Quests & Challenges

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/35#post_55876593]Previous[/url] [Color=navy][size=5][b]Chapter 72: A "King" Returned[/b][/size][/color] --------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70053540][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=70053540&skin=50203&apparel=50503,744,743&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88670503][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=88670503&skin=47476&apparel=&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “WHAT?!” roared Dakila, who was sitting on the throne. “My liege, be as the news is grave, Ula is indeed dead, killed by the spell they concocted to keep the princess confined in the cell,” Edel reiterated, keeping its heads low in respect and to hide its pleasure in realizing its opposition was removed. Dakila looked hard at Edel, “I find this hard to believe…How could one of their spells backfire? They have not yet failed in providing me the spells and incantations to help my campaign succeed.” Edel lifted one of its heads to look directly at Dakila, feigning innocence, “I had the same thoughts and considered sabotage to be at play. When I visited their room, I noticed that their study was completely in disarray, causing a multitude of hazards that could have caused the slip up. In fact, there was an overturned bottle of lionfish spines near the cauldron, with most of its contents missing. I suspect a simple slip of ingredients like that could have altered the spell they had concocted which led to their death.” “And why couldn’t you have ensured that the room was less hazardous when you had set it up in the first place?” Dakila growled, this time standing up from the throne he was sitting in before and brandishing the dark trident in his claws. “Of course, my king, everything was well-organized when I had brought their belongings into the room. By the time I was summoned there again, it was an absolute mess. There was no time for me to clean it in that time as they commanded me to lead them to the dungeons to complete the spell.” Dakila didn’t look fully convinced with Edel’s explanation, but before he could utter another word, Douglas swam into the room, breathless but excited. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/75522287][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=75522287&skin=29815&apparel=10715,10364,10392,10743,10371&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “Dakila! Our outside sentries has confirmed that King Tusitala is within sight and heading to the palace!” Dakila nodded and then turned to Edel, brows furrowed, “I still want their death investigated to ensure there is no foul play within our ranks. Carry on in ensuring the princess stays imprisoned and report to me any updates when necessary.” Edel bowed, “Of course, my liege,” and swam away from the room. Dakila turned to Douglas with a smile, “Let’s give our king the welcome he deserves!” [img]https://imgur.com/9UVvjEs.png[/img] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/81432233][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=81432233&skin=0&apparel=37886,35203,35215,35198,50221&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Tusitala saw the two sentries standing guard beside the palace’s entrance, but rather than a hostile greeting that he was expecting, he was surprised to see them both bow and say, “Welcome, King Tusitala!” “Where is my daughter, Kailani?” Tusitala asked, eyeing the guards warily for their warm welcome. One of the guards frowned while the other answered, “The traitor is locked in the dungeons to ensure that she does not have any chance at removing you from the throne like your daughters did before. But do not worry – she has no hope to escape after the spell that was enacted on the cell.” Tusitala took in the information without replying, hoping to hear more, but Dakila approached with Douglas by his side. “The rightful king has returned!” Dakila said and bowed, showing only to Tusitala a grin in mockery, “We have been waiting for your arrival. Come in and take your rightful place on the throne!” Tusitala followed Dakila, with Douglas close behind. As they continued to the throne room, Tusitala noted the many dragons who bowed in respect, welcoming his return. [i]How odd. They seem convinced that I did not step down from the throne on my own accord. It’s brainwashing that reeks of Dakila. But perhaps I can use their loyalties to me to my advantage…[/i] Lost in thought, Tusitala was surprised to see that they were already in the throne room. Dakila stood beside the throne and gestured Tusitala to sit. Once Tusitala sat, Dakila spoke, “And so the king returns to his rightful throne, ready to bring Nan’nalu to its rightful place in history and guiding it by the principles that guided us to this point today,” Tusitala frowned, understanding Dakila’s insinuation, but remained silent. Douglas and the others cheered, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” Yet amongst all of the smiling and joyful faces, Tusitala looked serious and apprehensive. [i]Trapped again under Dakila’s claws… Let’s hope I can untangle this mess from the inside.[/i] --------------------------------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/36#post_55906348]next[/url] @pinglist-2103 Tusitala has returned to Dakila's cage, but it is said that "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." Perhaps it will be the case here and help Tusitala or ultimately cause his demise...

