LMS VI: Built In a Day

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Tue Aug 09, 2022 4:48 pm

TheSilverFox says...

CW: violence, gore, recreational drug use, death, implied sexual content, sexual references

@Ventomology: do the thing again
me: okay again

yeah I've written two novels already, but those were for a project I got bored of/felt like I could do better than, so here's a very distant prequel to my current project. It's about playing the harp, writing poems for your girlfriend, polyamory, the military-industrial complex, blood feuds, and long-standing traditions coming from people making things up as they go along. exciting stuff.

I'll also probably be throwing some poems in here. Current goal is to write at least two a week. I normally write five or six, so that shouldn't be an issue, but I don't want to hold myself to that many.

We'll see how this goes. I'm trying to get a job, so that might affect how much I'm able to write. Especially because there's this horrible job with a midnight-8 am shift that I'm vaguely interested in.

some nice and relaxing prokofiev to set the mood

S'io credesse che mia risposta fosse
a persona che mai tornasse al mondo,
questa fiamma staria senza piu scosse.
Ma per ciò che giammai di questo fondo
non tornò vivo alcun, s'i' odo il vero,
senza tema d'infamia ti rispondo.

Inferno, Canto 27, l 61-66.

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Tue Aug 09, 2022 4:50 pm

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TheSilverFox says...

note: many/most of these characters are anthropomorphized animals. it's symbolic. you wouldn't get it. please don't ask me questions about it or I will cry.

Characters

Viewpoint Characters

Vela Laetanus (she/her) - Lion. Distant relative and servant of the noble Laetanus family. A third cousin of the family head, she was born in poverty to parents who ran a bakery. While a few siblings joined the orphan of the state program, she stayed around and eventually learned how to manage the store. Between that and some family connections, she was able to get a metaphorical foot in the door and started working for her noble relatives. Under the supervision of the family head's aunt, Agrippina, she was eventually able to earn the family name. She's basically an event coordinator, handling the logistics behind parties, public ceremonies, and the occasional military procession. As an increasingly well-known harpist and poet, she's also been the family's unofficial diplomat/public face. She's been trying to juggle supporting her parents financially, keeping her name, writing sick poems for her girlfriend, and getting better as a harpist. She keeps busy. Fairly outgoing and personable, but gets quieter when she's stressed (and she's almost always stressed). Soft-spoken, still trying to adjust to noble culture. Coming into her own as a composer and a performer - she's still getting trained, but she has a knack for making popular pieces. Can be a little self-destructive and obsessive, especially when it comes to her writing and music. 29 years old, 5'7", more willowy, brown eyes.

Felias Ferox (she/her) - Lion. Queen of Caelis if you believe her, Lady Ferox if you don't. The current head of the family after the sudden and not even remotely suspicious death of her mother, Petronia, sometime last year. Her mother and grandparent oversaw the rise of the Ferox family and the construction of Caelis, and she's trying to keep their legacy intact. She doesn't have much power of her own (at least, right now) - while Felias has been training in everything from military leadership to civil administration, nobody expected Petronia to fall sick and die. As such, Felias is trying to find her own footing, depending on the relatives around her to keep the city intact and try to pull the other families into the Ferox sphere of influence. Kind of a tense situation, since several of those relatives could have stood to gain from Petronia's death. But everyone has to act polite and friendly around each other, since the Ferox family needs to put up a strong front to be taken seriously. Commanding presence and a quick wit, just like her mom. Terrible at emotional honesty, even around her spouses. Would like to be taken a bit more seriously by the older members of her family. Feels like she never got to have a childhood. Paranoid and suspicious. 25 years old, 6'1", fairly muscular, brown eyes. Has musical anhedonia (music doesn't make sense to her).

Luciana (she/her) - Lion. A soldier in the service of the Aescanus family. She had been brought into the orphans of the state program when she had been an infant, so she may or may not have ever seen her family? Either way, she'd been raised to be a soldier, so she was a bit miffed when, about a year or two ago, she was sent off to the Aescanus estate in Caelis to act as a low-level manager in some of the family's construction projects. She knows that the only reason she's a manager is because they consider her disposable. Not terribly motivated, hates her essentially dead-end job and her co-workers. Would really like all the glory of battle without the risk of debilitating injury. Bitter, sarcastic, doesn't open up easily. May or may not be thinking about running away, which would come with the risk of getting hunted down and killed as a deserter. Which somehow doesn't completely deter her. 22 years old, 5'5", also muscular, green eyes.

Avita (she/her) - Lion. A soldier in the service of the Thalassina family. She was raised as an orphan of the state, and she currently works as a guard on one of the boats of an otter merchant-king. Kind of a boring job, honestly. Other than the pirates and the occasional fights between merchant-kings, it's mostly an opportunity to go sailing up and down the river [what is the river named? uhhhh I'll get back to you on that]. She's not a big fan of the glory of battle in any case, so she's pretty happy with her job. She has a couple partners among the dockworkers/sailors, and she tries to find time to hang out with them. Also struggling a bit to find the funds and resources she needs to transition (social transitioning is pretty easy - neither the lions nor the otters care about that kind of thing - but medical transitioning is kind of a pain in a faux-medieval setting). Probably the friendliest and most extroverted out of the main cast. Not terribly motivated when it comes to most things, kind of used to the Thalassina family's upheaval and infighting getting in the way of what she wants to do. A bit of a pushover. The most honest about her emotions. 23 years old, 6'0", muscular (vela is a limp noodle compared to everyone else), blue eyes.

Plot

Setting

I probably want to start with some backstory - a few of the lions (generally in the form of large social groups/polycules) decided to give up their semi-nomadic life in the savannah and move south to the plains. They ended up working as mercenaries for the local rabbit lords (who brought crops to the river) and the river otter merchant-kings (who traded those crops and assorted other goods all along the river, and even with traders coming in from the sea). Those mercenaries started assembling into groups, and then into families with a clear hierarchy and leaders (essentially nobility, so they're often called the noble families). Kind of a mess from there - lion families fought each other to consolidate control over the plains and the river, with different families rising to and falling from power. One particularly strong family (Ferox) decided to broaden their horizons. They settled down at a spot close to the ocean, started negotiating deals between the river and sea traders (especially hiring out soldiers to go all over the world), and made a ton of money. So much money, in fact, that the Ferox family could start exerting control over the other families. It wasn't long before the Ferox family flattened the trading posts and makeshift towns in the area and started to build their capital. Other families, wanting a piece of the action, also moved into the area.

That led to Caelis, probably the only place that you (the hypothetical audience) are going to care about. The city's about 30 years old right now? It's both an architectural dream and a nightmare. On the bright side, there's a ton of fabulously wealthy people coming in who are happy to spend their fortunes on palaces, gardens, barracks, and whatever else their hearts desire. As such, they've been pulling in architects from surrounding kingdoms, and even some far-off ones. The downside is that these families still hate each other, have a penchant for solving problems with violence, and are desperately trying to one-up each other. A lot of buildings have been hastily made and don't have a ton of structural integrity. The road network is a confusing nightmare. Let's not even think about sewage.

The Ferox family essentially oversees the city - they have the most soldiers, and they're in charge of civil administration. They've been desperately trying to corral the other families, both as a power move and to keep the city from falling apart. That's been a bit of a challenge, which the Ferox family has tried to handle in a couple ways. The Ferox family claims to be royalty, and they've made up a whole story about how past prominent families were also royalty. The noble families don't exactly buy that, but it's been a potent tool for noble families descended from past "royal" ones. Setting up a council with a mediator (the Regulus) between the Ferox family and the noble families was another not terrible move. Especially the part where the assorted families got to decide who was a big enough deal to be in the council, i.e. who's really a noble family. Tons of negotiations, tons of bureaucracy, but it all basically somehow sort of works.

