become its own thing’ or not.

Birdfolk: Athro bibbies! Hard debating on if they are ‘bird people with bird arms and legs, and a pair of wings’ bird people or ‘bird people with wing-arms and bird legs’ bird people. Either way fuck you WotC they can be ANY bird species not just birds of prey and that is Important. Their core / traditional language is Lakrakian. Human sized with a shorter life span than a humans but not as fucking short 

Ratfolk: Anthro rats. They live fucking everywhere and are masters of using the dwarvish tunnel systems. Nobody adapts like a ratfolk adapts. More common in the subterranean kingdoms and territories but like actual rats there’s hardly a place you can go without finding a population of them. Small and gnome-sized and probably have a shit lifespan. Don’t have a core language of their own.

Dwarves: Underground masters, creators of the tunnel system that was used when the tides sucked to get people from one high ground area to another. Mostly in underground kingdoms that span the earth but some hang out above ground. Live longer than your average human and are a bit shorter. Their core / traditional language is Klertyhdi.

Sphinxes: Debating on if these are a descendant of dragons or not but I know they will be Here. Their core / traditional language is also Drylvuian.

[whump-cravings]

Bird in a Ditch

saw a prompt about someone being dumped on the side of the road and an idea started to form. I’ve also wanted to try a BBU type thing, so here it iiiiiis

Content Warnings: BBU, pet whump, winged whump, nonhuman whump, fantastic racism referenced, extreme disassociation, past torture implied, tbh this piece is pretty mild

Lemon shook xir head to try and clear fatigue, keeping xir eyes on the road as xe leaned forward to manually roll the window down. Cool air blasted xim in the face and behind xir neck, sending refreshing shivers down xir spine.

Something glowed gold on the road and xe jerked the wheel, sliding into the other lane. "Feathers?" xe said, throwing xir gaze to catch another glimpse of the obstacle, already pulling over.

A downed barn owl? xe wondered, flicking the hazards on. Getting xir phone out, xe searched the cabin for a blanket or something to wrap the little dude in. If it wasn't dead, anyways. I better hurry. Another car could come by at any time.

"Probably already dead but just in case—" Lemon muttered to xirself, trying to forestall disappointment before it began. Xe surfaced with a canvas tarp and hustled out into the night, boots hitting asphalt. Xe was a little ways away from the bird...

As the phone's flashlight caught feathers again, Lemon frowned. That looked a lot bigger than an owl. Maybe an eagle, or—

Maybe a whole goddamn person? Xe stopped at the side of the ditch, looking down in shock at the humanoid body connected to the wings. Xe'd never seen any birdfolk up close. They were rare in this part of the world, where everybody was pretty damn racist.

That was neither here or there. Lemon shook xir head, dropping the canvas and propping the phone and its light up before carefully finding the top of the person’s outstretched wing and trying to gently-gently-gently fold it towards their body.

How did I mistake them for an owl? These are huge! Xe felt soft clicking underneath hands through the feathers and bone. Now up close, the feathers didn't seem to shine with the golden luster Lemon had seen before, but were instead dull and dirty.

"Sorry, sorry," Lemon murmured, though the person hadn't stirred. Concern buzzed in the back of xir head as xe stepped around to the face-down body.

Lemon crouched, slipping a hand down the side of neck and searched for a pulse. Still warm—there. Xe let out a sigh of relief at the rhythm beneath xir fingers. "Didn't want to have to report a dead body tonight," xe chuckled.

Xe moved xir hand to the bird person's shoulder, gently shaking. No reaction. "Of course, you wouldn't be lying in a ditch if you could wake up," Lemon muttered, straightening. Xir gaze traveled down, and xe picked up the phone to get a better look.

The bird person was wearing only boxers, so there was a lot to see. Mostly, they were dirty. And the wings looked terrible. Whole patches of feathers were missing, and the ones that remained—Lemon suspected those weren't supposed to look so bedraggled. Xe shook xir head, sympathy turning in xir gut. Poor thing. Had they been mugged and then dumped, or maybe crash landed here?

The situation presented a problem. It’s one thing to bring home an animal, xe thought to xirself. This is a whole person. If they were awake, Lemon would have given them a ride to wherever they needed to go and the little cash xe had on xirself.

Xir mother's voice rattled in the back of xir head. It wasn’t as dangerous for Lemon to pick up people off the side of the road as for xir sister, but their mother always had some new story about somebody being shot and having their car stolen when they mentioned picking somebody up.