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/36#post_55900424]Previous[/url] [Color=navy][size=5][b]Chapter 73: A Voyage Cut Short[/b][/size][/color] --------------- There was a merchant ship traveling the waters of the Sea of a Thousand Currents, with its ultimate destination set to Flotsam Town. On board, there are beastclan and dragons alike, all eager to set foot and claw in the town. Waiting can make anyone agitated if it took too long and due to the caution venturing in these waters, where ships were known to be sunk by an unknown beast, time was venturing into that threshold, putting many on edge… [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/90862249][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=1&body=166&bodygene=242&breed=24&element=1&eyetype=1&gender=0&tert=13&tertgene=244&winggene=242&wings=139&auth=141f8a57777e9abac124a3a842120d1bf20c9e19&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url] “Hey! Were you trying to take my merch?!” an Obelisk shouted at an Auraboa named Alexandrite. “Oh! No, no, not at all!” the Auraboa said, looking scared, “I- I- I was just l-l-looking at how beautiful the stones were in your j-j-jewelry. I specialize in gems, you see, so -” “Sure you were, you slithery stutterer. Keep your scalely hide away from me and my merch!” and the Obelisk raised a paw with outstretched claws threateningly. Alexandrite began to preen his wing feathers in an attempt to calm himself, “I-I-I’m so sorry. Maybe I can m-m-make it up to you…” [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/90684977][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=1&body=141&bodygene=251&breed=24&element=4&eyetype=0&gender=1&tert=173&tertgene=219&winggene=0&wings=45&auth=0909147efa0ee857874cc902f23c36a8a391ba3b&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url] “Oi! What’s this here? Trying to bully our shipmates?” another Auraboa approached, her name being Mia, looking coldly at the Obelisk, “Seems a bit cowardly to accuse someone of a crime when they are just looking. Keep that attitude up, and you’ll scare all your customers away.” The Obelisk turned their head towards the Mia, “You in cahoots with this clown? I can tear both of you apart with a single paw!” This made Mia laugh, “If you’re fast enough, but I don’t think you can keep up with my speed!” Just before the two clashed, a musical melody drew their attention. It was light and beautiful, and seemed to create an air of calm that washed over each listener. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/85083621][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=85083621&skin=33821&apparel=4319,49663,30846,30845&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Everyone on board turned their heads to see that it came from a Fae adorned in silks, who was playing a panflute from the railings on the upper deck. Silence hung in the air after the last note of her melody ended, and a glint in her eye showed that she had more to show. The Fae, whose name was Vivid, nodded towards a group of musicians. Understanding her hint, they took up their instruments, copying the theme of the song and embellishing it. Vivid jumped down from her perch to a clearing in the center of all the passengers. With barely a pause, she began to dance, mesmerizing all who watched with her poise, beauty, and energy. All anger and agitation were forgotten, even between the Obelisk and Mia. Vivid made one last move and ended her dance in a pose with wings outstretched and eyes to the sky. Almost immediately, there was applause that rippled across the passengers along with glittering pieces of treasure that fell in the pouch laid out before Vivid. The Obelisk turned back towards the pair of Auraboas, “Wow, did you see that? I haven’t seen moves like that in all of my life. Simply amazing!” Mia nodded in agreement, but Alexandrite still nervously preened his wings. “Oh, about before, forget about it,” the Obelisk continued, “We’re all on edge because of all the talk of a sea beast, but it hasn’t been seen in a long time! We should be there at Flotsam