I'll copy-paste the climate stuff because I don't want to write it all out again: humid subtropical climate. Relatively stable temperature year-round, rarely goes above 90 F in the summer or below freezing in the winter. Consistently gets cooler air from the ocean. Can have storms come in from the west/northwest – thunderstorms are common in spring/early summer, and there are a few snowstorms in winter. Blizzards are rare. Has sometimes been impacted by tropical or extratropical storms (though I think that’s more of a problem farther north). Basically like a mashup of Buenos Aires and New York City.

have I ever been to Buenos Aires or New York City before? no. have I ever lived by an ocean before? no. I'm just going to assume oceans are bigger lakes and hope I don't regret it.

(note to self: write this out eventually)

Last edited by TheSilverFox on Sat Aug 27, 2022 9:22 pm, edited 12 times in total.

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Wed Aug 10, 2022 1:11 am

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Ventomology says...

I see your Rome reference buddy.

"I've got dreams like you--no really!--just much less, touchy-feeley.
They mainly happen somewhere warm and sunny
on an island that I own, tanned and rested and alone
surrounded by enormous piles of money." -Flynn Rider, Tangled

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Wed Aug 10, 2022 9:00 pm

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TheSilverFox says...

it won't be the last one lol

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Thu Aug 11, 2022 12:52 am

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Ventomology says...

Fox did you read Redwall as a kid

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Thu Aug 11, 2022 1:17 am

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TheSilverFox says...

a little yeah

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Mon Aug 22, 2022 4:52 pm

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TheSilverFox says...

wait what does a harp sound like

one of the main characters plays a harp, but I don't actually know that much about the harp repertoire. I'm more of a piano person (though modern pianos come from the pianoforte, which was supposed to improve the dynamic control and range of the harpsichord, so without doing any more research, I can probably say pianos are just sideways harps). here's what some french and russian romantics think a harp sounds like:

Tchaikovsky - Pas de deux
Debussy - Sonata for flute, viola, and harp
Ravel - Introduction and allegro for harp, flute, clarinet, and string quartet (ravel my beloved)
Debussy - Danse sacree et danse profane for harp and string quartet

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Fri Sep 02, 2022 8:45 pm

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TheSilverFox says...

poems

according to my computer, I've written somewhere in the ballpark of 650 poems (they're all in one file, but that file doesn't have every poem I've ever written, and there's a few duplicates in there). that's a decent number of poems, but maybe I'll write more, we'll see.

(any poems I write for LMS will go here. I might also throw in some older ones, for flavor).

sinquefeld cup (32 lines)

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try not to break anything (22 lines)

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covid (26 lines)

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paint the corn (16 lines)

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pause (29 lines)

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and it takes me a few seconds after I wake up to remember I've graduated (15 lines)

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I'd like to get a life eventually (26 lines)

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the carl czerny of writers (50 lines)

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make a creek (21 lines)

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excerpts from observations on the long road to idaho (48 lines)

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I want to be less of a coward (48 lines)

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worth asking (79 lines)

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vivid imagination (29 lines)

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boulanger (32 lines)

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not a fan of driving (51 lines)

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fall driving everything away (23 lines)

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the easiest AI on that one chess website (30 lines)

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the smell of paint thinner (26 lines)

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get out of town (66 lines)

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see straight (22 lines)

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depressed optimistic nihilists (37 lines)

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can I get a white christmas at least (21 lines)

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nadezhda von meck (33 lines)

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wittgenstein dismissed metaphysics (59 lines)

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smashed-up gingerbread house (53 lines)

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not a big fan of I-80 (30 lines)

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art for art's sake (41 lines)

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perfectly blurry (50 lines)

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death of me (27 lines)

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the interview ritual (43 lines)

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wake up it's january (36 lines)

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white christmas (32 lines)

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new year's resolutions (57 lines)

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bad art (42 lines)

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unwanted gifts (58 lines)

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biking in the snow and ice (21 lines)

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if you'd please just hire me (39 lines)

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fairfield idaho (17 lines)

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work of a lifetime (48 lines)

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taking everything too seriously (29 lines)

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never quite healing (24 lines)

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almost dead composers (40 lines)

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dread persephone (24 lines)

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angsty teenage poetry (28 lines)

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Last edited by TheSilverFox on Mon Feb 13, 2023 4:30 am, edited 39 times in total.

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Fri Sep 02, 2022 8:47 pm

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TheSilverFox says...

chapters

this is where the actual novel will go until I exceed the character limit and have to make like five more of these or something

Chapter 1: High Society, Part 1 (1013 words) it sucks but whatever, at least I'm writing

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Chapter 1: High Society, Part 2 (1017 words) I go one day without coffee and I'm miserable

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Chapter 1: High Society, Part 3 (1036 words) 3-4k words is a pretty okay chapter length

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Chapter 1: High Society, Part 4 (505 words) amogus

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Felias felt a tap on her shoulder and flinched. She looked over as Naevius scooted his chair closer to her. “Excuse me, my queen,” he whispered, glancing at the other two to make sure they were still busy, “I know you have heard quite enough of this, but I am still concerned with the lack of protection that your spouses and child have.”

Of course he’d take the opportunity to bring that up. Not like he had much else to talk about. “Their location should be security enough,” Felias said.

“Under normal circumstances, maybe,” said Naevius, furrowing his brow. “But, if we should have to worry about some inter-family conflict, I would rather you not be caught in the crossfire.”

Shaking her head, Felias said, “Our grandparent legitimized their ancestors as royalty. I can hardly imagine they would move against me.”

“If they are willing to fight over their inheritance, any of them would love your support. Coercing you is an option.”

“They are in one of the most securely defended fortresses in a thousand miles, Naevius. While I appreciate your services, you are hardly the only one concerned with my partners’ well-being or the integrity of the family. Our generals would rather die than subject us to such an embarrassment.”

Naevius set a paw on the table. “How about we see how this meeting goes, and then decide what level of security would be appropriate.”

“I would accept that,” said Felias. With that, Naevius scooted away, turning to look at Ignatius and the general, who were busy arguing over the number of people who could fit in the meeting hall. She did the same, though she could catch Naevius looking at her out of the corner of his eye a couple times. Subtle. It wasn’t even like she disagreed with him. The other families were hard enough to control when they weren’t at each other’s throats. The Ferox family, as royalty and the most powerful family in the city, was always going to be a threat. She and her loved ones needed security – she just wasn’t sure if she could trust him.

She didn’t trust anyone in this room. They’d all been around much longer than her, and they’d all gotten comfortable in their positions. Felias’s mother, Petronia, had butted heads with them on more than few occasions. Then Petronia had fallen sick a couple years ago; vomited blood, struggled to hold herself up, could barely talk or move by the end. And here Felias was, a young and inexperienced queen. She could fight, and she could lead parades, and she could recieve guests at the family palace, but she wasn’t close to understanding how her family operated. Nor was she sure if that was on purpose. It was all too convenient.

Felias wasn’t sure what had killed her mother, or if anyone was to blame for it. But, out of everyone who might’ve done it, the people in this room were high up on the list. How was she supposed to trust them?

Chapter 2: Low Society, Part 1 (527 words) haha get it

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“Break!”

The dozen or so workers paused, setting down their bricks they were holding or putting adhesive aside. A couple of them took the opportunity to sit down, while others stood around stretching or trying to wipe sweat from their foreheads, and others started to shuffle their way over to the to the makeshift hall that had been set up in the middle of the construction area. Luciana could already something cooking. Something fried.

Walking around the half-complete wall, Luciana pretended to look for anything out of place. The wall didn’t look like it was leaning. She couldn’t see any bricks jutting out. Some architect would probably come along and tell her group that they had it all wrong, that it was supposed to be three feet to the right or something, but that wasn’t her problem. Or, it shouldn’t be her problem. She was a solider, not some lousy manager.

