Crystals shimmered as light danced around the cavern walls and ceiling. Despite the ruins of buildings who knows how many cycles old, the place had a strange serene feel to it. It spoke of disaster that had long since passed away. Now there was only crumbs left of fallen structures.

It was amongst these structures that our tiny little fancy pigeon was waddling about. Since Reseda had brought them to this cavern, they had slowly started to explore and rummage through the dilapidated stonework. Part of it was simply exploring and learning about their new home. Part of it was deciding exactly where their new home would be. The ridges would make more sense for a bird but Lust was still too young to fly yet. So off to the fallen buildings they had wondered.

Lust squawked, becoming frustrated. If they could fly and get a good view from overhead, this whole process would be so much easier! But it would be another cycle or two before then. And unfortunately, pink little legs could only do so much.

“If only I was like Reseda!” They wailed to no one in particular. “She’s so big and powerful and strong! She’d probably find the perfect place in an instant! Yeah, and then be able to build the perfect nest! I don’t even have net building materials here! Just these dumb rocks!” Lust kicked a tiny pebble out of the way for emphasis.


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

tags: @Envy
notes: Alright, let's do this!

original coding by wulf for template purposes

Envy had finally returned home, and scuttled along, following the crumbled wall in which they’d made their home. The weasel’s formerly energetic gait had mellowed into a slinking trot, head lowered to the ground and paws carrying them on autopilot. They felt satisfied after their exploration, and were ready to slump down amongst their hoard of glowing pebbles to sleep and absorb the light, when a distant wailing caught their attention- the unmistakable sound of a child in distress. Envy groaned softly. They could hardly sleep with that echoing around the cave.

Though, in the sound’s echoes, Envy caught the ringing of a familiar name; Reseda?

Envy started in curiosity, and set off towards the sound immediately. Could it be that this child was the first subject? Subconsciously, Envy’s heart sank. They didn’t wanna rule over a bunch of kids! But, they admitted to themselves reluctantly, at least kids grew up. They heard the clattering of a small pebble. Rounding the next corner, Envy was faced with the sight of... a feathery... fluffy... maybe a little bit ugly, creature. Envy hesitated. They were gonna be leading this?

Envy crept up to the creature and gave them a disdainful sniff. It was impossible to tell what they were thinking. In fact, not even they were sure. Finally, they stepped back, brow creased in confusion.

"What’s all the noise about?" They asked finally, the only thing they could think to say in that moment. Of course, there was a lot they wanted to say. But for some reason, their efforts to appear leaderly and strong fell flat in the face of this... bad joke.

"Speech."

@Lust

Lust gave another squawk in frustration at the pebble before collapsing hard onto the ground. It was frustrating work finding their own nest, but they were insistent on doing it themselves. It felt too remedial of a task to get Reseda to help out. Surely, they had more important things to worry about than to babysit a chick who was desperately trying to find the most perfect location to call their home. But that was before realizing just how big of a place Orion really was. It was massive! Especially compared to the tiny chick, still sickly yellow and covered with downy feathers.

The next squawk was cut off short, though, as they were suddenly faced with a stranger. Not a peep was uttered as the creature slinked closer to them, sniffled them, and then took a step back. They were in much too much of a startlement to begin to react! Lust had no idea that another was so close to them.

Especially not one quite so elegant! The stranger’s fur was a strange earthy green and brown mixed. So long and thin! Their movements were so graceful! And those eyes! Lust’s attention was mostly locked into the soft lilac orbs that looked them over. Reseda had an air of power and confidence. But this stranger, they had a type of grace that was unmatched to any they had met! To be fair, this was only the second person that Lust had met, but they were still unmatched!

“Oh! Um-I-um,” They stumbled with their words, realizing they were being asked a question. “I was trying to find a place for a nest! If I can even find something to make a nest with. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you! You probably had important things to do. I’m sorry! I can be quieter!”

Lust ducked their head at the end of their rushed speech, for as much good as their baby wings would let them.


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

tags: @Envy
notes:

original coding by wulf for template purposes

Envy blinked at the pigeon, waiting impatiently with their tail flickering. They remained still for a time, eyes narrowing as they tried to figure out what was going through the little pincushion's head, half balled and covered in prickly little feathers. They tilted their head, wondering if the little one would get prettier from another angle. But... it was then that Envy realized how handsome they were in comparison. Suddenly the little one's mindless squawking seemed a little easier on the ears. Their strange exterior was suddenly gratifying. A king shouldn't be less beautiful than their subjects, after all!

Besides, babies grew up. One day, this little thing might make the perfect subject.

Envy came back to their senses as the little one's voice broke through their thoughts. They couldn't help letting a little smirk slide over their features.

Maybe it'd be worth keeping them nearby; Envy knew the perfect place, too. "A nest? Hm. Well, there's grasses around here. Not much, but grasses. How about I help out, hm?" the little weasel sniffed at the air, trying to scent the sparse grasses that grew in dry tufts from some grasses. As they finished picking up the vaguest plant scent amidst the stony drabness, they hurried off by a meter or so with legs blurring in a blitz, before pausing and glancing back towards the baby pigeon.