Xe waffled. I could wait until they wake up... Assuming they didn’t die of exposure, and assuming xe didn’t want any sleep tonight. Xe glanced around at the dark road, then back down at the stranger. If they were unconscious like this and didn’t smell of alcohol, they probably weren’t that dangerous. And somebody who felt less neutral about birdfolk might come along to finish them off.

Lemon sighed, already knowing xe couldn’t leave them here and trying to figure out how to get them over and into to the truck. Maybe xe could carry them there, but the wings would probably drag. Xe tried imagining walking backwards while carrying them from the front. Could xe lift them high enough? Probably not.

"Tch." That wouldn't do. After a moment's consideration, xe looked back at the canvas.

It took some pulling and maneuvering, but soon Lemon was pulling the bird person across the road on top of the canvas. Xir sweatshirt was tucked underneath their head, keeping them safe from rocks.

"Expected you to be a lot heavier, honestly," Lemon said. Maybe the weight was normal for adult birdfolk.

It would have been way more comfortable for them, Lemon was sure, to be in the cabin, but xe wasn’t sure xe could manage that without damaging their wings further. So, xe carefully lifted them by the front and laid them face down in the truck bed. It was not graceful and xe was a little relieved they weren’t awake for it. Xe tucked the sweatshirt back under the person's head.

"Home is just a few minutes away," xe promised as xe tried folding up their wings, worried about the wind catching them or about hypothermia setting in. Xe unfurled the canvas with a shake, then draped it over the bird person's body and wings to block the wind, securing the cloth at the corners with bungee cords.

Looks like I'm trying to hide a dead body, Lemon thought when xe put the tailgate up. "Hang in there, buddy."

Lemon would have liked to speed home, but the bed's occupant had xem driving far more carefully than normal, particularly around corners. When xe got to the apartment, xe pulled into xir spot in reverse. It was a much shorter distance to carry somebody from the truck bed to the door, so Lemon did—xe wasn’t entirely sure xe could get them through the door otherwise. It was already a hassle to get them past one door, the next, and then settle them on the floor of the small bathroom against the wall.

Xe closed and locked the front door, then flicked lights on. As xe stepped back into the bathroom, careful to avoid any errant limbs, xe started.

The bird person's eyes were open.

"Hey, you're awake," Lemon exclaimed.

But the person didn't seem to hear Lemon--they hardly seemed aware of their surroundings at all, staring straight forward. Shit, had they been awake the entire time and Lemon just hadn’t noticed? How awkward that would be! And...

Xir realized their face was covered in scars. Unable to help xirself, xir eyes were drawn down. Mottled bruising covered their ribs, long-healed scars past that and the dirt. Same with their legs. What had happened to them? Was this just the result of being birdfolk here?

Xe took a steadying breath, crouching down. "Hey, can you hear me? Can you look at me?"

Finally, the tiniest response. Topaz eyes slid fractionally towards Lemon's center of mass, but nothing else. Their expression and muscles remained listless.

"Good, that's—no no no, come on, don't do that," Lemon cajoled in gentle frustration as the bird person closed their eyes. What am I supposed to do with this? Xe scrubbed xir tired face with one hand. What were the symptoms of a concussion?

"Let me get you something to drink," xe said. "And maybe eat?"

No response. The only sign they were still alive was the gentle rise and fall of their chest.

Lemon wearily got back to xir feet, ambling into the kitchen for a glass of water and some—did bird people eat normal food? They looked plenty human. But what if they were allergic to stuff? Xe grabbed a small variety of snacks—string cheese and pepperoni from the fridge and a little baggy of trail mix. Bundling the food into a paper towel in one hand and holding the glass of water in the other, xe returned to the bathroom.

"Here we go," Lemon said as xe returned, kneeling at arm's length to set down the array of food. Xe set the cup of water closer still. "Little bit of food, little bit of water."

Their eyes were open again, looking down at Lemon's offerings. Maybe. It was hard to tell for sure, since they seemed unfocused. They made no movement to accept.

"Does your head hurt?" Lemon tried. "If you have a concussion, we should..." Xe trailed off. I don't have money for an emergency doctor visit. "Have you lie down, probably."

It's like talking to a rock. "I'll give you some space."

Getting back to xir feet, Lemon went back into the kitchen and washed xir hands. Xe probably should have done that earlier, but if they haven’t died of dirt already, they probably won't from a little on their pepperoni.

"Might as well prep a meal," xe mumbled, since xe couldn’t sleep until xir guest was settled. Xe took a moment to draw up some videos online about birdfolk and birds in general, then got to work with the food.

About twenty minutes later, everything was assembled in the pressure cooker. Lemon hadn't heard anything from the direction of the bathroom. Anxious, xe checked on xir guest.

