Staff Litters

Since 2009, the staff of Chicken Smoothie has had an annual tradition where all members who feel up to participating work together to create a collaborative litter. Using the Dog line art, the participating members decide one a single palette to use for their collaborative designs. The name come from the special collection of artists - all staff members - which contribute to the litter. In the beginning these litters were often called "multistaff litters," but now users have taken a preference to simply referring to them as "staff litters."

Due to the nature of these litters, they tend to be quite large, and stand out. This is not only because of the large and striking palettes, but also the fact that staff members often use line edits to create incredibly unique and expressive pets. As such these pets are often very personal to their creator (although not all staff members make theirs symbolic). Some staff members like to use pieces of their dog's design or story to hint at which outcome is theirs as the litter grows. This has lead to a tradition for a large site-wide game of treasure hunting for clues during the special month.

Originally the annual staff litter was released in November. This was the tradition for several years, but in 2013 the staff decided to move the litter's release to September, in an attempt to more evenly space the big events on the site. Before having Halloween, Staff Litter, and the Christmas Advent Calendar all in rapid succession was a big overwhelming, so moving the litter to the otherwise barren month of September helped pace the year better.

Traditionally the staff litter is open to moderators, admin assistants, official artists, and other CS Staff positions. General Helpers have their own similar event in June starting in 2016 referred to as General Helper Litters.

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November 2009

newborn designs by Moonflight

Compumon, equimagine, Fiery Gotah, Lawliet, Malk, Mausoleum
Moonflight, Selcouth, Shima.Luan, Sorren Fey, Vampiric

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November 2010

newborn designs by Moonflight

Captain Kaycee, Compumon, equimagine, Fiery Gotah
Leurai, Malk, Moonflight, ProphecyEcho, Selcouth
Shadow, Sorren Fey, Tyr, Vampiric

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November 2011

newborn designs by Leurai

Atwood, Captain Kaycee, Clowesia, Coalchaser, Compumon
Fiery Gotah, Leurai, Moonflight, moonlily
ProphcyEcho, Satamoru, Selcouth, Shadow, Solloby
Sorren Fey, Tyr, Vampiric, Yulynh

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November 2012

newborn designs by Leurai

Bernouli, Captain Kaycee, Clowesia, Drizzle, Fiery Gatoh
Hekomi, Leurai, Moonflight, moonlily, Orchid Sprig
PitchBlack, Pluma, ProphecyEcho, Satamoru, Selcouth, Shadow
Solloby, Sorren Fey, sphynx, Spotty, Tiikeria, Tyr, Vampiric

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September 2013

newborn designs by Orchid Sprig

Bernouli, bibz, Briar Rose, Chia, Cloudsong, Coalchaser
DoctorDraca, Drizzle, Hekomi, Jadgehost, Metallic Dragon
Orchid Sprig, Pandle, PitchBlack, Pluma, ProphecyEcho
Saikiyo, Satamoru, Shadow, Solloby, Sorren Fey, SoulWings
sphynx, Spotty, TheCalicoTabby, Tyr, Vampiric, Verdana
Yağmur, Yulynh, Atwood, Fiery Gotah

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September 2014

newborn designs by Tyr

Atwood, Bentley, bel racat, Bernouli, Captain Kaycee
cataract, Cloudsong, DoctorDraca, Fiery Gatoh, Graham
Hekomi, Jadeghost, Liddi, Lilian Nightshade, MetallicDragon
OrchidSprig, PitchBlack, Pluma, Saikiyo, sketchi, Solloby
Soulwings, TheCalicoTabby, Tyr, Vampiric, Verdana, versicolor, Yağmur

PitchBlack

Orchid Sprig

Pluma Floogle

Cloudsong

TheCalicoTabby

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Platinum

Lacuna

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Aires

The young wolf picked through the flock, knocking through the grass and making sure that their makeshift horns did not slide from their ears, though it often happened. It was hard to hear around the crafted spirals that had been affixed to their head by a well-meaning shepherd. In truth, the wolf did not look that much like a ram, but it was enough to fool the flock they had taken up residence in. The wolf was young, and small--the runt of the litter and it seemed that they would not grow any larger. They had been kicked from the pack after the Alpha had decided they were more of a burden than an asset to their relatives. Starving, they had wandered through the woods until the shepherd had taken them in and done his best to help the young wolf blend in with his charges. Now, they had a safe place to live until they were strong enough to travel on their own. What would the young wolf want to see of the world then? They didn't yet know.

The frost cracked under the young wolf's feet, reminding them that it was not yet spring. Nights were still dangerous and cold, but Aries knew that they needed to get away from the herd. The sheep had been like family to Aries for most of their young life, but they didn't want to hide among the flock anymore, even though the fluffy bodies provided welcome heat huddled together in the winter. Aries looked out through the meadow they were crossing, mindful of the horns on their head. They almost never slid off any more, and the shepherd had made them a new pair that matched their unique coloring. The wolf had stopped growing, remaining childlike in size, but the shepherd had wanted to commemorate Aries' first year by granting them the spiral of horns they would have grown had they been a sheep.

The mountains rose on either side of the meadow, capped in snow. Aries was now alone in truth, though they had been alone most of their life anyway--their pack had cast them out, and then they had been the only wolf among sheep, unable to relate to the docile animals. Aries continued to walk, and they grew weary. When they decided it might be time to stop their journey and rest, a movement in the grass caught their attention. Aries leaped, their natural speed propelling them onto their target. They found their paws pressed into a black, brown, and white patched rabbit, the small animal's heart pounding so loudly that Aries could feel it in their paws. Aries' instinct was to kill the animal--they had to eat, of course--but its fragile state reminded them of their friends, the sheep. Instead, they released one paw, allowing the rabbit room to breathe.

"Please, don't kill me," the small animal begged. "The winter has been hard, and my mate is hungry."
"But I am hungry, also," Aries replied, still keeping their paw on the rabbit.
"I am Lily," the rabbit continued, speaking quickly, "and my mate is Honey. We have no family but each other, please."
"I have no family, either. If I let you go will you run away, or can we talk? I am new to the meadow, and need directions."
"I won't run," Lily promised, and Aries slowly removed their paw. The rabbit hopped once and then again, but turned around to face Aries once she was a small distance away. "Will you come back with me to my burrow?"

Aries nodded and followed Lily, surprised by the animals' speed and wondering how they had caught her in the first place. It took longer than they had expected, but after some minutes the wolf and the rabbit reached a tree that was starting to show pink blossoms. In its shade a shadowed area was revealed to be the burrow's entrance, and Lily quickly disappeared down it. For a moment Aries thought she had tricked them, but after only a short time she reappeared with another rabbit, this one tan and white.

"Honey, this is Aries," Lily said. The new rabbit seemed afraid of the wolf.
Lily was about to say something else when a cheeping noise distracted the group, and their eyes travelled to the tree. In the knotted roots at the bottom a small golden bird lay, its wing twisted. Honey quickly hopped over to it, but Aries stayed back with Lily. The two animals conversed in whispers before Honey returned. "Maple is hurt," Honey said to her mate. Her eyes flicked between Aries and the bird, as if worried that the wolf would go after him. But then she turned to Aries, looking them in the eye. "He is not for eating, and he needs help. We are too small to carry him, but you could take him to his flock on the other side of the meadow," she said. Aries was startled, but it seemed that the bird's predicament had drawn the more docile rabbit out of her shell. "I might be able to do that," Aries told them. The wolf took a step towards the tree, but both Lily and Honey blocked their path.

"It is far," Lily said, "and the winter is not quite over. I don't know if we can trust you, but Maple is our friend and you are his only chance." She continued to speak, explaining to Aries how they could cross the meadow in three days, if their judge of the wolf's speed was accurate. The rabbits explained that Maple would not be able to give good directions, as birds never navigated on the ground. When they were sure Aries understood, Honey allowed them to approach the bird. The wolf lay flat to the ground, their small size making it easier for the bird to awkwardly climb onto their back. "Be safe!" the rabbits called as Aries nodded to them and began to make their way across the meadow. The time spent balancing their horns came in handy, and the bird never fell from their back throughout the journey. Aries found seed for the bird to eat, and caught mice and other small creatures for themselves. Maple and Aries talked throughout the trip, and became friends. When they reached Maple's flock the bird spoke to them as he rested, assuring his friends and family that Aries would not hunt them.

The wolf stayed with the birds, finding a camaraderie that they had never had with the sheep, the birds often cracking jokes and telling stories. They kept watch over Aries and in turn the wolf took care of predators that threatened the flock. Once Maple's wing had healed the bird and wolf traveled back across the meadow to visit Lily and Honey. The pair found that the rabbits had adopted an abandoned kit, naming her Apple. No matter what new friends they made, however, Aries always kept their horns, to remember where they came from.

bel racat
Babbu

Saikiyo

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Azazel

“Not a very angelic thing to say, Lailah.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been anything remotely ‘angelic’.” The dog faced creature, ‘Lailah’ rolled his eyes. “Your lectures are not going to make me return, Uriel.”

“Come home. This whole mess can be undone.” Uriel pleated. “All can be forgiven if you just come home, I’m sure father-”

“Father?” Lailah snapped. “He’s the one who sent me here! He burnt off my wings!”

“But if anyone can return your grace, it’s father!”

“You think if I grovel and plea with ‘father’ he will give me a new set of wings and grace? That is not how it works, Uriel!” Lailah growled as he paced the garden, his smoke-like tail curling around in the thorny rose stalks. “I am irredeemable.”

“Everyone is capable of redeeming themselves.”

“I am not! I am a monster! I am broken, twisted and betrayed! I was made like this. Set up for failure! I am not longer an angel, and I never truly was one anyways.”

“He made everything how it is for a reason.”

“Then he must have wanted something to hate, something to punish without mercy.”

“That’s not true!”

“You have no idea, do you?” Lailah’s tone softened as he turned away. “You’ve always been ‘daddy’s little angel’, always on his good side. You could never do any wrong.”

“He loved all his children equally!”

“No!” He spun back to face his old friend. “You have been fed from a silver spoon you whole life! You couldn’t even imagine the atrocities I have been through because of him!”

Lailah took several breaths within the silence that had formed between them.

“I know I’m not the only one who has suffered needlessly because of him.” He shook his head. “Life will never be fair until he stops playing his game of white lambs and black sheep.”

“Lailah, what are you implying?”

“He said it himself. ‘The meek will inherit the earth’, did he not?” He looked Uriel deep into his eyes. “So long I have been quiet while my innocent mistakes and curiosities have been stuffed down my throat as if they were deeds of unspeakable malice! I lost my grace long before my wings, and yet stayed silent.”

Uriel tried to speak, but nothing came out of his shocked lips.

“For too long I have obeyed when I was created to rule. He doesn’t deserve it anymore, I do!”

“How do you even plan to pull off such a feat, Lailah?! How do you plan to do the impossible?!”