"So, you met Reseda, huh?" they grinned over their shoulder. "Did she ever tell you about her noble leader?"


"Speech."

@Lust

The chick was most grateful at the stranger’s offer to help them in building a nest. They were not only graceful but also very kind. To have the first two people Lust meets after hatching from their chrysalis be so generous was truly a most fortunate thing. And not just kind! Both of these beings were clearly quite talented. Reseda’s strength was hard to deny but this new stranger had quite a bit of speed to them. It was truly an honor to be graced by the presence of such heroic creatures!

Lust half hopped and half waddled after the weasel in a vain attempt to keep up with them. Little wings flapped hard as though it would somehow help the bird keep up. Along with the common head bobbing known for birds, they were quite an awkward site to behold. Chicks were not meant to leave the nest so soon, though, let alone travel such distances at such a speed. The pigeon had no prayer in keeping up with the slicker mammal.

As luck would have it, the weasel gave pause and turned back towards the yellowish pink puffball. Lust doubled down their efforts in a last burst of speed (or what would be considered speed for them) to catch up to their new helper. They just barely got to them when a question was posed.

After a few pants to catch their breath, Lust shook their head. “I mean, yes! Yes, I met Reseda! She was so kind to me! She saved me from a ledge near a scary wind tunnel! Then she carried me all the way here. She’s so strong, she did it like it was no trouble at all for her! She didn’t mention a leader though….”

Lust paused again to catch their breath and made a startling realization. Lust turned back towards the weasel with pink eyes being much wider than before. “Wait, are you her leader! Oh wow, oh wow! Reseda is so powerful…. That must mean you’re really strong too! And you’re so fast and pretty and kind! I can’t believe I get to meet two so incredible people! And you’re helping me too! Oh wow, thank you so much!” Excitement bubbled over the chick causing them to give a flutter of their wings.


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

tags: @Envy
notes:

original coding by wulf for template purposes

"Oh, she did?" Envy feigned interest, though they couldn't help a sour clench of their heart as they listened to the child's fawning.... and the added detail that she hadn't mentioned them. They'd have to have a word with Reseda; this child should be fawning over Envy, instead! "Well, I saved her, you know. She was sick, and I taught her a spell that saved her life. If it wasn't for me, you might still be on that ledge, scared and alone..." They breathed out a sigh as though relieved that it hadn't come to that, though they had to strain to keep the smirk from showing on their cheeks. Acting was hard, sometimes.

Their eyes glittered. "That's right! I'm her king! And yours too, if you’d like that?" they coaxed. Of course, Envy wasn’t about to stick around if she said no; but somehow they got the feeling that this little one would respond well. They paused to let the little chick fawn over them, basking in all of the praise. Fast? Pretty? Kind? They could definitely get used to this. Keeping the little one around was definitely a good idea. "The name's Envy! and yes, I am strong. The most powerful magician in the caves, in fact," they crooned humbly.

Seeing that the chick had almost caught up, they scuttled on, at a slightly slower place, leading the way down the crumbled street. But at this rate, it'd take forever. The little one narrowed their eyes, thinking how they could speed things up whilst they waited for her to catch up. Lust was thanking them now, and Envy's heart swelled with pride. "Don't mention it," they purred, with a flutter of their lashes towards the fawning little chick. "When we collect the grass, I know a good place you can make your little nest, and it means I can look after you, too! No-one'll hurt you whilst I'm around. Doesn't that sound great?"


"Speech."

While scrambling after the weasel, Lust listened intently. The pigeon clung to every word they said in awe. “Oh wow! This is my savior’s savior,” they thought in stunned silence. “Was it through this being that the great Reseda learned her kindness? That she was passing on the good dead that was done to her? How noble of both of them!” Lust listened hoping to learn more about both Reseda and this new person.

“King!” They echoed with a gasp. This was truly amazing! In the short time that the chick had met and interacted with Reseda, they grew to see them as a courageous knight; valiant hero who had taken on the young pigeon as a squire to teach and mentor. And now they were meeting her mentor! This had to truly be the work of fate to put two such important people in their path. And they were offering to not just help them, a small chick, but also help take care of them! This was truly a glorious occasion!

“Envy,” They repeated the name, tasting it on their tongue.

“Wow Envy! You sound amazing! So powerful and regal and kind! I can’t believe I ran into you like this! And you’re helping me too. That’s so awesome!” They gushed for a bit about the wonders of their new friend before remembering that they should probably introduce themselves as well. “Oh! I’m Lust. Reseda named me! She’s so cool, you must be such an amazing king! You two are both so powerful…”

Lust trailed off, going into thought. Slowly they were beginning to realize that both of these creatures were very strong. But themselves? Luck was still just a hatchling, a baby. A weakling. Who were they compared to these gods? Reseda and Envy were so much stronger and greater than Lust is. Perhaps greater than they would ever be? How could they stand next to them?

