#malak ask

[whumpsoda]

i leave a box of magically shrunken, kitten-sized highland cows at adrastus’s doorstep ^_^ little treat for malak!!

Malak is utterly and absolutely delighted, overwhelmed by their adorable nature. Not once does he separate himself from the animals, carrying them along with him everywhere he goes as they climb all over him. He pets them, plays with them, bathes with them, watches television with them, and most commonly of all, sleeps with them.

Malak names each and every one a very special name, something he thinks fits their appearance and personality. He tucks each one in every single night, giving them a little kiss to the forehead :] they are inseparable, and he trusts no one else with them beside Nevan <3 he would no doubt protect them with his life!

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Do you think you could do like a characterization of the Familers?

Everytime I try to think about their personalities and how they would interact with each other, or M6, or Mc I just feel like I don't get it right. Like I've got like the very basics but that's like it

Malak is a crazy

Chandra is spoiled

Faust is a wildcard

Ianna is protective

Pepi is energetic

Idk Lucio’s familars ( i cant spell one of their names) but they are kinda like wild dogs, they do whatever they want

EVEN THEN, I still feel like some of these are wrong or don't cover most of their character or I'm mischaracterizing them on accident.

Could you maybe do some more Familers mini headcannons?

Like what do the Familers do when M6 is sad?

What do they do when Mc is sad?

How do they interact with each other on a day to day bases?

( I think you might have done one of these actually )

But I have more

What do they do when M6 or/and MC gets hurt?

What do they typically do during the day and/or What do they do when they aren't with M6?

How would they respond if M6/Mc was in a dangerous situation/attacked | How are they when M6/Mc is ill?

Some of these are probably answers in their routes but it's hard to remember/recall. I do wish they were in their respective routes just a little bit more than they are so I could get a could grasp of their personalities.

What I really want is just like a written out basis of what they are like? I don't even need the Mini headcannons ( but I do like them) Their personalities is just what I have a hard time grasping because it not like right in front of me or I'm not constantly reminded of it like the Li’s that I just forget or mischaracterize them.

So if you ever have the time and or patience, I would love if you could just write about their personalities or just more about them in general. They are right hand to the Li’s and I love them so much and I tried using the wiki but I don't trust it because apparently some of the info is just flat-out wrong. I love reading you headcannons and mini headcannons because I feel like you do the Li’s justice and this account is keeping the Arcana fandom alive. I'm very sorry that this is a really long ask and my grammar my be wrong in some areas.

I'd like to thank you if you've read through everything. I hope you keep making Arcana content in the future as me and many others really do enjoy your content and takes on the characters.

-🃏

Hi friend!! I hope you're ready for the full scale essay under the cut XD

(also, you are more than welcome to request some mini-hcs with the M6's familiars - please feel free to submit them individually so I can sort and try to answer them ^.^)

The devs don't go hugely into detail about how familiars work, exactly, but here's what we know: First, how in-tune to magic you are does affect how involved your bond is, but people still have familiars whether or not they have a lot of magical ability. Second, the bond makes the most sense if you think of it as being similar to a "soulmates AU" setup. The person and animal involved have a natural connection with the potential for a full-fledged familiar bond, but how that manifests changes depending on the effort and type of bonding that happens.

There's also a consistent pattern when it comes to vibes and personality, with the familiars being very similar to their respective humans. I'll go familiar by familiar from here ^.^

Malak:

Julian and Malak are (unfortunately) not very in touch with each other. Julian doesn't speak of him much beyond referring to him as "the raven", and while it's clear that they're more in sync than the average human and animal would be, Julian tends to find it more uncanny than comforting. Malak, in turn, tends to get quickly annoyed by this when his genuine attempts to help and protect and connect get consistently thwarted. He shares Julian's values and habits, constantly keeping watch (anxiously or otherwise) over his person and the people important to him, and often flying beak-first into situations that seem out of control with little regard for his own well being. Malak and Julian have the capacity to cover each other's blind spots. Julian is quicker at analyzing and navigating social situations that sometimes send the bird into a frenzy, while Malak is aware of magical happenings that Julian is completely blind to.

