quilandscroll

[quilandscroll]

Echos of Ancient Future

Part 5

The doors opened wide, first left then right, leading to a large corridor lined with more doors stretching clear to the other end.

“This way now, it might take you a bit to remember which door is yours since they all look the same, but you are permitted to add something to the frame to make it easier. Lina’s room for example is this one with the herbs on the handle. She’s a bright one, you’ll likely see her often running from one side of the northern gate to the other helping the kitchen staff with ingredient fetching. This door with the three flowers, is for Mia, Sen, and Lou, they’re sisters who joined the palace two years ago, young as they are, they have energy to spare. Perfect for running chore messages and other small errands.”

Nora pointed out a few more doors each with something unique to each person, giving names and small descriptions of different jobs as she passed. Grent’s expression began to change from stubborn repulsion to mild curiosity to subtle fascination with the number of servants who lived in this one area. In his mind he began expecting his room to be the size of a broom closet. His expression began to falter again into disdain as he settled on his own conclusion before stopping and looking at Nora’s extended hand.

“This will be your room while you’re here. There’s already garments in here for you as well as your new uniform.”

Grent let out a sigh before opening the door and pausing instantly at the site of the room. A full bed, dressers, desk and enough room to maintain his body if it ever was needed.

“I don't understand. Is this some kind of joke because of my status or something, you can't have rooms like this for all these servants?”

“Of course we do. It's a palace after all, most outsiders don’t really understand how big our Emperor’s home is until they’ve walked the whole area. Over a thousand servants live here in the northern area of the palace. There’s around thirty who live in the rear palace, past the gardens, having rooms to dwell in that area. The ladies in waiting for each of the courtesans all have residence in the pavilions of the Lady they serve.”

“But why? Why waste so much space to house servants?”

“Why keep buildings empty?”

Grent stopped for a minute as he took in her words, unable to find a rebuttal. In his homeland, slaves were given a shed, a mat on the kitchen floor, or in some cases just a tattered sheet and a patch of dirt outside. Many humans never lived to see the years Nora has, they would get sick or wounded then simply replaced when they would succumb to the illnesses that followed.

“You’ll learn more when you head to class in the morning. All new servants are not only trained in work, but in knowledge as well. Perhaps it will help you see more, but I encourage you to behave yourself and mind that hot coal temper of yours. I’d rather not need to teach you to kneel again.”

Grent nodded as Nora closed the door and walked away, leaving the male alone with his thoughts and fears of what will come with the morning light.

The morning light creeped through the window like a burning fire into Lun’s eyes as they rested. A pain in their throat made it hard to swallow as the first real breath of dawn entered their lungs and sleep fled. Lun’s eyes snapped open fully as realization kicked in, not only was it morning, but it was after sunrise. Without thinking they sprang from their bed only to begin coughing suddenly after attempting to rush and find work clothing. Two other humans quickly entered the room, one carrying a try as the other walked to Lun to assist.

“Take it easy there Lun, you’ve had a rough night. You’ve got heavy bruising around your neck we need to look at.”

“But, the party…”

Lun’s voice was rasped and quiet, as they attempted to speak, raising a hand to their neck as the soreness made itself more known.

“The party… things took a turn at the party Lun. Miss Nora had to take matters into her own hands.”

The servant with the tray spoke simply as she set it on a small table, careful not to spill the light soup. Seeing Lun’s face shift from worry to exhaustion at the mention of Nora’s involvement, the two could only offer support to try to calm the injured Lun.

“The Emperor seemed amused though with Miss Nora’s action, and I heard she saved Lady Syra from the foreigner’s attack too. So that’s something.”

“Only, there's now more to it. The Emperor was so angry at the foreigner that he's been assigned to work in the north servants area. I heard he was even placed in the Vinca quarters, so he's going to be joining the study classes as well as working with the others.”

Lun’s face flushed at this new information, gathering their stamina they grabbed their clothing from the foot of the bed and began to dress, paying no mind to the others in the room.

“Lun, you need to rest.”

“I need to do my tasks.”

With a stern whisper of a voice, Lun quickly finished getting ready and made their way out the door only to be stopped instantly as they collided with Emperor Suin directly. Lun’s eyes flicker before they quickly dropping to one knee in a bow raising their hands.

“Forgive me, my.”

“Hush now Lun, there’s no need for that. I came to check on your recovery.”

“You honor me, I promise I will return to my duties straight away.”

“Actually, Miss Nora is going to take over your duties for a while, and before you protest, this isn't a punishment on you.”

Lun’s mouth was shut before it could truly open to argue and seek forgiveness, but as always the Emperor Suin was quick to understand and clear the air.

“Lun, you’re a valuable member of the palace and as such, I do not feel comfortable risking you with Sir Grent again. Miss Nora can easily teach manners to someone like that, while you in your current state could be put in unnecessary danger. So, by my imperial order, you are to take a compensated leave for recovery. I will also be having a guard assigned to you just to be safe.”

“Your majesty, I.. I can”t accept this. The generosity you're showing to me is fit more for that of a noble or one of your consorts or your officials.”

“Or, for my most trusted advisor. Lun, we’ve known each other for half our lives, you have always been a trusted friend to me. We might be of different ranks and worlds, but we are still under the same sky. So, as a friend, take care of yourself.”

Lun’s blue eyes seemed lighter as they looked at the emperor’s face, a small half laugh left their lips as they smiled back.

“Alright Suin, just this once, I’ll accept my leave of work, just please sir. Don’t go making

a habit to bring up our history or your status to make me skip work… again.”