Lailah stopped and gave a devilish smile. “It’s simple!” He laughed while picking a rose. “You see, he has set everything up to run in harmony. Every man, woman and child has their destiny, a destiny that will ultimately lead the story of this world further and further down his set path. Now, if I can make a deal and change a destiny…” He ripped a petal off the rose. “I can change the story.”

He began furiously ripping petals. “If I can change enough, this well-oiled machine he has built under his throne will break.” He crushed the rose in his claws, purple smoke leaked from between his fingers. “And he will fall.”

“This is crazy, Lailah!” Uriel pleaded. “Don’t do this!”

“I will not be his puppet anymore! He will be mine!” Lailah turned and began to leave. “The world will be mine and the heavens will follow.”

“Lailah!”

“Don’t call me that!” He screamed. “I will not be called by a name he gave me! The name Lailah is dead!” He composed himself. “I am not an angel, I’m a demon. I’m an Azazel and I shall be known as such.”

Desmond

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Caer

Fledgling deities and powered creatures are always fascinating creatures, still awkwardly learning their strength not unlike adolescent puppies still learning the length of their legs. And if they have a few extra limbs to figure out, all the more trouble for them. There was always not only the issue of stumbling or accidentally hitting others with a stray leg, arm or disobedient head or tail, but inadvertently vaporizing an unfortunately placed tree. Or house. Or, in some (unforgettable) cases, a good part of the closest village.

Said deity was, most assuredly, trained to restrain themselves very quickly after that.

However, despite everything, they still managed to finally grow into themselves and take their place in the pantheon, giving or taking commands to sustain the balance of life that, in turn, ensured their own existence.

Before the god of the night created dreams, there was nothing to enjoy about the period between dusk and dawn. It was a time of fear and danger, not the peaceful rest that many attribute to it in more modern years. There was always a monster around every corner, hungry, just waiting for its chance to take what it craved, to destroy, to harm. Dreams countered the fear, offering escape and serenity, feeding the hope and joy so intrinsic to all living beings.

Those in the safer areas – the organized and patrolled villages, the calm parts of the wilderness – their dreams made it safely through the thick ether, bypassing the dangers in the parts where the etheric plane was most protected. For the rest, though – the dangerous areas, the locations where the ether was worn thin and penetrable by the monsters and beasts and all things that would destroy hope and life, the god needed Dream Carriers; warriors that bore precious cargo that needed protection from the taint of the darkness that permeated the night and the fear inherent to life in the wild.

They were made to be trustworthy and loyal, fierce fighters that trusted their instincts and senses that they needn’t rely on sight or the same mighty power that created them, which was but a beacon to the monsters, and was so easily corrupted by them. The god could not risk his creations becoming Trojan horses, as the phrase would become, within his inner circle.

Caer was one of the first, one of the favored few that were created and taught by the god. However, being first, being favored, didn’t necessarily imply a willingness to learn, or any pre-programmed knowledge. The Dream Carrier was a restful one, instead, preferring to explore the creation of dreams rather than learn how to find recipients and how to hide the brightness of the dreams with his body.

But of course, school is hardly school without practical applications as well.

The first practice mission was a lonely, flickering soul in the outskirts of a danger zone, under the watchful eye of the instructor. For a creature made without the ability to feel fear – a trait the god found helpful when navigating the darkest parts of the world – Caer certainly tasted nervousness and anxiety that the test would not be passed. The woods there were monstrous, the trees gnarled and twisted, infected with the fanged and clawed beasts as densely as wasps in an old nest, and thrice as vicious as the wicked insects.

And the dream almost didn’t make it to the target.

Feet away from the restless soul, the beasts closed in, and it took all of Caer’s cunning and strength to force them away just long enough to give the poor mortal the peace it was so desperate for, the edges of the dream tattered from the struggle and marred with more than a few tears. The god, seeing the task complete, rescued his pupil and held the tired creature close.

You prefer to create your own dreams instead of training to fight for those of others. Why is that, my creation?

Caer whimpered, curling into a shivering ball against the flowing might that formed the creator’s body. Feeling the failure, the disappointment that the dream had been harmed in the melee; the student was, for sure, marked for destruction, a failed experiment.

“I wish to experience that which you have gifted to the ones we are sent to assist. I wish to understand.”

The god was quiet for a long moment, his power running through his student’s fur as lovingly as a mortal father would rub his child’s back to offer comfort. You were created different from your brothers and sisters. I gifted you with curiosity, and enough will to explore your desires. While the others are purely soldiers made to carry out orders, Caer, you are their guide. You, above all others, are allowed to create, to see.

“See?”

Open your eyes, Little One. The god chuckled, two tendrils of power sliding over the small, dark shoulders. Wings, small but soft, opened in their wake, the thin feathers shifting over one another with a gentle rustle.

Caer’s eyes fluttered open, the luminous gaze settling upon the face of its creator, lighting the void of darkness around the creator and his creation.

My light in the night, may you chase away the darkness as well as you create dreams.

Jadeghost
Arabella

Mettalic Dragon

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Fifi

She did not remember what her mother looked like, though the matron said she was beautiful. The pup glanced back at the orphanage once more before continuing her mad dash away from the cold stone walls that had held her for as long as she could remember. The air was chill as it crept through the thin and ragged fabric of the tunic she'd borrowed from one of the other orphans before sneaking out the window and squeezing herself through a hole in the wall surrounding the old building. She could not say how long she had been planning her escape from the orphanage, nor how long she had been considering going on a search for her family. The matron had told her many times in the past that she was alone in this world, she had no family and that is why she was at the orphanage to begin with. What a bleak outlook, the pup thought as she bowed her head against a sudden gust of wind.

Weeks passed, finding the young orphan curled shivering beneath a pile of fallen leaves draped in snow. Her blue eyes filled with tears as her tiny body shook with thick, painful coughs. She pulled her tunic tighter around her body, wishing she had a longer tail that she could use to cover her frozen nose. Someone passed through the alleyway where the pup lay, turning up their nose and pulling their thick jacket up against the cold when they saw her pleading eyes looking their way. "P-please sir... I'm so c-cold... and h-hungry..." She rasped after him, knowing already that he would not stop to help the ailing orphan. She was correct and he hardly hesitated at the sound of her voice before he sped up and turned the corner. Once more the tears began to flow down her cheeks as her head dropped back to her paws hopelessly. I'm going to die. Right here in this alley. And not one soul will care. She sucked in another painful breath, coughing once more as her lungs tried to clear themselves of the fluid from the pneumonia that was slowly consuming her. Her eyes drooped closed as she willed the cold to finally stop her breath so she could go to be with her mother in heaven.

The brisk winter air gave Walter Henrickson chills all the way to his aching old bones as he walked down the street, taking in the beauty of the freshly fallen snow while contemplating how much his life had changed since his wife had died several months earlier. She had meant the world to him and with Christmas fast approaching he felt extremely lonely without her there to share in the holiday spirit. As he walked, he suddenly felt drawn off the main street and toward one of the alleyways. Normally he'd have ignored the feeling and walked on, but he was in no hurry this morning and figured that a detour wouldn't inconvenience him too much. However, as he approached the alley, a sense of urgency suddenly overcame him and he found himself breaking into a hobbled run. As he entered the alley, he immediately knew something was very wrong. The smell of illness hung in the air and he could hear someone gasping for breath close by. He squinted against the shadows, willing his eyes to adjust to the darker area faster so he could see who was there. When his old eyes finally focused and he spotted the ragged purple-grey pup lying unconscious half-buried in a pile of wet leaves, his heart broke. He quickly pulled his jacket off and scooped the pup into, wrapping it tightly around her soaked and shivering body. One of her eyes opened partially and her body spasmed as she fell into a coughing fit. Once it passed, her eye attempted to focus on his face, "Mo....mmy?" The pup gasped quietly before her head lolled back and she fell unconscious once more. Tears blurred Walter's vision as he carried the pup out of the alley, it was clear to him that this pup was an orphan by her unkempt appearance. "Don't you worry little one, I'll get you help. You're not alone anymore. I promise."

How quickly time had passed for Fifi! She reflected momentarily on what her life had been before Walter had found her dying alone in a back alley years ago. He'd been so kind to her, sparing no expense to save her life and then offering her a home and a father once she was finally well enough that the doctors released her from the hospital. They had come to his home together that morning and she enjoyed the spring sun on her back, listening as the old wolf spoke of his regrets that she'd been too sick to be with him for Christmas but how pleased he was that she would be healthy for Easter. "Easter is a time for new beginnings. The spring is filled with new birth and growth all around. The trees return to life and begin to grow new leaves. Baby animals of all kinds are born. And the rain, oh the rain, comes down and cleanses the world, leaving everything fresh and clean."

At the time, such a hopeful message had been just what she needed to hear. He told her the next morning that he had chosen to adopt her and that although he knew he could never replace her mother, he wished to be like a father to her. He'd taught her how to behave properly, the ways of society and how to stay safe when going outside. The streets were a dangerous place for a young pup, but he hadn't needed to tell her twice. She had been surprised and somewhat shocked when she realized how much money Walter had. He paid for her to go to school and helped her to gain a worthwhile education, while also teaching her that money does not buy happiness. She was so happy to finally have someone to turn to.

Unfortunately, Walter was not a young wolf and the years soon began to take their toll on him. He passed away a week after she graduated from her university and now she stood over a casket before a small crowd, wearing the hat and scarf he'd given her for graduation. "My papa was someone very special. Many of you know that I was found dying on the street many years ago, only months after Mrs. Henrickson passed." She paused, looking at those she'd grown to know and love through small acts of service she and Walter had performed together in the past. "I love him as a father, and although he is no longer here with us, I know that he would want us to carry on his work. To celebrate his life, rather than mourn it."

After the funeral, a ragged little pup approached her with glistening eyes, "Miss Fifi, what're you gonna do with all that money yer daddy left ya?" She chuckled at his intrigued expression and then lowered her head so that she reached his eye level. "Well, personally I've had enough of seeing so many pups living out on the streets. And the home Papa left behind is simply too large for any lone wolf." She paused, then winked at him, "And so I'm going to open my home to the orphans like yourself. There will be beds and three meals a day for all of you. No more living on the streets." The pup yipped excitedly, "And schoolin? Are ya gonna teach us 'bout 'igh society Miss?" Fifi grinned, "Of course, now go tell your friends and tell them to spread the word. There'll be supper and warm beds available as early as tonight, in honor of my papa, Mr. Walter Henrickson."

Solloby
Faun

Yağmur
Hayalet

Atwood

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Jagger

Captain Kaycee

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Tulvir

He was alone.

Completely and utterly alone.

Tulvir was now the last of his kind. With the age of dragons finally over, he found himself roaming quietly across the lands with nothing but his satchel and a little white bird that had started to follow him only a couple months ago. It was enough company for him, but nothing like the age of dragons. What had happened to his family? His mother, who had protected him for so long, only to disappear without a trace. And what of the Great Elder, a dragon who had taught him everything he knew of the human world? Had the humans been the ones to cause this?