The two of them share an anxiety about the world being a constantly dangerous place and noble mindset focused around doing the right thing and protecting the people they love. The big difference is that Malak doesn't doubt his own abilities - as generally anxious as he acts with all his ruffling feathers and screeches, the raven doesn't hold himself back because he thinks someone else could do better. If anything, he's often pushing Julian to get over the self-deprecation and join him already. Unfortunately, neither of them has figured out how to listen to each other yet, which means more often than not they just get on each other's nerves. Given MC's ability to help Julian navigate things of a magical nature, they could very easily become the communication bridge between the two.

Faust

It's pretty heavily implied (if not canon) that Faust is the child of Asra's parents' familiars, Chimes and Flamel. She was given to Asra as an egg and hatched on one of their birthdays, and the two have been inseparable ever since. They have an incredibly strong bond, enough for them to send memories to each other, have conversations, communicate across long distances, and even share emotions. Faust loves Asra, herself, and MC almost equally, and in Asra's route she happily becomes MC's companion when Asra isn't around to do so. She also appears to have her own capacity for magic, frequently blipping from one realm to another as she pleases.

The best way (in my head) of describing her vibes are that one honorary younger sibling who is also the instigator best friend. While she's borne witness to Asra's toughest moments, she's received such excellent care and attention that she doesn't seem to have nearly the same levels of trauma - or maturity. Reading about her feels a lot like what I imagine reading about a teenaged Asra with a much kinder life would feel like - whimsical, mischievous, creative, impulsive, unpredictable, and carefree to the point of recklessness. She's still learning what it means to have limits (re: going off on an unannounced adventure, only to be caught and held hostage by the Devil) but when push comes to shove she's suprisingly dependable (re: sabotaging the ritual, right under the Devil's nose).

Due to her being so accessible to MC's character, she has a level of plot influence and general content that comes closer to a main character than the other familiars. It gives fan work more content to work with, but also less space to take its own creative liberty.

Chandra

Chandra is always hovering, and yet rarely directly involved. We know that Nadia used to be able to speak with her similarly to how Asra speaks with Faust, but she doesn't remember how. There's a wall between the two of them that they both seem to want to breach, but given the circumstances, they just haven't found the time and resources to do it yet. However, it's clear that they know how important they are to each other - Chandra seems to live at Nadia's beck and call, despite seeming so distant, and Nadia dedicates much of her personal time and interests to caring for her. They rely heavily on each other as allies in uncertain times (re: Nadia trusting Chandra in multiple routes to be her eyes and ears and carry her most important messages).

Chandra certainly has Nadia's independence, initiative, and desire for companionship. She's often seen on alert on the fringes and ready to step in and help take control of chaotic situations. However, where Nadia responds to a desire for companionship by initiating connection, Chandra is more reserved. She's present, she's paying attention, but she's not actively connecting until she's invited. She, like Nadia, has become accustomed to living in a Palace filled with with intrigue and uncertain loyalties, and it plays out in her reticence. She's much more likely to communicate interest by watching intently from a distance than by approaching and interacting. Over time, if MC is able to help Nadia find the way to communicate with Chandra again, they'll likely become her confidante in her efforts to be a good familiar.

Inanna

The best way to describe her and Muriel is trauma bonded. (Which, given Muriel's past, is arguably the bond that lets him receive the support he needs from her best.) They're both loners, both uninterested in connection until it's proven to be worthwhile, and both deeply distrusting of other people's motives. Inanna is Muriel's breaking point twice. First, when he's expected to kill her in the Coliseum (how they met), and second, when she's horribly injured trying to protect the heart of the forest. Both of those moments with her push Muriel to recognize his priorities and actually act on them. As a result, they have a deep mutual respect for each other - and a stubborn emphasis on still being their own people (or wolf). Muriel refers to her as his friend more easily than as his familiar.

Inanna as a character, however, seems to hold onto some of the traits that Muriel has buried under his trauma. She's more adaptable than he is, quicker to accept change, and considerably more hopeful and optimistic. She's faster to act (often the one prompting Muriel to follow through, when he'd rather continue thinking), and she's nosier. Where Muriel analyzes and then quietly judges while respecting someone's decision, Inanna analyzes and then does her best to assist any kind of good change. Whether that's leading MC to Muriel when he's injured and would rather be left alone, or expressing the affection towards them that he's still trying to hide, she acts like a big sister. Independent, a bit of a bully, fiercely protective, and loyal beyond measurement. She doesn't need to bond with MC through Muriel, she can do that herself.