As the rest of the palace seemed to begin its daily regimens, Grent lay in his bed contemplating just how to handle the day. The old woman and her secret weapon wasn't something he was willing to challenge in any way, his back was still tense from the shock even after resting. He was a warrior, a knight, a noble of the kings court, how was he expected to live like a slave in this country? A knock at the door caught his attention, he sat up in the bed as the door opened before he could answer.

“Don’t you know better than to enter a room without an invitation.”

His voice was stern as he barked the statement more than asking a question. From the door, a slender figure stood with a basket in her hands and a look of disapproval on her face.

“Not in here. Now, here’s your supplies and if you want to not get lost I suggest you grab it now and get ready, you're already running late.”

“You don’t get to tell..me..”

His complaint stopped as he looked into her dark eyes, they carried a familiar wickedness behind them, something unnerving and dangerous like the old woman had.

“I mean to say is..”

The corners of the female’s mouth curled slightly into a grin as she leaned on the door frame relaxed.

“So Nora did startle you yesterday, good to know. My gran has a way with men and their manners.”

“Wait she’s your.”

“That’s right, I’m Nina, Nora’s grand daughter and her apprentice for palace matriarch of servants. Even we have a system here like the nobles in the palace, you’d be wise to take in what you can while you’re here. Now, gather your books and parchments and I’ll show you to the study room, we can get you some breakfast on the way.”

[quilandscroll]

Echos of Ancient Future

Part 4

Nora spoke sweetly as she raised her sleeved hands and gave a bow to lady Syra. Nora’s lips held a gentle smile as she lifted her bow and turned to face the main stairs, as if a signal was given, right then the Emperor and Golden King had returned to the courtyard and stood at the top step. Their eyes roaming the scene and eventually resting on the fallen knight’s body huddled in pain. Before the king could unleash his angered question, the emperor raised his arm in front of him to halt his words.

“Nora, I know that look from my time as a child in this yard. What incident has occurred for you to be the one of action?”

The Emperor spoke simply as he and the king walked closer to the elder woman, his eyes focusing on her while the king looked to Grent on the ground.

“Your majesty, Nora was simply..”

Lady Syra’s voice stopped as the Emperor looked her way before resting his pale green eyes back upon the elder Nora once more. The old woman gave a small chuckle before stepping closer and giving a bow once more to the Emperor.

“Perhaps I got carried away, but this young sir seemed to do the same within your great walls, your majesty. I serve he who carries the words of the heavens as well as those chosen to carry on the legacy. This young sir attempted to tarnish Lady Syra’s honor so I showed him simply how to kneel to the consort.”

Grent’s teeth grit as he slowly picks himself up from the attack, only able to sit straight he looks at the old woman and toward Lady Syra with eyes of molten steel before looking to his King.

“My king, that beast of a slave and her wench woman set me up for failure this evening at your event.”

A loud twack echoed the walls on the court as Grent’s face went from anger to shock in the flash of an instant as a golden streak crossed his face. The King stood firm and grabbed Grent’s head before forcing him to bend forward and rest it on the ground in an uncomfortable bow.

“You’ve been the one to shame me and the kingdom of Maritza this day. Have you no shame to mind manners in a country that isnt your own? We are the guests who can be jailed and thrown down, not the other way you cur.”

The king fixed himself to kneel along side Sir Grent and bowed his head toward the Emperor.

“You were right, we are within your palace and are unfamiliar with your customs. If we are still granted the offer, I would like to send a message to our homeland and stay to learn your ways for a proper understanding and maintain a peaceful trade with your empire. As for Grent though, I understand he has done a great wrong, and if there is punishment I will help see to it myself.”

“M..my King, you…y..you don't truly mean that..”

“Silence boy, you”ve.”

The Emperor once again raised his hand to silence the two before looking towards lady Syra and Nora, the elder having a gleam of mischief in her eye while the consort seemed to hold a level of nervousness. His own jade eyes seemed to match the same glint as Nora before a small smile crossed his face.

“There will be a lesson to learn, but it will not be a lethal punishment in anyway, true you”ve made a fool of everyone in the palace with your brash nature, but seeing as you don’t know any better in this land, I can let it be settled with a bit of education instead.”

Grent and the King looked at the Emperor, tension fading slowly as they awaited to hear just what this leader had in mind for them.

“Golden King, I accept you to stay and learn all the customs of our land, but for that to happen, you must not refer to yourself as such a title around here and instead live as someone of the palace. I will grant you a place among the nobles, the advisors here in the palace will be your escorts to the city and assist in any affairs you wish to learn. They are skilled at social gatherings and helping with every task you can imagine, please treat them well.”

“Thank you for this opportunity, your majesty.”

“As for you..”

Grent’s metal ran cold as he looked in the eyes of the Emperor, his mind raced with what duties he would be sent to, would he be placed along the front lines to be made an example of? Would he be given to the many guards and shoulders as some sort of training dummy?

“To ensure you’re given a proper education on how we run things in this palace, as well as a bit of humility for the sake of my consorts. You will be placed in the north side of the palace, and work among the servants as their equal.”

Grent could feel his gears stop inside himself, he couldn't believe how low and spiteful the Emperor could be. Forcing him to be a commoner, a servant, human… a slave. He wanted to argue, to speak up, shout anything to challenge the punishment he was designated but one side glance from his king told him everything… ‘obey’...

“Thank you, Your majesty.”

His words came off curt as he attempted to maintain any dignity he had left from this encounter. He looked to the elder woman again, assuming she would likely be the one he would have to listen to for this duration. As he locked eyes with her, he noticed an odd shift in her gaze, from playful to venomous. Nora had a way with people, either by her playfulness or stern words, she was a woman of great honor. She couldn't help but cover her mouth slightly with her sleeve to hide the smile growing at the now servant bot’s new predicament and discomfort.

