PapaDjinn

@papadjinn

I DO NOT SUPPORT AI CONTENT| The public BlueSky for Twitch Streamer, Papadjinn. Artist and Writer, currently querying my novel as well as drafting it's sequel. My sugar-bomb @psprincess.bsky.social ~

267 Following894 Followers5,218 Posts

Bluesky

Is this your profile?Claim it and papadjinn.dirty.social is yours.Claim profile

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 5d

Handle → serve | Vashad gets a more lighthearted conversion with Alura after all the emotion from the night before. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

And it was with the much-needed kicking of his feet that Vashad found his way back to his Nannan’s. It was for certain that Laudi had already shared the news of his fact with Alura, but she deserved to know the details. Unlike his family, she seemed to take the news in stride. At least for the most part... The tea was warm and sweet, but went served without a companion cookie, biscuit or cake – an unlikely event had Alura been as calm as she seemed.

“I didn’t just come here to woe at you,” Vashad started redirecting the conversation. He made sure to swing back the last bit of drink in his teacup before continuing. “Were the herbs I gathered undamaged? A dirty pair of hands hustled them around before Laudi or I could get them to you.”

“I salvaged what I could at a glance but will examine the rest later.” A sigh escaped Alura’s lips, and her eyes traveled to the window. “It is quite a shame I can’t feed the lot to whatever roll of shat pie that accosted them.”

Vashad could not help but allow a puffy chuckle to squeak out of him even when knowing that his Nannan was not joking. Whether it had been on his behalf or truly only been about the herbs, the danger she’d shadowed over Dubery was dark indeed. At best the soldier would have faced hives, explosive excrements and relentless itching... only mild torture incomparison to petrification and a slow, agonizing death.

“Well, some spirit, abysmal, or divine must favor the man for him to be spared your wrath.”

“Protection? From those with power? Ha, there is no such thing.”

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 9d

Thrill → joy | We're going back a bit to the beginning of the conversation between Vashad and his family. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“I should have done more...”

Vashad moved his fork along his plate, toying with the potatoes as his father spoke. He’d made it back home without trouble, but explaining the situation brought him no joy. Jakari was the perfect father and so of course he blamed himself for his son’s circumstances. Vashad’s mother held her husband and stroked the nape of his neck. Vashad knew that it was as much to comfort herself as it was to comfort his father.

“I became complacent... prideful. My son is so very intelligent that I knew you would escape the conscription.” Jakari gaze moved up from his plate and onto Vashad a painful smile on his face. “It would have been a story we laughed about together. My boy, giving those soldiers the slip.”

“There’s nothing that could have been done. That old knight, Golm, was far more prepared than any of us. Short of running off, I would have never been safe... and who is to say if that would have worked.”

“Wouldn’t have been the first time,” Milubel spoke, tightening her grip on Jakari’s hand. “Your father and I... We chased off from the city when I was pregnant with you. Escaping that life was the best decision we ever made. Together we found our place here in Tanninide and made a beautiful family.”

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 10d

Thorn → point | Vashad was not prepared for the turn of this conversation. Although the surprise is not unwelcomed, it is centrally bittersweet. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

For the first time since... ever, Vashad witnessed tears stream down Daesa's face. He couldn’t even remember her crying as an infant and yet now she shivered and quaked before him like a leaf in the breeze. Even with that burning sadness pouring down her face, she mustered the strength to bat his hand away before he could comfort her.

“No – listen, I know you’re worried about us...” Daesa sniffled between breaths and wiped at her tears the best she could. “...but you can’t just let yourself die.”

“I’m not going to die. There is nothing in this world that can get rid of me.”

“You can’t know that!”

“I don’t need to know, because I won’t let it happen. Daesa... I promise you that I will not die, that nothing will stop me from seeing your face again. We have argued since the day you learned to talk, but I have never lied to you.”

Daesa huffed and shook her head. She shoved him with strength he didn’t know she had, forcing him to stumble back and brace himself against the walk.

“You’re so stupid... if you promise me that you won’t die, I will believe you.” Daesa looked up and pointed at him with eyes so narrow he felt as if her gaze would cut into him. “But if you break your word, I will hate you and curse your name for all eternity. There is nowhere within the pitch that you will rest easy, and no rebirth that will allow you to escape my animosity. I swear it on the Abyss itself.”