Pepi

Portia met Pepi on Mazelinka's ship, as she was on her way to hunt down her older brother and beat some sense into him. The two of them bonded instantly, and when the time came for Portia and Mazelinka to part ways, Pepi gave up the life of a ship cat to stay by Portia's side. Portia doesn't seem to be fully aware of Pepi being her familiar and sees her as more of an uncannily well-bonded pet. At least, until her own route, where Pepi learns how to speak. Up until that point Portia just seems to see Pepi more as an unusually intelligent cat that she likes to talk to. The two of them are each other's family, Pepi always ready to lend a helping paw with unruly birds, and Portia always happy to spoil her with snuggles and treats.

Pepi has Portia's optimism, love of mischief, and dauntless attitude. However, they differ somewhat in how they view themselves. While Portia struggles to see herself as the main character of her own story, often fading into the background in order to support someone else, Pepi is more than happy to take center stage. This cat can and will prioritize her own needs and preferences if she thinks nobody else is going to do it, and it often lands her in trouble (re: stealing your heartsong festival gift, seeking out nap places that give her access to forbidden fishies, etc). She's quick to make her own friendships, and when you and Portia start your new life together, she'll consider you one of her family as well. Thanks to her retained ability to speak (upright ending) you'll never have to go without a conversation partner again.

Mercedes & Melchior

Lucio, unfortunately, didn't realize these two were his familiars until after he'd met you. While a large part of his menagerie building was his search for a familiar, he failed to notice how those two in particular were so attached to them. Thankfully, they're never on their own given how closely they stick to each other. Their lack of a strongly developed magical connection with Lucio doesn't really stop them from being able to communicate. They vibe with him on a similar act-first-think-later wavelength, having such little interest in impulse control that it's impossible not to know what they want. All you know is that they're hellbent on accomplishing it and on getting out of whatever consequences they invite with a pair of large, shining puppy eyes.

Besides their impulsiveness and chaotic nature, Mercedes and Melchior share Lucio's tendency to live in the moment and focus on life's pleasures. However, they also have the emotional intelligence and undying loyalty all good dogs do. When Lucio was "dead" they spent three years guarding his wing and trying to find help for him, and when you join him in his search for answers, they'll remain with you and empathize with you regardless of the dangers involved (re: one of them going with Lucio to get help, the other staying next to you and whining when Valdemar has you strapped to a gurney). They instinctively track your emotional state and are often the reason Lucio notices how you're doing as quickly as he does. For all their bratty behavior, their doggy bodies are overflowing with love for the people they care about and nothing makes them happier than being with them. Don't mistake love for respect, though - they take orders from nobody.

[indeepertidesif]

Could you please tell us what are the ROs love troupes?

Rune: Royal/Commoner, arranged marriage (but it’s not you they’re arranged to marry)

Thorne: Outcast/Outcast, he’s rich but his birth was a scandal, likes causing problems on purpose

Llyr/Llyra: A political nightmare, forbidden romance, second chance romance (optional)

Talya: Doesn’t realize she’s in love, cold but secretly very emotional

Malak: Suspicion at first sight, only soft for you, slow burn of the century

Aster/Astra: Doomed romance (or?)

Yan: Human/Supernatural, marine biologist exploring the wildlife

Haakon: Monster/Non-Monster, touch starved

[lady-revanchist]

And I'd give up forever to touch you,

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be;

This beautiful masterpiece was done by the one and only @stellorc! I can't even express how wonderful the final art is - Ella as always left me speechless... The scene will be a relevant one in the a future chapter of an Alek redemption fic I'm working on (and that should be updated soon!).

[asmo-cosmetics]

there's this really sad and unfortunately super common thing with abused/neglected parrots where there's only a handful of things they know how to say, because those are the only things their former owners ever said to them, usually awful, heartbreaking shit like "shut up!" and "stupid bird!"

and i'm just thinking about like. lucio at the red market looking for a new pet, and there's a vendor there he's never seen before, but they have gorgeous animals, many pristine white. maybe they were tipped off.

"good eye, my lord," they say when lucio smiles and pets the scruff of an adorable fox kit. he couldn't take her home, mercedes would get jealous, but she snuggles into his palm and he's tempted.

"lovely, no? the breed comes from the south," which lucio knows, obviously, and he meets the vendor's eyes with an arched brow.