“You are most wise in your judgement sir, but now I do believe it is time for rest.”

“You’re quite right Nora, I hope you will see to everyone tonight in Lun’s absence.”

Emperor Suin didn't wait for a reply as he turned to Lady Syra with a smile before heading back to the main palace quietly. The ladies in waiting beside lady Syra quietly came closer to her to assist in guiding her back to the pavilion, hoping for a calmer night after all that happened.

“Alright you two, this way to your rooms. In the morning you’ll be introduced to your new lives and roles within the palace.”

“If I might ask, how long have you served this palace?”

“I’ve been in this palace for sixty three years. Sold here when I was ten and worked my way up ever since. I was even here for the last Emperor before he left. You’re kind to ask, but I do have a question for you now, golden one. What name do you plan to take for your time here?”

The king hesitated for a moment, as he and Grent followed the old woman toward the far side of the courtyard to their new, temporary lives.

“Do I require a new name?”

“You’re not a king around here sir, in these lands the word of the Emperor is the word of the heavens and cosmos of all. If you want to be a king, others are going to see you as a loon.”

“We’ve caused enough disruption already when this was supposed to be a reestablishment of peace trades between our two lands. I don’t need to be causing more damage.”

“Smart. It’s thinking like that, that will grant you more experiences in the world. The advisors you’ll have access to will be able to assist in finding a suitable title for your stay here, until then.”

Nora’s words drifted as she gestured to a large set of doors leading to a simple building.

“This will be your domain for the time here, there's more than enough space for you to rest and recover from tonight. Spare sleeping garments are already in place in the drawers until we can fetch your supplies from your previous place of stay.”

“Thank you. Grent, I expect you to mind your temper and not cause problems. Miss..Nora? If possible could I receive reports on his progress while he’s serving.”

“As you request, I will see to it. Have a good night sir. Now as for you, we get to head to the servants area. This is going to be such a new world for you.”

Nora’s smile held zero resistance as she walked with Grent from the palace to a section of large pavilions beyond another gate. His eyes darted as he took in servants working simply into the late hours but never taking notice of him or Nora as they walked past.

“Are all you slaves so…OW!”

Grent’s words halted in an instant as Nora turned and swatted his hand with a small fan.

“We don't use that word here. We are servants, workers yes, but we’re given dignity and respect. Many of these people have come here willingly because the palace not only offers a safe place to be, but pays us all very well.”

“That doesn’t give you the right to… wait, you mean to tell me, all these servants are here willingly and get paid?”

“That's right boy, all one thousand and thirty of us, each gets an education, a bed, three meals a day, infirmary for illness and even time away can be earned to visit family outside the palace walls. It's why we want to do our best for the Emperor and his consorts, he’s treated us well, so it's only fair to do the same.”

[quilandscroll]

Azil-verse Masterpost

World Building

T-M Model Subtypes

Tags by character:

Jenn: #jenn #jenn&co #butterfly #free runner #jenn butterfly

Jenn's playlist

Soenn/Nova: #soenn #kilonova

Nova's playlist

Ulsen/Tydal: #tydal locke #ulsen #ul

Tydal's playlist

Kel'sunn/Event: #black out #event horizon #kel’sunn #kel

Event's playlist

De'ul/Echo: #red moon #echo chamber #de’ul #black out #de

Echo's playlist

Total:

Bee:

Lucian:

Sing:

Xeros: #xeros #rulle #cosmos above

Narii: #narii #binary #nebula #cosmos above

Legacy AU: #legacy #legacy au #jenny_jukebox #jenny jukebox #jennifer raster #BAFIA

Legacy playlist (playlists might have some overlap in songs because I like them)

Shipping permissions post.

Read the Beta fic HERE!

==============================

StarHearts

#starhearts #jenyl #ven oriz #kilais nossun #locke tyro #ambere anterre #mafia!au

StarHearts is an alternate timeline of the Azil multiverse where millennia passed and new civilizations rose, but some things never changed--including human and synth conflict. When fate decreed the Old World's time had passed and its relics woke to find themselves lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces, how would they survive when no one was there to show them kindness between the fear? Faced with taking survival into their own hands for decades, what could one human hope to achieve when competing with the pain left to fester under the metal and wire?

Playlist

(there's a lot of overlap with Free Runner's main playlist due to shared themes but the character songs are also mixed into the list if they're different from the individual lists seen above, which now have songs from both timelines)

My stuff :

Twitter: @/cleverfox94

Bluesky: @//jukeboxarts.bsky.social

Ko-fi: JukeboxArts

Deviantart: Jukebox-Arts

[quilandscroll]

StarHearts

Part 1: Darkened Horizon

Chapter 1: The Storm Approaching

There was no more fitting scene to set than a wet street lit up by lamps and traffic lights that slowly shifted between red, yellow and green, a pulse of life between gray facades and darkened windows. The rain itself was a cold drizzle, the kind that seeped into the bones and lingered long after drying off, smearing makeup and flattening hair into an unrecognizable mess. Not that she cared how bad she looked at the moment.

Jenyl waited, eyes lingering on the reflections of the street lights as her heart drowned out the misting roar of distant traffic and raindrops. I’m doing this, she told herself, waiting for her feet to take a step off the curb on their own. I’m doing this.

A faint echo of frantic instructions hummed in her mind, the voice not her own and far less calm. “Go there. Talk to the bartender, but be subtle. Everyone that knows, knows, and there are eyes everywhere.”