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 12d

Twist | The revolution may not have been televised, but Duggy is watching the apocalypse live in 4K and high definition sound. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

I watched all of this unfold one by one, day after day, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before this was all outside my door. The day after Chansey left my apartment, I began doing silly rudimentary workouts to build up my stamina. A life of gaming, cubical work and fatty snacks didn’t quite set you up for long term survival. I didn’t think I would be a fucking body builder by the time I went out to seek supplies, but I knew it would be better to do something to prepare. Without my bike, all I would be able to do is go on foot and if I did more than one mile, I would have probably passed out from exhaustion.

I slacked off at first, but seeing those people get bodied on the news kicked my ass into high gear. I went so far as to lift up half of my couch to provide resistance to my squats. It was probably stupid and a waste of time, but I didn’t give a damn. I needed to feel like I was doing something to prepare myself for the inevitable.

The cruel joke – was the more I pushed myself the hungrier and thirstier I became, and having already not been in the practice of rationing – I burnt through what could have been three weeks or even a month of food in a week and a half. As if by some sick twist of fate, the electricity and water also decided to clock out around this time. There would be only one way to survive in my current shelter now – and I was fucking terrified.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 13d

Relax | Vashad and his sister have a one on one talk about his circumstances while Mikar drifts off to sleep. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“Do you remember the stories I read to you as a child? The tales of heroes?” Vashad began softly, keeping up the tender taps at Makar’s back. “How do those stories start?”

“With a man – well more often a boy – taken from his home to perform some great act of service.” Daesa raised an eyebrow, but she did not relax her shoulders.

“Right. Whether by destiny, society, or self-discovery, the character must undergo a journey. A normal... mundane...” Vashad felt a twinge of self-loathing as the thought occurred to him. “An ordinary person thrust into an extraordinary circumstance so he might find his great happiness at the end.”

“Or great tragedy. Just as many of those tales ended in death and suffering than did happily ever after.”

“Yes, but it is that they did not have a choice. That is the position that I find myself in now. I can either pluck the fruit or let it spoil, but either way it falls from the tree.” Vashad sighed and stood when he realized he’d stopped comforting Mikar. The little one had dozed off and Vashad didn’t want to wake him. With a nod of his head, he gestures towards the door behind Daesa to signal for them to leave.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 14d

Oh, a challenge? Guess I'll have to go all in~ #WIPSnips

“Ah, I’m not sure-” Tokonus was cut short by a sudden swarm. Two children decided to latch onto his legs, while another somehow managed to shimmy up onto his back. “Wait – please.”

His cries reached out to deafened ears; this would be how the mighty Lord Tokonus would fall. Throwing out his arms to catch his balance was a mistake, for two more children saw this as an opportunity to latch onto the newly exposed toys. The Lukshen was sent twirling into the middle of the room trying to keep up with the new weight that pressed down upon him. The children, on the other hand, found this incredibly amusing and the coos, laughs and claps proved that to be true. Even the onlookers began to hoot and shout out words that were no longer interpretable.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 14d

This might be too 'purple' for some, but this still rings my bell to this day. Honestly there's more I want to add, but we're still drafting so we'll have to see how it turns out on a second pass. #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

A jolt, a torrent, a boom, like a storm washed its way through and echoed off the walls of the great mountain. Tokonus’ body trembled at the frequency, breath stolen by the vibration, and sight enraptured by the movement. Unbound, restless, spirited – forms stepped, swayed, swirled kicked, stomped. A glide, a flutter, a float and then a sting; chest thrust out, shaken; arms rise and fall drawing it all down together.

Chirping flutes, thunderous drums, and enchanting dancers – both Umakek and Zhaly alike – waved like shadows against the sound. Was it the dancer who led the note, or was it the
chanting song that charmed the winding artists? Light, flickering like a flame, came to life within a crystalline structure resting at the epicenter of this great parade of spirits. Their leader, Jniaja, moved with a fluidity that shamed all who followed her rhythm. Shell-like charms attached to her dress, cooed and called along with each step she took.

Tokonus sat with eyes fixed on her, unable to look away from the Zepta’s motion. Every tingle, every whimper that surrounded the Zhaly was at her command. As if held fast by Nedren himself, the lord was paralyzed. Jniaja closed her eyes and popped her chest once, caressed her form down to her hips, then again and a third she pumped her breast up. That woman was like a hurricane, and he was swept up in her whirlwind.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 15d

Assist → help | Another taste of Vashad's family in this snip. An interesting reveal as well I'd wager. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“Wouldn’t have been the first time,” Milubel spoke, tightening her grip on Jakari’s hand.

