The fire dwindled. Darkburn raised her head, hollow eyes searching for the bulky skunk. She tapped heavily on the bar and he looked up. Still polishing the glass on his vest, he moved from the sink to stand before her. “Another?” His gruff voice broke the silence. She nodded, pushing her empty stein forward. He pulled the tap and amber liquid ( Read more... )

A low whistle broke the silence of the throne room, followed by a sharp crack. The lioness was in her throne, the plush ruby cloak damp and clinging to her shoulders. Idly, she tossed another star, spiraling it through the air to land in the doorframe, inches from the first. Whistle, crack. Ears set back; she fingered another, tracing the razor ( Read more... )

Leaning her weight on her oaken staff, she rested a minute, the throbbing in her head unbearable. The forest seemed to be thinning. Good. She thought to herself. Good. A town nearby? I think… She pressed her palm into her forehead, as if trying to squeeze the memories out. Instead she came away with a clump of tawny fur. Strange flashes of light ( Read more... )

All was silent. The light of the dieing fires silhouetted the shapes of slumbering soldiers and sent reflections of the embers into the nearby river. The night was cool, and even the sentries were dozing. The campground was littered with fish bones and grouse feathers, the remains of what had been dinner, and small tarps were erected over large ( Read more... )

Dearest Sapphire of ShadowBane ( Read more... )