"my dog would kill her," he says, more regretfully to the kit herself than to them.

they don't seem to mind. "perhaps a heartier beast, then," they say with a flourish, and gesture to a small cage housing a terrified bear cub, much too young to be away from his mother. "still on the bottle, but he'll be eight feet tall, at least." when they hook their long fingers through the bars, the cub ambles up and licks at their fingers, seemingly searching for a teat. poor darling.

still, "i think, in that case, my wife would kill me." nadia still hasn't gotten over the macaques.

the vendor attempts another smooth transition, but before they can, from behind them, there's a horrible screech of "ARREST THEM!"

all around there is a slight bristling reaction; the voice clearly isn't human, but the words obviously prick up the ears of these sorts of people.

the vendor scowls, turning their back to lucio to lift the blanket over one of the cages and scold, "for gods' sake, shut it, you horrible bird!"

"THIEF! POACHER!" replies the bird.

"i'd like to see him," replies the count.

the vendor whirls back around, incredulous, but stern, their lip curled. "only if you intend to buy," they say. "if i take the cover off, that damn bird screams all night."

lucio sets his jaw, and sets a purse of coin on the table. "i'd like to see him."

"s'not enough."

"HORRIBLE BIRD!"

"you seem to want him off your hands badly enough."

and reluctantly, the vendor pulls away the blanket to reveal a sulfur-crested cockatoo, brilliantly white and gorgeous and nervously plucking healthy feathers from his wings.

"UGLY BIRD! SHUT UP! STUPID CAMIO!"

"camio? is that your name, gorgeous boy?"

"STUPID CAMIO," screeches camio, then lowers his head, somehow looking self-conscious, and quickly goes back to pulling at his feathers. "UGLY BIRD!"

"i certainly disagree," he says softly. when he reaches a finger through the cage, camio lets him pet the soft feathers on his forehead, closing his eyes and bobbing his head like a little nod.

lucio slams another purse on the table and memorizes the vendor's face to describe to the guards.

nadia rolls her eyes when he arrives home with the bird, but her face crumples much like lucio's had at the cry of "UGLY BIRD!" and when lucio tells her of the vendor - the poacher - she agrees, for once, to have them hanged.

camio is loud and a bit frustrating, with her headaches, and nadia worried her husband would never have the patience, but now, when she hears the parrot's shrieking voice, it says:

"HANDSOME BOY!"

"CLEVER BIRD! CLEVER BIRD!"

"CAMIO'S DADDY'S PRETTY BIRD!"

[samtheplatypus]

Charles and Oliver are just a little bit too curious (much like Demien tbh)

Malak was just minding his business fr

They are grounded

[oonaluna-art]

saw this incorrect quote and i thought it fit short Revan for some reason

Help, that's so funny! I'm a big fan of interpreting Revan and Malak's heights according to how their in-game models are presented.

If we ever get a KotOR 1 Remake and Revan isn't tiny anymore, I will cry.

[gizkasparadise]

Hey,

I just finished 'I loved Rome more'.

I was absolutely blown away by it, if i must confess, it's something I've read again and again over the last 3 years. It's a truly beautifully heart-wrenching pain that amazes in it sweetness.

I wanted to ask how your version of Revan's story ends. How Alek's story ends (obviously he is dead, but what happened between him and Revan after this point? did they talk? reconcile?).

What happens to Revan?

Would you ever see yourself touching this work again?

Thank you for such a kind message! "Rome" is one of my most favorite fics I've written so I'm glad you enjoyed it!!

To answer your questions (going to add the message Qs too!):

1. How does their story end?

I left it open intentionally, since that way readers can interpret their end journey in a way they best feels fit: want a tragedy? Revan keeps trying to achieve something impossible because her pride and her inability to stop moving won't let her rest and attempt to work through the closure of Malak's death and his ghost becomes an albatross around her neck. want something more hopeful? revan finds a way to bring Malak back in the unknown regions and gives the universe a cosmic middle finger.

My personal headcanon, which you definitely don't need to subscribe to because death of the author, is somewhere in the middle: revan finds happiness in having a purpose again, Malak finds peace in no longer having to fight anything and accompanies her, as always, for the ride. There's a kind of simple happy ending in that, I think!

2. Would I see myself coming back to this work?

This particular fic is 100% complete in my mind and I'm happy where it went! I do, one day, want to get back in and finish the story's sister fic about exile and bao-dur, "give place to better," which will follow kotor 2 (and will likely include this version of revan and Malak in flashbacks)

3. What's the title mean?

The title is from the Shakespeare play Julius Caesar, where Anthony says (paraphrase) "it's not that I loved Caesar any less, but that I loved rome more" regarding his decision to assassinate caesar, his close friend. I feel like the statement really sums up their dynamic in the fic--Malak might be the person Revan loves most in the world, but she loved her purpose more than him until it was too late

Thank you again for the message!!