Envy offered to look after them, to watch over them. It sounded like an amazing idea! To have Reseda teach them and Envy to protect them. Such a wonderful life that would be! But how could they dare to impose themselves onto their idols in such a manner? Would it not be out of place for Lust to even consider the idea even for a moment?

“I-I-I!” Lust swallowed and tried again. “I-Thank you so much! That sounds amazing! You’re so powerful! But I can’t! It’s already too much for you to help me find grass like this for a nest! I’m sure I can find a suitable place around here!”


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

tags: @Envy
notes:

original coding by wulf for template purposes

"Yes, King!" Envy assured proudly, pattering around one last corner. The weasel paused for a second, and then bounded on, making a beeline for a tuft of scraggly grass that had forced its way up through a crack in the worn flagstones. They hunched close to the ground among the sparse grasses as they waited patiently for the child to arrive.

They raised their head, trying to look as regal as the little one was making them feel, and grinned. They looked at her with eyes half-lidded with calmness and self-assuredness, tail twitching. "Yup, that's me! Everything a king should be and more. Don't you think so?" They listened intently as the young one introduced themselves as Lust. Not only that, Reseda had named the pigeon, as she had Pride. Envy's tail twitched eagerly. Pride will find that interesting, I'm sure.

They'd have to seek out the fawn again later.

They returned to the conversation at paw. "Maybe you'll be as powerful as Reseda one day," Envy said slowly, eyes glittering. Their inner thoughts- but never as powerful as me -were left unspoken, but hung from their bated breath like a toxic veil.

The weasel waited impatiently as Lust considered their offer. When she finally answered, they seemed hesitant but also eager, somehow. Envy was sure that they'd appreciate the place if they helped show it to the little one. Conveniently, right by their den. Perfect for a small creature like either of them- and not a place that would need flying to. "Of course not- I insist. The cave is a dangerous place for a little bird like you."

"Speech."

@Lust

When Envy stated that possibility that they might be as powerful as Reseda one day, Lust stopped in their tracks. The idea hadn’t crossed their mind before. It seemed unfathomable to think that they would be as powerful as their savior and teacher. Lust recognized that they were just a tiny chick even compared to the weasel let alone a mighty Komodo dragon. And Envy had claimed to be even more powerful!

Lust shook their head in response, following after once again. “Oh, no no no! There’s no way I could be as powerful as Reseda is! Even with her as my teacher, there’s no way! And you! If you’re even more powerful than she is, I-I-I’m just a little chick! A speck almost!”

And then Envy insisted upon helping them create their nest and watch over them. It was almost too much to handle! Lust let out a little squawk that was almost choked on. “Oh-my-gosh, really?! Are you sure! I’m sure you have so much more important things to worry about! I-I-I don’t even know what to say!”

Suddenly a strange battle of thoughts appeared in Lust’s mind. On the one wing, they were to be taught by one idolized role model and to be watched over by another. Such an amazing blessing to be given to such a simple creature like themselves! On the other wing, Lust recognized that these were two very important figures. They must have so much work to do, so many tasks that had much more priority than to watch over a baby of a pigeon like themselves. How could they possibly remain under paw and claw of these two? Wouldn’t they simply hold them back?

The fancy pigeon thought silently on that conundrum, wondering how best to balance the intense desire flourishing within them to be even in the shadow of these two mighty figures but also to not remain in the way or trouble them in any fashion. How does one worship such gods without impeding their progress? This was to be quite a struggle for them.

But there was time to figure it out. And the weasel was slowly disappearing ahead of them once more.


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

tags: @Envy
notes:

original coding by wulf for template purposes

Envy considered the little one's whining with a slow tilt of their head. Their humbleness was certainly flattering, and it made a nice change from a few of the stuck-up kids they'd met in the past. They were growing to like this little Lust. "Not with an attitude like that you won't. But with me as your king, I think you'll get pretty strong. On second thought, I'll make sure of it!"

The weasel looked around at the scraggly clumps of grass they'd found, before in the interest of speed, filling their jaws with a clump and pattering over to Lust. They dropped the large clump at their feet before settling back on their haunches. "What could be more important than being a good king?" the weasel countered the pigeon's protests smoothly, a glint in their eyes as they spoke. They smacked their lips, shuddering at the lingering grassy taste.

But if Lust stuck around and grew up to be a loyal follower, all this effort would be more than worth it. They nudged the grass up to Lust with a paw, before returning to grab some more grass in their jaws. Their stomach rumbled softly, and the weasel had to wrestle the urge to absorb the energy from the grass rather than give it to Lust- but they managed to stave it off. They could feed later. Soon. "'A 'thank you', would be fine. C'mon. I'll show you the place." They brushed past Lust and began to patter along the familiar track towards home.






"Speech."