I'm going to have someone die on my floor of starvation and atrophy, Lemon thought. The bird person was in the same exact position xe’d left them. Their tourmaline-brown gaze still rested on the food and water.

Lemon chided xirself. They could be a paraplegic for all xe knew. Maybe their eyes were all they were able to move. It would explain their weight.

This thought in mind, xe crouched a little closer to them. "Hey," xe said. "Can you blink twice if you understand me?"

Their eyes slowly rolled back up to Lemon's chest. Noticeably, they didn't blink.

Lemon laced xir fingers together and pulled them apart, repeating the motion a few times while they thought. Could be he was a paraplegic foreigner? Hells.

Reaching out slowly, Lemon tapped their hand, before picking it up and turning it over. Xe froze.

On their wrist was a black barcode.

After staring for far too long, Lemon let out a shaky, "O-oh."

I'm going to have someone's slave die on my floor. Xir anger towards the Box Boy industry stirred—a regular feeling. The legalized trafficking wasn’t something xe could do much about, other small donations here and there to liberation and activist groups.

Who had dumped this poor bird on the side of the road? Where was the owner? Lemon's eyes went to their patchy wings.

"Can't be sure they didn't do this to you," xe said softly, jaw clenching at the idea of it. They could have very well escaped and ended up in that ditch on their own, just to get away from the abuse written on their body. It matched up with the stories Lemon had heard and read about how owners fucked their slaves over.

Fuck, and it wasn't even like this man was nondescript. Birdfolk were rare enough, a Pet bird was sure to be noticed in a crowd. Stealing a Pet was grand larceny, and Lemon didn’t want to think about how much an exotic specimen might go for.

Calm down. So far all you've done is provide aid. That's not theft.

But Lemon's hands shook as xe held onto the bird person's, because xe knew xe couldn't—

That's a problem for Future Lemon, xe decided, taking calming breaths. There were groups xe could contact, but not tonight. Tonight, this poor bird needed a safe and calm place to recuperate. Lemon could provide that.

[we-are-a-dragon]

M (playing Kjell): Woah, Seraph is much more human-looking than I expected.

Tati (playing Seraph): What did you think she looked like?

M: Like a bird person. You know. Beaky.

Tati: Nah, sirens aren't true birdfolk. They're based on the Greek myth, so they're humanoid most of the time but get more bestial and hag-like when they're bloodied.

M: Gotcha, gotcha. I've been picturing her as a little crow person.

DM: That's kenku.

M: True.

[aquatic-hybrid]

He smiled and raised an eyebrow at the thought of being called amphibious, even more so if it was a ‘personal preference’ of his. Such curious responses for a seemingly curious bird. “Appearances can be deceiving, Ava. I ended up more human-looking than Marai, which is the name of the race my mother is.” Akio said, suggesting at the fact that he himself is also hybrid like the harpy. 

“I will admit, I have seen my fair share of birdfolk, but never one with blue feathers like yours. Usually they are more...what’s the word...nature-y? I have seen few with yellows and orange, maybe reds, but never blues.” He continued on, his golden eyes looking at her feathers with a sort of admiration for the color. Seems like the blue fish appreciates the blue bird.

Seeing her fluff up and stretch out her feathers, Akio chuckled at the notion of her being too big to fly between the nearby trees or canopy. "On my end, it's almost completely different, I am one that enjoys the water and I can't really stay in the trees for long because it's dangerous." He explained, and similarly she showed off a little of her feathers, Akio rolled up his sleeve and showed her the bright blue scales hidden under his clothes.

"I do like your style and colors birdie, the name is Akio by the way. Pleasure meeting' ya." Akio added as he stretches his hand out of a handshake. Not really paying mind to her claws.

[hanghenfil]

I'd like to know more about the bird folk and maybe some on the town of Marlough itself. If there is anything interesting around.

AH BIRDFOLK...U GOT IT ive been thinking about them a lot lately!!!! here's a braindump of some random headcanons...

birdfolk live in "flocks"! that is, large communities made up of different families and the occasional straggler they let join. they're a very communal species!

birdfolk families are BIG-around 12-13 kids is probably the average. they (unfortunately) lay eggs-round 3 eggs is probably the average "clutch" (is that the word.......)

so many kids and such tight knit communities means kids are often raised with a lot of help from the other birdfolk! they're big subscribers to the "it takes a village to raise a child" mindset. evry adult is ur aunt or uncle, blood relative or not

being so family oriented, it's encouraged that kids will stay in their own flock-but of course finding partners in other flocks often means they'll move to their partners, but they have to stay in touch, of course

the usual expectation is to settle down in a flock-whether their own or their partners-and just, also have a bunch of kids (or help raise flockmates kids) and contribute to the community at large

it's traditional that the two eldest will stay in their own flock no matter what-though that is being worn down with time.