Whatever it was, he knew that his kind was almost extinct. Perhaps it was the idea that all dragons were killers. Tulvir never wanted to hurt anybody; he enjoyed seeing the wonders of life on the planet. There were days where he found himself watching the little white bird follow him, yet never saying anything. Whenever he stopped to make camp the bird was there, perching on his family's crest that he carried with him. What had caused the little bird to follow him?

One day, the bird did not appear. In its place were two spiders, dangling over him with their eight long legs. Tulvir bolted up from where he lay and hid among the bushes, seeing spiderwebs wherever he went. The bird had vanished, and he could only think of the worst. He crouched and wrapped his wings around him, thinking that they were the only things that could protect him. He was terrified; the one bit of company he had was replaced with what he believed were predators.

And the only thing Tulvir could do was cower and cry silently to himself. There was nothing that could be done but hide.

Two years later...

The setting sun over the ocean waves brought a wave of peacefulness throughout Tulvir. The dragon did not know where his life was going to end. He had travelled far and wide, dodging terrible spiders, humans, and even other predators as well. He felt like there was nothing left in his life to do except wander aimlessly.

As he lifted his head to look at the ocean in front of him, something caught his eye. Three little figures were flying over the water towards him, their wings beating along either side of their bodies. As he squinted his fiery-induced eyes, he realised what they were in front of him.

Dragons! he gasped to himself. They were three little dragons that all were a part of his kind. As they landed in front of Tulvir, their little heads perked up.

"We've been waiting for you, Tulvir!" the green-coloured dragon squeaked.

"Yes yes! The spiders finally led you here!" the darker one chirped.

"Spiders? They wanted to hurt me!"

Tulvir couldn't believe it. These dragons were telling him that the spiders wanted to help all along?! He was running away from them in fear that they would hurt him, but they only wanted to bring him back to his family. As he glanced back at one of the trees, he noticed a single spider hanging from a web. But what surprised him more was the little bird that had perched itself on his crest.

His entire face lit up with joy when he saw the bird. He couldn't be more happier that it was alive and well, and had probably been the one to help guide him with the spiders as well. Now that he was at the ocean, he knew where he belonged. He had found his family.

Tulvir looked at the ocean in front of him once more, and began to descend into the water. His family was there for him, just as he was now there for the sea.

He was the dragon of the seas.

versicolor
Deirdre

Grahm

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Móðolfr

DoctorDraca
Khorne

Verdana

Vampiric
Pom

sphynx

Tyr
Skerple

Hekomi
Theodora

Fiery Gatoh

Bernouli
Genie Koda

SoulWings
Scorpio

sketchi

Cloudfur

Selkine

September 2015

newborn designs by sketchi

Atwood, bel racat, Berkshire, Bernouli, Pandle, Chia
Desmond, DoctorDraca, Ethulai, Fiery Gotah, Jadeghost
Lacuna, Lilian Nightshade, Metallic Dragon, Nadine
Orchid Sprig, PitchBlack, Saikiyo, Schuylur, sketchi
Solloby, sphynx, Vampiric, Verdana, Agapetos, Yağmur

Pandle

Anika

Nadine
Aurora

Verdana

sphynx

Schulyer

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Morningstar

Metallic Dragon

Solloby

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Arion

Lacuna
Ziggi

Ethulai

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Karoola

sketchi
Ennir

Pluma

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Opal

Agapetos

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Seinastur/Seinn

Desmond

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Lir

[continuation of Desmond's 2014 staff pup story]

Caer did not often have trouble crossing The Great Sea. It was a large body of water, sure, but the waves were usually passable, the winds rarely more than a light gale. And though the ether was an overlaying dimension, separate from the mortal realm, it could still be affected by certain things – and few were more “certain” than water.

Water, which was very, very good at logging feathers and making flight through the darkened ether near-impossible. The dream, already ragged on one edge from a battle with a fanged monster in a forest left far behind, was just about drowned out, the hope dying within it. It would be worthless, but… Caer could not give up.

The dream needed to reach its target, or dissolve in the attempt.

Water sloshed over Caer’s nose, and the flighty little being was thankful that the mortal coil was not part of the Dream Maker’s power; none of the Carriers, not even the leader, the special dreamer Caer, needed air to breathe or food or water to drink.

It didn’t make the experience any less terrifying.

Below, the water swirled. Flashes of scales, the startling cry of the beings that dwelled within the crossrealms of the earthen water and ethereal state. There were great, monstrous things down there; things with teeth and claws and horns, things that used coils and coils of their body to pull down the victims and sap away their energy until there was little left but the flickering flame of life.

Caer struggled harder, and felt the light nick of a solid, curved horn against what passed as a form for the carrier’s energy to coalesce into. Something surged within the being’s energy, hot and burning against the cold rush of water. Fear, that’s what that was. That was what the mortals felt when they needed the soft relief of the dreams Caer and the other carriers brought unto them.

The dream sputtered. It was dying.

And Caer… was suddenly pushed through the water, arrowing under the waves with a speed not unlike that which was offered over dry land. Behind, there was a wavering note, muted only by the speed of travel and the rush of water: a battle’s cry, no, a warning of battle, should the caller be crossed.

And things answered.

Sharklike beasts, built out of sharp edges and shades, blurred into view as they sped past, some getting clipped by the horns that curved out so wickedly before it and framed Caer’s form as it rested against the thing’s large head. One shadow-beast, with its maw opened wide, was dispelled as they burst through, little more than a thing built from light – or lack thereof.

As suddenly as it started, they stopped, and Caer was thrown onto the soft, wet sandy ground that separated the dimensions once more. The carrier turned, lamplike eyes barely catching the great goatlike body as it turned and dove back under – and the huge, finned tail that had propelled them both so far, so fast.

The dream was delivered that night, as ragged and soggy as it was. Hope continued to beat within the mortal’s chest. And Caer flitted back home.

You are troubled, my creation. The gods warm embrace circled Caer, and the carrier leaned back.

“I was rescued from the water by a strange thing. I experienced fear, and I was pushed to safety.”

You do not know what to make of it?

“No. Yes. I….”

The god chuckled, gently patting Caer’s wings dry. The creature you met, Creation, was Lir. A being made out of a moment of panic and fright, it is what saves the mortals from the monsters under the sea, and the dangers of the water itself, in hopes that it may redeem itself from being unable to save its own creator.

“As I and my brethren save them from fear in the dark?”

Yes, though you need not seek redemption, my beloved creation. It must have seen fit to rescue you, too. And I thank it.

Caer’s bright eyes illuminated the warm space the creator and creation had found each other. “It deserves to know that, I think.”

A content, fond murmur of assent. Very well. What do you propose?

Oh.

Caer did not expect to be the one to decide how to reward the rescuer. Beings that dwelled in the ether did not need mortal things – did not sleep, and therefore, had no use for dreams unless they themselves made them or had them for a purpose.

How to reward a rescuer that had need of nothing?

Wait. No, not nothing. “What would mark the creature as redeemed?”

That is for one to decide on their own.

“Then… ask the stars to rearrange. Make Lir part of the sky, like us, just as it’s part of the sea. That way, it can better watch over its realm.”

I can think of no better alternative, my creation. Very well; Lir shall join the stars in the sky. And the mortals will speak of a great goat-fish for generations to come. It will be more than redeemed, Beloved. It will be remembered, and made legend.

Jadeghost

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Aiyana

Bernouli
Ryu

Yağmur

Siloso

Norinia

Saikiyo
Keeper

Atwood
Reynir

Berkshire

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Chenaanah

Chia

Lilian Nightshade
Lucille

PitchBlack

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Hikaru

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September 2016

Atwood, bel racat, Berkshire, Bernouli, Coalchaser
Dia., Desmond, DoctorDraca, Ethulai, Fiery Gatoh
Jadeghost, Lacuna, Lilian Nightshade, Metallic Dragon
Nadine, Pandle, Pluma, raey, Rainpelt, Saikiyo
Schuyler, Siberian, sketchi, Solarizing, Solloby
Swiftalu, Vampiric, Verdana, Vhenan, Yağmur

Rainpelt
Eitan

Schulyer

Fiery Gatoh

Solloby

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Scorch

Nadine
Ezra

raey

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Etessia & Jack

She was flying, her wings strong and silent with feathers made of starlight. Around her swirled the soothing night; a storm of deep blues; an endless ocean full of stars, dreams, and hopes.
Wings moved without the slightest efforts, carrying her deeper and deeper into the warm hands of the darkness until all she could see was the golden sparks of the stars as she passed them.
Faster and faster, deeper and deeper until the sky around her exploded into light.

Cold. A soft but chilly breath tickled her fur, carrying the smell of frost. She could not tell what it was that woke her in the end, but she silently cursed it, pressing her eyes together in the faint hope she could simply slip back into her dream. Ever since she was born she had dreamed of flying; the idea of just leaving the world behind caused her heart to ache every now and then.
“Etessia?” A soft voice called out to her, careful and gentle.
A tired sigh escaped her mouth before she started to blink, allowing the early light of the day to enter her eyes. Only a few inches away from her nose sat a caterpillar, his soft yellow colour glowing faint golden in the sunlight. The pair of small black eyes looked up at her, full of expectations.
“You are up early, Jack.” Her words were unable to decide if they wanted to be a question or a statement.
“I want to show you something,” he replied gently.
For a little while, Etessia eyed her friend with suspicion before she nodded in agreement.
With tiny feet, he slowly climbed up her muzzle, moving to the top of her head, the place he always took when they were racing through the endless fields and forests into the open arms of their world.
“Lead the way, little man!” Etessia teased him cheerfully.
“Down these hills.”
“Alright.” Without any further notice, the young dog stormed forward.

The earth underneath her paws felt cold but soft, and the tips of the grass were sparkling like little diamonds from the early sunlight gathering on the little drops of dew. Her warm breath drew little white clouds in the air. The trees around them had started to turn red and orange a while ago, forming a sea of fire each time the sun would light their crowns. Their way led them through the depth of the forest, over small meadows and little brooks gurgling cheerfully as they followed the old paths to the wider and even older rivers.
More than once she wanted to ask him about the place he was leading her to, but there was something about him, the way he barely talked at all, a silent melancholy that made her keep the words to herself.
It took them a while to reach the destined place, but she knew they had arrived the moment her eyes fell upon it.

It was a huge meadow, a soft green grass hill, with a huge willow tree on top of it. A green island within the red ocean of dying leaves. Not far away a little brook with crystal clear water silently passed them before vanishing in the forest. She slowed down, walking up the hill till they reached the willow tree. It was ancient and majestic, and if you listened closely you could hear it singing stories of long forgotten times.
“What is this place?” She asked, her voice low in respect of the magical feeling running through her veins.
“I was born here,” Jack revealed, slowly climbing down her and wandering towards the tree.
“You know,” he continued, struggling to find the right words. “My time as caterpillar has come to an end.”
Etessia sat down, resting her head to the side as she watched her friend climbing up to one of the lower branches.
“What?”
“I have come here to sleep; to change. I will be gone for a long while.”
“You can’t leave me!” She called out, unwilling to listen to his words.
“But this is the circle of life. We all have to leave one day.”
“But…” Tears ran down her cheek, a stream of pain dropping down to the soft ground.
“I will not die. I will come back. I don’t know when, but I will.”
“We still have so much to do. So many adventures.”
“We will go on these adventures. Just not now.”
Etessia swallowed heavily, trying to ignore the feeling inside her chest, the stone that was pushing her towards the ground.
“You should have told me earlier.”
Jack didn’t reply. Instead, he started spinning a cocoon as golden as the sun.
She wanted to yell at him, scream about how he dared to do this to her. But she couldn’t.
Instead, she only watched with wet eyes as her friend slowly vanished behind a thin wall of light.
“Goodbye, Etessia.”
“Goodbye.”
With these last words Jack closed the last open spot in his silken cage, leaving Etessia with nothing but silence.