Luciana sat down in the shade, drawing her legs up to her chest. At least the construction workers only had to wear shorts (albeit bleached under the sun and a little tattered), while she had to prance around in a suit of padded straw armor in the middle of summer. Oh, and the metal helmet, because that made sense. Feeling the fur along her leg with a paw, Luciana winced. It was hot to the touch. That’d definitely hurt. She was getting tired of heading back to her barracks feeling like she was on fire.

Setting her head against the wall (carefully, in case some of the adhesive hadn’t dried yet), Luciana sighed. She still had a few more weeks of this to go, as far as she was aware. Assuming that the Aescanus family didn’t want to send her off on some other project. What was she even doing here? She was supposed to be on campaign, throwing herself into the thick of battle and hacking at anyone who got in her way. She was supposed to be out on the border, standing guard with her other soldiers in the name of her family. Maybe even get some kind of contract and find herself whisked to some far off place where the summers weren’t so hot, the people wanted her to be there, and there was money on the line.

But, of course, she wasn’t good enough. That’s why she was here. The family’s resources were stretched a little too thin between Caelis and their land, and they weren’t about to send someone important to stand out in the sun and make sure these new barracks got built. Every moment that Luciana spent here felt like a waste of time. She knew the other Aescanus soldiers, even the ones who stood guard around the construction, were mocking her behind her back or around the corner or wherever they were at. They were doing their jobs, at least. And sure, her commander had tried to explain things to her. She was too reckless, got carried away, acted before she thought. This was a chance for her to settle down, learn some humility, even be a bit of a leader. Luciana didn’t believe that for a second.

Chapter 2: Low Society, Part 2 (1,009 words) I think I'm so clever

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Chapter 2: Low Society, Part 3 (1,024 words) hopefully this is like romantic or something

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Chapter 2: Low Society, Part 4 (842 words) barge girlfriends

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“Okay,” said Avita, picking up the helmet and staring at her reflection. She didn’t know who was looking back. Part of her was glad that her mane wrapped around her, casting a shadow across her cheeks and nose. Avita didn’t hate the way she looked, per se. Okay, maybe her face looked a little too round. Maybe she would’ve liked more angular cheekbones, a nose and mouth that protruded out a little more. Sometimes people called her blue eyes “piercing,” which she wasn’t happy about. She wanted to look soft, friendly, warm, approachable. Or, as much as she could while she had the muscles that she did (which she was proud of, even if she wished she didn’t have so many of them, or that her arms weren’t so thick). But she already had kind of a friendly face, didn’t she? Even some of her partners would tell her that sometimes. It just, felt out of place, like it was a couple seconds from growing and stretching and wrinkling into the one she wanted to have. Better yet, if she sat there long enough, her face would make sense to her. She’d be happy with it, and she could shove it to the back of her mind and not think about it. Why couldn’t she? It wasn’t like she had to look at it much in the first-

The reflection of Avita’s girlfriend, over Avita’s shoulder, stared into Avita’s eyes. It took Avita a couple seconds to realize that her girlfriend had said anything at all. “Sorry?” Avita said, smiling sheepishly, eyes darting away to admire one of the wooden logs that made up the barge.

“Is this good?” the girlfriend said, gesturing to a section of Avita’s mane that she’d cut a few inches off of.

Staring up at that section, Avita took a few seconds before nodding. “If you could do the same for the top of my mane, yeah,” Avita said.

The girlfriend nodded. “I’ll try to blend it in with the rest,” she said. “Want me to touch anything else up?”

“Nah, the rest is fine,” Avita said.

“In summer?” the girlfriend said, already getting back to cutting Avita’s mane.

“It’s not that uncomfortable,” said Avita. She felt her arms and legs unclenching slightly in the wake of the rhythmic snipping sound. “Night shift and all. Plus, it’s not like it’s going away anytime soon, so maybe I should get used to it?” Avita laughed, a quiet one that died as quickly as started.

The girlfriend paused briefly, holding her scissors in the air, but went back to cutting. “Seriously, let me know if you want to cut any of it off,” the girlfriend said. “It wouldn’t take that long. And you don’t need to get used to this? I’m more than happy to keep doing this.” A pause, then, “And don’t tell me you’re a burden or whatever. I don’t believe that, and you should stop believing it.”

Avita had opened her mouth, but sighed and closed it. She was a burden, wasn’t she? Her partners had to deal with her fussing about her mane or the way she walked or the clothes she wore or her voice, and for what? She wasn’t any less of a woman, any less herself. Everyone had accepted her immediately. Maybe a couple people slipping up on her name or pronouns, but they apologized and corrected themselves. Still, she wasn’t happy. Yes, a woman - and she’d run into plenty of women who had bodies like hers – but Avita wasn’t the woman she wanted to be. Nor did she know what she could do about that. There were a few treatments out there, but they were either expensive, gross, or both. And, if others could find femininity in themselves, not want to do anything with their bodies, why was that so hard for her?

Staring out over the waters of the river Fusca, the moonlight shattering against the murky surface, Avita knew that it wasn’t fair of her to think like that. She was lucky to have partners who cared about her, wanted her to love herself, gave her the room and space she needed to figure herself out. That didn’t make this whole identity thing any less of a pain in the ass, but she didn’t feel like she was alone, at least. They had to put up with her, but she could make up for that when they got to Caelis. Visit family, watch some games, maybe see a parade or two. That city was an overwhelming wall of banners, spears, brick, marble, fireworks, lyrists, and it only got bigger and grander every time she came back to see it. She could tolerate it for a couple days, but she couldn’t imagine living there. Avita would never give up the sound of waves lapping against the barge, the trees by the shore dangling their leaves over her head, the jagged mountains fading behind her and the endless ocean in front of her. Nor could she imagine why anyone would.

Chapter 3: Hiding the Night, Part 1 (192 words) won't lie I don't know as much about music theory as I probably should

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Chapter 3: Hiding the Night, Part 2 (1,017 words) I actually had fun writing this? weird, I know

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Chapter 3: Hiding the Night, Part 3 (1,033 words) dorks

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Then Vela could slump her shoulders and let out a breath. Closing the front doors behind her, Vela felt the day weigh down on her as she turned around. She’d used to think that she’d get used to this job. That all the planning, preparing, performing would turn into an easy routine that’d keep her and her family afloat. Vela had underestimated how much more she’d have to do over time. All the new people she’d have to entertain; all the events that the family would want to put on; even the ways the family would expand and make more contracts with more people. No wonder Cloe (who Vela was now wishing good night) had a bit of a hunch and spent much of her time at the family baths. Would that happen to Vela too? Cloe had spent her time washing clothes and carrying linens around and making beds and dressing the last couple family heads, their relatives, and even a few of the other servants. Still, as different as their jobs were, Vela was afraid that she’d burn out or fall apart before she could retire. Maybe she’d be too old and tired to make music anymore. The idea left a pit in her stomach.

But, for the moment, Vela was free. She walked over to the other door, gesturing for the guards to stand aside. When they did, she opened the door and embraced the smell of the ocean as she headed out onto the narrow cobblestone pathway that ran around the estate’s inner wall. In front of her, the cobblestone gave way to granite tiles surrounded by what was the beginnings of a garden. Which meant weeds struggling to find any light under the white tarps, held up by poles, that stretched over and ahead of her, rippling in a gentle breeze. It being night, the tarp roof plunged the inside of the estate into darkness, such that Vela could barely see more than a few feet in front of her. Not that there was much to see, other than the rectangular outline of the (unfinished) palace room’s walls coming into view as Vela made her way up the wood staircase with iron railings that separated the foyer from the bedrooms.