[donaidh broke Both of these traditions by being the eldest but still moving away to university and just. not coming back. his relationship w his parents is v strained bc of it]

moving out-whether for reasons like going to university or moving to a new flock- is a HUGE deal in birdfolk culture and usually involves a big extravagant "going away" party, and sometimes some bitterness and stern "u better visit Or Else" words from more traditional relatives

moving on from culture 2 more biological stuff,,,

theres a lot of variation in birdfolk! some will have huge ol talons and more birdlike feet and hands, while others will be much less "monstrous". it usually comes down to ancestry and diet-carnivorous birds would be more monstrous and have sharper talons centuries ago.

but since humans almost wiped out hanghenfil altogether and they simply mingled with whoever they can find- theres no real clean cut line between "carnivorous" and "non carnivorous" birds anymore, and you can find a mishmash of features.

like lotsa real birds, bright colours, shiny feathers and well kept wings are the Height of attractive 4 birdfolk

speaking of wings-while all birdfolk can fly to SOME capacity, even if it's just gliding or hovering-it's an act which has to be trained and exercised, much like running for humans

as a result, lots of birdfolk can't fly for longer than a few minutes at a time because-who has time to do long distance running flying training?

their wings don't tend to be fully usable until around age 14, but even then they are fragile and must be trained up slowly. adults in the flock will often help the kids learn how to fly

most if not all hair on birdfolk is made of feathers,,its so soft,,,,like down feathers in a pillow

birdfolk live an average of 150 years!

i think thats all i got for The Birds....

as for marlough! there's not a lot that i haven't already touched on in my world page but ill try and come up with a few bits and pieces for u here 👀

marlough is an OLD town-though not as old as neighbouring city morwick! while humans might say otherwise, the town has been around since the third century or so as a hanghenfil settlement, mostly made of temporary log cabins and cobblestone buildings for larger families

 humans didn't start building there until maybe the 1400s-when they destroyed all evidence of hanghenfil settlement and sent them fleeing to nearby forests

while most of the original marlough buildings are lost to time,two original human buildings are still standing-marlough's most popular pub, the four docks, and the town hall, both of which are centred around the market square. while parts have been rebuilt and updated over time, they remain largely the same as centuries ago

tourists and visitors always swear that the pub is haunted and full of a strange energy, but the locals and regulars know thats just part of the charm!

marlough has the highest hanghenfil to human ratio in the (fantasy) uk,,,,around 30% hanghenfil to 70% humans, where in other places hanghenfil populations barely reach single digits

marlough is one of the only places where the siorc (fish ppl, faldurs species!) come above water. they have a two and a half century old trade agreement with marlough’s residents, where they trade gold and fish for human stuff they (obviously) can’t find in the sea. it worked better than fighting humans for it anyway.

i think thats all i got-but if theres any particular lil bits u wanna know pls feel free to ask!!! i love dumping headcanons about this stuff...thank u this was very fun sorry its so long 

[fearcitysidestories]

Mixed Species Individuals

Within the many species that exist, there are also those whose parents are of different species, but species don’t always mix equally.

will be updated as more species references go up.

Humans

Humans tend to average out traits when mixing between species, appearing somewhat between human and the other species, with no traits being particularly stronger than others.

The Undead

Undead cannot have children so there are no half-undead

Fae

Half-fae children inherit the high capacity for magic, but often very few of the physical traits of the fae. Children of two types of fey may have any combination of traits, but those with one non-fey parent rarely have more than the pointed ears and maybe brightly coloured hair as an indicator.

Elves

Half-elves generally keep the pointed ears of elves, but no other traits are particularly likely over any others.

Goblins

???

Orcs

???

Ogres

???

Gremlins

???

Cyclopes

???

Nymphs and nature Spirit:

Despite not being born in the normal sense, Nature spirits can have children. Those children will have the natural affinities of their parent(s), but no connection to a specific piece of nature. They won’t have a single tree or river or whatever that they are connected to, and as such their lifespan will resemble that of their non-nymph parent species (oreads often don’t have or aren’t involved with their children, as they almost always outlive them, whereas children of anemoi will almost exclusively far outlive their parents). Children between two nature spirits will have a connection to one or both of their parents’ natural anchor, and will therefore live exactly as long as at least one of their parents. 