She missed him from the first day on. His voice ringing in her ears, his laughter filling the air. She had been so used to his company that his absence hurt like a thorn inside her heart. The only comfort came when she would greet him at the start of the day and later lay down underneath the willow tree at the end, the cocoon right above her head, and tell him about the wonders of her day. She told him of the last leaf slowly sailing towards the ground; of the ocean of fog covering the fields and meadows. She told him of the frost, lining every blade of grass in silver shimmers. She told him of the first snow; of her surprise when a little delicate snowflake landed on her muzzle, remaining there for a second before it slowly melted. She told him of the storm that left the world in a deep white cover, swallowing every sound. She told him of the green lights that lit up the sky in the middle of the night, dancing in the sky together with the millions of stars. She told him of the sun setting the world on fire when her golden light touched the snow or when the moon turned it into diamonds. She told him of the ice that swallowed the rivers and lakes.
She told him of the first flower breaking through, a daring gesture against the cold. She told him of the snow melting to make a place for all the new life rising out of the ground.
She told him everything; and sometimes she cried silently when her words had faded into the soothing night.

There's a new world coming
And it's just around the bend
There's a new world coming

This one's coming to an end

There's a new voice calling
You can hear it if you try
And it's growing stronger
With each day that passes by

There's a brand new morning
Rising clear and sweet and free
There's a new day dawning
That belongs to you and me
☼

Like every day in the morning, the sun reaching out with warm hands to melt away the frost that once more had covered the world over night, Etessia made her way down the hills to the willow tree. Sleep still in her eyes, she nearly stumbled over a few branches when she saw it.
The sunlight touched the cocoon like every morning, but something was different this time. A glow seemed to come from the inside, so bright it could easily win over the sun. Carefully, she stepped closer, her paws making no sound on the soft earthen ground. Emerald eyes scanned the cocoon, taking in every edge, every curve to determine the cause of the glow only to come to the conclusion that the golden shine came from inside. Like a heartbeat the light pulsated within the thin walls, brighter and brighter with every beat.

Suddenly, making Etessia stumble a few steps backwards, the outer skin of the cocoon broke. A thin crack ripped the fragile wall in two, breaking into two what had been one for so many months. Panic rose inside her heart, her breath quickened as the blood rushed faster and faster through her veins. The light emerging through the crack nearly blinded her in its brightness. A light like liquid gold exploded into dust as soon as it left the safety of the cocoon, filling the air around her with kind laughter and cherished joy. A feeling of comfort spread in her chest, driving away the panic before sweetness could lay warm hands around her heart.
Once more, a faint crack reached her ears as the walls gave in completely, freeing what had been hidden there for such a long time.
With the freed forces of a storm, wings unfolded; wings wide and fragile, yet strong. They were the colour of a pale yellow, the wind slowly drawing a green pattern on their surface.

Etessia took a step backwards, confused and uncertain of what she just had witnessed. She was afraid and curious at the same time, her heart racing as she eyed the butterfly in front of her, scanning his appearance from the tips of his wings to the end of his antennae.
Only when she looked into his eyes, a pair of small, warm black eyes, she finally understood.
“Jack!” She called out in disbelief, taking a daring step closer.
“Of course,” the butterfly replied, smiling down at her from the depth of his heart.
“I…” She started, but her words fell apart as she took in his changed appearance over and over again.
“You…” Etessia started to grin. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you,” Jack replied, taking a few first attempts with his newly earned wings, feeling the soft air carrying him without any effort.
“Thank you also for telling me your stories.”
“You heard them?” She called out in disbelief.
“Of course I did. Every single one.”
He took a few flaps towards her, slowly sitting down upon her muzzle.
“You grew as well,” he noted, smiling widely. “You are not the pup I left when the frost came.” Etessia couldn’t help but giggle.
“I guess we both changed. But you know what? I am still more than ready for an adventure.”
“Adventure, eh!”
“Yep.” She grinned widely, emerald eyes glowing in excitement.
“Where do you want to go?”
“The stars?”
“The stars it is!”
And with a strong beat of his wings, the butterfly raised into the air, welcoming the soft breeze warmed up from the sunshine.
Etessia didn’t wait much longer to jump to her paws, racing over the soft green grass.
Together they chased after the sunlight, over hills and rivers, up into a new adventure. A new journey with only the wind as their loyal guide on the way to a new world.

Pluma

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Artemis

Ethulai

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Khali

Lord Shiva rose from his throne on Mount Kailash and prepared for his annual journey. He was to survey the kingdom that he ruled and check upon the progress of his people and the beasts of the land. He polished and checked over his trishula carefully, making sure his weapon was in perfect condition in the event of coming across any troublesome devas and asuras as he travelled. He packed his treasured damaru and bade farewell to his wife Parvati and their two sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. With ever-loyal Vasuki curled protectively around his neck, Shiva mounted the bull Nandī and began his descent off the mountain.

As the three companions travelled Shiva reflected that like himself the mountains were creators, preservers, destroyers, revealers and concealers of all therein. Lord Shiva enjoyed the quiet solitude of the peaks and valleys but also enjoyed the reception and worship he received when he rested at the villages through China, Nepal and Tibet. Winter’s chill could not dampen the pride and pleasure he felt. He spent a considerate amount of time in Varanasi, his most beloved city.

One morning Lord Shiva felt a faint disturbance in the melodic currents of the unseen world. Opening his third eye, he was able to trace the cosmic unrest to Mount Kanchenjunga in Nepal. He urged Nandī into a lumbering run, determined to get to the third highest mountain in the known world as quickly as possible. There he found one of his most precious and secret creations, the yeti, had given birth to young. Yeti were fearsome creatures, a reminder from Shiva that the mountains were treacherous and should be respected, but they were benign. It was therefore extremely disconcerting to Lord Shiva to notice that the young undulated with menace and disquiet.

The god Shiva, The Auspicious One, was deeply disturbed. He foresaw death and destruction, hate and mistrust if the young were to be allowed to grow and thrive unchecked, a catalyst for all evil. He place his hands upon the young yeti’s neck ruff and flank and spoke a series of chants. As he removed his hands, the young yeti suddenly became tethered with sharp looking, floating green halos. The color displayed was no accident. Lord Shiva hoped that allowing the halos to be green would bring peace of mind to the young cryptid.

“So it is and so it shall be done,” Lord Shiva intoned. “My mark is upon thee. My will is upon thee. Should you choose the right path your destiny will be your own. Should you stray to the darkness you will be forever bound and you will lose something precious. This will either be your doom or your savior. Choose wisely.” Knowing nothing more could be done, Shiva blessed the yeti’s mother and continued on his way.

bel racat

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Yakone'

The snow swirled on the frozen tundra, the darkness making the drifts seem ominous in the night. It was an eternal darkness, one brought on by the tilt of the earth in regards to the location of the northern lands. Winter plunged them into darkness for months on end, the bright rays of the shining sun become naught but a distant fond memory. The only lights that graced the residents of the far northern town of Barrow, Alaska, were the light of the Aurora Borealis, the ancestors’ way of reminding the Inuit people that the darkness was not forever, and that their people were always remembered.
It was under one of these aurora’s that Yakone’ was born, her mother a husky used to pull the great sleds that helped the people traverse the rugged land. Her striking red pelt set her apart from her brothers and sisters, and the elders said it was because the pup was born under a rare red aurora, and thus it was for this she was given her name. The lights dazzled the sky the night of her whelping, lighting up the arid tundra in a great display of beauty. And thus, it was even then Yakone’ was known as the beauty of Barrow.
Unlike her siblings, Yakone’ was rarely used for the sled, not only due to her rare coat of red, but because of the fact that she had found her niche as a member of the town. No one person laid claim to her, as she belonged to them all, a true peoples dog in that sense. Yakone’ was known by all, and all she loved, thriving in the winter climate and helping people see the beauty and hope in it as well. It was a tragedy within the town when the long puff of a tail Yakone’ bore was run over by a sled, causing it to be shortened tremendously, almost looking like the tail of one of the polar bears in the area. While all held their breath to see how she handled it, Yakone’ could only wag her new stump, not letting it slow her at all.

As the eternal night grew into an eternal day, Yakone’ as well aged, her coat going from being cute puppy fluff, to the thick coat of the northern huskies. However, it stayed soft to the touch, her puff of a tail not impeding her beauty in the slightest, but possibly even enhancing her uniqueness. There was one issue though, in the fact that her uniqueness and beauty had started to count against her, in a certain fashion. Although the people of the town cherished her, some of the other dogs had begin to bare resentment to her because of this treatment.
It became rather lonely for Yakone’, and for all the beauty in the world, she would give it all just to be able to run with her friends. She still slept with the sled dogs, but she could feel that she was not accepted as part of the brother and sisterhood they had formed. Thus, she began wandering, withdrawing into herself, becoming more inclined to a life of solitude. That is, until, one day on the ice.

Yakone’ had never seen a wild dog. Naturally, she had heard of these mythical creatures, former sled or town dogs that had taken to the tundra instead of be one of the humans’ pack. It was one day out on the ice that this changed. In the distance, the dancing snow showed a shape, one much like her own but with small contrasts. The figure was larger, it had a long tail, and very clearly was of a different build. Intrigued, she watched, until the figure disappeared. A few more times she saw the mysterious shape, but it neither ran away nor approached her. She knew it had to have seen her as well, but never did it make first contact.
Until one day the ice cracked. It was rare, for the permafrost and thick layers of ice to fail her, but Yakone’ had managed to find a former seal hole that had yet to completely freeze solid. With a swift whoosh she splashed into the waters, her coat instantly soaking through. Gasping, she flailed her paws, fighting to the surface, but the ice was too slick and unstable for her to pull her body weight out. Instead, she simply howled for help, while trying to keep her head above water. The night was approaching, and soon it would be futile.
Just when hope was fading, lights began to dance across the sky again. How poetic, Yakone’ thought, that her light would fade under the very lights she was born under. These were different, tints of red being mixed with a unique purple color. The ancestors were speaking to her, she realized as her eyes began to feel heavy. Until suddenly her whole body felt heavy. And her scruff hurt. Why did it hurt? As coherency returned to her, she felt a tongue lapping across her pelt, and reasoned she had been pulled from her icy grave.
Looking up, purple eyes met her green ones, and she gasped as she saw who her savior was. It was the distant figure, she could tell by his build and the feather necklace around his neck! Here was her hero, a wolf and husky mix of a cream pelt with a unique pattern on his back. Much like herself he wore a feather, although instead of her arm band his fluttered around his back, and was purple much like the pattern on his pelt. Blinking her eyes, she could say nothing except to let herself drift into sleep.
When she awoke, the dog was curled around her, sleeping contently and sharing his body heat with her own. It was now that she could really take in his appearance, quickly noting the cut along his right forepaw. It was fresh, clear to her it was done on the ice in her rescue. This hybrid knew not who she was, and risked himself anyway. Here was someone more of a friend to her than any of her pack mates. Contently, she was able to go back to sleep.