Vela paused at the top of the staircase. The foyer had been a little too hot and stuffy, between the torches, her performing, and the people inside. Now she could let everything wash over her, feel a bit of a chill run up the fur on her arms. Between the stars coating the sky over her head; the outlines of other palaces and estates (with shops and open markets between them) lighting up under the moon; and Caelis giving way to the sweeping plains, little villages, and the barges sailing lazily down the Fusca, Vela could hear a couple notes in her head. Something soft, gentle, rolling. She’d have to write it down.

Her heart picked up a little as she opened the door and made her way down the hallway. Passing the guards and servants as they made their way between rooms, Vela only had one person in mind as she beelined for the final door on the right. And, sure enough, Vela found her wife sitting at the edge of the bed, papers in one paw as the other rested on the sheets. Floriana – long, slender, all the dignity of a servant in her posture and all the joy of a partner in her warm smile – almost blended into the bedsheets with her long orange dress and yellow fur. Her shadow, cast by the single lamp in the room (set next to the bed), stretched almost to the ceiling, flickering and waving in the light like an invitation to come closer. Vela’s friend, companion, co-worker, muse. The reason that the idea of growing old didn’t sound so scary to Vela anymore. And the reason Vela forgot the song she’d started to compose in her head.

“Long day?” Floriana said, looking over at Vela. Anyone could’ve guessed, given the way Vela slumped when she closed the door behind her, or how Vela’s face drooped as she returned Floriana’s smile.

“Mhm,” Vela said. She yawned right after, as if to prove the point. Heading over to the bed, Vela took the opportunity to flop down on the sheets beside Floriana, sinking into the soft mattress.

Setting a paw on Vela’s calf (which made Vela feel a little weightless), Floriana said, “Well, if it’s not too much of a problem, do you think you could look over some of these orders?”

Not exactly romantic, or appreciated, but Vela would take what she could get. “Give me a minute,” Vela said, flipping onto her side and patting the blankets behind Floriana.

“Of course,” Floriana said, a slight amount of sarcasm in her voice. Still, she set the papers aside and leaned back, laying down on the bedsheets. Turning her head, she and Vela locked eyes. In their room, with the door closed and the blinds shuttered, they could forget about the world for a second. No responsibilities, no obligations, no demands. And Floriana looked tired too, from the way she stretched out to the way she had to keep her eyes from closing. No artist could capture how beautiful Floriana looked in that moment, reclined on the bed, so at ease and relaxed and completely trusting of Vela. But Floriana couldn’t appreciate it, could she? Maybe Vela could pick up a brush. It’d take time, and she didn’t exactly have a lot of that, but maybe it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to pick up another-

“Uh, sorry,” Floriana said, shaking Vela’s shoulder gently, “But we really do need to look at these orders. I promise it won’t take long. And if we could get that makeup off of you and get you into something more comfortable, that’d be great.”

“Yeah, my bad,” Vela said as she pulled herself back up. Floriana did the same, grabbing the papers and setting them between the two. The names and costs blurred together in Vela’s head, as did the ways she nodded or shook her head or suggested other people.

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Mon Nov 14, 2022 4:04 am

TheSilverFox says...

chapters 2: chapter harder

Chapter 3: Hiding the Night, Part 4 (1,079 words) definitely not improvising important concepts in the hopes I can make it into a story

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Chapter 3: Hiding the Night, Part 5 (478 words) these sure are words

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It took him a second before he started talking again. “And, to address your comment, the civil administration was heavily inspired by the policies of town councils upriver, nearby rabbit lords, former monarchies, and common law. Yes, the demands of this city are unique, and that requires some changes to tradition, now and in the future. That is how the law works. It took decades of research and diplomacy to create the current legal code – you could not, in fact, come up with it on your own.”

Seriously, it was hard to get a read on him. He was probably being sincere about this civil administration business, given how testy he was about it (and she didn’t want to strangle him at all). Felias couldn’t understand why he found it so interesting, or how he’d put up being around Ignatius for the last several years, but she’d met stranger people. What she wasn’t sure about was his motive. Was he some loyal pawn of Ignatius, just carrying on the older lion’s legacy while keeping Felias in check? Was Petronias there to keep a close eye on Felias and report back to Ignatius about her behavior and actions? Not that she knew how to figure that out, other than asking more questions. He was already pissed off at her, so why stop now?

“Where is Ignatius?” Felias said, looking down at her own book. She read the same sentence a couple times, trying to parse the dense language. Something about substitutes for a tax.

“Likely back at the family estate,” said Petronius. “I imagine they are consulting with their advisors. They go to sleep late at night.”

Felias crossed her arms. “Why not pay us a visit? I would appreciate explanations for some of these laws, at the least.”

Petronius huffed. “If you are having any problems with the language, I have no issues clarifying it for you.”

“Regardless, this is their jurisdiction,” said Felias, pretending to read. “Not that I do not appreciate you being here, but surely they could find some time to assist their queen.”

Petronius took a deep breath before he said, “You may have a point. Nonetheless, they thought it would be more useful if I was here to assist you. I am supposed to be your advisor, and that I have many more years ahead of me than Ignatius does.” Setting the book aside, Petronius clasped his paws together on the table and looked over at his sister. “On that note, where are you? I have just completed section 4.1, and I would be happy to quiz you when you have done the same.”

Hm. So much for that conversation. She’d have to find some way to interrogate him later. “Give me a few more minutes,” Felias said, resisting the urge to yawn. She had a long and boring night ahead of her.

Chapter 4: Breadwinners, Part 1 (551 words) hahaha

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Vela could already feel the heat of the mid-morning sun radiating off her shoulders as she and the guard behind her made their way through the crowded streets of Caelis. She knew she stuck out, between the satchel slung over her shoulder, the broad-rimmed thatch hat, and the orange robes that stretched down to her ankles and wrists, tied around her waist with a thin cord. More than a few fruit sellers and clothes makers stepped out in front of her, hawking their wares and offering discounts. To say nothing about the guards posted at street corners and by shops, wearing the colors of other families, glaring at her as she passed by. It wasn’t her fault that she had to slip through a couple other families’ territories to get where she needed to go.

Keeping her head low and walking briskly, Vela weaved her way down narrow alleyways, through the rows of tents and tarps that marked open markets, and alongside the walls of mansions and barracks. Creeks made by diverting the Fusca glittered in the sunlight as she passed over bridges. Color banners stretching down from where they’d been hung almost bushed against her hat in the breeze. Gorgeous enough to write about, and she couldn’t help but come up with some ideas to improve a poem she’d left on her desk. And, eventually, the smell of rising bread started to overwhelm her as she rounded a corner and made her way down one final alleyway.

The guard caught up behind her, standing at attention as Vela pushed open the door. Heat wafted over Vela, bringing back years spent in this brick-walled, wooden-floored bakery. Her eyes darted between the loaves on shelves, the huge brick oven against the back, the new and old equipment lining the walls. And then her brother, a bit taller than she remembered, pale fur, starting to develop muscles, smiling his way through a conversation with what looked like merchants, between their pants, round hats, and what looked like rings and necklaces. The merchants were just about done, given they were already carrying their goods in a bag.

“Vela!” her brother said, waving as the merchants turned around and walked off. “How’s it been?”

"Great, actually,” she said as she walked over. Vela felt herself relaxing for the first time since she’d left the mansion. At least she didn’t have to act so noble and dignified here. “More visitors, more performances, more events. I’m keeping busy.”

“Sounds like it,” the brother said, shoving the coins he’d been given into a box. “And we got everything ready for you.”

Pulling her satchel in front of her and opening it, Vela said, “Thank you so much. I know this was on short notice and everything.” Vela took out all the coins she’d kept in the satchel and set them on the table.

“Of course, of course,” the brother said, separating the coins and hovering a claw over them as he counted, lips moving ever so slightly as he did so. He glanced up at her briefly – it was a little more than they’d agreed to. Vela nodded as little as she could, in case the guard noticed anything. Taking the hint, her brother continued the conversation. “Helps that we have a new set of paws around here.”

