Envy
You sink your teeth into the people you depend on
Infecting everyone, you're quite the problem

Envy kept pawing at Aaliyah's sides, body curling excitedly as they eagerly awaited her reward, stomach growling pitiably beneath their taut hide. They caught their breath as Aaliyah siezed a fish from the flow, one that was almost twice as long as they were, and mostly muscle. Although they hung back in visible hesitation until it was killed, the little weasel found their feet again and darted in as Aaliyah told them to eat.

They felt their gem in their throat, their tongue seething with a metallic tang as saliva welled in their jaws, and gulped with some difficulty, in preparation. They arrived at the side of the fish, the smell causing their stomach to turn over in eagerness. After some deliberation, they sank their fangs into the fish's belly, hoping that this would be the softest spot.

It was difficult at first, the gem catching and the meal refusing to go down, but after some time and effort, the little one found a rythmn, throwing their head back and swallowing hard after every bite. Their stomach pined for more and more, but they soon found that they'd filled themselves almost to bursting. Finally content, the little weasel rose up onto their hind paws and peered over the fish to find their adopted mother. Seeing her, they dropped back down and waddled towards Aaliyah, flopping down onto their belly next to her with a yawn that exposed pink tongue and a gem that glimmered in the light.

They felt their eyelids drooping and weight pulling their head towards the ground. They swayed softly on the spot in their effort to stay upright, letting out another yawn. But they perked up and looked at Amras, suddenly remembering the reason for their being here in the first place. Excitement caused the end of their tail to flicker and twitch, baring their fangs in a little smirk. "Yes! I wanna light like yours!" they chirped excitedly, stretching out their paws.

Their spine arched as they started to push themselves onto all four paws.

---

"Speech."
"Thoughts."

@Aaliyah @Amras

Li blinked at Amras' praise. She'd never been praised a whole lot - Imperia praising her was incredibly rare, especially as she grew older. Hearing the gryphon praise her made her smile, even if just slightly. And seeing Envy walking up to the fish and actually eating made her smile wider. It seemed they had finally found a rhythm to it, and she breathed a sigh of relief as they ate their fill, coming to curl beside her belly.

She turned back to Amras. A light? That would certainly be useful. Envy clearly wanted a light, and she chuckled softly. She nodded to Amras, although the little weasel had clearly already answered for them.

"Speech looks like this."
"Thoughts looks like this."

tags: @Amras @Envy
notes: kinda short but uhh,,,wanted to get this out before i left so-

Amras A smile passed over the gryphon's face as he saw Envy dig into the fish, having much better luck than they had before drinking water. The trouble had definitely passed now, and though Envy would doubtlessly have to eat again sometime at least they had time to prepare now. By the time the child had finished its meal Amras had scouted most of the area and found a total of five small fish, enough to halfway fill up his pouch and plenty for a small meal later on. Before he had a chance to move too far away he heard Envy's small voice behind him. Of course he should have expected it, he had meant to offer an item later on but the youth wanted their gift right away. "I can do that for you." he affirmed as he bent down to pick up a creek stone that had washed upon the shore. It was small, much tinier than the sort of thing he would usually use, but it would be easy to carry even for someone as small as Envy. The spell manifested quickly, its composition second nature to Amras. While not anything extremely bright or impressive he had created a workable light in this small rock. The gryphon slowly walked back over to the other two, kneeling down and rolling the pebble toward envy in the same manner he had rolled his orb before. This time, however it was a proper gift, one that the tiny weasel had hope of being able to use in this land newly cast back into darkness. Pouch 1: Black talc stones x7 (medium) Pouch 2: Charcoal dust 50 in3 Pouch 3: Quartz sphere x1 (large, soft glow) Pouch 4: Charcoal chunks x7 (medium) Take hold of the power within "And shape the fabric of reality around you" tags: @Envy @Aaliyah notes: None

Envy
You sink your teeth into the people you depend on
Infecting everyone, you're quite the problem

Envy looked from Amras to Aaliyah, their eyes bright for what may be the first time in their life. Although their neck was craned, their head swayed slightly on the end, and they tilted back in yet another wide and sharp-toothed yawn.

They twisted eagerly at the prospect of getting their own light, curling until their hind legs were level with their forepaws, which pawed at the ground with excitement. When they had their light, then they would sleep. Until then, the weasel shook their head, desperately keeping sleepiness at bay, the trick lasted just long enough to see the bright stone rolling their way, and grope for it, taking the round stone into their small paws. And then their meal set in- their stomach full and for once nausea minimal, the little one pulled the stone into their belly and curled around it like a dragon guarding their hoard.

Their lilac eyes flickered, and then closed. For once, they had everything they wanted, and the thrill of reaching their gosl was something that would stay with them forever, for better or worse. Thinking about their prize, they were soon snoring softly, their side rising and falling quickly and heartbeat a low thrum.

-Exit Envy-

---

"Speech."
"Thoughts."


@aaliyah @amras

Li watched as Amras baubled the pebble, a smile still on her face. It was incredibly tiny, making it perfect for Envy. She watched as Envy took the little pebble, and then curled around it. She chuckled as they fell asleep, and curled up around them, grooming their fur again.

She lifted her head to focus on Amras. "Thank you. I don't know what I'm doing...It's gonna be hard to take care of them by myself. " She turned back down to Envy. "But...I have to. I can't let someone like-" She stopped herself. When was the last time she had actually said their name out loud? During the battle with Kallista, likely. But she hadn't been thinking then. She didn't really want to say their name. Imperia would surely want her to, as it would be "spreading their fame." So she wouldn't say it.

"I can't let anyone dangerous find them." With that, she lay her head down close to Envy. She didn't sleep, not yet. Soon.

-exit Aaliyah-

"Speech looks like this."
"Thoughts looks like this."

tags: @Amras
notes: here

Amras "I can think of no one better for the task at hand, Li. Envy is in good hands." Amras spoke with softened voice, not wanting to disturb the freshly sleeping weasel child. Though he might have continued, Li seemed to have a good bit of fatigue of her own. This had probably been one of the first chances she'd had to really get some rest since taking up the task of caring for young Envy. In respect for her state he simply gave a small bow and wandered back to the ruined building. He'd probably be able to find the tool he'd been looking for quickly, but there was no rush. He could stand by and organize the contents in case he needed any more materials in the future. It would only take him a few days most likely, but in that time he would be close at hand in case anything went wrong. He was no guardian, but at the least he could be an available friend. - Exit Amras - Pouch 1: Black talc stones x7 (medium) Pouch 2: Charcoal dust 50 in3 Pouch 3: Quartz sphere x1 (large, soft glow) Pouch 4: Charcoal chunks x7 (medium) Take hold of the power within "And shape the fabric of reality around you" tags: notes: None