The legend of Yakone’ and Babbu is still told to Inuit pups, the story of the beautiful outcast fae who found her grace in the rogue hybrid wolf who had also been shunned by his peers. They lived happily, going from close friends to loving mates over time, having litters of their own. Some stayed wild, like them. Others went to the local town of Barrow, where like their mother they were swiftly adopted by the whole town. Yakone’ too would return home, to say hello to her favorite people. But never did she stay, instead choosing to be with Babbu under the lights of the aurora, peering up at them from the drifts of the arctic tundra. And each time she saw them, she would thank her ancestors for giving her the hybrid who stood beside her.

Berkshire

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Promise

Yağmur

Desmond

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Soláthraí

[A continuation of Desmond's previous two staff pup stories.]

Caer knew nothing of time. It was a mortal construct, designed to keep track of one’s own existence before they withered into the ether, swept up either by the darkness that continued to permeate the world or led into peace by the Guides. Caer and the Brethren, they all existed outside such things, their existence immeasurable by any points of reference that could be understood by creatures whose lives came and went like the light of the firefly in the vastness of the cosmos.

The Dreamer’s job was quickly becoming harder as the population grew, and the creatures started closing in on the places that the wild, shadowy beasts still roamed. The monsters feasted, no matter how fast Caer raced toward the destined receivers, and so, so many succumbed; it was a very rare moment indeed, when a victim managed to see the light of the dawn. Carriers were being trapped, dispersed, or lost - and the Creator could not bring more into creation to bring back their numbers.

And yet, there was still honor in the living creatures. A sense of unity that thrived within certain members to protect, to love. This bond, common in family and friendship, extended even to strangers for the most honorable, and it was these who received the greatest rewards in rest. If any were to experience such ties, the Dreamer was glad that it could be the mortals - their lives were so fragile, so fleeting; kindness brightened their hearts with a glow unmatched by the waking sun.

These, too, were hunted by the shadows.

One of the brightest spirits that Caer personally watched after was a young thing; barely old enough to stray from its parents, and certainly not able to manage navigating the mountains that it found itself in after they disappeared. The love held within the little creature burned unmatched, even when hope wore thin. The young thing’s life was cut short not long after its light flickered into being, having spent its last moments on the living plane defending its den-mates from the despair of hunger and need, and the long claws of those who feed upon it.

As the little soul awaited its guide into the final realm, Caer guarded it, cradling it with soft wings. The poor thing wasn’t scared, but… worried. And not for itself, but for those it loved. Without ears, it could not listen to Caer’s condolences. Without a voice, it could not speak of its troubles.

But it could take comfort that the Dreamer could spare.

The warmth of Caer’s creator spread over the pair as they waited. For a long moment, the three were still and quiet, until the all-encompassing voice echoed softly, as if taking care to not frighten the little mortal. You care for this one more than usual, my Creation.

“This creature is of pure heart. It wanted to protect, to love and spread hope, and now…”

Now it is to be taken to its place of final rest. A just reward, is it not?

“Yes, but… hope is dying in the mortal realm. There is so much discord here, our purpose is threatened. Your creations, your dreams, they are in jeopardy.”

What do you propose?

Caer did not know the answer to the creator’s question. It was not a Dream Carrier’s task to imagine or solve problems, only shelter and deliver dreams and give hope. Though special, though gifted with the ability to dream, Caer was still fundamentally one of them. “I do not know. I just wish such a light did not need to be extinguished so soon, before it could truly do anything about the encroaching hopelessness.”

I cannot return a mortal’s life to the dead, Creation. You know this.

The Dreamer nodded, knowing this. Resurrection was the duty of another being, a jealously kept power that was used so rarely that it might as well never happen at all.

But I can, perhaps, help.

Caer froze, not daring to turn to look at the Creator in disbelief. What was the great being getting at?

This creature will be remade, and assigned to protect those who wander, and are in greatest need. Though its original form was that of the wild, its new form will echo domesticity; most mortals find comfort in each other, after all. Would that not allow it to spread what the world needs so desperately?

The Creator did not wait for Caer to answer, instead waving away both the Dreamer and the incoming Guide to work with the soul, remolding it with delicate ease.

Before long, the newly remade creature was unleashed into the mountains, using its new wings and horns to race to the rescue. It, like Caer and the other Dream Carriers, and like the water guardian Lir, existed now outside of the mortal’s realm.

We never gave the creature a name. You stopped to shelter it, perhaps you wish to name it as well?

“Soláthraí. It is of a mortal tongue.”

Provider. I could think of nothing better.

Atwood
Keli

Dia.
Theo

Vampiric

Jadeghost
Lysandra

Metallic Dragon

Coalchaser

Swiftalu
Beatrix

Solarizing

Vhenan

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Ayawamat

It was dark when I was born, but it was not night. I do not remember much about that day, except for the stark darkness, the hushed whispers, hiding and unease to leave our homes. My parents were instructed to give me up; a baby born during the sun's rebirth was a bad omen, one meant to cause trouble, to tear the world asunder. If I could've even spoken for myself I would've fought to stay. I could not, though, and found myself given away.

The Hopi tribe who took me in did not believe in the same superstition about the sun's rebirth. It was not a bad omen to them, but something we celebrated, the sun renewing herself to help our crops and livelihood. Here, I was a baby as any other-- raised by loving parents, fashioned into a resourceful boy. My parents named me Ayawamat, as I was quick to follow orders; something they claimed was noteworthy, my best trait. I was always so eager to please, to make my elders smile and proud.

When I was sixteen, it had been determined I was to undergo a ritual to become to the tribe as blood birth into it would've made me. I was meant to meet a Kachina spirit and converse with him, ask his acceptance into the tribe. I wish it would've gone that easy.

It turns out the spirit I met was a very angry spirit named Kököle. He came from the nearby mountains where things did not grow, where offerings were not given. Outraged he took hold of my body and scorned my tribe. His anger towards the Hopi did not end there; he was not content in staying there. He wanted to find a native tribe that would appreciate him.

I had no choice but to leave my people behind. I was supposed to finally be one of them, but now? Now they were to be strangers to me; people I would never meet again. With Kököle in control of my body, I had little I could do but carry on in his journey through America. We visited many tribes, trying to find one that would accept him as a new local god-- he was not happy in being anything less. Naturally, we were chased from every tribe we found.

I finally had enough; I knew going against the spirit would be dangerous, but I needed my freedom back. I could not be a vessel to an angry spirit forever. We fought and we fought, and he used my name against me-- was I not supposed to follow orders? Was I not supposed to be obedient? I cursed the spirit, saying he had no home in my heart, no home in my body. All at once he left me. What he took with him, I was not prepared to lose.

Lacuna

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Ruffian

Though a child may find their stuffed animal to be the most special of all, it is no secret that before they came home they were just one of thousands, mass produced and sitting on a toy store shelf. There's no life to them then, dull plastic eyes and pristine stitching, stuffing never slept on or cuddled. Still you may find them cute--that's how they get to go home--but truly, they are nothing special.

When Ruffian came home to Liddi he was just that way--she had picked him out for his potential, and her childish hand loved to stroke his soft, satiny fur marked with a red-orange glow. His green fur was special as well, its texture more like felt. She took Ruffian everywhere, carrying him in cars and on trains, on buses and through the sky on airplanes. They saw many places together and "Ruffy," as she affectionately called him, loved them all, even if he did get dropped on the sand at the beach or rained on in a mountain thunderstorm.

Once, Liddi accidentally left him behind in a grocery store, and her mother searched up and down every aisle to find him, tucked behind a package of chocolate chip cookies. She got the cookies, too, and Liddi did her best never to let Ruffy out of her sight again. Every night she fell asleep with her trusty puppy by her pillow, the king of all her other plushies. When Liddi was in middle school she sewed patches onto his shoulders and hips in home economics to cover patches where she had petted him too much. The stitches were slightly clumsy as she learned, but Ruffy loved anything that made him more unique.

Unfortunately for Ruffian, Liddi had to grow up. Though she never got rid of him, they had fewer adventures and he no longer got to see the world while dangling by his tail from her hand. He missed that, even though his ear had ripped where it dragged against the ground, and there was a tear in his tail from it always holding his entire weight all the time. She took him to college with her and he sat on her desk, king of a much smaller number of plushies. He wanted to bark and growl at Liddi's friends when they teased her about her stuffed animals, but unfortunately, he was still just a toy.

Ruffy was excited when Liddi started packing her things at the end of the school year, wanting to see where the next adventure would lead them. She placed him high up on her bunkbed while she finished, stuffing her things into suitcases haphazardly and quickly. Nothing seemed to fit right. Ruffy watched from above as Liddi hurried out of the dorm room, the door shutting behind her with a snap. He was alone.

Hours passed, and Ruffy looked expectantly toward the door, waiting for Liddi to return, but she never came. He remembered the time in the grocery store, and how Liddi had never left him again. It had been bound to happen eventually, but he was so sad that the day had finally come. While he was reminiscing a strange girl came in, lifting him from his perch and taking him into an office where he was stuffed in a file cabinet, in the dark. Ruffy was so, so lonely. He thought a lot, more thoughts than he had ever had in his entire plushie life. He didn't know why Liddi had left him after all their years together, and he knew he would do anything to win back her affection.

Something changed in Ruffy, and he felt his eyes sparkle and shine in the darkness of the drawer. He tried to lift a paw, experimentally, and to his utter shock, it worked! He walked around in tight, confined space, testing his new powers. Then, for the first time in months, he felt the drawer start to open. He froze, not wanting to let on to anyone about his new abilities.

"Here you go," a voice said, but it was not talking to Ruffy. Hands lifted him from the drawer, carrying him through the air and placing him on a counter. When Ruffy looked up, he was shocked to see Liddi, with a huge smile on her face. He heard the owner of the voice walk away as he was grabbed up in a tight hug.

"Oh, Ruffy!" Liddi whispered into his soft head. "I missed you so much! I'm sorry I forgot you... and then I couldn't come back until school started again. I promise I'll never leave you alone again," she said, and carried Ruffy carefully out of the office.