[endstar]

Hiya Malak(s)!

Long time now see :3

Anyways, I’ll cut to the shit. Would you like some GOOD assistance in aiding to capture Doug & Bierce and gather more mortal souls? If so I have someone who you’d (probably) like!

Reply if interested x

-Aitnelav

He wants the rat gone

[zikadraws]

Saw something about a crack AU where Doug takes over the DD realms and screws everyone over. You think you could dive a little deeper into that idea? It seems very interesting to me! (I'm slightly scared bc no anon but I've been meaning to ask you thangs-)

Oh yeah this one ! Haha that was mostly a joke, but there's no arm in extrapolating a bit.

Long story short after Bierce gets the complete ring and proceed to go mad with power, she's too absorbed to notice that Doug is currently screwing her over (he already secured his wish or he gave her a fake ring or smthg) and Malak is too busy dealing with Bierce to stop him.

So he makes his wish with the ring and manages to slingshot Tammy and Elise back to life (and in his hospital room), but by doing so the ring's power flows through him and he basically absorbs the ring's power, which a) makes the ring now useless and b) makes him the bearer of Malak's might, so now he's as powerful as him and better even, if they kill him Malak might lose all his power -since Doug has absorbed the souls and if he dies, they die too, this time not to leave anything. (I know that's a stretch but whatevs.)

Moreover, the souls trapped in the ring see there an opportunity to get revenge on their tormentors and side with him, giving him tips on how Malak does what he does. Like a speedrun tutorial and personal advice council.

Upon realising what happened, the monsters and Malak (and Bierce but let's consider she's dead by then) pretty much lose it and chaos ensues, everyone either wants to call it quits, brutally murder him or thread carefully, and it gives Doug some room to figure how to restrain them.

And once Doug is done doing that and be relatively safe, it is now up to him to do whatever he wants with them following either his might or the past victims's scornful requests ; be it trapping Malak in an item forever or dissolving him, giving the mascots a braaand new program/makeover, changing the twisted bear family into actual plushies, or pretty much whatever the hell he pleases ;

with or without the additional unforeseen side effects from either the spiteful monsters who would gladly kill him at the slightest drop of magic restraint ; or from the other demons, who of course notice the change, and who make a pleasure out of starting business with the peculiar overpowered mortal, or to force a deal out of Malak against helping him regain control over his realm...

Basically it's a very awkward scenario and Doug is first pretty hesitant but then eventually goes "Screw it" and mad with power. It can't possibly go well, in any form or manner.

-----

Aaand that's globally the pitch. I'm personally not planning to do anything with it, but if you want to have fun with this concept, be my guest ! :D

It's not the AUs that lack~ 🤗🤗🤗

[whumpsoda]

What are the descriptions for your ocs? Like colors and everything do you have that figured out yet? No pressure simply curious

link I have everything figured out in my head… so I just caved and tried to do picrews because I’m terrible at picking colors… I also did little descriptions!!

Adrastus

Turned at 29 

Now about 124

Omnisexual

Nonbinary

They/them

Darius

Turned at 21

Is now about 99

Pansexual

He/him

Nevan (Before, after)

22 years old

Bisexual

He/they

Malak (Before, after) (The only accurate part of his is the colors and sort of his clothes? The rest of it didn’t work out to well from a lack of options😭)

27 years old

Aro/ace

He/him

Genevieve

22 Years old

Queer

Doesn’t mind any pronouns, but most commonly uses she/they!

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Vesuvia Weekly: The Marketplace Incident

~ my little written sketch for @vesuviaweekly's prompt "How Things Went Wrong (feat the Arcana familiars)". Enjoy an afternoon from the perspective of my fandom self-insert :3 ~

Word count: 1.5k

The marketplace really is the best spot to write in. The bustle of afternoon shoppers in the sunny square is a soothing view from my shaded nook, tucked between Selasi's booth and an alleyway of stairs. The steady sea breeze makes the parchment in front of me flutter, carrying the smell of spiced bread as it tousles my hair from my forehead.

"Need a refill?" The baker leans on the stone wall above the low table I'm pretending to draft my next story on. "Maybe it will help the ink flow better."