Encantados

Half-encantados may be able to change into a dolphin, but primarily take traits from their other parent. Most commonly they will have a blowhole like their encantados parent and little else, species-wise.

Finfolk

Finfolk tend to have more dominant traits against land species, but more recessive against undersea species. Half-finfolk tend to be very brightly coloured and can breathe both air and water. If the other parent is a mermaid, lamia, or other species with a tail that trait almost always manifests instead of legs. 

Marus

Marus rarely have children with other species (due more to biology than a decision against this), but when they do it’s always an interesting and largely unpredictable mix of traits.

Mermaids

Half-mermaids generally maintain the mermaid traits needed to live underwater (ie thick skin, large eyes, gills, skin patterns, etc.), though in the cases where the non-mermaid parent is a land species the traits vary a lot more, and whether they can breathe air, water, or both is variable and determines where they grow up.

Nøkk

Nixies are generally considered incapable of having children with other species, though it has occasionally occurred with nymphs. Half-nokk are aetherial

Rusalka

Rusalka, as a cursed species, are different in how they inherit genes and such but basically, female children will be entirely Rusalka and males will be entirely the other species. Rusalka are almost entirely made of interspecies couples.

Selkies

Half-selkies are uncommon and tend to only inherit the most superficial traits from their other parent. 

Vodyanoy

???

Yokai

Yokai traits, including their magic, are highly recessive, and few if any yokai traits tend to show up in half-yokai children. If they have any traits from their yokai parent, they may inherit a long lifespan or a small animal trait. Yokai magic is pretty much never passed on to half-yokai children.

Cynocephali & Ailocephali

Cynocephali are rather family-minded and, culturally, rarely have relationships outside their own species. However, when Cynocephali or (more commonly) Ailocephali do have children with other species, those children tend to retain their ears, tail, and fur, with all other traits being highly variable. They could have the full canine/feline head, could look entirely like the other parent’s species with only the tail and ears, who knows. could be anything. 

Harpies

Half-harpies usually spout feathers and keen eyesight, but very few of the other traits. Half-harpies rarely have the wings or talons of their parent. 

Lamia

Lamia traits are strong, and children with one lamia parent commonly have tails, scales, and/or eyes like their lamia parent over the traits of the other parent

Minotaurs

Minotaur genes don’t mix particularly well. A child born between a minotaur and another species will either be a minotaur, or the other species, with only very rare or very small variant traits. Magical ability, however, will generally be inherited from the non-minotaur parent regardless of physical traits.

Sirens 

Siren genes aren’t very compatible with others and they cannot have viable children with other species.

Sphynxes

Sphynxes don’t often have children with other species, but when they do, half-sphynxes are usually more humanoid (if their other parent is), though they often may have the fur, ears, fangs, wings, etc. of their sphynx parent.

Tikbalang

???

Centaurs

Half-centaurs may have the leg count of either parent, though it is more common for them to have the four legs of their centaur parent. Horns are also highly heritable, though no other traits are sure.

Satyrs

Half-satyrs usually have hooves and goat-like eyes, though all other traits are just as likely to be lost as they are kept. 

The Abyssal

???

Doppelgangers

???

The Divine

???

Psychopomp

Psychopomps don’t have children, ergo no half-psychopomps.

Banshee

???

The Muted

Half-muted are rare, though not unheard of. They dampen magic around them (and as such tend to not be able to use much magic), but don’t completely nullify it. 

Birdfolk

Half-birdfolk are born of two varieties; True and Mixed. True birdfolk are born with a feather or feathered cloak, and will look entirely like a normal birdfolk, though they may have magic from the other parent’s side. Mixed birdfolk have no feathers and, therefore, cannot change into a bird form. They have more mixed traits between their parents. 

Were-creatures

Half-werewolves (and other half-were-creatures) tend to get the were-shifted form from their were parent, while their other form will be more influenced by their other parent.

Daemons:

Daemons don’t, in their world, have a set form, so when they mix it is highly variable. Usually, the child will look like their other parent, though it’s not uncommon for them to have random odd traits (ie horns, tails, disproportionate limbs, oddly coloured hair/eyes/skin, etc.). Children of daemons tend to inherit their daemon parent’s style of feeding off of concepts instead of food, though the specific concept is not genetic and may be anything.

Dragonkin

???

Gargoyles

???

Constructs

Constructs cannot have children so there are no half-construct individuals.

Dwarves

Dwarves are the corgi of people. You mix them with anyone else and you generally just get a shorter version of the other species.

Vampires

???

Kikimora

???

Gnomes

???