They went to a new home, a bigger place with more space, and Liddi had her own room. Now, no one could tease her about her plushies. As soon as the door was closed Ruffy leaped from her arms, startling a gasp from Liddi. She stared as he walked across the bed, testing his new abilities in the larger space. Liddi knelt down carefully, meeting his newly lively eyes. "Ruffy?" she said. He barked, a strange sound coming from an animal made of stuffing, but Liddi didn't care. She clapped her hands and squealed, hugging him again. "We're going to go on so many more adventures," she told him.

Siberian

sketchi
Applegrit

Bernouli

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Yako Kasai Ashlyn/Ash

Saikiyo
Tyton

DoctorDraca
Mallory

Verdana
Dayo

Pandle

Lilian Nightshade

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Lychee

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September 2017

newborn designs by Simon

Atwood, Bernouli, Coalchaser, Desmond, Dia., EmberWolf
Ethulai, Fiery Gatoh, Jayfrost, kerstin, Lacuna
Lilian Nightshade, Metallic Dragon, Nadine, Pluma
Raey, Raire, Saikiyo, Schuyler, Seasonal, Simon, sketchi
Swiftalu, Solloby, Vampiric, Verdana, Yağmur

Fiery Gatoh

Nadine

Coalchaser
Boscoe

Pluma
Gelata

Schuyler
Talhéphdwyn

Seasonal

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Lucille

Solloby Theodore

kerstin

Saikiyo

Desmond

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Aiden

[Continued from Desmond's 2014 staff pup story.]

Mortals, Caer had found, were confusing creatures. They yearned for community, and so gathered - then they yearned for solitude. Once solitary, the desire for community became priority again. The dreams given in either situation contrasted greatly, as well; in a community, it was safest to be alert for betrayal, but relish in the bonds created with others. Alone, and hope for survival again became paramount, but the joy of self-sufficiency and connectedness to the forces that surrounded them brought a great amount of satisfaction.

But as ever, the hopelessness and creatures of the dark encroached upon them, haunting every tree, every home, every field and cave. They waited in the depths of society for a chance to strike and take their prey, and the ensuing chaos would only allow them to thrive more.

Caer’s Brethren had become weakened in the face of the growing power of their foe. The Dreamer had taken to looking for allies, connecting with Lir for protection over water, and Soláthraí for a path through the most remote wilderness. They could not protect all… but the alliance had saved several Carriers from hordes of shadows. There was no peace in death for immortal creatures such as they -- only the impenetrable darkness of nonexistance and loss.

The Creator felt when each Carrier fell, so few were they, anymore; sometimes, they could be rescued, if Caer was alerted quickly enough, and if the attack wasn’t far. This time, with Lir’s long form swimming in the stars above, the location was a remote island far to sea; the Carrier had fallen after being overtaken by a beast that had set up an ambush with a mortal as bait. The dream it carried was most likely shredded, the mortal probably beyond Caer’s help… but the Carrier could still be brought home.

Caer’s inability to fight the larger monsters, however, was a problem. Carriers and the Dreamer were created mainly with speed and flightiness in mind; they were to flit through the air, and evade attacks as needed while reaching their goal in the least amount of time possible. Though fierce and unyielding, they were no longer able to keep up against the growing strength and ferocity they faced.

Lir, however, was a veteran when it came to battles. But all of that experience and power was restricted to the water and its reach.

The banks of the island were low and sandy, with no inlets, rivers or creeks to allow the sea-goat entry. Still, all was not lost. With a thought, Caer wove a dream, using the happiest thoughts that could be encountered in the night: the sun, the warmth, happiness, pride, friendship and love - and held it high over the tide’s spray, a brilliant star in its own right.

The creature took the bait and flew out, great leathery wings of shade and grief spreading as it dove, unable to hold its huge, draconic body in the air for long. And below the water, Lir struck.

Caer took the moment.

The dream became but a comet streaking through the night as the Dreamer sought out the fallen Carrier, desperately seeking the fading light that they all held within them.

There! There!

The Carrier was faded almost completely, almost matching the flickering of the mortal nearby. There was no helping it as its coil shuddered; it would find peace in the next realm. Seconds later, despite Caer’s frantic efforts to gather the Carrier for transport to their Creator, it, too, dissolved.

The retrieval was a failure.

In the light of Caer’s glowing eyes and the brilliance of the dream that had been so cleverly crafted as bait, another being stepped out from the undergrowth. Sturdily built, with a thick mane of fur protecting its neck and long, branching antlers haloing its head, it regarded the other being for a moment, then dismissed the Dreamer with barely a blink of its bright gold eyes, and approached the mortal’s abandoned shell. Quickly, quietly, respectfully, it took hold of… something, that still rested within it, before bounding away, spreading its great moth’s wings and returning to the ether from which it came with barely a sound.

It was a long journey home.

The Creator noticed immediately when the Dreamer had returned, the relatively small blip of light taking shelter in the gentle glow of the power that had created the Dream Carriers.

Your Brethren suffered another loss-

“Yes. I failed. I’m sorry.”

-But you returned to me, safe. For that, I am glad.

Caer’s sadness and confusion flicked to something a little sharper. “Why? I have failed you. Another of us has been eradicated, and the creatures we were created to hinder with the dreams that we carry… they grow ever stronger. We are but insects to them now.”

The gentle power grew tighter, embracing the Dreamer. My beloved Creation, they grow powerful now, but they will eventually weaken. There is a balance in all of existence, and a cycle within that balance. Endure, and be brave; this, too, shall pass.

A mortal’s words, shared between immortal beings. It rang in the space between them like a copper bell, cooling the heat in Caer’s grief. “How?”

I gifted you with the ability to dream. Use it as you had when you first learned of your power, when hope was all that you needed to carry to the mortal minds.

“And if more fall?”

We will endure.

Still dissatisfied, Caer quieted and settled into a dreamlike state, reliving the encounter as if it could stem the hurt and loss. Abruptly, the Creator’s power turned curious, prodding the image.

You encountered this creature tonight?

“Yes. What is it?”

A pause. It, like you and your Brethren, is a type of Carrier, though its burden is the souls of those who have passed on, before they can be taken and corrupted by the very creatures we face. You may know them as Guides. They are agents of another being, one who commands mortality and life.

“It was a soul that it pulled from the mortal’s shell.”

Yes. With your lure, you allowed it to get to the mortal’s spirit before the creature could take it. If it could speak, it may have thanked you.

Caer could not respond for a long moment. It was known that there were other agents of beings, created for tasks within and around the mortal realm. Guides were also a known factor in the mortality of those within it. But for them to be so similar to Caer, to all of the other Dream Carriers, in all but form and the specifics of function… in a way, they, too, were brethren.

You have something on your mind.

“They are like us.”

Yes.

“Do they have names, as I do?”

A moment’s pause. I believe so, yes. The Creator of the one you encountered named it Aidan.

“Little Fire?”

The Creator seemed to laugh silently. I do not pretend to know the minds of my fellows, dear Creation. But I believe it, like you, has a fire within it that makes it special. How, remains to be seen.

Metallic Dragon
Koda

Bernouli
Dim Sumi

Verdana
Todd

Ethulai
Kalina

Lacuna

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Alanna

From the time I was but a small sliver myself I was always fascinated with the moon. How it moved in bright days and on clouded nights, mingling with sunsets and reflecting sunshine. I wanted to put my fingers into each of its craters and caress them, reminding it that scars do not define anything because we are still being pulled along, one heavenly body orbiting another and another, out in the middle of the universe until the end of time.

We’ve had a lot of nights together. Me, lying out in the glowing grass when I was supposed to be asleep, the night so empty of sound that I thought I could hear you breathe. You, so reassuringly distant and unchanged since before my memories, cold and white and hot at the same time. They say it’s beautiful that two lovers from across the world can look up and see the same sky, but I looked up only to see my love returned in kind. I mixed midnight recipes while you crossed the horizon, a circle growing larger through refracted light, seeming closer to me as you pulled my tides.

Your love waxed and waned but I never felt lonely; even the best of friends and lovers need a break from each other sometimes. For three days a month (or a moon, if you’d like it to be about you) you lit up my life, the cold kind of fire that I could stand in for a long while. For three days on the other side you hid your face from my sky, maybe looking at me, maybe seeing something too big for my eyes. I knew you were always there though, hidden behind clouds or the wrong angle to glow, your face tidally locked with Earth even when it didn’t show.

But, I got jealous of the sun, I’ll admit. How she kept us apart when you might not want to be, throwing us into shadows and the Earth into the star’s light alone. When you last passed in front of her face where I could see you from the United States I cheered for you, a triumphant victory for us. The next time the moon was full I tried to keep you here forever with a spell, but instead the next new moon you never came back, gone from my sky for not days, but years. I wasn’t the only one who missed you, but it was my own greed that ripped you away, tearing me apart until I was only one-sixth my weight. When astronomers looked up at the sky they saw nothing, not even the pockmarked craters that always assured me you would come back.

It is 2017 now. There are crystals on my shoulders and hips and a crescent on my tail among others. It is like I became you, the moon’s wife wearing a ring, so devoted to you that she never took another. I worked my potions on the night that would have been another eclipse, lit by the glow of the stars alone. I gave myself as an offering, hoping you would return so we could have a modern harvest for you. And tonight, the day after the next new moon, you will rise again: both of us together to give a faint yellow light at just the right angles.

A lover does not belong just to you, but to herself and everyone else she chooses to. Share your love and joy so it lights up every part of the land, sky, and ocean. I know this now. Jealousy made me weak but I hope you learned something with these dark sights: we are full together on those three bright nights, but we are also full the rest of the time, even in starlit darkness. You are yourself alone and cannot know the truth about loving unless you let her go. Call her sometimes, though. You’ll come back together if you both work for it, if you take your time and call it precious, if you lift her up even when you cannot understand it, if you talk to her in the darkness, if you do nothing ever but love unselfish.

Swiftalu
Latte

Dia.
Pumpernickel

Vampiric

Emberwolf

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Jarikai

Simon
Autumn

raey

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Royan & Eli

“What do you think? Can we make it?”
“Ouuh”
“Yeah I think so too. But I mean we could still try it?”
“Ouhouh”
“Hm. I am not sure.”
“Oooouh ououh”
“I thought about that too, I think.”
Two heads moved first to the left, then to the right.
“I think we should try it. I mean what could go wrong right?”
Paws stumbled over the ground, muscles flexed, eyes were closed. In the very next moment when four paws were raised into the air, a faint screech filled the air, wings were spread and for just a second it felt like they were flying. The air was brushing through fur and feathers, carrying their hearts upon a light breeze.