Town soon, and once we are, you,” the motioned to Alexandrite, “should stop by the shop I’ll set up. Maybe we can work together at creating more pieces with some of the special gems you have in your stock.” Alexandrite blushed, “Yeah…that would be nice…Thank you.” The Obelisk turned back to shine their jewelry pieces, while Alexandrite and Mia slithered in another direction. “Um, thank you too…for standing up for me back there,” Alexandrite said shyly, “I don’t do well under pressure and can start stuttering…I bet they would have torn me to shreds had it not been for you speaking up.” Mia shrugged, “Think nothing of it. Just trying to do what’s right.” Alexandrite smiled, happy to have found a possible friend on board, “My name is Alexandrite, and I sell gemstones. What’s your name?” “Mia, and I’m no merchant. Just a dragon with an appetite for adventure! I never rode a ship before, and I’m excited to explore a floating town for the first time too!” Mia grinned. Suddenly, there was a voice ringing out from the crow’s nest, “Sea beast off the starboard side! Coming fast!” The passengers began to panic, some of them screaming in fear. The ship then shook from an impact against the hull, causing many to fall to the deck and on top of each other. The sailors scrambled to try to ready weapons to attack back, but another moment of impact came so quickly after that it proved fruitless. Instead, the second attack from the sea beast caused a hole in ship’s hull, and the ship was taking in water fast. “Abandon ship!” the captain roared, “Take to the lifeboats or take to the sky! Go due east to get to Flotsam Town!” It was chaos, with passengers even trying to bring whatever they could with them, but there were only so many lifeboats with only so much room. Sailors were trying to convince passengers to leave everything behind to ensure everyone could get onto a lifeboat, “Leave all belongings behind! Your life is the greatest treasure you have, so keep it and your fellow passengers’ safe.” Those that could fly lifted from the deck of the ship and headed eastward. Yet, even the sky was not a safe place – the sea beast leapt out of the water and grabbed a few dragons before plunging back underwater. Alexandrite and Mia were of those that began to fly, and had it not been for Mia’s quick action of shoving Alexandrite aside, Alexandrite would have been part of the sea beast’s meal. “You saved me again!” Alexandrite said, eyes wide in fear, “I- I- I was almost that things lunch!” “Less talking, more flying!” Mia shouted back, “I don’t think that thing is capable of eating anything. It’s just killing us when it can.” Alexandrite stole a glance back at the ship and saw its sinking shape with lifeboats darting away as fast as possible. The sea beast’s back was just barely above the water and was making its way towards the flying flock of dragons. “It’s coming for us!” screamed Alexandrite. “Then fly fast!” Mia yelled, and they were again lucky that the sea beast’s next attack was directed towards a different part of the flying mass. Fear and adrenaline drove the passengers towards Flotsam Town. While some of them were able to make it to the floating town, there were many whose life was ended that day. [img]https://imgur.com/9UVvjEs.png[/img] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89338451][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=1&body=83&bodygene=155&breed=22&element=9&eyetype=0&gender=0&tert=102&tertgene=209&winggene=160&wings=171&auth=9c4745fe570c32cf39463fa4b8ad1092586ca7aa&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url] Clover was looking out over the ocean from the side of the Second Chance. It wasn’t used to losing someone it knew, and that loss stirred in itself a slew of emotions. In the end, it felt like trying to comprehend the vastness and depth of an ocean. Or of space. Clover looked up to the sky, which was filled with glittering stars. Space was what Clover was used to, and the scene brought it comfort against the wave of sadness that was ready to wash over it. But something was different in the sky. There was a bright light becoming larger and larger. [i]Is it a comet? A ship? What could it be?