Despite the damp weather, she found her throat to be very dry when swallowing, taking her pride with it. Lifting her gaze, the human followed the lamp lights as they wiggled in the puddles to the large spotlight of color across from her. Up, up, up she slowly panned her gaze, water rolling down her temples into her eyes-–the mascara burned a bit, mixing her tears with the rain until they couldn’t be told apart. What is this, a movie? she wondered but with no sense of humor to ease how pathetic she felt, standing in the rain alone, waiting for something to happen so she wouldn’t have to act on her own accord.

Blazing bright as lightning with navy lettering, she read the sign of the only building open and operating at this insane hour of night.

The Calm Before Lounge.

The irony was not lost on her as her breath shook–-from cold or nerves, she couldn’t tell-–but her time to wait had run out. Standing under the awning between her and possible safety was a large man, bald, also human though only just. Even from across the street, she’d managed to catch a glint on his left arm that told her it was mechanical, the color of charcoal and ice; it made her gaze at her right hand for a moment, the seams and joints criss crossed with beautiful inlays and filigree marks, color matched to her own skin so it would blend in at a distance–-subtle, but no less artificial. Might be a good talking point if he won’t let me in, she mused, knowing it was very nearly the last hour and many places stopped admitting newcomers then. He’d already spotted her some minutes ago, so any more delay would only increase her suspiciousness–and her odds of being stopped.

It had to be now.

I have to do this.

Taking a long, deep breath, Jenyl squared her shoulders, slicked her hair back from her face, checked the road, and stepped forward. The drop from the curb was barely anything but her gut churned nonetheless, threatening to empty itself despite there being nothing inside to evacuate. There was no way she’d have been able to eat, had she thought to. Not with the anxiety burning her veins.

The bouncer’s gaze, hidden by black lenses she assumed had a screen behind them, followed her with a slow turn of his head. Now safely under the awning herself, Jenyl paused to wring out her hair, tousseling it into some semblance of style as she settled into her decision. Once she flipped her ‘do into place, making effort to dig out her only compact from the clutch gripped in her left hand to clean up the awful coon eye the rain had given her, the bouncer spoke, which she hadn’t expected.

“‘Bout time you came over,” he said with a deep but shockingly gentle tone. “Started to think you were a ghost.”

Letting herself laugh, Jenyl gave her best disappointed smile–-smiles make the lies go down easy. “It starts to feel like it. My friends said they’d meet me here for a last crawl but now I’m thinking they went to bed without me.”

“Lousy friends then,” the tall man uttered, giving his new arrival a proper once-over-–both for door keeping reasons and his own curiosity.

A human woman, just shy of six feet, soaking wet and barely hiding her shivering. Hair flocked on the sides but grown long down the middle, past her shoulders, of a dark blond or light brown color too sodden by rain to get a clear idea of the texture for. Her makeup was ruined by waiting, but she didn’t seem to have much to begin with-–not that she needed it with the intense cyan irises she had. Any extra anything would be overwhelming if it had to compete with those beauties-–though he found her lip stain to be just enough, a touch of deep pinkish red that had his eyes jumping between her eyes and mouth when she spoke or blinked.

Under other circumstances, he’d be keen to let her in for free just for being nice to look at even if it was close to closing, but he hesitated. Something felt off. Five years in the business gave him insight, whether he knew it or not, and when he didn’t feel right he listened.

So the bouncer took another moment to assess this late comer. Just enough that her smile wavered–-she knew he was checking for something and she shifted her weight from one leg to the other to shake the unease. “Is there something wrong?” her voice wondered softly, still trying to be playful. “Am I too late to go in?”

It was there in the way her clothes shifted on her body, where they sagged and crinkled when they should cling and stretch as if the outfit was just a bit too large for her. In the way he realized the shadow of her cheekbones was not a clever use of bronzer but a genuine gauntness, as if she ate only saltines and tonic water for a long period. In the way he understood why she was there an hour before closing, waiting in the rain.

He’d seen it all before.

“Nothing of the sort, miss,” the man finally said, Jenyl’s shoulders relaxing as he stepped aside and lifted the rope in front of the door. “Go ahead in, no cover.” He nodded to the entrance, Jenyl’s hands pausing as she made to pull out the cash for the fee, her heart thrumming where it sank into her gut. “Go talk to the bartender, get yourself a hot toddy and warm up. On me.”

It was casual, done from behind a playful tilt of his sunglasses, but the wink he offered spoke volumes as the soggy girl entered the dim lounge and felt swallowed by its red, gold and navy interior. He knew she lied. She knew he knew.

She’d have to thank him if she ever found a way back safely.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55846960/chapters/141800263

[quilandscroll]

new report: Sun and Moon fully painted. Faces with emotions in progress (both dolls will be on sale)

Who asked: the dolls are about 35 cm. They are suitable for Barbie in height

[quilandscroll]

Echos of Ancient Future

Part 3

The Emperor looked at the golden king for a moment, his expression growing tired after the events. From the sides, Nora makes her way quietly to Lun’s side with a few other servants, directing them silently to escort their supervisor to recovery, she then turns and heads to the emperor’s side with a small smile she beckons the emperor to lend an ear.

“My lord, if I might be one to advise, this might be time to take the king to your throne to speak with him. Also my lord, if the brutish one desires atonement, you could always have him work in Lun’s place as they recover.”

Nora’s voice was a whisper for only the king to know, but her mischief was obvious to all the palace as she spoke. The emperor gave a small grin of his own as he stood fully once more to tower the elderly servant and rest his hand gently on her shoulder.

“You’ve always been a unique mind, but you carry wisdom with you. Golden King of Maritza, we will carry on this discussion inside the palace. This will be a talk between two rulers and no other, for what has happened between your people and my own. You may leave your companions here to wait for your return or have them wait outside the gate, I will let you give that order.”