“Your father and I... We chased off from the city when I was pregnant with you. Escaping that life was the best decision we ever made. Together we found our place here in Tanninide and made a beautiful family.”

As if on cue, Mikar tugged on Vashad’s shirt to get his attention. His younger brother was only just old enough to speak and probably didn’t understand exactly what was happening. That did not mean the little one didn’t recognize the sad faces of his family. Vashad picked up the toddler and pulled him into his lap. Carefully he sectioned off a piece of his potato and placed it in Mikar’s mouth to keep him patient.

“Mom is right... we’re old enough, if need be, we could help do it again.” Daesa rubbed her hands together as if to warm up against a personal cold. Her eyes were narrow and unflinching, the same as they always were. Without knowing her, it was possible to see her as though she didn’t care about much of anything, but he knew better.

“Not excited to see your elder brother go? I would have thought you would be ready to take my bed... Comfiest in the house I remember you saying.”

“Don’t even joke like that,” she retorted with a sharp booting to his shin. “You are as annoying as they come, but I don’t need anyone getting you killed when you have a perfectly able-bodied sister prepared to get the job done.”

“As sweet as that is,” Vashad began, rubbing at his leg and scrunching his flared nose in her direction. “It won’t work out. Uprooting our family is one thing, but the old buzzard didn’t hesitate to remind me of what sort of reward I would get for turning tail. I don’t want to imagine what would have happened to you all if I wasn’t here.”

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· 15d

Defuse → ✨vibes✨ | Been mia because I've had a lot of irl distractions. Here's some vibes at Vashad's family dinner table to make up for it~ #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“Can you believe Laudi wanted me to go?” The comment wasn’t meant to sound accusatory, but he was sure that it did.

“As inseparable as you both have been? I couldn’t believe she would push you off so callously.” Milubel shook her head as if to accent her disbelief.

“You expected her to be your daughter one day,” Daesa cut in matter-of-factly waving her spoon in the air in a dismissive way. “It doesn’t surprise me though. Laudi has never been satisfied with Tanninide.”

“You speak as if she’s your friend. You were still in diapers by the time we were learning the way the world works.”

“Hah! I still pay better attention than either of you do. It’s not like this is such a big place. Not so hard to hear what's going on if you just decide to listen.”

“Enough.” Jakari commanded using his stern, dad voice to end the conversation.

“Imagine that this was the last moment you got to spend with one another. Is an insignificant argument worth your time?”

It wasn’t, and Vashad understood that, but arguing had become the main form of communication between them. He couldn’t point to the moment when it started, but it was all he could remember. The young man didn’t hate his sister – he might have gone as far to say that he loved her – but there was always a barrier there. If they didn’t live under the same roof, they would be no better than strangers. Their relationship was complicated.

“I’m sorry... I should be a better example.” Vashad said it, and he meant it.

“Sorry,” Daesa echoed just above her breath.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jul 11

Attack → ✨vibes✨ | Today is vibes because Tok is feeling rightly attacked by Kimeo's observation. You know? #WIPSnip #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

Kimeo alluded to the idea that Othelia had spoken about him before, but the reverse was not true. Not only was this his first meeting with the thistle, but it was the first time he had even heard that she existed. The sentiment tickled his mind even further when he realized just how little that he knew about her. Beyond his lady’s name, there was no family to speak of, no knowledge of friends or her preferences. They’d been as intimate as he believed one could be and yet... and yet he could not contextualize her beyond a portrait hanging just beyond reach.

“Huh... does he do that all the time? Stare off into space like that?” Kimeo looked at Tokonus with a raised eyebrow. It appeared as if she was either concerned, perplexed, or both. She didn’t remain quiet long enough for him to ruminate the thought. “Beg pardon, I do not mean any offense Lord Tokonus, but you seemed to have left us for a moment. From a laugh to a glazed look in your eye, like you were lost in a web within your head. Now that I think on it, it reminds me of one of the little girls here – mouth closed but eyes open-”

“Ahem.” Tokonus cleared his throat a bit embarrassed behind Kimeo’s monologue.“Surely you are exaggerating, I’m certain it isn’t all that bad.”

“Yes, she is,” Othelia cut in, not allowing the thistle to respond. “She’s also needed outside.”