[/i] Its eyes were glued on the unknown object, and soon the light gave a splash, landing in the ocean not too far from the Second Chance. Clover decided to investigate immediately before the object sunk below the waves, so it flew off the side of the ship and to the place the object landed. Clover smiled at its ability to fly – it had come a long way since it landed in Sornieth. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/90270934][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=90270934&skin=53093&apparel=&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] When Clover got close enough, it was surprised to hear spluttering and splashing. “Help! Help me! I can’t swim!” the voice said, and Clover saw it was another Aether, just like itself. [i]This brings back memories,[/i] it thought to itself. Carefully, Clover flew over and grabbed the Aether by its back, trying to ensure the Aether’s frantic movements wouldn’t knock it into the water. “Stop flailing. I got you. Just hang on. I’ll be bringing you to our ship nearby,” Clover eased the unknown Aether. The Aether looked exhausted and complied, only coughing up water while Clover flew. Soon, Clover deposited the Aether gently on the deck and looked over the newcomer. Ae was rather beautiful, aside from being drenched. Aer body sparkled like starlight and ae had golden bangles on aer tails, limbs, and head horns. When ae raised aer head and looked at Clover, it got lost in aer eyes, mesmerized. “What a landing! This world really challenges you as soon as you visit. Good thing you saw me and are able to fly me to safety,” ae said, “Umm, are you okay? You look a bit frozen but it’s not that cold right now.” “Oh, er, sorry. What was your name again?” Clover asked sheepishly. “My name is Deene, and this is the first time I mentioned it, so it’s not really asking again,” Deene laughed, which sounded like starlight to Clover, “What’s your name?” [i]I feel like my insides are melting,[i] it thought, and it said out loud, “Clover. My name is Clover.” “So, Clover, where is here? This is a ship?” Deene asked after shaking off more of the water of aer body by buzzing aer wings. “Yes! This is Second Chance, and you won’t meet a finer crew. There’s Keala, our Captain, as well as Miuccia, Keala’s first mate, and…” Clover prattled on, going over everyone on board, and it loved how focused Deene was on it. “…and we just lost someone though… Maevarau, and xe was a hero, saving Anuenue and Luca from that horrible beast… It’s been a lot on everyone, even me,” Clover said, voice getting quieter as it reflected on how the news weighed heavy on everyone. “I’m so sorry, Clover. It sounds like Maevarau was very selfless to do what xe did, dying so your crewmates could live, probably by some grave and painful death. I’m sure what xe did, and who xe was – you all will never forget and treasure those memories,” Deene said. While parts of what Deene said felt terrible, Clover could understand that ae was trying to help it feel better, “Yeah, thanks, Deene.” “Ummm, do you know if your captain will allow me to stay on board? I don’t really know how to fly or swim, so it would be very tough for me to leave,” Deene asked, looking warily at the ocean. Clover laughed, “Absolutely! I’ll teach you everything I know.” [i]No way will I let Pleeha train ae like she trained me. Plus, now I can spend a bunch of time with aer,[/i] thought Clover. Smiling, Deene nodded, “I’d like that. But can we do it after a nap? That landing and nearly drowning nearly sapped all of the strength I have.” --------------------------------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/36#post_56033779]Next[/url] @pinglist-2103 This chapter took way too long to come in terms of introducing my Earth hatch, my Aurabora hatch, and a personal nest hatch with only one hatchling that survived. More of the waters will be stormy now that Dakila has gotten a hold of Nan'nalu. But perhaps they will be sources of alliances to then take him down...