Chapter 4: Breadwinners, Part 2 (1033 words) ah siblings

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Chapter 4: Breadwinners, Part 3 (1033 words) everyone works on a need-to-know basis here

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Chapter 4: Breadwinners, Part 4 (1072 words) lot of meetings in this book I'm afraid

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Chapter 4: Breadwinners, Part 5 (1037 words) ugh luciana and the co-manager are kind of fun, shame they don't have much of a role in the narrative right now

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Chapter 4: Breadwinners, Part 6 (1029 words) fine she has a name now

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Chapter 4: Breadwinners, Part 7 (758 words) a bit longer than I was expecting this chapter to go. also some swearing, but that's why this thread is rated 18+

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Taking a second to let that roll around in her head, Luciana chugged her beer. “Are you fucking kidding me?” she said, slamming her beer on the table. Her mouth stung, and she tried to wipe the bitter taste from her lips. “And you believe that for a second?”

“Okay, I wasn’t sure what else I was expecting from you,” said Marcia, turning to face Luciana. “But hey, we kind of saw it coming, right? And it’s not like they’re kicking us out. We’ve still got options.”

“Like what?” Luciana spat, falling back into her seat to keep her steady. Marcia and the table started to blur together into a brown mess, while all the shouting and music faded into more of a buzz. “They’re keeping us because we’re useful, but not that useful. Useful enough to keep some people in line, and that’s it. They don’t trust us on the front lines. You think they’d get us promoted? We’ll just keep doing odds and ends for them until they decide to cut us, or put us somewhere boring.”

Marcia set her own beer on the table. “Does that have to be a bad thing?” she said, glancing at other tables. Maybe they were starting to make a scene, but Luciana didn’t care. “Not everybody’s cut out for fighting, and the family isn’t going to let us go to waste. That whole soldiering thing was stressing me out anyways.

“Sounds like a you problem,” Luciana said, glaring at Marcia. “I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to do this shit day in and day out. They’re not even giving me a chance. All that time training me, and they decided, ‘oh, you’re too cocky, you don’t listen to your commander,’ and shove me here. Fuck them. If this is supposed to be my job or whatever, maybe I’ll just leave. Give them something to think about.”

“Aaaaand I think we need to go back,” Marcia said, pulling herself up. Walking over to Luciana’s side of the table, Marcia held a paw out. “That’s desertion, Luciana. We both know what they do to deserters. I get you’re upset, and you’ve got reasons to be, but it’s not worth your pride. How about we get out of here before you say something you shouldn’t?”

Taking Marcia’s paw, Luciana said, “Fine. It’s not like I wanted to be here anyway.” With that, Marcia pulled Luciana up. A bit of stumbling later, Marcia managed to wrap an arm around Luciana and lead them out of the bar, weaving their way through the crowd and out the door. The smell of alcohol gave way to sea salt, coming in with a wind that blew in over the tops of stone buildings and empty wooden market stalls. Marcia and Luciana found themselves walking down the street in silence, lamplights over their heads as the guards underneath stood watch. Other that the occasional beggar kneeling on the streets (Marcia gave a couple coins to them, whatever she hadn’t spent on alcohol), the only other people seemed to heading to or from the bars and nightclubs.

Luciana shivered; Marcia pulled her in a little closer. Not that Luciana knew why, having just spent the night insulting Marcia’s hopes and aspirations. Maybe Marcia only spent time with Luciana because neither of them had anyone else to talk to. The workers all scattered at the end of their shifts, and probably weren’t keen on talking to their bosses in the first place. Luciana’s partners, the people that she’d grown up with, trained with, just started to get to know and fall in love with, were somewhere off on the border or the Aescanus fortress in the countryside. Marcia had to be in a similar boat.

That only made Luciana angrier, though. Angrier that her and Marcia, who spent their free time getting on each other’s nerves, were stuck together because of the family, through no fault of their own (at least, not Luciana’s). What was the point? How was Luciana supposed to take this lying down? She knew she could be a good soldier. Luciana had gotten her fair share of compliments from her bosses and other soldiers over her wrestling skills, the effort she put into cleaning her armor and sword, her passion for the job. And the family had thrown her aside. Maybe she could prove show them she was valuable. Show them that they needed her. Not that she knew what that’d look like, but she had the time to figure it out.

Chapter 5: Coming Together, Part 1 (269 words) I had to put a violin in eventually

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Chapter 5: Coming Together, Part 2 (1030 words) not very happy with this, but I've got other stuff to deal with this week

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Gender:

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Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:47 am

TheSilverFox says...

chapters 3: there's probably going to be a lot of these posts

Chapter 5: Coming Together, Part 3 (1007 words) yes, marianne was the girlfriend from earlier

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Chapter 5: Coming Together, Part 4 (1009 words) tragically forced to name characters so my writing makes sense

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Chapter 5: Coming Together, Part 5 (523 words) everyone loves long-winded descriptions, right

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“At least it’s not my family?” said Avita, making a less than convincing smile. “I might want to head over to the fortress and see what people are talking about, though.”

Marianne nodded. “We can swing by,” she said, pulling away from Martin. While Martin scoped the scene (again), Marianne walked over to Avita. Squeezing Avita’s paw, Marianne smiled up at her girlfriend. “I don’t think it’s a big deal, though. Like you said, it’s not even your family. It could be something on their minds, but that doesn’t explain why all our bosses have been nice to us. Please don’t worry about it too much.”

Well, at that moment, Avita felt a light little-headed holding two of her partners’ hands. Even more so when Martin ran over to give Avita a hug. All that time on the river always left her desperate to hold on to all her partners again, have them in her arms, know that they were right there and loved her as much as she loved them. She was so hopelessly head over heels for little gestures like this one. Avita could barely even describe her emotions; some combination of home-sickness, relief, exhaustion, joy. Strong enough that she almost couldn’t hear Martin mention an otter with a hat and sash who was walking over to them, and almost not notice that the group had split up until Marianne started leading her away.

So much for that moment. At least it was only a few hours before they could spend the next few days together. Once Avita and Marianne had navigated the maze of soldiers and sailors, lions and otters, boxes and wagons, buildings and barges under repair, Marianne let go, walking alongside Avita down the wide cobblestone road that stretched to Caelis.

It felt like the city got a little closer to the shore every time Avita came back to it. Even in the space of a month, fortress and mansion walls had swallowed up wood and stone buildings, with new buildings rising up along the path. Fortunately, Avita could still see the outlines of domes gleaming in the sunlight, the tops of bronzed statues of warriors and generals, painted murals of reclining figures or soldiers marching on campaign (with guards standing alert to keep anyone from tagging said murals). Avita could still admire all the colorful fabrics on people’s outfits, suspended from ropes stretched between buildings (marking family lands, of course), and hawked by merchants on the street corners.

Caelis was a disorganized mess. It was a hodgepodge of a couple different families frantically trying to build whatever they could, wherever they could, trying to prove to everyone else that they had the most soldiers and resources and prestige and whatever. But it was a gorgeous disaster, especially because Avita could see so much of it. Other cities had to throw up walls to protect themselves, but Caelis was crawling with soldiers. Caelis was the place that hired out soldiers to everyone else. Why would it possibly need walls? The city was only going to get messier with time, and Avita had a front-row seat to it all.

Chapter 6: Pomp and Splendor, Part 1 (581 words) I've been wanting to write this one for a while lol

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Vela wasn’t usually allowed into this fortress’s throne room. The Laetanus family had only put up the ceiling a couple months ago, and finished giving it a base layer of paint a couple days ago. She’d hide in her room and scream into her pillow if she wrapped her performance and found blobs of white paint splattered over the top of her harp. And, well, there was still an impressive list of things to take care of. The outside walls needed detailing and carving; the different quarters and kitchens and barracks hadn’t been connected with hallways yet; there weren’t that many fortifications or secret passages; nobody had even started to put up a dome or spires or something distinct like that over the throne room.