With a dominant finger, she directed Kimeo toward the door. In response, the thistle shrugged and shook her head but ultimately acquiesced. Othelia didn’t leave room for Tokonus either. With a gesture, her hand offered the door to him with a silent ‘after you’.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jul 9

I'm usually short on the fashion side, but this feels solid.

These were the thoughts that ran through his head once again as he prepared for their ceremony. Dressed in a well fitted, enough to make certain that breathing was an act of labor, buttoned shirt, he stood stiff and straight. A tailed coat, wine-red in color, on his back, sturdy black pants covered his legs, and narrow heeled boots supported his stride. His cuffs were fashioned with gold cufflinks that cradled the [REDACTED] insignia. Rings, reformed to suit his own hands, caressed his fingers and were set with jewels. The entire costume made Tokonus feel as though he was nothing more than a puppet; supported by a rod along his back and paraded about by stick and string.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jul 9

Keep | I'm to tired to come up with something clever today lol. Here's some lore, drinks, and atmosphere. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

True to his word, Laudi was allowed to pass unharmed and with the medicinal herbs and
roots that they had gathered. Golm near took them by the hand like lost children, as he led them back to the village center. It was only once they had arrived that Laudi had been permitted to scurry off on her own. Vashad, of course, had to remain with the knight.

Together they arrived at the rustic tavern of Tanninide. ‘The Thirsty Mare’, was one of the few places in the village that a man might relax – usually with a heavy tankard and an eye full of sugar. This sugar came in the form of twin sisters and the establishment owners, Meridia and Messel. The ladies could keep a man from ending it all with a swivel of their hips and a wink of their eye. Certainly a few sorrowful souls owed a debt to their appeal and if not to them, then to the honey spirits that filled their mugs.

As if he had not been punished enough, Vashad wouldn’t have time for either. Instead, the older man led him further in and then up the stairs to a private room. It was small, enough to fit five or six people standing, and more if not for the furnishings provided. Golm stepped to a desk – one that had clearly seen recent use if the quill and many stray documents were any indication – and took a seat with a sigh.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jul 7

Quarter → Part | Tok learns more about the servants of the Unities, but Othelia calls him out. That's not what he's really interested in is it? #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“In the Order of the Eight, there are different religious positions that one may occupy. Acolytes are the lowest, fresh recruits trying their hand at learning the ways of guidance. Following them are the understories and as you might expect, they have very little authority, but with the title they are officially a part of the order. Thistles are the step above that and are the...” Othelia dipped her hand left and right as if to show the waxing and waning of her statement, “...theoretical second in command to the briars. Although they have far more flexibility than any other position.”

“So, Thistle Kimeo is rather important. Why haven’t I met her before?”

“Ha, you can stop trying to probe me. That is not at all what you want to know – not really. Go on, ask the real question.”

Tokonus shook his head a bit. The run around wasn’t fun, but now that they were alone and he’d been able to see what she wanted him to see, it appeared she was ready. At least he hoped that she was and would give him a straight answer.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jul 3

Out | Readers beware, partial spoilers head... Tok and Othelia speak honestly and from that she - ehhh kinda 🫳🏾 apologize for her actions. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“I’ll concede that I should have told you. It’s easier to see that now – not so much when I thought you might kill him.”

“I should... but I won’t.” Tokonus replied, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "And before you ask, it’s not because he was trying to help me. The truth is, I know he’s more valuable alive and taking the [REDACTED]’s life might lead to mutual destruction anyway.”

“I’m impressed. In your short time here, you’ve learned the game well enough. Realizing that killing him would spark questions and end with his plot being revealed – that shows foresight and is not the move of an amateur. Almost makes me want to take back calling you an idiot.” There was a flash of something behind her eyes that he could not read, but he could feel that she wanted him to. When he said nothing, she turned away, trailing her gaze out the window. “Almost...”

A suffocating silence blanketed the room, and Tokonus found his mind wandering. Was now the time to bring up Kesup’s discovery? After having just reprimanded each other about deceit, he didn’t feel as comfortable holding the document so close to the vest. Before he could open his mouth to speak, his lady shared the thoughts she’d been having herself.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 29

Water | Exploring more of Acosta, Tok is not impressed with the final district he comes across. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

Tokonus fell to silence once again as the pair navigated away from the pristine center. The new district they found themselves in was a bit more spacious than the first, less kept than the second and yet found a way to be the most unsightly.

