Arles of Astoria

A rundown barn, where eyes watch you from the walls and the grime-covered jars on the shelf are filled with magic dust.

A fantasy realm, penetrable only by chosen fairy rings.

A bedroom with shelves full of books and a broken window.

An untold story.

A self discovery.

Coming of age.

Being too young to understand that you should be very, very afraid.

Arles of Astoria dives into the mind of twelve year old Arles Octavian, a queer kid living in the outskirts of a not-quite-town, not-quite-city, who crowns themself monarch of the run-down barn behind their parent's house and the field and forest that lie beyond it. Obsessed with direction, rocks, and the subjects of their kingdom, Arles' journey encompasses the land of Astoria, the struggles of growing up, the creatures that haunt us all, and the realization that there is nothing like coming back home, and coming back to yourself.

Part I:

Age twelve.

Arles is obsessed with rocks, directions and the broken window in their room. They are introduced to their Kingdom and their Throne.

Part II:

Age fifteen.

Arles is growing as a human, experiencing things like attraction and sexual desire for the first time. With their first queer sexual experience comes the first attack on Astoria.

Part III:

Age seventeen.

Something happens that causes Arles to spiral and Astoria starts to crumble. This is where everything goes; the battle; the creatures; the fear.