Vivid showed up and I was like "Hey, I know that dragon!!!" It made me very happy to see her!

Also, I really feel for Tusitala, trapped yet again...

[center]@pinglist-2103 Life has been a bit hard atm, and this time, it took a bit more out of me to be creative. Thank you for your patience. Since I didn't have it in me to write a chapter, I decided to do some art pulls instead. Simple busts mostly to recapture my inspiration of their personality and perspective of the world. [b]Art Pull for 10/30[/b] Pleeha [img]https://imgur.com/Es9RaHA.png[/img] [b]Art Pull for 11/3[/b] Ajal [img]https://imgur.com/r3AzVZH.png[/img] [b]Art Pull for 11/4[/b] Vivid (who's name may change in the story, still playing with the idea...) [img]https://imgur.com/wlf31Nf.png[/img]

@Petall
Indeed! I felt she needed to have more story, since she was unable to be as developed in the story she started with. I hope she gets far in this 'locke!

And yes, definitely trapped again...feels like a mental state I am in. But gonna try to be hopeful! Sometimes being closer to the danger is the sure way to handle and fix it.

The art looks SO GOOOOOD

@Petall
Thank you ^^ I find Aberrations the hardest to draw >.< But Vivid as a dancer was super fun!

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/36#post_55906348]Previous[/url] [Color=navy][size=5][b]Chapter 74: A Fish to Take You to Your Heart's Desire[/b][/size][/color] --------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/87733287][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=87733287&skin=0&apparel=50754,13780,13796,13812,13852,13844,13820,13788,13860&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Anuenue was working intently on his art pad towards the aft of the ship where he thought no one was watching him…at least until he felt a heavy weight of a gaze just over his shoulder. Turning, he almost jumped in fright when he looked into the eyes of Zeki,”Jeez, ‘ave ye ‘eard o’ personal space, mate?” [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89581380][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=89581380&skin=0&apparel=52281,50503,362,367,391,434,31588,429,52283,52286&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “What is it that you’re drawing? It looks…interesting,” Zeki replied, eyes never leaving the paper. Anuenue was going to shoot back a retort, but zir genuine interest in his art made him bite his tongue. “It’s…a deeprealm hunter,” Anuenue said simply, eyes looking back at his unfinished work. Zi tilted zir head, “So you life to draw creatures in the ocean?” “Yes…but no. There’s a reason…” Anuenue struggled, pulling between his long-felt anger at Zeki for getting between him and his father and the inclination to explain himself to someone genuinely interested in his talents. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/88898466][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=88898466&skin=0&apparel=50503,52282,47014,47019,52281&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “‘e ‘as an ability to bring what ‘e draws to life,” said another voice from behind, this time startling both Zeki and Anuenue. Seabert was looking critically at Anuenue, eyes hard and analyzing, and Anunue felt like it was as though his loyalties were being questioned. “I’ve been watchin’ ye talkin’ to some drag’n durin’ me watches. Thought it was a stowaway or spy, but then, imagine me surprise when I saw it was a drawing that came to life,” Seabert continued. Zeki looked between the Seabert, the drawing pad, and finally at Anuenue, “Woah, that’s amazing!” Anuenue still stood there frozen as though Seabert’s eyes held him firmly in place. Strange to think he felt more comfortable with Zeki standing beside him than another fellow crewmate. “I would ne’er ‘urt any o’ the crew. They’re me family,” Anuenue explained, “Figment is just me friend that I talk to when…when I don’t ‘ave anyone to talk to.” Anuenue’s frame drooped at remembering when he was alone with his feelings, even when he knew the crew was just nearby. “You can always talk with me,” quipped Zeki, “If you don’t mind how awkward I am.” Anuenue looked back up at Zeki and saw the honesty in zir eyes. [i]Why did I come to hate you? Maybe…maybe we can be brothers…[/i] “While I hate to break this warm moment, ye ‘aven’t explained what yer intention is. Why are ye drawing a deeprealm hunter? It can sink us if it comes to life an’ is angry,” Seabert asked. Anuenue shook his head, “I know it’s takin’ Pika some time to figure out that spell. So I thought, what if there are other ways to go underwater to Nan’nalu? An’ what forces could we amass to fight back?” “Like a whole pod of deeprealm hunters?” exclaimed Zeki, wide-eyed. But Anuenue grimaced, “I ‘ave limits though. It takes energy to bring me art to life, an’ I’m afraid to push meself to a limit I can’t go back on…” Silence hung in the air, the suggestion behind Anuenue’s words being a heavy pill to swallow. Seabert then huffed, “At least I know ye won’t bring a huge sea beast crashin’ down an’ killin’ us all. I’ll keep yer secret safe wi’ me. Although, I think the captain would like to know somethin’ that important.” Anuenue nodded, “I mean, I told ‘em when I was a ‘atchling, but they didn’t listen. Laughed it