Thatch rooves hastily thrown together, uneven walls both bleached white and caked with dirt, cracked and crumbling clay fixtures here and there. Stone fencing, about hip high and in need of repair, ushered them along the main pathway and away from individual properties. It was the last place that he would have even expected someone like Othelia to go, but not only did she not appear perturbed, she seemed to know exactly where she was going.

As they came upon the middle of the district, Tokonus was able to spot a massive well. The gaping maw had to have been as wide as he was tall. A man plunged a bucket within many times between filling jars with the water. Not once did he look up from his labor and only turned away from the well long enough to place one of the full jars in a hand cart.

As if to keep Tokonus on course, Othelia tugged his hand gingerly. Turning away from the large fields and stone well, they moved on towards the clusters of cottages that he’d observed previously.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 27

Root → Thistle | Othelia and Tok have arrived, but he's not sure what he's looking at. Lots of confusion here. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

Now we may stop walking.”

With his thoughts shepherd back to the moment by her words, Tokonus found himself standing alongside her in front of the biggest home of the district. It was just as dingy as the rest of the area, but far wider and at least two stories tall. A smaller well was set up towards the front of the long cottage just within the borders of a stone fence as if to be kept out of the way. A solitary fruit tree stood tall shading a large area near the building. Hanging from one of its sturdy branches were thick ropes which in turn held wooden planks parallel to the ground. Opposite it was a large ball and arch with a knotted net.

While observing the many amenities housed on the property, Tokonus couldn’t help but feel as though there had been a mistake. Certainly, the home appeared more comfortable to live in than the rest of the homes in the district, but it did not shout ‘luxury’. Who could possibly be here that Othelia could know or care about?

“My lady, it appears you’ve brought a friend this time!” The breathy, but warm voice called out from behind them.

As the pair both turned, Tokonus was able to see why the voice sounded out of breath. There hustling down the path they had just completed was a middle-aged woman with a hefty pack on her back. Although it could have been his imagination, the item almost appeared the same size as the woman in question.

“Why yes, I have Thistle Kimeo,” Othelia replied, reaching up to wave a hand. “You should save your words however, you have a few steps to reach us yet, and I would want you to collapse”

Kimeo did as she was told, but Tokonus could tell that she had doubled her steps; not quite jogging, not quite walking.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 26

Fox → witty | After braving the tight roads of the city, Tok has a question that's been asked since the beginning of time "Are we there yet?" #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“Is it close now,” Tok finally inquired once the sound of the city stopped rattling around his skull.

“You’ll know when we get there because we will stop walking. I wasn’t aware that a brisk stroll would take its toll on you, Tokonus.”

Tokonus couldn’t bring himself to reply to her with a witty retort of his own. He could walk such a route many times over in a day and not feel exhausted, but the city was more overwhelming than he expected. Knowing that it stretched out further still left his head spinning.

“We will be there soon.” Othelia must have sensed his discomfort by his lack of communication. Lacing her fingers with his – a surprise to him as they were in public – she continued. “You didn’t forget to trust me, did you? This whole trip will be worthless if you can’t do that.”

“If I didn’t trust you, I would have stopped us much sooner. I am not incapable of speaking up for myself when my needs are not met.”

“Aha, spoken like a true lord. Now, prove the speech with your actions and I’m certain everything will be alright."

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 25

Pyramid → ✨ vibes ✨ | This snip has a lot of 'building' words in it lol. With that said, Tok is visiting Acosta the city for the first time and he has thoughts. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

Loud. It was the first thing that came to Tokonus mind and with good reason. The city streets of Acosta had to be the loudest place that he’d ever visited. Even the halls of Favar had not echoed the voices and ambient sounds as harshly on a common day. The barking of vendors bartering wares, the slamming of establishment doors and the marching of feet from one place to another. As a first impression, it left much to be desired.

The second thing that he noticed was how little space there appeared to be. Near every palm of land seemed to be accounted for by the log, and stone buildings blanketed in their sculpted cob. Lanes chasing off between the structures – alleyways as he had been informed – reminded him of his old cave for lack of space between them. Two and three story rises threatened the sky with their stature and commonality.