[testedtransgressor]

Category: Heroes Odyssey - Vantacor - Ismara Rating: T Warning/s: N/A Originally Written: 22 August 2019

Sometimes, the bird instincts kicked in, and when they did, Kireia couldn’t control them.

It was part of the curse of living half-human, Kireia had learned. Humans experienced involuntary bodily actions, orcs experienced involuntary surges of anger, and Rachdhan experienced involuntary moments of bird behaviour. There was nothing she could do but watch herself, in abject horror, as she attacked a foe much larger and stronger than herself, or leapt from a height she knew she couldn’t land.

So when she sensed the “bird-brain” kick in prior to reaching the gem fields, she knew it would be an interesting adventure, at the very least.

The gems, they had been told, would only have value if they matched the colour chosen by a specific being that was held captive-- and that was all Kireia had heard before the bird-brain took hold. It went for the shining round objects, collecting as many of them as she could and stuffing them into the hands of her companions to hold and carry. Once they had established a base, though, that was when the truly awkward part happened.

Rachdhan were more human than avian in the way they carried and birthed their young. Nestlings - young Birdfolk - were born, not hatched from eggs. But birds certainly laid eggs, and to the bird-brain that had hold of Kireia on this occasion, the sparkling gems looked very much like eggs.

“Are you nesting?” Roan asked, as Kireia sat crouched over the collection of gems, sword drawn, her human brain more than aware of how ridiculous she must have looked, but the bird-brain determined to protect the “eggs” she had claimed. Resigned to her fate, Kireia nodded.

She hovered above the gems for a while, the bird-brain forcing her to get aggressive when anybody got too close - even her allies. Like any mother bird, she was determined to protect the things - with her own life, if she had to.

And then, she was waking up on the ground, well away from the nest she had, in her bird-brain moments, begun to build.

It took Kireia a few dizzying moments to realise what had happened - the bird-brain’s oath to protect her “eggs” with her own life had been tested and proven true. She had died, and was reawakening, as happened often. She didn’t bother questioning Nature for the details of that time before her death - she had no need to know who had slain her, or why. The gems held value - it was a simple enough reason.

The urgent need to return to her “nest” was almost overwhelming, but Kireia’s sensible mind prevailed over the bird-brain. She knew exactly what she would find if she returned, and she knew that the bird-brain would be forced to react. Instead, she focused on searching the field for potential allies, if not her Ismaran counterparts. The bird-brain would have its chance to seize control another day - for now, she decided to remain mostly human-minded.

[therealvagabird]

Notes on the Avian Variations

A study of the winged beastfolk.

A bit of world-building from one of my older, but more expansive fantasy worlds. This is actually relevant to the species of the lovely Scotie’s OC, Oir Weathervane. I just like indulging in some in-universe note writing. Sorry if there’s some errors, I didn’t do as many revisions as I normally do.

           “Avian” is a term given to those members of the broad beastfolk races that hold the traits of birds. From the great forests of the south to the northern peaks, avians are some of the more elusive of the wildling kin. Their taste for great elevations and their unique biology—even among beastkin—makes them rare sights outside of their usual territories.

           As with all beastfolk substrains, there has been mush division among scholars as to the classification of avians. Some felt that the species that bore wings on more mannish forms should instead be classified as a form of fey, or elf, while some even wanted to undertake auric autopsies to see if there wasn’t some connection to the angelic spirits. The same division occurred over those avians who were little more than birds with advanced cognition. However, in modern times, there is a greater degree of contentment with the classification of the “avian beastfolk” as being all those crossbreeds that hold a roughly anthropomorphic shape, and can fly (if of the winged breeds) without the assistance of magics.

           The avians are a massive subsection, as being beastfolk they display traits of almost every known species of bird as well as some outliers. Whether this is the result of ancient magical experimentation drawing traits from select species, the byproduct of some manner of conflux, bizarre evolution, or reused elements from a divine schematic, the fact remains that each tribe to be discovered must be catalogued in isolation before it can be shown as anything like any other avian breed. From the man-birds of the Medzal Jungles to the mighty warriors of the Vultan Mountains, avians are adapted to whatever climes might shelter them.

           Despite the diversity, most breeds have been noted as having some common traits intrinsic to the survival of a half-breed. First of these being the organ structure: as the birdfolk have a much more robust musculature and a unique style of locomotion—paired with the physique of a humanoid, they must metabolize food at an accelerated rate. Diets high in protein and strengthening minerals are valued, whether carnivore and omnivore, and avians are seldom seen with an excess of fat—in terms of the species itself. Some avians have the wingspan needed to lift increased heft! Either way, avian chicks (whether born live or shelled depending on the exact species) tend to have a dearth of body fat for infants, and so are liable to die if not cared for soon after birth.