It wasn’t much better inside. The walls were littered with the outlines of murals, only the ones towards the floor getting any kind of detailing or painting. A few orange and red banners had been unfurled to hide some of those murals, but the banners themselves looked faded and worn (since they’d been brought in from outside). Much of the crowd that had assembled stood around her, wandering to and from tables of food as they sipped wine from glasses. On the bright side, there were enough couches in the front doors that they could comfortably seat the lord, Septimius Laetanus, and his partners. The lord’s family was, of course at the front of the crowd, whispering between each other and laughing quietly and passing wine glasses around.

Goddess, she was doing alright, wasn’t she? Vela had practiced these pieces to death – maybe it was harder for her to feel any emotion in her playing. Or maybe she was too stiff, the notes too exact, not having enough time to breathe and develop and resonate. Maybe the harp was slightly out of tune (even though she’d spent half an hour fussing over it with Cloe), or she was struggling to remember some of those intervals. Not that she could see much out of the corner of her eye, but it didn’t seem like anyone hated her playing. Nobody flinched or scoffed or walked out. She even though she could see some nods, and the audience was doing their best to hold back coughs. Maybe the lord and his partners looked distracted, but they were at a party dedicated to them, sharing each other’s company without worrying about the lord’s obligations. It was understandable.

Perhaps it would be nicer if she was just trying to impress everyone else, rather than holding herself up to a standard that no one else would even notice? At the same time, what was the point of she wasn’t happy with her own performances of her own music? Either way, she felt her shoulders relaxing and her breaths steadying as the last few notes floated in the air, followed by a round of applause from the audience. A couple shouts, some whistling, and a lot of clapping. Everyone sitting on the couches rose up, with the lord himself nodding in approval.

Vela smiled sheepishly as she handed the harp over to Cloe, then pulled herself off her seat and bowed to the crowd. Wearing an orange dress that glittered in the light shining through the windows on either side of her, Vela struggled not to trip as she walked her way down the short flight of steps between her and Septimius. “My lord,” she said, kissing the back of his outstretched paw.

Chapter 6: Pomp and Splendor, Part 2 (1017 words) trying to make this conversation as stilted as possible lol

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Chapter 6: Pomp and Splendor, Part 3 (1086 words) among us

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Chapter 6: Pomp and Splendor, Part 4 (1010 words) uggggh it makes narrative sense but I hate writing dialogue like this

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Chapter 6: Pomp and Splendor, Part 5 (1048 words) I think these chapters might be getting longer now? that probably bodes well

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Chapter 6: Pomp and Splendor, Part 6 (353 words) hahaha awkward

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“No,” Felias said, tail swishing in irritation. “Why would you even ask? You will be wearing armor, surrounded by guards, and have a clear view of the sky, should anyone who can fly find a way to interrupt the proceedings. Never mind that I have no expectation for you to either stand or speak. Would you rather not be at your daughter’s side?”

A sigh from Felix. “I’ll be sitting on a platform roasting in the sun for several hours. That’s not going to do me any favors right now. If you’d just-”

“I am your queen,” Felias barked. Her father paused, the look in his sunken eyes a little more sullen. Maybe she was imagining it – she wanted some kind of a response from him. Maybe angry, maybe defensive, maybe caring for once in his life. But no, he could only ever care about himself these days. And gods forbid anyone reach out to him.

Felias beckoned for the other lions to come over. “We should begin,” she said, watching them slowly pull themselves out of their seats and step into the sunlight. Turning around, she made her way across the fortress grounds. Guards and attendants started to swarm her, the muted thumps of boots against the dirt and jangling of jewelry accompanied by the overwhelming smell of perfume (pine? really?). Ahead of her, a couple blasts from horns led the soldiers to start lining up, tugging on the edges of the platforms, lift up banners.

Just a barrage of sounds and sights and smells. Great. Of the (many) things Felias hated about being a queen, the ceremonies were high up there. She could barely even take a shit without people hounding her and singing her praises about how fine of a shit it was, or giving her advice on how to shit properly. Felias wanted to lead armies, don her helmet and throw herself into battle, march victorious down the streets of the city. Instead, she had an endless schedule of meetings and parades, to say nothing of all the people who want an elegant and controlled and boring queen. Hooray.

Chapter 7: Regulus, Part 1 (728 words) it only took 25k words but we finally have two of the major characters in the same room, not even talking to each other, hell yeah

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Felias never understood music. It only ever sounded like noise to her – random, jarring, pointless noise. It had taken her the longest while to realize the musicians her mother had invited hadn’t been part of some elaborate practical joke that everyone else was in on. Not that Felias had ever told Petronia that. Who’d admit to being out of the loop like that? And then, of course, Felias had figured out that other people did get something out of music. Whatever that was.

This time, though, the audience didn’t look all that enthusiastic. Sideways glances, conversations with attendants, staring up at a ceiling so low that Felias, could pull herself up, stretch, and touch it (to be fair, she was sitting on a raised stone throne with a few stairs leading up to it). She wasn’t quite sure why the other families looked so bored. This musician – a lyre player from the Dolosus family – was making quite a lot of noise. It was hard to get a good look at him, given the way he constantly moved around the circle that had been marked in the center of the room with raised stone, but it seemed like he was putting a good deal of effort into it. His paws were always contorted into painful positions when she could get a glimpse of him. Not to mention the constant frown and glances down to his lyre.

Maybe it was the room. The other family heads (or their representatives), servants, relatives, and associates had crowded into the side of the circle opposite hers. She could even see a few of the guards nudging and glaring at each other. An intentional design, of course. It put the other families on edge, forced them to come in and leave in an orderly way down all the narrow corridors and halls, and made it easier to monitor them in secret. And they’d have to acknowledge her half of the room. The thick gray walls, lit only by torches in braziers, didn’t set the friendliest tone, but it was a secure place. It had to be.

Maybe it was hard to appreciate the music when all the families were eyeing the three that, once again, had decided to sit right next to each other. One of the families had claimed that spot in one of the first meetings, and the other two had decided that it was actually theirs. Representatives of the Imbris, Maris, and Thalassina families, all decked out in blue and their secondary colors, whispered in and among each other in what had to be the world’s most awkward family reunion. Not exactly the actions of people about to go to war with each other, but Felias still had to wait for them to open their mouths.

In any case, the crowd applauded politely as the lyrist finished. Felias joined in, raising her chin slightly and nodding as the lyrist bowed in her direction. He gave a quick summary of the pieces in a quiet and rumbling voice, saying that he was trying to show off some technique and thought she would appreciate it. When Felias said she did, the lyrist quickly slipped through one of the gates carved out of the stone circle and made his way back to his family. Hm. She couldn’t quite get a read on that dude, but his explanations had been getting shorter, his voice softer, and his step faster, like he was embarrassed to show himself. Was that her fault? Felias cheeks burned slightly. She didn’t want to be an ass to a random stranger, especially one as passionate as him.

Ah, and there was the harp, making its way through the crowd again. At the lead was that Laetanus woman (Vela, right?) in a black dress with orange trim that tried its best to glitter in the little light that was in the room. Felias didn’t have a strong opinion about Vela. Maybe the harpist could put on some weight, in the case the wind picked her up one day and carried her away. Otherwise, Vela was nothing but polite – in the middle of bowing and waving with an awkward expression on her face – and formal. And people seemed to like Vela quite a lot, given the occasional bursts of applause before Vela had even made it to the central circle. That poor lyrist.

