ORIGIN

Envy watched them sink their claws into the ice with an expectant look in their eye, leaning over the edge of the narrow ledge they were perched on. When, as expected, the draconian slithered back, the grin once again slithered onto Envy's muzzle. They seemed immensely pleased that they could do something that Asimona couldn't, and they had to focus hard to keep their paws from bouncing, almost slipping off of their own accord.

The small one nodded, smug eyes glittering like jewels as they dropped into a lying position, their tail flickering and twitching wildly, and peered down at Asimona. "Aw, what a shame," they said, although the sparkle in their eyes made it clear thet the intent was not quite what it appeared. "Maybe you should try again, just to be sure." They turned back to the rock wall, craning their neck to look at the treacherous climb above them.

"Wouldn't wanna be beaten by someone like me, would ya?"

With a small cackle, they tried to scramble up towards the next pawholds... but after a few moments, slithered back onto the last ledge themselves. They quickly looked back at Asimona, eyes flashing warningly. "...See? ...that's what you looked like, just then... Silly, wasn't it?"


"Speech."

Envy looked momentarily worried as the draconian managed to catch up to them. The weasel snorted, feigning disinterest, even though the fur along their spine had started to bristle. "Big deal," they said, arching their spine as they prepared for another go. "You're way bigger than me, you have it easier!"

Envy huffed out a steamy breath, wriggled their haunches, and started shimmying up the wall. but it didn't take long for their claws to start coming loose; the moisture had cooled until it was a clear, almost flat, sheet of black ice over the wall. Perhaps Asimona would have found a way up, with her much larger body and further reach, but Envy found themselves struggling to grip. But they'd come slightly too far to just slip back and have another go. At first, they slid, front paws still scrabbling for a hold.

...And then, they collided with the ledge and quickly picked up speed into a full-on tumble. Head over tail, head over tail, Envy saw stars and the quicker they fell, the sicker they felt. Finally, they collided with a rock at the bottom, and came to a jolting halt. They lay still, completely and utterly dazed, with only the slightest croak of shock emerging from their parted jaws. Envy couldn't even muster up the strength for a snide remark, barely raising their head.

They blinked a couple of times before closing their eyes.

"Speech."

Asimona's voice broke vaguely through a fog that had settled in over Envy's mind. They bared their fangs in a grimace, opening their eyes at first to slits, and then raising their head. They groaned, barely managing to stay upright. They turned their gaze towards Asimona, and just managed enough lucidity to glare at her. Heat fizzled beneath their fur, and they puffed out visibly. luckily though, it seemed like they were small and light enough to escape the worst of the potential damage.

They shook their head and sucked in a deep breath, doing their best to gulp despite the jewel at the back of their throat. They felt sick- the fear had caused their stomach to turn and the metallic taste filled their mouth. the weasel opened their jaws wide, and spat a glob of

They felt their throat clench, and held their breath. The worst of the nausea soon faded. The small weasel staggered to their paws, swaying vaguely but trying their hardest to look strong. they rose onto their hind paws and continued to look at Asimona as though nothing had happened. "I'm f-fine," they grumbled, brushing off their chest and looking away from Asimona to hide their pure embarrassment. They almost felt like running away; but at this point, that would only humiliate them more. What would redeem them. Envy bristled and curled hotly, tail thrashing in discomfort.


"Speech."