off, really. But I’m not that same ‘atchling anymore. An’ my skills been improvin’. Who knows – maybe with enough practice, I can actually draw up a sea beast that can take down the one we saw at the underwater palace…” Zeki beamed, “An epic showdown? I’d like to see that! You could do it, I’m sure!” Anuenue smiled and then paused, “Zeki…I’m sorry…for bein’ so cruel to ye. Could we…could we start o’er?” The spiral looked confused, “Start over? Start over where?” Anuenue laughed it off, “Don’t worry ‘bout it. Want to grab some food? I ‘aven’t eaten anything’ since last night, an’ I’m famished.” Seabert’s belly as though on cue, causing the Zeki and Anuenue to laugh. Thankfully Seabert’s fur hid their blush, “Yea, I could use some chow.” So they walked to the mess hall below deck, chatting about ideas that Anuenue could draw to help them in their likely upcoming conflict in Nan’nalu. [img]https://i.imgur.com/9UVvjEs.png[/img] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/42311678][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=42311678&skin=0&apparel=29802,19644,1709,19638,19653&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] Keala was becoming very agitated, feeling so close but yet so far from reaching her charge and reuniting. And what if she couldn’t get to her in time to prevent any harm from coming to Penina? The thought ate at her, making her scales crawl. Never had she yearned for anything more than she had at that moment, as though her heart screamed out in pain and helplessness. Since it was nightfall, with the stars shining above, it was surprising to see the glow from behind her instead of the from the sky, and it caused her to turn towards the jar tied at her hip. The liquid inside was glowing vibrantly, and a fish jumped out, made of the same glowing liquid and swimming in circles around Keala. The sight was mesmerizing, but it didn’t do anything to ease Keala’s heart. So she spoke to entity, hoping beyond hope that it could help, “Please…I need to see ‘er an’ know she is safe…I love ‘er.” The fish did a flip and then jumped into the ocean below, and in Keala’s mind, she knew she had to go after it. Without another thought, Keala jumped into the ocean, a yell of “Drag’n overboard” being a distant hum. Strangely, Keala didn’t feel the cold of the ocean or any cold liquid filling her lungs – she could breathe. The same glowing liquid from the jar enveloped her body, protecting her and enabling her transverse in the sea. A trail of the glowing liquid led towards the fish in the distance, so Keala began to swim towards it, envisioning Keala with every paddle. The experience was surreal, as though swimming through a glowing, liquid galaxy, and Keala felt that the journey had taken little time. Eventually she saw the fish circling a space in the water at a distance. A glow at the center reacted with the fish, which appeared to have come from a trident, but it wasn’t the trident that Keala was fixed on. Instead, a familiar form to whom the trident was being held by completely made Keala lose her breath. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/83061436][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=83061436&skin=0&apparel=940,45794,50220,9997,37886,50221&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] “Penina?” Keala asked, and when the Pearlcatcher turned her head away from the magical circling fish and towards Penina, it was as though fire erupted in Keala’s belly, “By the Tidelord…Keala? Is it really you?” -------------------------- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3229518/37#post_56203980]Next[/url] @pinglist-2103 I’m very sorry I have been so quiet. RL hasn’t relented to giving me space to be creative, both time-wise but more so emotionally. I’m still not in a good head space, but I tried to use aspects of what I’m feeling to influence this chapter. The two stars have reunited, but I am leaving it off on a cliffhanger as I continue to think of how the story will progress. I hope you enjoy it!

Oh man, I can relate to real life not relenting. I hope things look better for you soon! By the way, it makes me so happy to see Anuenue and Zeki getting along now, and to see more of Seabert! Also, that ending! Keala and Penina reunion at long last?????

@Petall Thank you [emoji=familiar heart size=1] I may have to continue past June to do all the pulls because of it all, but I think not beating myself up about it will be healthier and better for the story (in terms of how it'll end). And yes! The ice is finally melting between them. There's something said about how inner fears and unmet needs can cause anxiety and unnecessary conflict (a small portion of what's affecting my life atm). Anuenue was missing time with his father, and that fear and anxiety and unmet needs totally turned into an unnecessary conflict between him and Zeki. They would've hit it off so much better in their first interaction had it not been for that. And yes! They finally survived long enough to see each other once more, but how will they react? Will their time apart make it hard to reconnect? I also have an idea in my head about timeline for the next few chapters, but I need some space to think about how to do it. Hopefully today or this weekend? We shall see...