Traffic along the road was no better with commonfolk congesting the roadways with their
bodies. Small pets and animals scurried about hurriedly as if a forgotten task beckoned them. Tokonus could not imagine Bobo and his cart traveling steady from one end to the other. Yet
Othelia threaded her way through the crowd as if it weren’t there at all. There were no sputtering steps from her feet, but deliberate and measured strides conducted by her perfect posture.

Although the streets began to fluctuate in size and appearance the deeper they traveled into the city, Tokonus couldn’t steal more than a few glances here and there. There was a silent anxiety that if he removed his eyes from his lady for too long, that he might have lost her to the sea of bodies, leaving him marooned within the walls of the labyrinth.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 22

Draw → tie | Tok opens the negotiations for [REDACTED] and Othelia. The battlefield is set, how will the Lady of Acosta handle it? #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

Tokonus, Othelia and the young lord [REDACTED] sat together in the private infirmary that had been assigned to the possessed man. Although he was certain that his lady was surprised by his sudden summons, the lord no longer needed nor wanted to avoid the inevitable any longer. With the leverage that was discovered by Kesup, Tokonus needed to tie up the loose ends before his reveal.

“It has been a few days now,” Tokonus began keeping his voice even. “Everyone in this room has had a chance to ruminate over the position we find ourselves in. Now we must put it all on the table.”

As he spoke, the lord swiveled his eyes back and forth to steal glances between the young lord and his lady. Othelia was able to keep her calm, controlled mask as usual. Her right leg was crossed over her left, and her hands were clasped together patiently. If she was annoyed about his actions over the past few days, he could not tell. [REDACTED] wasn’t nearly as good at hiding his uncertainty. The raised eyebrow and uncomfortable frown left his feelings written clearly across his face. Tokonus could only hope that his own thoughts were not so legible.

“[REDACTED]... Othelia and I want to work with you – hold, there’s more. If we are to help you, we have terms.”

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 21

Jacket → garb | Tok muses on the double consciousness that he - but in his view mostly Othelia - has to navigate the world. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

Against his own wishes, Tok did as he was instructed. His back was facing his lady as he dressed himself and knew that by the time he turned around, Otalia would have snuck away and Othelia would have appeared. Gone like a thief in the night, with a soldier left in her place. Once he was fully garbed and facing her, his premonition came true. Othelia’s noble mask had returned, and so too did the elegant, authoritative visage that she displayed for the world.

Tokonus offered a shallow nod, and Othelia replied with one of her own. It was their silent understanding. Their public faces were on display and would remain as long as there were eyes to witness them. This was far more true for the lady than the Lukshen, but he couldn’tpretend he didn’t have a mask of his own for the people of Acosta.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 21

Acosta, the beating heart of the Lumberlans, has its fair share of nobles and aristocrats but only one that stands above the rest. The Lady of Acosta, the fruit of the Lumberlans, Othelia Cvarr. 🎨 @/psprincess.bsky.social #OC #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #Fantasy #SFF #originalcharacter

Shown is Othelia Cvarr, the Lady of Acosta. The front half of her hair is made up of many loc-like twists decorated with gold jewelry. The back is a large coily ponytail. The color is a dark green boarding on black. Her skin is warm brown. Her eyebrows are thin and narrow hovering above sharp, brown eyes. Makeup decorates her eyes and lips, a reddish brown in hue. Around her lids is a pointed eyeliner. Othelia's ears appear human in shape, with a silver pair of ear cuffs at the bottom. Around her neck is a cloth collar with ruffles and a gold broach necklace set with an aqua gemstone. Many gold rings run the length of her fingers with golden cuffs set with aqua gemstones at her wrists. A long, dark red dress with full sleeves covers the majority of her body. A wide collar, trimmed with ruffles, shows off her upper chest including a bit of her cleavage and a beauty mark on her left breast. The ruffles travel all the way down to her pelvic area connected to a round golden waistband. On her right leg is another aqua gemstone set into a golden circle and ruffles that match her dress. Black, pointed heels cover her feet with only one foot exposed.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 20

Lounge → relax | Duggy just needs a break and unfortunately he doesn't have any Kit-Kats in the apocalypse. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

I thought I had been ready for anything, but a skinny, trembling woman was not one of them. The stranger's hands were raised in a weak display of self-defense and tears decorated the
corners of her eyes. She looked pitiful – and I looked like an asshole. It was fortunate for us both that I ain’t actually unleash the fire I had tucked behind that punch. I was certain that she’d faced
enough violence for one day, and I knew I had committed enough of it.