“Yes, emperor Suin.”

The king stood again, his body tense as he looked to Grent and his own servant before looking back at the emperor and beginning to move toward the palace stairs.

“Do not make me regret anything more, Grent, am I clear?”

His voice was without any waiver in the tone of a hollowed storm. Grent kept his head low and stayed in silence as his king’s steps moved away from him, soon paired by the emperor as the two ascended the snow like marble stairs to the palace doors. As the king vanished behind the closing doors, Grent’s anger grew behind his eyes. His body tensed as he stood fully in a huff, his gaze like a blacked fire, wild and unpredictable swept over every face in the courtyard as he worked to memorize every face of those he saw as beneath him.

“You.”

His voice was a gas leak, quiet, unnoticeable, and deadly, as he looked at Syra’s frame as she began to rise from her seat.

“You planned this, didn't you wench. You staged your little pet to be a thief and have me attack it.”

“Master Grent please, you reme…”

The small servant’s words were cut short as the back of Grent’s hand smacked him across the face in anger.

“Shut it you pest, you’re nothing more than a replaceable insect. Don't you dare speak again without permission or I’ll see to it you’re marked for your disobedience.”

A pool of red was growing slowly under the small servant’s head as he landed on the ground, no sound could be heard from him as he lay holding his face. Grent stayed fixated on Syra as her handmaidens began to circle her to get her from her seat. Nora slowly moved behind Grent to assist with the injured servant. He silently shakes his head to Nora’s aid, still refusing to utter a sound, though pain is clear on his broken face.

Grent’s anger was growing more as he began his walk around the main table and toward that of lady Syra, the other courtesans were already beginning to make their way to the arch of the rear palace after his last outburst, their hand maidens eager to get them away from any possible harm.

“My lady, we must get you back to the Aqua Pavilion.”

“Please my lady, we fear for your safety.”

Lady Syra looked at her nervous handmaidens as they tried to usher her to the archway as Grent moved with determined steps to get to her. In barely a breath, he reached past the maidens and grabbed Lady Syra by the wrist forcefully.

“I demand an answer you sow. Why did you set me up to fail my king.”

His tone was stern as he clenched his hand tighter around Syra’s wrist, enough to hear the metal of her begin to stress.

“Unhand me, you failed your king on your own. The Emperor’s personal servant was delivering a message for me to him and you acted disgracefully.”

Syra could almost feel Grent’s temperature rising in his anger, as she flinched at his grip getting tighter than she thought possible.

“You're hurting me, let go.”

“Not a chance, you lying whore, you're nothing but some toy. No queen to give a command to me. You, lowly woman, you should be begging me for forgiveness, for my company, begging me for everything. Not demanding.”

A loud crackling sound emanated from behind sir Grent before his body began to twitch in pain, forcing him to release lady Syra. quick flashes of light moved behind the crude man’s back as he slowly fell to the ground to his knees, there standing behind him was Nora. With her classic grin of mischief, the elder woman made her way patiently around Grent’s kneeling form and took hold of lady Syra’s hand, carefully she looked over the lady’s wrist and handed a small wooden tablet to one of the handmaidens.

“Go get the palace doctor to have him fix up our lady. I’m sorry to say, he’s left a rather noticeable dent in your wrist joint and it could cause you trouble my lady. It’s best to get it looked at tonight.”

“Nora? What did you…how were you able to?”

Nora gave a small laugh as she pulled a little box from her sleeve with a smile, gently she hit a button on the side causing a loud sparking of electricity to be visible on top of the box.

“You learn a few things as you grow older, my lady. This isn't my first time seeing members of a far kingdom. The last emperor gave me this before he stepped down when I was just a little girl. He’ll be kept here until his king returns, hopefully it will be enough time for his anger to quell and some manners to grow.”

[quilandscroll]

Echos of Ancient Future

Part 2

The light glow of lanterns slowly became more noticeable as the fleeting rays of evening dimmed in the sky. As if to be a signal of its own, the great gates of the inner palace open wide as servants once again line the entry with polite bows to greet the visiting king and his companions. Sir Grent and his servant lead the march before their king, walking proudly past the serving humans, Grent heads to the waiting tables only to notice a single human standing in front of them on the path.

“You there, step aside. A servant should not stand in the way of a guest.”

Grent’s words were stern as he looked at the unphased human with ice in his eyes. The human looked past Grent to await the king before giving a bow of their own.

“Great golden king of Maritza, your radiance graces us at the palace. Please, we offer you and yours seats of honor with our emperor.”

Lun’s voice was calm and poised as they gestured to a large wooden table with cushions on one side. The king’s smile grew as he took in the view of such seating before following direction and taking a seat just off center of the table, Grent sitting just beside him to the right.

“Not bad at all, a bit of freedom to sit on pillows instead of a chair but this is a weird little country.”

The king’s voice carried true amusement, as well as some arrogance, not really caring for his own manners or decorum. Lun resisted rolling their eyes as they made their way across the way to the gong near a small arch on the east of the courtyard. With a small smile, Lun picked up the soft mallet, and swung at the gong, a ringing echoed the entire palace for a good few seconds before Lun bowed to the gate and stood again.

Silence befell the court as one by one, the Ladies of the palace arrived with their hand maidens behind them, each one to sit at their designated tables sling side the emperors. Five Ladies of unique design and dressed in silks, walked with the grace of falling snow as they moved to their places, among them Lady Syra looking up for a moment to see Sir Grent and his servant again before returning her gaze forward as she took her place.

Lun watched with pride as everyone took a seat before ringing the gong once more and looking toward the palace stairs to watch the emperor appear and begin his descent to the gathering. As he walked to his seat beside the king, the emperor gave a nod of his head to the visiting guests and gestures for Lun to come closer.