"Thanks, Selasi, but I'm afraid I've barely had a sip." I gesture to my mostly-full clay cup. "It's a good blend, though - what did you use for it this time?"

"A craftsman never shares his secrets." He hunches closer, not-so-subtly trying to sneak a peek at my handwriting. "What is today's writing about? More of our six friends' adventures, by a friendly young man whose signature is a rotting brain?"

I roll my eyes at his teasing smile. "Okay, using the moniker 'brainrot' doesn't automatically mean gruesome physical decay -"

We both jump at the sudden cat's yowl from the direction of the baker's counter. A fuzzy orange blur streaks to my corner, tiny claws digging into my shirt as it uses me as a ladder to get to Selasi's shoulder.

"Pounce? What is it, little one?"

"Bad dogs!" Faust's face pops into view, her body slowly unwinding from the cloth umbrella over me.

I barely have time to stabilize her plop onto my arm before I catch sight of two more barking fuzzy blurs tearing around the corner, a screeching raven flapping frantically after them. All three start heading in my direction as soon as they see me stand up to intervene. "Mercedes, Melchior! Come here!"

As ill-trained as I know Lucio's dogs are, the half-finished roll I hold out in their direction is more than enough to convince them. They slide to a halt in front of me, paws and tail still skittering from side to side, eyes trained on the treat. The flustered raven descends on my shoulder and Faust scoots onto Selasi's arm to give him more space.

"It's rare to see these fellows here without their owners ..." The baker runs his hand over Pounce's bushed-out tail in a soothing arc. "Did something happen?"

"What didn't happen?" I mumble in response. I don't think I recognize the strange goop Faust has left on my shirt, or the hooped earring in Malak's beak, or the concerningly pleasant smell wafting off of the dog's silky coats. I hold out my palm in front of the bird on my shoulder. "Give me the shiny, please. Which friend did you take this from?"

"Took it when I squeezed!"

"Who did you squeeze, Faust? Was it Julian?"

"Stinky count. Stole my fishies!"

The hissed voice clearly belongs to a cat, but it's not coming from the trembling ginger tabby in Selasi's arms. Pepi lopes into view on the wall above me with a smug look on her little face. Oh, right. I keep forgetting that she learned how to talk ...

"Lucio ... stole your fish?"

"Pepi earned the fishies - Pepi was a good cat and caught all the rats! Went to the docks to get the fishies, but he took them first!"

I try to piece the narrative together, noticing what looks like a pearly white owl listening in from the roof of the booth. "So ... Portia went to buy Pepi some fish, but Lucio bought them first? Where did the earring come from?"

"Master tried to help!"

"Oh, did Asra try to trade their earring for the fish? I thought his piercings closed up years ago."

Malak caws loudly in protest. Faust wiggles and bobs from her perch on Selasi's shoulder as the distant owl takes off for a different corner of the marketplace.

"Not Master's earring."

I study the golden hoop, finally catching the protective gleam in Malak's eye. "Ohh, this is Julian's, isn't it? Okay, from the top." I watch five pairs of animal eyes point back in my direction. "Portia went to get fish for Pepi, but Lucio bought them first. Asra tried to intervene, and then Julian offered an earring that he apparently owns to bargain for the fish with. Is that right?"

I almost miss the variety of nods when a thick coat of fur unexpectedly brushes across the backs of my knees. When I look down, it's right into Inanna's bright green eyes - and the torn bag of rice in her mouth. She drops it at my feet, spilling the grains across the ground and sending Malak into a flurry of indignant squawks. The wolf curls up for a nap at my heels, completely unfazed. Selasi gently sets Faust on my abandoned parchment and returns to his oven with an amused "good luck!"

"O-Okay." I drag my hand down my face and do my best to analyze the mess. "So why do the dogs smell nice, why is Faust slimy enough to smudge my ink, and why am I the one currently holding Julian's mystery hoop?"

"Squeeze the thief! Rescue the shiny! Run away fast!"

Faust bleps her tongue proudly, while Pepi takes a smug seat on the stones and the dogs begin to growl. One warning huff from the large wolf pretending to sleep behind me quietens the impending ruckus.

"And ... do I want to know about the slime and the fruity smells?"

Pepi yawns above me, slowly succumbing to the sun-warmed wall. "Beauty stall."

Faust curls herself elegantly over my story draft in an attempt to flaunt her shiny scales. "Moisturize."