Chapter 7: Regulus, Part 2 (1038 words) I sure hope you like long descriptive paragraphs

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A couple lions followed Vela into the circle, dressed up in orange dresses that didn’t sparkle like Vela’s. The taller and (somehow) even thinner lion to the left set a chair down behind Vela and walked off, while the stouter and somewhat hunched lion to the right held the harp up as Vela sat on the chair. Maybe Vela’s servants? Though the few glances and smiles that Vela shared with the taller lion suggested there was something more going on there. Either way, Vela took the harp from the shorter lion, doing that thing that musicians did where they made a bunch of sounds and adjusted pegs and strings in response, nodding or frowning the whole time. Felias was reasonably sure that was an attempt to make sure the instrument sounded alright. Not that it mattered to the queen, but maybe the others in the room would appreciate it.

In all fairness to the lyrist, there’d been a couple people in the audience who’d been staring at him intently, tapping claws against their arm to the beat and such. But, the moment Vela started playing, Felias was hard-pressed to find anyone who wasn’t keeping their eyes on Vela. Which made it easier to spy on assorted family heads, spot any movement in the back of the room, and figure out what everyone thought about Vela’s playing. Not that Felias needed to worry about that last question – the crowd would almost certainly applaud. Still, in the unlikely event Vela ever screwed up, Felias didn’t want to make a fool of herself.

Everything looked normal, though. Some movement among the guards and servants in the background, some whispered conversations between family heads and their attendants, and someone getting shushed for trying to eat what smelled like an apple. Standing to Felias’s right, Ignatius made elaborate gestures in time with the music; to Felias’s left, Naevius gave the occasional nod. But it was Domitia Arcis, sitting well below Felias inside a stone oval that cut into the circle, who seemed to be the most fascinated with Felias. Propping her chin on her paws, Domitia stared at Felias with such an intensity that even Felias, sitting behind Domitia, could notice.

Domitia was a fascinating person herself. In theory, the Regulus was chosen by the other families to serve as a negotiator with the Ferox family. The Regulus would take the other families’ collective grievances, present them to the Ferox family, and hand down the Ferox family’s judgment. On top of serving assorted diplomatic duties (with a small standing army, of course – the lions always wanted to make it clear who they were). Of course, the reality was more complicated. The other families made alliances and/or fought each other to nominate a Regulus who’d be nothing more than a puppet for some group of families, if not just one. Petronia had refused to accept a few candidates in the past, and most the others had managed to get voted out.

And yet, a few years into her position, Domitia was still the Regulus. Maybe it was because Domitia didn’t stand out. Just a former general and a cousin of the Arcis family. Domitia hadn’t even seen much action – she’d been coordinating soldiers and supplies. Domitia was a short and stout lioness with a quiet voice and smiles for every occasion. And maybe some of that was genuine, but Felias doubted all of it was, especially in moments like these. The fact that Domitia kept the Arcis name at all, despite having argued against or questioned the logic of her own family, was another sign. Underneath that disarming and boring personality was someone who was, perhaps, a bit too clever, at least enough to stay Regulus. Which was all to say that Felias was very curious to know what Domitia had in mind for Vela.

Unfortunately, with the crowd breaking out into applause, Felias didn’t have time to think about it. Felias joined in, nodding to Vela as the latter stood up and bowed, with the smaller lion holding onto the harp. Considering either standing up or whistling, Felias decided against it – the audience hadn’t decided to give Vela a standing ovation, and Felias wasn’t confident if it’d be a good idea to start one.

“Thank you, thank you all,” Vela said in a voice that was hard to hear about the clapping. Once the room had settled down, Vela took the opportunity to keep talking. “While I am here, I wanted to thank the lyrist that performed before me” – Vela adjusted the top of her dress and looked around for him, a confused look flashing across her face a couple seconds later (had he already left?) before locking eyes with members of the audience again – “I was impressed by his ability. I have rarely heard someone play with such speed and control. If someone here is able to talk to him, I would appreciate that you tell him as much. He has more talent with the lyre than I do with the harp.”

Huh. Was Vela trying to be humble, or was that a sincere gesture? Given that one of the lions by Septimius Laetanus was gesturing for Vela to stop talking (while Septimius gave an amused little smile), probably sincere. Interesting. Felias found herself respecting Vela a little more.

“I imagine he would be happy to hear as much,” Felias said, straightening herself out. “In any case, would you be so kind as to explain the pieces you performed?”

“Ah, yes,” said Vela, turning to face Felias. Vela tried to keep a smile, but Felias could see the anxiety that rippled across Vela’s expression. Good – like Vela or not, Felias wanted to make a certain impression. “The first two were pieces that I had performed recently, and so I was comfortable with them. The third was written specifically for you, in fact. I am not much for names, but I was thinking something along the lines of ‘Ode to Lady Ferox?’”

A couple chuckles in the audience. “I would encourage you to spend a bit more time on your names,” Felias said, putting on a smirk. “The proper address is ‘queen,’ but I appreciate the effort. And thank you for your performance.”

Chapter 7: Regulus, Part 3 (1044 words) nobody likes meetings felias

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Chapter 7: Regulus, Part 4 (1024 words) I kind of feel like my writing style is getting increasingly detached from the english language, idk.

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Chapter 7: Regulus, Part 5 (477 words) now it's my turn to talk about sewage

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Oh, finally, a threat. And one of the few worse than an inter-family war spilling out onto the streets. It was easy enough answering lion violence with lion violence; bullying the merchant-kings back into their contracts would be a bad look, to say the least. “Quite understandable,” Ignatius said with a slow nod. “It would be in our best interest, then, to see about potentially diverting our current systems. Either farther down the river or the sea – whichever is more preferable to you.”

Some more whispering, with the merchant-king glancing at Ignatius and Felias a couple times. Galtier then threw part of his cape back, with a couple servants catching it and straightening out any wrinkles. “I don’t care,” Galtier said. “Whatever keeps the river or the sea from smelling like shit and piss. Not that I think you could choke an ocean in them, but maybe you could surprise me.”

“We will do our best not to?” said Ignatius, shifting uncomfortably. Felias had to stifle a laugh. She’d have to find someone with a personality like Galtier’s and bring them with her, just to watch Ignatius squirm. It was slightly strange that Ignatius was bothered at all. They’d grown up among commoners, and Felias was fairly sure they’d served as a general at some point. Surely abrasive personalities hadn’t been that out of the ordinary. Maybe Ignatius was just used to living among the royals and speaking their language. On top of that, they probably hadn’t expected to be taking about feces in this meeting.

Ignatius looked away from Galtier, towards the other family heads. “If you would be so kind as to answer my entreaties on this matter,” they said to the crowd, “we could assemble some kind of committee or council within a few weeks. It would be nice to pull our architects together and come up with mutual agreeable plans, particularly with our contracts on the line.”

A general murmur of agreement rose up to Ignatius and Felias. Ugh. Even when they were uncomfortable, Ignatius still had the situation under control. Besides, Ignatius had been yelling about city planning and corralling the families for as long as Felias had known them. She couldn’t help but admire them, even if she didn’t want to.

“I can work with that, as long as you keep me in the loop,” Galtier said.

Domitia nodded. “Is that all your business?” she said.

“Yeah,” said Galtier. “And I better not have any more business here – I’ve got better things to do with my time.”

“Understood,” said Domitia. Raising her gavel, she looked around the room. “Unless there are any other matters that need our attention, it appears as though we are ready to adjourn this meeting.” After a couple seconds of silence, Domitia banged the gavel against the block. “This meeting is adjourned. Thank you for your time.”

Chapter 8: Waiting on Tomorrow, Part 1 (544 words) still need to figure out if I want to write about the parade lol

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That hadn’t been one of her stronger performances. Fine, she always got anxious playing in front of audience, much less one full of distinguished and important people. But maybe her strings had been a little too loose, or her playing had been too flowery, or she hadn’t put that much emotion into it. The Lady Ferox had been a little, polite, for lack of a better word. Formal, stiff, even with the sarcastic comment. Yes, the Lady Ferox usually acted like that, but Vela couldn’t help shake the feeling that, somehow, her playing was some kind of faux pas. Or, worse yet, it was bad.