“Shit... fuck, I’m sorry...” I was exhausted and frustrated and – damn I was looking for a little empathy. “I ain’t mean to do all that... I killed the... don’t even worry about it, are you okay?”

At first the frail woman shuddered silently with her arms still up, but when she realized that I was no longer a threat she let out a sharp breath as she relaxed. All I could think to myself was; yeah, me too. Still, I gave her time to get herself together – talking hurt anyway.

“Yes... I came to patch you up... if you need it.” If you could believe it, she didn’t look at me as she spoke. She just fiddled with a small first aid pack clumsily. Maybe it was the blows I took, but the whole thing felt like she was performing as some bashful anime girl

“Uh... yeah. I’m pretty banged up.”

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 18

Resume → Return | The snip speaks for itself lol

“BY HIRING AN ASSAS-”

Otalia covered his mouth quickly, cutting him off. She shook her head softly as if to remind him they were not in private. After a while of gauging his reaction, she moved here hand down and interlocked her fingers with his.

“Come on... I’ll explain everything in your room.”

⋆꥟ ☽☾ ꥟⋆

Tokonus had remained silent along the way to his chambers. The silence, which he normally hated, gave him an opportunity to return to form. The Lukshen had lost himself to the argument, but with the walk he was able to regain control. Now within the familiar sanctuary, it was time for Othelia to explain herself to him.

“So... from where we left off – BY HIRING ASSASSINS,” Tokonus barked with his eyebrows narrowed.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 15

Era → Time | Otalia seems to have something up her sleeve... Well metaphorically at least. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

Tok hated to be the pessimist, but the world had been moving along too calmly for his liking. He’d obtained more soldiers, was in a good place with Otalia, and there had been no attacks or surprises from the other lords of Dawnleaf. His duel was the only thing that he had to think about, and after everything he’d been through, he couldn’t say he was anxious about it. And that was the problem. Tok had become so used to a perpetual state of chaos and adversity that he’d found himself becoming uncomfortable being comfortable.

“Do you ever get out of your own head?”

Tok’s gaze turned and landed on the shimmering brown tourmalines that Otalia called eyes. The playful reprimand was accented by the smirk on her face, and Tok was glad for the distraction.

“And where else am I supposed to be?”

“What an apt question,” Otalia replied before planting a kiss on his nose. “I actually do have somewhere for us to be.”

“First I’m hearing of that.” Tok perked up an eyebrow hoping for a suitable explanation.

“Well, the bad news is I won’t be telling you where we are going. You’ll just have to follow me and trust that it’s important.” Otalia slid out of Tok’s grasp and plucked her clothes from the floor. She took her time getting dressed, giving her lord a show. Once the supple skin that only a moment before had been in his arms was completely covered, she continued. “The good news is that if you behave you might find out something you’ve been wanting to know about me.”

“Might or will?”

“Fine – you will. Now get up or you’ll get nothing."

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· Jun 14

Project → Deflect | Othelia interrogates Tok about his actions. Tok has... Feeling about it #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“That doesn’t answer my question. You’re deflecting Tok, I need to know why you did it.”

Tokonus’ mouth dropped its smile, and he didn’t speak for a moment. Why did he agree? There wasn’t a satisfying answer to her question, but he had an excuse.

“I didn’t believe the story that the four of you concocted at the time – it didn’t add up. Buutt, I was able to ignore it by making excuses. I had work to do and didn’t have enough evidence to accuse you. Then... we had our moment and I wanted to believe that you were real.” Tokonus threw up his arms in frustration at his own words. “Ahh! I don’t know – real isn’t exactly what I mean... I just wanted to believe in you.”

Otalia stood up from her perch and strolled up to Tokonus. When she was close enough, she grasped his hands and looked into his eyes. It could have been his imagination, but her expression was soft, more so than ever.

“Are you saying you love me, Tok?”

Tokonus hated how accusatory her words were. The echo of her voice was warm, but there in her gaze was the same look he saw in all the women who toyed with him. She wouldn’t believe it – no woman would – but the cheeky way they tried to tease him. They wanted to see him lose control, not in violence of course, but in passion. Veru, Khabra, and now Otalia showed him that those women that wanted him also wanted to know he was but a mouse in their palm.Tokonus’ strength was attractive, but his vulnerability... that was what they really wanted to cradle.

“I’m saying that you are my responsibility – one I do not take lightly.”