           The unique organs of avians also allow for broader diets than what is normal for humans, elves, hyldun, or even dwarves. Being beastfolk, they are less susceptible to the illnesses of raw food, and have tastes more “advanced” than what some might find appealing. They also have much sturdier digestive systems: capable of breaking down fibrous substances like seeds or tough greens in their gizzards. Some species are also in possession of a hidden gland at the base of their neck that allows the storage and processing of food before it reaches the stomach, as well. The largest split between species (as with birth) is found in waste expulsion mechanisms—the more bird-leaning strains may have cloacae, while the more human*-leaning have the relevant separation. Avian lungs tend to be much more robust as well, able to filter very thin air from the high altitudes. The quantity of organs, paired with the wing musculature outlines later, tend to leave most avians with rather broad chests.

           *A note: though the human form is often used as a baseline comparison for anthropomorphizing—occupying a middle ground among the common races—most avians tend to display traits closer to those of elves, including pointed ears longer than most elf-kin.

           Of course, the most recognizable feature of the majority of avian breeds are their wings. The species run the length from small, halfling-like songbirds, to the grand hawkmen warriors. Plumage can be the best indicator for the closest bird breed to the relevant tribe, in coloration and shape. Different wings may also bestow certain properties relevant to the given bird, from great speed, to maneuverability, to simple beautiful color that is often mirrored in the skin and eyes of even the human anatomy they’re mixed with. To fly without the assistance of magic, the wings’ presence leads to a bizarre anatomy hidden under the feathers. Though some subspecies have evolved grasping capabilities on their normal wings, this will address the six-limbed groups:

A second set of shoulder blades will be nestled just below the first pair, adjusted in size and shape to connect to the relevant bones forming the rest of the wing. The bones of most avians will not be hollow, though will be of less stern stuff than that of the common races, ensuring the often-lanky creatures can both stand and fly unharmed. As great force is needed to generate enough lift for flight, strong muscles connect the wings to the humanoid back, with some even wrapping around to the sides of the torso, leading to a very “broad-shouldered look” for the stronger avians. Feathers from the wings may cover almost the entire back, even on the less ��hirsuit” breeds, disguising what might otherwise be a very odd shape to the creatures’ backs. A quick way to tell a true avian from (even more bizarre) something like an angel, is the presence of rudder feathers. Birdfolk have an advanced tailbone from which grows their hind feathers, used for unenchanted flight. The feathers of the wings and tail are oft connected along the spine, and the tail is as flexible as is needed for convenience—it will almost never drape beyond the heels of the individual, unless of an exotic paradise breed.

           Due to the weight of the bare avian frame, wingspans are enormous. Massive. They often strength longer on each end than the individual is tall. When folded, this is not as apparent, though when extended the force of liftoff flapping has been said to bowl over bystanders, or (more a boon) enemy combatants. The development of these wings is often complete by the end of adolescence, which precedes human adolescence by a small increment (it is unknown if the shorter lifespans common to beastfolk is a result of their biology, or the less advanced living conditions they seem to prefer. Civilized beast-tribes or lone members are either rare, or difficult to contact). An interesting note is that, if not nurtured by those of their own kind, it may take much longer for the wings to mature to workable size. It is believed that this might be a secret held in the parenting methods of avian culture. Even if neglected, however, the wings will tend to reach full size by adulthood.

           Such are the most prominent features of avians, or avian beastfolk, to the natural philosophies. These factors combine to form a curious race at the core, demanding specialized differences in their life processes, and impressive to behold, as anyone who has been speared to death by a Vultani Skyblade can attest. Further inquiries will be undertaken on the most prominent aspects of avian culture, assuming the Council renews my funding…

—Enlightening adventures upon you.

[testedtransgressor]

Part One: The Freezing Fall

Category: Heroes Odyssey - Vantacor Rating: K+ Originally Written: 15 July 2020

A/N: Oh boy, it’s been a while. Update post soon to follow, but for now these are the posts I wrote with my friend Tarin, who plays Evren. LARP is back now and there’s been some changes to Kireia’s kit, so hopefully photos will follow.

Also, I’m not sure if it was mentioned before, but the old house of Ismara joined with the house Rammikade, and the two became Darken. Technically it’s still the same mob and all, just... different leadership. Anyways, enjoy!

They were considered by their allies and friends to be an odd pairing, but the cat and the crow had formed a close friendship since choosing to venture from their island home of Ismara.