“Lun, let everyone know to begin, and fetch our guests drinks for their travels.”

Lun bowed happily as they left the emperor’s side and began taking charge of the servants and proceeding the feast and entertainment of the evening. As music played, food was served and drinks were had the emperor watched the golden king for a bit before turning to him.

“I admit, the stories don't really prepare one for your arrival.”

The king turned his attention to the emperor with an inquisitive gaze, almost challenging him to his next words.

“And what has you saying that?”

“They seem to leave out that your golden appearance isn't just armor, but your entirety. I admit, to see one entirely made of gold is quite a sight to behold, and very rare in one's life to see around here.”

The emperor spoke simply as he looked over the king's mechanical body, size alone the golden king was already built broader than most in the land, but to see the coloring so vibrant and almost intrusive to the eye is something else. The king however, took in the emperor’s words as pure praise as a wide smile planted itself on his face and a deep chuckle vibrated through his body.

“I see, and yes I agree with you there. This isn't the first time I’ve turned heads with my sun-like radiant appearance, though they refuse to change my introductions at risk of intimidating more, simple, people in their homes. After all, intimidation doesn't make for good parties or peace trades.”

The king’s attention changed back to the center court stage as the music changed and women with draped scarves walked on together and began to move gracefully in dance. The emperor watched closely as the king and his right hand Grent both seemed to stare intently at the dancers. Their gazes made him feel uneasy as he looked among his courtesans noticing Lady Syra sharing a look of concern herself with him, the other ladies seeming to either look away from the guests uncomfortable, or looking to their handmaidens for conversation and council.

“Tell me, emperor, are all these ladies here part of your service? If so I have to admit I’ve never seen court ladies or slave keepers dance with such, interesting movements. How do you get them to do such hobbies, in our land they act like tea parties and garden sitting takes too much energy.”

The king once again let another deep chuckle at his own humor before taking a drink from his glass.

“Right you are my king, perhaps the emperor really is the perfect person to help with your.. dilemma?”

Grent’s voice was lined with the same hunger as a cat finding its prey, his eyes moved to focus on Syra at her table several feet away, he was locked on and Syra could feel it in her circuits. She held back her disgust and a shudder as she lifted a hand to summon Lun to her.

“Yes my lady, how might I..”

Lun’s voice trailed as they noticed how tense Syra sat, their eyes scanning the area inconspicuously before noticing the gaze of Grent.

“I see your distress my Lady. Do you wish for me to stage an escape for you?”

“If I leave I fear who else might catch the attention, but I do thank you for your concern. Truely, I wanted to see if you noticed it as well, or if I was going mad.”

“Madness would never be in your programing my Lady, you are the light on many who always sees the smallest bit of shine. If you out of anyone is nervous, then that alone is more than enough for us to take this seriously. Permit me on your behalf to carry your concerns to the emperor.”

Lun held out their hand gently as Lady Syra reached to her dress collar and pulled a small pin from it and placed it in Lun’s palm. With a bow, Lun stood straight and began a walk back toward the emperor. Grent’s gaze was still fixed, only now his target had changed, the exchange of the human and beauty caught him as suspicious, as he waited for the human to get closer. In a swift movement, Grent swiveled from his cushioned seat to grab Lun’s throat as the servant walked behind him.

“Hand over what you stole, slave. I saw you take something from your master.”

Everyone looked in terror at the sudden trapping of Lun by Grent, seeing the human lifted by the throat sent panic among everyone. Lun tried to grab Grent’s arm out of instinct and desperation as they felt pain and darkness taking them, the slick metal however made it near impossible to get a good hold.

“Let Lun go.”

The words were deep and deliberate as the Emperor himself stood and grabbed the knights wrist and looking him in the eye. Grent looked ready to start to argue before taking notice of the emperor’s gaze, a new level of fear filled his coding as the deep void od pure rage met his eyes. Grent’s hand opened quickly, dropping Lun to the ground, hearing them gasp and cough for air.

“If you ever, touch a member of my palace again..”

“Its a slave its..”

“If you ever touch a member of my palace again. Your casing will be stripped from you faster than acid. You forget yourself here.”

The emperor stood at full height over Grent and his King, looking down on them as a god passing judgement.

“You are guests in my domain. Far from your homes and your laws. Give me one good reason I shouldn't take this action as a decoration of war and slay you both now?”

Grent’s eyes widened as realization kicked in, not only did he react impulsively but in front of another king like his own. His eyes scanned the area, how had he not noticed before? Along the many high walls, guards were all standing, watching, they were ready to do as their emperor commanded at any moment and he was foolish to think it was peaceful without law enforcement. The king refused to move an inch other than to look at Grent with anger and disdain, he let out a deep breath before kneeling fully and lowering his body to bow on the ground to the emperor.

“I have no excuse for this one, and I also will not fight you in your own kingdom, that's a fool's tactic if anything. I ask your forgiveness for this transgression and also ask that we both discuss a solution to this incident and find peace once more.”

His voice was clear as he spoke, grateful to know the sign of submission in the culture, though not seeking to be the one displaying it. The king slowly raised his head and looked to Lun being helped up from the ground.

“You there, I am sorry for his foolishness and I hope you are alright.”

“Your highness! Why would you?”

“Enough Grent, you”ve done more than enough damage here. As your king, do you dare question why I am apologizing on your behalf?”

Grent resisted clicking his tongue to the absurdity before taking notice again of the now sea of glares from not only the two leaders beside him, but the entire court of ladies and servants alike. Begrudgingly Grent changed his position to match the same floor bow as his own king to the emperor.