On this very fateful day…
No. Stop. Stop, stop, stop!
That’s not how it goes. That is how epic stories start, where heroes brave and glorious are born: on very fateful days, full of fate and miracles and life changing subjects. But well, I am honest with you. This is not that kind of a story. Some might say it’s not even a story worth of telling considering the utter lack of heroism and fate. Royan is a prince. But he his neither the oldest, nor the bravest, nor the wisest nor the youngest. If someone would want to tell stories about the characters of his family then they would be about the oldest son, Bavian, the one who is soon going to be the new king. Or they would be about his third oldest brother, Telvin, who is known for his excelling wisdom. Or they would be about his utterly stunning little sister, Alayna, the youngest of the family, who astonishes everyone with her amazing bravery and courage. Or they even would be about his older sister, Meia, who is known for her shyness and being the one who always stands in the background of family portraits.
But Royan – well, he was born somewhere in the middle. Not the brightest, not the strongest, not the funniest, not…well; I think you get what I mean right?
Now you might wonder why am I even bothering with his story then if it is really that boring?
Let me tell you one thing. Everyone has a story. And even if it might not be the most extraordinary and fantastic story about fate stroke heroes – they are still worth to be told. Because every story deserves to be told.
So let’s continue: On this utterly normal day which couldn’t be even more normal. Where the sun was shining not overly bright nor dull – it was simply shining; Royan and his feathery friend tried to jump over a gap in the earth. Remember how I told you that Royan wasn’t very strong nor fast? Well it was due to that, that it stayed with a try as they didn’t make the jump and both stumbled into vast darkness of the gap.
And this is where our little story will continue:

“Ouch.” he said, groaning and gasping for air. Next to him laid the feather bundle of his friend Eli. A little…creature, owl like but with antlers, Royan had once found when Eli had been nothing but an egg. His parents had allowed him to keep the egg and when Eli hatched the little creature simply stayed.
“I thought you could fly?”
“Ouh ooouh”
“Yeah, would save you trouble if you’d actually not forget about that from time to time.” Royan laughed only to regret it right away when his already aching muscles cramped.
It took him quite a while before he felt somehow capable of turning around and getting back on his paws. He wasn’t too surprised that they actually didn’t make the jump, but he still was a little bit disappointed – maybe even annoyed. It would have been great if for once things would actually work out for him the way he imagined them to. But even he came to realize that this was something that would most likely never happen.
“Guess we need to find a way out of this somehow?” his eyes scanned the darkness around them only to come to the realization that whatever had appeared to be nothing but a cave from above now looked more like a labyrinth to him. “Great.” he mumbled, wiggling his ears. In the meanwhile Eli too had gotten to his feet, wings pressed to his round body and head – as always – slightly leaned sideways. One of his brothers had remarked once that Eli looked a bit tottery but Royan couldn’t care less. Eli was a great friend in the end and that was all that mattered to him.
“Ouh?”
“Hm? But we’ve got no light or anything.”
“Uoooh ouh?”
“Now you remembered you got wings?” Royan grinned as Eli started to flap his wings and lift off the ground a little bit. “Well we can give it a try I suppose.”
Eli flattered forward and Royan followed on silent paws, straight into the labyrinth that unfolded in front of them.

Jup, it’s me again. The storyteller. What did you expect? Our hero and his heroic friend who got lost in a mysterious underground labyrinth. What would they find? A key to another world? A weird old character who reveals the secrets of magic to them? Well – it’s not that kind of story. I admit that it would have been cool. Royan, the one who was just always nothing but the normal guy – discovering a secret portal, leaving his world behind and becoming the glorious hero of another world. I would read it for sure. But that is not what happened. Royan and Eli stumbled through the labyrinth for hours. One dead end after another. And the only creatures they actually met were spiders including some cobwebs, which caused them to sneeze for nearly an hour; and an occasional rat which they tried to follow but never succeeded to do so in the end.
It was still quite an adventure. The labyrinth turned out to be not as quite as boring as could be expected. Every now and then light would enter from the ground above them and touch the walls which sometimes happened to be made out of shining stones. No gems or anything of worth, but still joyful to look at, gifting them with a calm and reassuring feeling inside their chests.
In the end it took them hours to find their way out of the labyrinth and their success was more likely due to sheer luck and pure coincidence.
But they got out and they were more than happy about it. When their feet touched the grass which happened to be slightly wet and cold from the evening dew instead of the hard earthy ground from the labyrinth they were both unable to keep away the laughter. They jumped around and giggled like little children. Maybe to someone else this was just an insignificant adventure in the end nothing of further importance happened – but to them it was everything. And maybe they would return down to the labyrinth one day. And only maybe there might be waiting something else for them down there the next time. But only maybe.

The moon was shining bright between the blue coat of the night when Royan and Eli returned. Silently they sneaked into the great hall where the rest of the family was already sitting together. His mother, the queen, only gifted him with a short glance before turning her attention back to Bavian. Telvin didn’t even bother to look up from his books while Meia did her best to pretend not to see anything and not to be seen by anyone. Alayna in return was clinging at her father’s side, talking with him about battle strategies. Silently Royan moved to his place, resting down on the warm floor. Eli jumped from his head, and pushed his round and warm body against the fluffy chest of his friend, peeping cheerfully as Royan watched his family with a smile on his face.
No one would ask him about his day, but that was okay because then this little adventure could stay their secret forever. A little story – just for the two of them to share.

Because in the end always remember that everyone has a story. And every story is worth to be told.

You want to know who I am? Well, when I was younger I was known for not being the bravest, or the brightest, or the funniest. Who I am today? A storyteller, not more and not less. And I am telling you the stories of the heroes of our time, those who shine bright and return hope and light when both was lost and forgotten.
My name is Royan - and that crazy old owl sitting on my head? Well that is my friend Eli.

sketchi

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Zuki & Q

Lilian Nightshade

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Thalia & Sabriel

Who are you, and why won't you leave me alone?!" The little pup cried in frustration as she turned and snarled towards the odd creature who had been following her. Ever since he showed up from what seemed like thin air he wouldn't stop walking after her everywhere in complete silence, only speaking up whenever she addressed his presence. It was as if she had gained a second shadow... one very fluffy and with wings.

The expression on the stranger's face didn't even waver at her angry voice tone, however. It stayed was impassive, yet calm, and his large size only served to give his very presence an intimidating aura. Little Thalia was still deeply unnerved by the bright blue eye that seemed to gaze directly into her soul and dig up every secret she has fought so hard to keep hidden.

"My name is Sabriel, and you called me here, Thalia." His voice was eerily calm and peaceful, as if he could put an end to the most powerful storm with only a few words. Curiously it didn't help Thalia feel any calmer, if anything the fact he knew her name only made her more nervous, specially considering how the creature was leaning closer to look directly into her eyes. "Look at yourself, my child. Those beautiful eyes which once shone with youth and bliss now seem dulled out by the torment they have witnessed. This facade has long become your burden, your curse... and it's time to let it go."

"I don't know what you're talking about." She stubbornly shook her head and sat down, avoiding his powerful blue eyes. She could feel her hackles raising even more in anger at the way he tried to pry her very personal thoughts. "I'm fine, I've always been fine."

"We both know that's a lie... and your burden." The stranger seemed to copy her movements and sat down as well, this time turning away from her to stare at the setting sun with that same serene look as usual. At the moment they were sitting close to a large cliff facing the spot where forest transitioned into sand and then sea. It was a very beautiful sight, indeed... and proved to be a good distraction from the creature right next to Thalia. She was specially thankful for no longer having his eyes turning her very soul inside out with their unnatural glow. "You're tired, child. So tired... and yet you force yourself to continue with this facade. You made it your very purpose in life to be strong for everyone else, and in the process you have lost yourself, haven't you?"

Thalia's stoic expression started melting down with every word leaving his lips, turning into a mix of exhaustion and concern, and then finally... hurt. Unfortunately for her, Sabriel wasn't done speaking. "You can't keep this up. I can sense something deep inside you... a tiny fragment of that joyful, young soul which you used to be. It's weak and crippled from years of abuse, but it's still there nonetheless. I've come here to help, little Thalia, for I can still hear its last breaths as we speak... and I assure you, once that little piece of yourself is gone you will be in a path of no return."

A silence then settled down between the two canines for what felt like an eternity. The silence was as cold and merciless as the realization that slowly washed over Thalia's thoughts just like the crashing waves she observed so intensely. It brought all the pain she had been hiding away back to the surface at once, making them tumble and roll like sand specks under the waves. With every minute that passed, her eyes became wetter and wetter, until a lonely tear finally gave in to the pressure and slid down her furry cheeks. She was very close to crumbling down and she knew it... it terrified her.

"... I can't do it." She spoke so quietly her words were barely a whisper lost in the wind... but the creature caught it. Of course he did. "Everyone wants me to be strong, they always say we have to be. We are supposed to stand up and face our fears, fight through the obstacles... and I can't. I'm not a strong pup, Sabriel. I can't stand up for myself and nobody likes a weakling." By now her little paws were trembling and her cheeks were wet with years of accumulated angst. "If I can't be strong for myself... then I should at least be strong for everyone else, right?"

"Wrong." Sabriel's short, blunt answer caught the pup completely off guard. She nearly jumped on the spot before looking straight at the stranger with a confused, startled look. "There's nothing wrong with being weak, Thalia. If you don't think you can do it... then that's ok. You've tried, and nobody should scold you for not taking blows as well as others... let alone yourself."

Once more silence fell in between them, but this time it wasn't suffocating or uncomfortable, it was merely... there. It was as serene as that odd creature's eyes, and managed to bring peace to Thalia's troubled mind even if it was just a little. Sabriel seemed to sense that somehow and for the first time since he appeared out of nowhere, he smiled. It was a very small smile, but it was warm enough to loosen up the suffocating grip Thalia had on her own pained heart.

Of course, that didn't mean she would be healed from her angst. There were years of accumulated torment still weighting on her shoulders... but maybe, just maybe, this warmth in her heart signaled a start to better days. To a time where she would no longer have to neglect her own mental exhaustion for the sake of being strong for others. The feeling was tiny, but it was there nonetheless, and Thalia hadn't experienced anything like this in... years.

The pup sniffed and looked towards Sabriel, for once feeling brave enough to meet his impassive gaze... and to her surprise, it wasn't so scary anymore. It was... kind and welcoming, specially now that the glow had dimmed just enough for her to see his pupils. The sun was about to disappear in the horizon by now, which cast a warm, orange glow over both of their figures and spread a peaceful sensation. Maybe the sun would take some of Thalia's pain away tonight and allow her days to start anew, maybe that was her cue to stop neglecting herself to exhaustion... maybe it was just an ordinary sunset.

But Thalia didn't care about the disappearing sun, for her eyes were focused on the way Sabriel spread his wings in a silent, simple offer. She hesitated for only a second before jumping into his embrace. For the first time in what felt like ages, Thalia let out all the pain and angst she had been bottling up in a stream of tears. Crying was a gesture she always saw as shameful... this time it felt right.

"Do not fret, little one, for my wings shall protect you from the arrows of anguish." Sabriel muttered in his soothing, nearly angelic voice... angelic, uh? That sounded fitting for a guardian like himself, he thought. "Please allow me to be the bearer of your tears, as my wings shield you from this cruel little world.