Kireía was a Rachdhan, one of the Birdfolk of the island’s native Ainmhí, and a mischievous, rebellious adolescent of her people. Evren was a Fiachat, a catfolk of the Ainmhí with a mischievous streak so wide that she would have made Tumpkee proud. Despite the more basic corresponding animals being constantly at odds, however, Kireía and Evren had forged a strong friendship that would prove to last against even Time itself.

As was their way, the pair split away from the rest of the Darken group one evening, preferring to hunt their meal rather than accept the prepared food offered at a small inn. The pair had been raised on wild meat, and the overly-spiced, often well-cooked portions of meat were sometimes a little too much for their simpler tastes. Not to mention the social expectations to dine with cutlery and carry oneself with a degree of decorum at a dinner table – this, for the pair of Ainmhí, was even worse than the food itself.

Kireía, as usual, had found a perch in a tree, an arrow nocked to her bowstring as she tracked the movements of a small rabbit. While the more bird-like instincts in her demanded she throw herself upon the prey, her form was more similar in shape to the less-stealthy humans, making hunting difficult enough.

While Kireía tracked her rabbit, Evren was stalking her own prey – a small fox that had paused by the creek for a drink. Unlike Kireía, Evren had been gifted with a cat’s stealth despite her more humanoid appearance, so approaching prey on foot was far easier.

She hadn’t made any sound, and the wind was still blowing her scent away from the prey – yet, the small creature froze, raising its head in alarm as it first listened, then sniffed at the air tentatively, before leaping over the creek and racing into the forestry on the other side. Evren began to give chase, before stopping dead at the river’s edge and hissing in frustration. She hadn’t made a single sound, so what idiotic beast had disturbed her hunt?

Kireía had drawn her bow, still tracking the rabbit’s movements, but the creature immediately turned around, darting away. Kireía huffed in irritation as she relaxed her draw and lowered the bow, scowling as she looked around. Something had made that rabbit flee, and that “something” was going to be very sorry for the blunder.

As she glared into the forest, searching for signs of movement, she began to feel it. Something was wrong – something was very wrong.

“Eirbhach? What is?” She said aloud, using her innate ability to speak with Nature to try and understand what Nature had witnessed for her. However, where Nature had responded in the past, this time it did not.

There was no shake of an errant branch, no rustle of leaves or creaking of trees, not even the echo of wind – the forest had fallen silent.

The unease Kireía felt only seemed to grow within her, and she slipped from her precarious perch to the ground below, landing in a light crouch. Evren was also Sensitive; she could confirm Kireía’s feelings if they were true.

“Did you scare away my prey?” Evren demanded, crashing through the undergrowth as the two women neared each other. Kireía, still frowning, shook her head.

“No – I have prey of own, but it run away.”

“Run away? Sounds like someone’s playing silly buggers with us!” Evren snapped, whirling around and glaring into the encroaching darkness. “Hey, you think it’s fun to scare off someone’s dinner, why don’t you come share your own!”

“Evren,” Kireía clipped her gently, “You feel it?”

“Feel what?” Evren turned back to Kireía, who held up her taloned hand to see it shaking. Her hands NEVER shook.

“Something…” Kireía turned, looking around the area, expecting the threat. “Something VERY bad happen.”

Evren paused, reading her own feelings as the crow-girl’s words sunk in. Yes, she felt it too – a strange, gut-wrenching feeling of distances growing, as if existence itself was falling apart at the seams. Instinctively, she hissed at this unseen threat, her fur standing on end as her spine arched into a defensive stance.

“Nature is silent,” Kireía said ominously, “It is never silent. Something VERY wrong is happen.”

“I feel it,” Evren agreed, “Like… pulling, tearing.”

“Turach bheir niouradh,” Kireía hissed, translating as she remembered Evren didn’t speak her tribal language. “Edges tearing apart.”

A brilliant, dazzling light appeared overhead, bathing the forest and surrounds, and indeed the entire world, in a bright glow. At the same time, the tearing sensation the pair had experienced began to mend, as if something were patching all realms back together. The pair reached for each other, their physical senses overriding their intuition. While they felt, inside, that everything would be fine, the sudden light seemed to carry with it a shattering sound. Evren raised her clawed hand, pointing up at it as the freezing rain began to drench them.

The nearby town of Mill recovered, and the citizens eventually returned to their daily lives. The Darken servants swept through shortly after the cataclysmic rain, collecting the statues that had been frozen in place within the town and returning them to safety in Ismara. However, as per usual, the two Ainmhí were overlooked…