“My king shouldnt be apologizing for my own stupidity, I ask you, permit me a way to atone for my actions against your home.”

[quilandscroll]

Echos of an ancient future

The hastened sound of footsteps racing echo off the building walls as two servants quickly approach the laundry building, only to stop short as the service head steps out in front of them. With arms crossed and a tired look, they gaze down at the two as they catch their breath looking at the lead nervously.

“Late again I see.”

The two flinch slightly at the words before looking at each other then back to the head with nervousness. As one opens their mouth in an attempt to speak, the head raises their hand to stop before a sound is uttered.

“I don’t… want to hear it. There is too much going on right now for me to deal with this.”

They let out a reluctant sigh before rubbing the bridge of their nose in frustration and looking back to the two.

“Just, go find the gardeners at the north gate and do as they ask for the day. We have enough bodies here tending to the laundry, and please try not to break anything.”

The two give quick bows and turn to head toward the north gate as another servant walks out from the laundry building. Her wrinkled hands holding a basket of folded silks as she gives a small laugh watching the two flee.

“Those two will find their place soon enough, I remember when you joined the servant quarter all those years ago.”

Her voice was like spiced honey, sweet to the ear but with a bite of knowing sarcasm in it. The service leader shook their head with a small grin, thinking back on their own arrival and how complicated almost every task seemed back then.

“True, it wasn’t easy Nora, but it was worth it all to finally feel like I belonged somewhere. If I recall correctly, you didn't exactly try to make my welcoming very kind either.”

A sly smile crossed the old woman’s face as she set the basket down and took a fan from her sleeve to catch her breath.

“Not by a long shot, Lun. You were too quiet and scrawny that you needed a swift kick in the pride to get you to stand up for yourself and your work. I do admit though, you’re still one of my favorite brats.”

The two shared a small laugh before looking toward the main palace, Lun’s gaze fixed on the tall walls that covered everything that wasn't the open sky. Nora let out one final sigh of dismissal before returning to the basket of silks and continuing her chores, leaving Lun to their thoughts.

The palace was filled with busy bodies, servants and guards alike running to and fro to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. The inner palace and its courtyard were particularly busy, different servant leaders as well as imperial staff were all overseeing the decorations and meticulous arrangements of everything, from flowers to table runners; it all needed to be perfect.

Hour by hour, time moved swiftly as the sun reached its highest point, tension was felt among the staff as they knew the time of the festivities was drawing closer. It was only a matter of time before the Emperor’s invited guests would arrive and everyone would be on watch.

Out of nowhere, several people left their posts and ran toward the main gate of the inner palace. Murmuring began quickly, voices talking of one of the envoys arriving before the guest to make sure the emperor was prepared and everything was ready for this important person. The large doors opened as servants lined up hastfully to bow with respect, each one knowing better than to look up as they heard two sets of footsteps walk past them all.

“So, this is the great palace our lord was invited to see?”

The voice was low and unimpressed by the scene of the palace courtyard, s click of the tongue slipped him as he looked back towards the lines of servants still bowing behind him.

“What’s wrong with those humans? Is there something they find entertaining about the ground compared to their guests?”

“I can speak with them if you desire Sir Grent, before his highness shows allow be to be of any assistance.”

The small human excused himself after speaking to find a single servant with which to speak of the situation. The discussion was a swift and quiet exchange before he nodded his head in gratitude and returned to his master.

“Great Sir Grent, these humans show you the most respect and honor as an envoy to our king by bowing in your presence. It seems in this palace the bow they do is the same as the kneeling in our homeland to the king.”

The one called Grent smiled with a pride that could blind the sightless as he stood straighter and taller before placing a hand on the head of his servant with a rough pet.

“Good, good. It's nice to know humans understand their place well around here.”

His voice carried an unneeded level of volume as he began laughing to himself at his words, making his small companion flinch at the sudden sound before clearing his throat softly to his master.

“Sir Grent, I apologize for interrupting, but I believe we still need to meet with the coordinator in charge of the meeting to make sure they have properly met the requests of..”

Grent waved his hand dismissively to his servant as he looked around the grounds once again. Like a cat’s eyes fixing onto prey, the envoy’s gaze locked onto a female form dressed in silks near the head table, calmly arranging flowers.

“She must be the woman in charge of all these slaves. She’ll have the report we need.”

The servant shrinks back slightly, struggling to hold back an expression on his face as he follows his master across the courtyard to the person of interest. Quickly the servant walks in front of the envoy and takes a quick knee to stop him.

“Please my master, let me assist in your introduction by getting this maiden’s name for you and present you to her. It's only fitting one as high of honor as you is given a true greeting.”

Grent’s face again beamed with pride as he waved off the servant, taking the opportunity for himself to make sure his attire is fir to be seen.

The small male walked calmly toward the silk draped woman, she was dressed in such a way it looked as if the wind itself was making sure her every movement was like a dance of pure grace. He swallowed nervously as he walked closer and gave a small bow toward her.

“Please excuse my boldness madam, but might I have you for a moment? I am the servant of Sir Grent, of the kingdom of Maritza. If I might ask, are you the one in charge of overseeing the festivities of the day?”

The woman stopped her arrangements and looked to the small human a few feet from her, her eyes were like crystal as she stepped closer and placed two fingers under his chin to make him lift his head. The moment he locked eyes on her face and those eyes reflecting everything about his life back at him, he couldn't help but treble slightly.

“You’re an interesting little one.”

If lilies were silk they still wouldn't carry the gentle, sweet, and calm of her voice in his ear, especially as she giggled light as a summer breeze before standing full again.