For a moment she stared deep into his eyes without a word; lips formed into the shape of triumph. Reaching up a hand to his chin, she held his head in place and whispered in his ear, “As you should.”

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· May 30

I'm going to cheat an use a trainer card. Hope y'all don't mind too much haha. Also each pokemon on his team represents an element of the story~

A fan made trainer card for the MC of my SFF story. Tokonus is shown on the far right taking up the space of trainer. On the other left corner his name is spelled out in full. Below his name are the images of pokemon that would make up his team. From left to right and top to bottom are: Lunatone, Espeon, Umbreon, Mamoswine, Inteleon, and Machamp. The background is a pixel made image of a lush green forest with many trees. Within the scene is a wooden shrine and a Paras.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· May 30

Lifetime → Time | Golm continued to push Vashad's button. Sometimes unintentionally... #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

Golm raised a hefty stack of parchments and waved them in the air for the young villager to see. “This is a record of dozens of young men, thirteen to thirty, bakers, butchers, stable lads –
one rather talented horologist – and at least half of them believe themselves integral. If the tears and stutters of a guild artisan failed, certainly you understand the position we find ourselves in.”

Golm was correct; Vashad understood very well. If a smith was rare, the clock and watchmakers were nearly nonexistent. Timepieces of just about any sort were incredibly valuable, and to own one was a sign of great wealth or fortune. Knowing that neither a guild nor a wealthy patron could intervene was evidence enough that, once again, he was destined for the battlefield. Golm was systematically chipping away at any thoughts of resistance that Vashad could have held onto. He clenched his jaw, lips twitching from the aggravation.

“Why all the games then? Who needs interrogations and records when we are not but
cattle to be herded and broken in?”

“You speak well enough, Vashad. A healthy assumption is that you are educated. But don’t confuse your intellect with wisdom.” Golm narrowed his eyes and leaned forward in his seat. The knight's voice was low, even and direct. “There are times to struggle and times to kneel. In those times, where you do not have a choice, find the boon in survival. If you are steady, you might learn to take advantage of your submission.”

Vashad felt sick. His eyes turned away from Golm, knowing that the knight did not understand his own words. Advantage, submission – these things were incompatible. Any foothold you found clasped in chains were loose soil and shifted rock, never solid ground. His people knew that very well. Vashad never experienced the worst of it, but hundreds of years of resistance did not occur without ripples.

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· May 29

Silent | We're continuing with Duggy's conversation from our previous snip. Despite Bobby's attitude, they split up amicably. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

“Duggy? What kinda name is that?” The kid raised an eyebrow and coughed out a condescending chuckle.

“Bobby... Please. Like I said, he saved us.” The woman turned back to me and mouthed a silent ‘I’m sorry’ before addressing me out loud. “Thank you again Duggy, I’m Claire.”

I nodded a bit but didn’t respond. My shirt, the pain killers, and some water were the only things I was worried about. Without them there was no way I was getting any more friendly any time soon. Besides, it was clear Bobby wasn’t interested in making friends despite the fact that I had risked my life for him and his – well I wasn’t really sure what their relationship was, but I had saved them.

“I appreciate the help with the first aid, Claire. I don’t know what you two plan on doing next, but this place has been compromised and I’m not sticking around. I suggest you two find somewhere else to hunker down.”

“N-no! We won’t make it out there... not by ourselves.” Claire’s eyes were desperate as she spoke and she gripped at my shirt a bit as if to hold me in place.

“We don’t need him, and no one asked for his help,” Bobby cut in, rolling his eyes. By the way he was acting, you would have thought HE was the one that saved someone from danger. “Besides Claire, we don’t have enough food to feed someone as big as him. There’s barely enough for the two of us as it is. You fixed him up – we don’t owe him anything.”

Claire looked uncertain as she looked between us, but eventually she gave in and nodded. It didn’t bother me any. Saving the pair was one thing, but I wasn’t prepared to babysit people when I wasn’t even sure how I would take care of myself. As I stood, Claire followed suit and spoke up with a sheepish smile.

“Please take care, Duggy. Maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll cross paths again.”

“Sure, take care of yourselves."

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· May 26

Meet → Vibes | Duggy is introduced to the two people he saved from the mindless. After risking his life, someone else isn't acting particularly grateful. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #bvm #bipoc #amwriting #Fantasy #SFF

PapaDjinn@papadjinn· May 23