"You're practically glowing, Faust. Such a beautiful girl!" Asra's trotting in my direction, a very sweaty pair of Devorak siblings close behind and a red-faced ex-count bringing up the rear. The magician scoops her up off of the table, my freshly hydrated parchment going with it, as Pepi uses the top of my head as a springboard into Portia's arms. Julian gives his judgemental raven a sheepish look before brightening at the earring in my palm.

"Did you leave us the rice trail, Faust?" Asra scritches the serpent's chin.

"Wait - rice trail? What rice trail? Is that how you knew where you were going? Where did they get - my rice!"

Inanna gives the shocked doctor a guiltily amused look, nudging the torn bag with her nose and watching the last of the grains spill onto my feet. Lucio straightens from where's been fussing over his perfumed dogs, finally catching his breath.

"Hah! Serves you right for trying to take my fish!"

Portia bristles and turns on him as Inanna slinks off to the large figure skulking in the shadows several booths away. "Your fish? That vendor and I have been friends for three years, you heard him say that I'd get first pick!"

I can't tell if Lucio is grinning or gritting his teeth. "Does it matter? I already paid for those things, they were the least smelly ones!"

"Enough!" The Countess's firm voice rings across the corner of the square, effectively halting the brewing squabble that's hijacking my writing corner. Chandra reassumes her perch on the baker's booth roof as Nadia rubs her temples in resigned frustration. "I have already paid for a year's worth of cosmetics. I have no interest in paying for your argument with a headache as well."

She heaves a tired sigh as the familiars settle in with their owners, sparing me a comforting glace. "Considering the paperless state of your table, I trust there were no writing casualties involved?"

Portia scurries over with a worried look. "Oh, I'm so glad you hadn't started yet!"

"Well ..."

"I think we did interrupt him, unfortunately." Asra's already taking a seat at my table, holding a fresh bowl of rolls in one hand and my smudged paper in the other while Faust hides guiltily in their shirt. "What's a 'ringtone'?"

Julian helps himself to the paper. "Allow me - perhaps I can shed some light on - ah!"

I've already given up hope on restoring my draft, so I don't wince nearly as badly as my friends do as a sharp, golden hand snatches my handwriting and rips it in the process. Lucio's pout deepens the further he reads. "I'm not in this."

"He's probably not finished it." Nadia holds her hand out, impervious to Lucio's begrudging surrender, and carefully offers the paper back to me. "We should leave you in peace, or you'll never meet your deadline."

Portia takes the cue and begins herding Lucio back to the docks for a fresh round of fish. Nadia gives Asra a pointed look, resulting in them stuffing the last of their roll into their mouth and rising from the cushions. They leave the last two pieces of bread for me.

"Julian," I call as he turns away, "one more question."

"Ah - yes?"

"What's the story with the earring?"

"Oh!" He flushes unexpectedly, fumbling the hoop away into his pocket. "... it, ah, it doesn't go in my ear. Adieu!"

[katkalis-the-horror-fanartist]

How do the supervisors™️ e react to things like gifts or compliments?

what I’m asking is who is less likely to punch me if I say “U look nice today” 💀

Their responses:

Neither would PUNCH YOU, don't worry😂 They're more...well-kept than that.

[ask-roxy-and-the-devil-blog23]

Malak is now an available character

Ask him anything, but be aware he can be a bit rude sometimes and might say a few mocking things

[valen-dreth]

I must know what malacath smells like

wood smoke, heavy iron, sweaty clothes smell, something bitter and organic and like leaf rot in the fall

[anijay]

*Taba pouts with her arms crossed*

Taba: The Factory

Malak: More specifically the 3rd floor of the main building. Would like to answer why Taba?

*Taba slightly growls*

Taba: Cause I destroyed it. Even though most of it was their fusion's fault.

Malak: Taba...you toss and threw them around like a ragdoll

Taba: Yeah well, if that RABBIT didn't taunt me and Doug, then they still would have been fine.

Malak: *sighs* indeed, but you know it's in his nature

*Taba scoffs*

Taba: Oh please, the only nature he has is a sensitive animal who tries to hide that he is with a doubted ego and a shield called "his luck"

*Malak whips his head towards Taba, looking appalled*

Malak: Taba!

Taba: What? It's true. Everyone knew it. Heck, even you did.

Malak: ...That...is true

Taba: SEE!