“I am lady Syra, the lady of the Aqua Pavillion, and to answer your question you are correct in your assumption. The Emperor wanted me to lead the set up for the meeting with your king.”

“I knew a woman as well put together as you would be the one in charge of all these humans. So tell me, how is everything coming along, or do I need to tell my king you need more time?”

Grent’s voice cut the peace like a fire alarm, startling his servant into jumping near out of his shoes. Before he could recover properly Grent pushed him behind his body to have a clear path to the lady in front of him. Lady Syra looked at the bold newcomer with a questionable glance before a small and empty smile returned to her face.

“Actually, everything should be all set for your king whenever you choose to arrive with him. Our staff has been working diligently to make sure everything is to his requests. The cooks have prepared the dishes with the recipes you have sent as well and will be served at the appropriate time.”

Her voice was just as gentle but those who knew her could hear the sweetness vanish around the bold male that kept stepping closer.

“Perhaps you could join me at my table while we dine, it would make for a more unified meeting.”

“As kind as the offer is, I’m afraid I must decline.”

As Grent’s face dropped slightly in annoyance at her rejection, once again his servant stepped between them and again took a knee before him.

“Sir Grent, forgive me master, but we were told for this meeting that there were customs to sitting that we were not to tamper with, the king himself agreed to the terms sir.”

“Right, I apologize, my lady please forgive my forgetfulness. You must already have a place to sit, and I wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I got a lovely maiden like you in trouble with your emperor.”

As he recovered himself ice could be felt in his eyes toward his servant as he spoke warmly to lady Syra before giving a small gentleman's bow and turning on his heel snapping his fingers to call his servant to follow him back out the main doors.

“We will return this evening with our King to enjoy the festivities.”

With that final declaration, they were out the inner gate doors and gone. The servants all looked between each other before attention moved to Lady Syra in concern. Quickly her handmaidens approached to make sure everything was alright and their lady was not stressed from the stranger.

[quilandscroll]

the suffering never ends

[quilandscroll]

Fashion Week: Part 2

Now we're getting somewhere~

Fair is fair, he lost his sleeves and the shirt top. Somehow we avoided changing 'fits but that wouldn't last long...

Previous:

Next:

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[quilandscroll]

A world where children are stolen by dolls the moment they’re born.. to be raised in a facility full of AI..

when M0ther and F@ther are the caregiver and protect of all children, because humans have failed.

A land of living dolls, to raise a new generation of mankind..

Playing is learning

Paired Dolls

Doc and Hush

Working dolls under the hive AI of M0ther and F@ther, these two raise the children with a gentle voice and understanding. They’re stern when need but neither believes in yelling or using fear to get a child to listen.

They encourage questions and dreaming, always eager to lend an open ear and a warm embrace when a child is distressed or just wants to share.

Doc is always ready to teach what a child needs to achieve their goals while Hush will comfort children and encourage them that no dream is beyond reach when you try.

[quilandscroll]

Bluesky 100 Follower Fashion Event Featuring: Xeros

I wanted to celebrate with one of those like/repost games and I had way too much fun. The collective braincell came together beautifully to strip this bot with incredible efficiency >:3

Started by switching him into the first outfit, a fun number with a lot of zippers and leather pants--and immediately he loses something. Got a lot of sass it was only the belt but we had to start somewhere~

[quilandscroll]

The shading alone on that last piece is just stunning! I can’t wait to see more of Azil in detail

So bestie ( @quilandscroll ) decided to engage my neurons by paying me for a surprise commission (or two) of her robot, Vistor, and I love this guy’s design so much I just really wanted an excuse to dress him up and make him snazzy. Of course I also had to include her Runner-sona (she doesn’t have a name yet but I’ve been calling her Vira/Veera in my head) that’s getting a ref sheet once I have her design down; to do that I had to draw her a bit and that’s how I figured out her skin and hair color as well as seeing how the vitiligo looked.

Safe to say, stunning.

This one was suppose to be simple shading but I’m a slut for the lights and colors and darkness and the vibe was so much better with the lighting that looks like a club setting or dim room. I love their chemistry, too, and it was a great excuse to work out how the ‘prosthetics’ look.

(No, the shading doesn’t make logical sense, it’s all vibes)

It’s also here that I realize my watermark still has my old username and I really need to fix that 🫠

[quilandscroll]

I had such a good birthday this last weekend🥹

I got fanart!? By @dragongirl658

LOOK HOW FANCY THAT DESK IS??? And Event is SWOLE--I do not recommend arm wrestling him if you want your elbow to stay attached

And Followers, questions, and even people Azil-fying their own robots??! And getting inspired by my OCs??! Plus i sold some Task Manager adopts????? My heart feels so full I can't even explain!

Plus I indulged myself with shibari art (that blew tf up)vvvvvv

I can’t begin to explain how happy I am, I really can't. Best birthday in ages!! <3

[quilandscroll]

im sure someone already made a post about it but i came across a ublock origin add-on that blacklists around 950 AI websites and disables AI overview ☝️ so u can be free from seeing AI in your search

[quilandscroll]

A beautiful piece of art by the very skilled and lovely @imagine-creative

The colors and motif fit beautifully for Nyria, the false goddess of venom and daughter of the head leader’s family in the lands of the Vandinor.

[quilandscroll]

Today, we've made Ellipsus a little more colorful with Themes! In addition to dark and light mode, you can now set the mood with:

🦇 Ultra dark – For those who want an ink-black, clandestine vibe. 🕯️ Sepia – A warm, cozy parchment glow—light, but not too light. 🌲 Nature – A tranquil forest green. This is just the start – stay tuned for more, and keep up with our progress over on the Discord! - The Ellipsus Team xo