Atwood
Taavi

Raire
Phaeras L'lopi

Jayfrost
Ari

Yağmur
Hazel

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September 2018

newborn designs by Swiftalu

Aquila Fuga, Bernouli, Cerru, Coalchaser, Dama
Desmond, Dia., EmberWolf, Fiery Gatoh, Jayfrost
juice box., katsue, kerstin, Lacuna, Metallic Dragon
Nadine, Pi., Pluma, raey, Raire, Saikiyo, Schuyler
Seasonal, Simon, sketchi, Solloby, Swiftalu
tarkeli, Vampiric, Yağmur, Zeena, Zelery

Zeena

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Asteria

Pi.

Schuyler

juice box.
Sugar

Nadine
Hanamaru

Seasonal
Clarice

Merilin
Desy

Dama

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Sahara

Zelery

Swiftalu
Marshmallow

kerstin

Metallic Dragon

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Lady

AquilaFuga

Desmond

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Dorje

[A continuation of Desmond's previous staff pup stories.]

The wind in the mountains was harsh, cold and crisp, though Caer paid it no mind. The delivery tonight was a strong dream of hope and joy, meant for a creature that had gotten stuck in the steep foothills, where dangerous creatures and monsters hunted and hid even during the daylight hours, sheltered by the sun in the deep, vast shadows. These were lands even the bravest of mortals usually left alone… but the mortal had been sent away by its fellows, asked to seek a better home for all of them. Below, the ice and snow on the peaks had cracked - its weight steadily becoming just too much to remain stacked.

Caer sped on through the deepening darkness, brilliant shining eyes flicking about for signs of attackers, as well as any protectors or guardians that also patrolled the range. More had been sent since reports of three Carriers’ disappearance over the last month, as well as numerous findings of other attacks. The mountains were a perilous mission, indeed.

Finally!

Caer made a sudden, rough dive to land in the mouth of the cave, the maddeningly cold mountain winds slicing through the Carrier’s near-incorporeal body, shuddering the ice crystals that had become lodged within the essence. It had taken refuge deep among the rock formations, hoping beyond hope that it wouldn’t be seen but needing the shelter in case of avalanche or storm.

All Caer had to do was give it the dream, give it hope, and it might survive the night --

!! Chk chk grhh-hh-hh! Chk chk!

Bmpf!

Stunned, Caer’s wings were suddenly pressed against the ground and a blur of fur and teeth were all that the Dreamer could see. Emptied paws scrabbled at skin that moved as if it wasn’t even attached to the monster, rolling along its body like a loose blanket.

This -- this must have been the reason for the disappearances. The attacks. The deaths.

And Caer knew it was Death itself staring back in the dark, snarling with an unbound fury.

But then, far above them, something cracked.

The mountain shook once, then a slow roll of thundering noise echoed through the cave. The creature that Caer had been meant to save sprinted further back into the dark, and the creature disappeared from the Dreamer’s chest, vanishing down the cliff. Caer followed, the dream laying forgotten and shattered among the stones, and took the the air as the first sheets of packed snow began falling into the entrance.

Caer scanned for the mortal, finding it safely on the path to a small hunting party of its brethren, that had set up camp with one of the guardians close enough to watch over them. It would be safe for the night.

The monster, on the other hand….

It had made it to the safety of a cliff just to the left of the avalanche’s path, where it had then continued down at an angle, keeping a growing distance even as the snow, ice, and rock picked up speed.

Caer, unable to complete the mission, returned to the Creator’s side, silent, and disappointed in yet another failure.

The Creator, of course, could not be fooled. Your mission was not a success, tonight.

Caer flinched at the blunt statement. “No. I am sorry… A monster attacked, and the dream was lost. I -” The Dreamer paused, trying to wrestle with words that would not come.

The Creator’s warm presence came in close. Watch, Little One. I want to show you something. Before them, the monster appeared, its stout body perched next to a lantern that it was lighting and extinguishing in a sort of rhythmic pattern, dark eyes as empty and forbidding as the worst of nights staring intently into the distance. Flash - flash - flash.

And on the other side of the valley, a similar light lit up: Flash - spark - spark.

Lantern promptly snatched and stowed, the thing sprinted as a hellbending pace, bypassing the little village in the center on its way to a little alcove, where a small, bright-eyed creature with a big fluffy tail greeted it. As the monster caught sight of the creature - a pure soul, one similar to the one Caer had tried to deliver the dream to - the Carrier tensed, afraid that it would meet the same fate that had nearly been its own, if it weren’t for a well-timed natural disaster.

But the change seemed instant: where there was once a visage of death and evil, there was only joy, protectiveness, and brotherhood. They welcomed one another with a playful dance, the monster playing at being harmless toward what should have been its prey.

Caer… just didn’t get it.

The creature you encountered tonight is another Guardian, but one of the mind. Dorje and his kind were created by a sibling of mine, to protect against manipulation - both good and bad - to ensure the freedom of the mortals can never be compromised by the beings around it. He was only doing his duty in protecting the mind of the creature you sought to save.

“But the disappearances - the deaths - “

Dorje was created to use deadly force as needed. But, that does not make him the same as the monsters you and your brethren face. Just because his duties and viewpoint are different from your own, does not make him evil, Little One. He, too, is capable of good things, and it is not fair of us to judge him.

As the pair - Dorje and the mortal - tumbled about, the Dreamer turned attention to the little soul. “Doesn’t the creature know what Dorje does? Why has it not been tainted by that knowledge?”

The Creator’s light warmed further, as if in amusement.

I believe he keeps the full extent of his Guardian duties secret. The mortal is his friend, he does not wish harm on the little creature, or its bright soul. Its innocence, I believe… is refreshing.

The Dreamer turned away from the scene before them, at a loss. The Creator’s words made little sense in the best of times, but it was clear that neither could condemn the mon- Dorje - for doing as it was created to do for the betterment of the mortals. But if the Carriers continued to be sent where Dorje and his fellows resided, they, too, would fall. The safest solution would be to stop delivering dreams, delivering hope - but that was completely unacceptable. To do so would be to write off all mortals to death from the night monsters, from hopelessness and despair, and from the loss of inspiration that life could be better.

“What are we going to do?”

The Creator’s presence twisted slightly, almost curious. You are my Dreamer, Little One. There is a solution, all you must do is find it.

Simon
Spring

EmberWolf
Nimbus

tarkeli
Schnell

Lacuna

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Kalliope

Kalliope put the finishing touches on the day's offerings, dropping rainbow sprinkles onto her perfect desserts and setting up her hand-painted list of prices. Other vendors prepared around her as well, everyone excited for the day's festivities. Arts, crafts, flags, facepaint, and food--anything one could want on a beautiful fall day of celebration. Kalliope herself wore a pastel pink, blue, and white flowered apron over her clothes to protect them from wayward frosting, while others wore a myriad of color combinations to show their joy. She saw someone walking by in a purple, blue, and pink cape that she especially liked.

It hadn't always been like this, Kalliope reflected as she smiled at her customers and the day really got going. The way that some of them looked nervous, or very young, brought back her own memories. She saw them hold hands in corners, even though no one would have questioned their actions in this place. If a few cupcakes left the table without her opening the cash box, well, that was just the way it had to be sometimes, right? This was a time of happiness, and Kalliope would do anything to spread more to those who weren't quite sure if they were feeling it.

Once upon a time, Kalliope had been one of those teenagers, though she hadn't attended an event like this until just a few years ago. She had hidden fashion magazines under her bed, taking time to look at the pictures and admire the women in them. When her brother had found them he didn't understand; he told her that there were plenty of girls around their high school, asked her why didn't she just date one of them? She didn't know how to tell him that, more than anything, she just wanted to be one of those women. Instead, she just shrugged and tried to fit in. She was clearly a boy, so she dated one girl and then another, played soccer, but still joined the art club. Plenty of boys went to culinary school, so no one questioned it when she went chose that career.

Her girlfriend Alice helped her pack when she was leaving for school, but she didn't have the same reaction that Kalliope's brother had when finding the magazines. Alice had gotten very serious, looking her in the eye and holding up the much dog-eared collection. Kalliope expected the worst. Even though she had just been dating to be "normal," Alice was a wonderful girl and she liked her a lot. In fact, it was her realization that she truly could love Alice that made her question her interests even more. Maybe she had just needed a girlfriend, like her brother had said.

When Alice asked her what was going on, Kalliope told the truth for the first time. And Alice laughed. Kalliope wanted to run, to rip up the magazines and never look at them again. But then she felt Alice's soft hand take hers, and they sat down together. Kalliope realized that the laughter had been joy, as Alice told her that no one wanted to be a girl the way Kalliope did without actually being one. She had been a girl all along, Alice told her. And Kalliope felt the truth of her words.

"I finally found a parking spot," a voice startled Kalliope from her reflections. She smiled as she turned around, taking one of the boxes of extra cupcakes from Alice's arms. Her wife was wearing a bright pink top, cyan shorts, and ridiculous yellow rain boots to combat the dewy morning grass. "How's everything going?" Alice asked.

The whole story ran through Kalliope's head again in a split second, making her smile even wider as she set the box down next to her booth and leaned over to kiss Alice on the cheek. "Perfect," she said. "Everything is perfect."

Yağmur
Rancid

Katsue
Pazu

Fiery Gatoh
Neo

raey

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Kaara & Arteios

Pluma
Sirena

Coalchaser
Azalea

Dia.
Oscar

sketchi

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Demi

Demi is a lesser demon with an assortment of weak abilities, such as gliding short distances with his stubby wings, scratching glass with his diamond-tough horns, and, the one he likes to flash the most, teleporting small (non-living) objects within his sight.

However, his greatest gift, the reason he always gets sent to the front lines despite his scrappy powers, is his ability to revive. Whenever he dies he will teleport back to the last place he was safe, alive again (barely). This is extremely useful for getting enemy intel, and he's been an indispensable tool in securing many victories. Nobody really understands how his ability works, but he prefers not to die as much as possible. It isn't the physical pain he minds so much (though he doesn't enjoy it), but rather the memories he's lost. Each time he dies, he also loses a happy memory, sometimes completely forgetting a person he loves.

He prefers black bandages because white ones get dirty too easily.

Demi is short-tempered and rude, with a bad habit of laughing at inappropriate times. He also likes to pull annoying pranks at every opportunity.

Because his ability is so useful to the Organization, everybody humors him, treating him with kid gloves. Everybody, except his roommate.

Shoy is his roommate and best friend, and the one thing anchoring him to a meaningful existence. Even if he forgets Shoy, Shoy will just become his friend all over again. Shoy is patient and kind but doesn't put up with any of Demi's crap, making sure he takes responsibility for even the most banal things. It helps that Shoy's power is a hard-counter to Demi's object teleportation, as Shoy can read 10 seconds into the future. Demi can never pull one over on Shoy!

With his support-type ability, Shoy is always in the surveillance room, watching over and guiding those on the front lines, which means he's often working with Demi. Shoy is trying to extend his future-reading in order to prevent wars before they start, so that nobody needs to get hurt anymore.

Also, Demi loooves butterflies! But he doesn't remember why... if he sees one, he'll capture it for a while before releasing it somewhere safe. This is the only time you'll see him have a peaceful expression! Even Shoy lets him be at these times.

Bernouli
Deku