Whatever the case, at least it’d be a while before the next meeting, or any other occasion Vela had to prepare for. Sure, Vela would be at the parade, but it wasn’t like anyone could hear a harp over a march. Which was all to say that Vela wanted to be here, in the middle of the Yard, listening to one of the horn players.

“Wow,” said Floriana, smiling awkwardly at Vela while standing behind the horn player, paws over her ears. “Those are some lungs.”

“Thanks,” said the horn player, adjusting his instrument (a long brass one that curved up, with a few holes towards the bottom). He seemed more focused on some noise he wasn’t quite happy with, if the frequent frowns and changing where his claws were positioned was anything to go by. Which was the reason that Vela had singled out this person in particular – he looked like the one most invested in his craft.

And fine, Floriana wasn’t all that comfortable here. Fair. Most people probably wouldn’t enjoy standing out in the middle of a long grassy field, wearing hats and waving fans to try and fight off the sun glaring down at them, hearing horns blare out notes at random moments. Of course, Vela wasn’t most people. The deep drones and growls and roars that came out of those horns captivated her. Some families even went so far as to have motifs to represent certain leaders and battle plans. Vela had complicated feelings about her family’s military, but this was one of their more clever (and less harmful) ideas. Hopefully Floriana wouldn’t fault Vela too much for wanting to stick around.

“Sorry if it’s rude to ask,” Vela said, relieved that none of the people who’d yell at her for using contractions were around, “But, can you read sheet music?”

“A little?” the horn player said with a shrug. “I learned by copying what the people around me were doing, but yeah, the generals had us learn some more complicated stuff by using sheet music. Are you asking me to play something?”

“If you could,” said Vela, immediately reaching into her pockets and fishing out a piece of paper that she’d torn from an order she’d already gotten taken care of. Crap, did she have anything to write with? Time to shove her paws in her pockets again. “I, uh, just thought of something, based on that last set of notes.” Okay, she was pretty sure she’d left a pencil in one of her pockets, and it wasn’t like she could even fit that many pockets in her robes in the first place.

Chapter 8: Waiting on Tomorrow, Part 2 (1,007 words) you're MARRIED she's your WIFE stop being so INSECURE

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Chapter 8: Waiting on Tomorrow, Part 3 (1,005 words) the carnival of animals

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Chapter 8: Waiting on Tomorrow, Part 4 (1,025 words) good news it'll be everything you imagined it in 300 years, long after you and everyone you know is dead

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Chapter 8: Waiting on Tomorrow, Part 5 (239 words) man these chapters are getting long

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Chapter 9: Bread and Circuses, Part 1 (784 words) wheee padding

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The worst part of her job –waving at people. What were the odds they could even see her, anyways? She was sitting on a throne on a large platform, shaded by a tarp that someone had placed overhead, surrounded by relatives and soldiers. Still, it wouldn’t be a parade without the queen, and most of the other families had managed to show up, so here she was.

She was proud of her outfit, though. All the red ribbons complemented the purple robes, and the little crown with the blue gems set in it was a nice touch. Plus, she even had a sword strapped to her belt. A ceremonial one that was way too heavy for her to ever wield, never mind that it’d cause a panic if she were to break it out, but whatever, it gave her a tiny bit of comfort. While she’d just yelled at her dad about how safe this parade was supposed to be, she couldn’t help but feel exposed. At least it wouldn’t look suspicious if she constantly turned her head from one side of the parade path to the other, waiting to see anyone drawing a bow or swooping down from the sky or threatening to run in front of her.

Petronius wasn’t even here, just in case the worst happened. Well, that was the explanation she’d been given. Since Petronius hated being in public more than she did, it’d make a certain amount of sense if he’d made excuses to Ignatius until Ignatius let him be. Besides, everyone else was here. She had Naevius to her right, adjusting the chestplate of his metal armor and looking about as uncomfortable as she felt. Ignatius, dressed in thick red and blue robes, stood towards the front of the platform, back straight, waving eagerly, a bit of a smile on their face. Someone was having fun.

Standing beneath and in front of her were her siblings. Well, half-siblings, really. The ones directly in front of her were her mom’s kids, the only others wearing anything that wasn’t red and blue. Specifically, purple half-hoods or stripes or pins. Some of them waved; others folded their arms and stood still; none of them looked back at her. She was fine with that. They’d never been close – she’d been separated from them and raised to become queen for as long as she could remember. They were always supposed to be generals and administrators, but she’d had to wrestle a couple of them to become queen. Maybe they still wanted to take her position. The twins were too young, and the other kid was her stepson, so her half-siblings could take the throne if she died today. She didn’t want to get too close to them, basically.

All around the group were assorted servants and soldiers. Her stepsister, in brown robes with a red and blue cape draped over her left shoulder, head bowed slightly, stood to Felias’s right. Between the way the stepsister stared at the ground and how the stepsister didn’t move a muscle, it looked like she wanted to be here about as much as Felias did. Not that the stepsister would ever say as much, or say much of anything. Their relationship was, complicated. Felias could remember chasing her stepsister around when they were both kids; she was the only friend that Felias had as a kid (other than Petronius, but, siblings). But, of course, the stepsister was supposed to be a loyal servant, and somewhere along the way the stepsister decided that meant talking was optional. And sure, she was quiet and loyal, but maybe Felias needed friends.

And there was Felias’ father behind her. If she had to guess, he was close to one of the posts holding up the tarp, squeezed between a couple guards. She wasn’t going to go check, but she could hear the occasional cough or yawn coming from around there. Felias was doing her best not to think about it. Maybe he’d come up to her afterwards, beg to be made a servant again. He could see some of his own kids, brushing dust off assorted family members’ clothes or brushing their manes or passing letters between each other. If she’d just take away the Ferox name, he could spend time with more of his family and etc. But she wasn’t about to see her father reduced to the role of a servant. He’d worn the name with pride once; maybe he’d find pride in it again.

The float started to make its way around a bend. Past the stores and shops shoved together on either side of her, she could see The Yard, pale green in the late morning light.

Chapter 9: Bread and Circuses, Part 2 (1,042 words) not really happy with this, but hey, at least I'm still writing

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Chapter 9: Bread and Circuses, Part 3 (1,013 words) eugghghggh my writing's kind of clumsy

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Chapter 9: Bread and Circuses, Part 4 (1,015 words) I love dramatic irony maybe a little too much

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Chapter 9: Bread and Circuses, Part 5 (1,013 words) not even in the top 10 worst mistakes luciana's going to make

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Chapter 9, Bread and Circuses, Part 6 (1,047 words) luciana's not a great person

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Last edited by TheSilverFox on Mon Jun 05, 2023 4:59 am, edited 22 times in total.

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Mon Feb 13, 2023 4:35 am

TheSilverFox says...

poems 2: the sequel

writer's blockade (58 lines)

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that's another failure (28 lines)

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little obsessions (30 lines)

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I read a book in college (28 lines)

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cold unboiled water (37 lines)

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the numbers game (58 lines)

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nous au tombeau (56 lines)

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consuming the medias (87 lines)

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nth time's the charm (55 lines)

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poem after study after velazquez's portrait of pope innocent x (27 lines)

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cookie-cutter scholarship essays (40 lines)

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dead bird bingo (40 lines)

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covered in stickers (20 lines)

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damn you're old (49 lines)

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rotting bean juice (31 lines)

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this wendy's is full of liars (26 lines)

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dirt and oil glory (12 lines)

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kaikhosru shapurji sorabji (52 lines)

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rot thumb (28 lines)

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cohesive adhesive (24 lines)

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some solar eclipse I saw a few years back (37 lines)

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and the moths aren't very smart anyways (32 lines)

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tough shit kid (22 lines)

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paper graveyard (32 lines)

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