Tag: Art: Cast Portraits

Do you enjoy mail?

Patreon Teaser. Just in case you didn’t know, one of the perks my patrons receive is good old-fashioned mail. And more and more, I’ve been having cards printed with art, book quotes, and even original story snippets. While I can’t exactly mail out moonbeams for everyone, July’s mailings are Churlish-themed. You see, my topmost tiers will be receiving Quarterly Bubble Mailers this month (“contents subject to whim”), and I decided on custard cups and silver spoons.

forthright on Patreon >>

Thank you to everyone who’s able to support my writing in this way. I enjoy applying my creativity to finding little ways to spoil you! ::twinkle::

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ART: Not Too Outre

Jacques Smythe of the Uppington Smythes. You thought we were DONE with the Lord Mettlebright’s Man cover reveal? Non, mes amis! Because a few days ago, I realized that Jacques could (and should) dress the part during his cover reveal. Many thanks to Fox for turning around a celebratory portrait in short order!

Not Too Outre | art by FoxOfTwilight

If Jacques was doing this, he’d do it his own way. He preferred some tousle in his turn-out and flop in his foppery. —Lord Mettlebright’s Man

. . .

Something tasteful. Something appropriate. I’m partial to greens, but blues would better bring out your eyes.” Inspiration struck. “I wonder, would it be too outré for me to establish my own clan colors?”
Nonny snorted. “Clan Smythe?” —Lord Mettlebright’s Man

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ART: My Lady

Bard & Barbarian. I’m grateful for those who’ve come over to Patreon in order to push toward our community goal of 400 patrons so we can unlock the Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons serial. It’s always nice to hear that readers want MORE about the cast. That story will be great fun to tell. But the story I’ve been telling in the meantime has a special place in my heart. So I asked FoxOfTwilight to tackle am ambitious portrait for Bard & Barbarian, a fantasy adventure with a DnD flavor.

The main character is Imber (the titular bard), and when the story begins, he’s just a little kid with big dreams. But we’ve entered Part 2 of his story, and teen!Imber has set out with his father’s crew. His first taste of adventure includes the acquisition of five summons. His “rabbity boys” are a noisy bunch with silly appellations and an unwavering devotion for … well … for some reason, they’re set upon calling Imber “my lady.” (It’s okay. He doesn’t mind.)

My Lady | art by FoxOfTwilight

These fellows are especially fun to meet in the narration for Bard & Barbarian. Travis Baldree and I had to work out a cheat sheet to keep them straight, since Quorum, Lorem, Ipsum, Sphagnum, and Peet have a habit of talking over one another in quick succession, what!

Oh, the little golden dragon boy? Yes, there are dragonkin in this world. And wildings. And wizards, paladins, clerics, an assortment of deities, an on-again-off-again rogue, and the titular barbarian (of course). I hope you’re reading along! If not, I hope I’ve given you a reason to. ::twinkle::

Close Crop:

forthright on Patreon >>

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ART: Trust Building Exercise

Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate. Let’s call this a little encouragement to fit in a reread of Bk5 before the autumn release of Bk6: Pimiko and the Uncharted Island. Because this time, there’s no time skip. The events of the fifth miko flow right on into the sixth.

I have planned a whole array of trust-building exercises. ’Twould be a shame if they went to waste.”
Akira bit. “Like what?”
“Walking together, shopping together, dining together. I’m told cycling and snorkeling are popular activities for tourists. And did I mention shopping? Because boutiques are on my agenda. And Rafter passed me Wind-and-Tide’s food truck bingo board.”   
“That … actually sounds kind of fun,” ventured Akira.  
“Fun is one of the perks of traveling with the well-heeled, somewhat dubious second son of Smythe Manor. My tastes are expensive, my pockets are deep, and our time is short. Let’s frivol away the next five days in extravagant ways … because this, too, is part of Argent’s plan.”

Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Amaranthine Saga, #5

Trust Building Exercise | art by Fox of Twilight

. . .

Within ten minutes, it was abundantly clear that Magda was out to have fun, and she seemed intent on dragging Hallow and Suuzu straight into more. Barely a block along their way, and Hallow sported a new pair of sunglasses, and she’d wrapped Suuzu’s head in a fancy turban.
Jacques approved. And snapped pictures. And found some shimmery gloss that he applied to Akira’s lower lip.
“Where’s your usual sparkle?” he asked softly. “Are you actually intimidated by pastels?”
“I feel like a one-man boy band.”
Uncle Jackie took his hand. “Rather the goal. But I need you to relax into this role. If not for my sake, then for his.” He angled his head toward Suuzu, who was undergoing similar indignities.
Suuzu barely resembled Spokesperson Farroost anymore. The lavish headcloth might count as a disguise, and the freshly-applied shimmer of gold on his bottom lip was sort of pretty. But the concern in his best friend’s gaze snapped Akira to attention.
“Better,” murmured Uncle Jackie. “Now stop trying to decide how to act.”
“I can’t act.”
“That is painfully obvious. So how about this? You drag him about like you usually do, and we’ll improvise around you.” After a beat, he leaned close to whisper, “And avoid mirrors.”
Akira glanced around, wary of reflective surfaces. “Why?”
“Pastels.” With a teasing smile, he said, “We need more time to build up your resistance.”

Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate

::close crop::
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ART: Nestmates

Akira and Suuzu. They’re the closest of friends, the lifelong sort. And their story threads straight through the Amaranthine Saga. We haven’t had art of them since they were in middle school, so it was time for an update.

“Nestmates” | art by FoxOfTwilight

Quarterly Art Card. As most of you are probably aware, I create art cards as thank yous for my patrons. More and more, I’ve begun including story snippets on them. Little scenes or outtakes. The next Quarterly Art Card will go out in March, coinciding with the vernal equinox, and THIS is the art I chose to feature. AND I’ve written a scene to go with it, just a private moment between Akira and Suuzu, set near the end of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate. Completely original. So if you want MOAR of these nestmates, I hope you’ll consider joining the ranks of supporters over on Patreon >>

zoom in
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ART: Noble Son

Pocket Puppy. When Mikoto receives the gift that is, was, and always will be Glint Starmark’s answer to grief, he looks for a name that’ll be just right. His puppy is tiny, just a puffball, really … especially compared to a big guy like Mikoto.

Noble Son | art by FoxOfTwilight

The puppy was a bigger handful than he would have guessed. Not literally, of course. He was more of a scant handful, barely large enough to count as canine. Especially in a village where Kith-partnered battlers rode their dogs.
The girls had been quick to suggest names. All of them cutesy. But Mikoto firmly rejected them. He wasn’t leaving something so important to them. Plus, he’d wanted a name with more dignity. Which had brought Yulin to mind. And then the name was suddenly there and perfectly right. A doggish name that was already an endearment. Noble.

Lots of other Mikoto art. Follow his tag >>

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ART: Roommates

Colt and Hallow. More art for Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate, which rounds out the six who make up “Hisoka’s finest.” Boon & Moon are partners. Juuyu and Sinder are partners. And here are Colt and Hallow.

Roommates | art by FoxOfTwilight

Since When? Hallow was first introduced back in Governed by Whimsy. At the time, he was still an adolescent.

“You need to meet my friend. Hallow and I share a compartment. We’ve been friends since he was just a little guy.” Turning expectantly toward the door, Colt said, “Come along, Hallow. She’s warded.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Hallow stepped into the open. He was slim and pale, a youth with sharp features and a stiff manner. Straight black hair hung loose around his shoulders, and he glanced around the room with deep red eyes.
“Come along, Hallow,” Colt repeated. “Don’t be such a grump.”
Flashing a look of injury, Hallow flowed across the room with a swooping gait that caused the leathery folds that webbed under his arms to billow slightly. He presented himself to Greta with a silent bow.

Governed by Whimsy (Songs 04)

In Governed by Whimsy, Colt is the theater company’s healer. If you piece together the pertinent details, you’ll figure out that both Colt and Hallow are from the Glintrubble cooperative. “Glintrubble is a cooperative that specializes in mining and shaping the stones that amplify a reaver’s abilities. Their community includes horses, rabbits, and bats. And reavers, of course” (Michael Ward, Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox). Yes, Hallow is a grandson of Trisk & Glinna Brunwinger.

His regional accent was a match for Colt’s, lending credence to their long association. “How do you do?
My name is Hallow Brunwinger. I apologize for withholding myself from association. Especially if my presence can bring some comfort.”
“You’re … half?”
“Yes.” He lifted an arm, giving her a clearer look at a misfit wing. “Bat clan.”
Greta asked, “Your mother?”
“She is well enough. My father was human.” Hallow’s gaze turned apologetic. “I’m not sure what any of you expect from me. It’s not as if I was much use during my own birthing.”
Colt slung his arm around Hallow’s shoulders. “You’re here. Isn’t that enough?”

Governed by Whimsy (Songs 04)

More than two centuries later, readers caught another glimpse of this duo in Mikoto and the Reaver Village. Sinder mentions them in passing, because he’s close to them. (Two words: elite taskforce.)

  • Lost in a daydream in which Juuyu and Hallow were sent to extract him, Sinder nearly missed his cue.
  • The man smoothed the shirt over his back, pulled free his thick braid, chafed his arms—all the fussing made Sinder miss Colt.
  • Surely there was some strategic significance here. Offensive and defensive potential? A possible means of protection, both for them and for their sibling? Hallow would figure it out if anyone could.
  • “Are they insane?” he muttered. Hallow was obsessed with tuned crystals, so Sinder had been exposed to every variation known to carry Cadmiel’s song. That’s why he knew that this rookie scheme might actually work. But not necessarily in the way they hoped.
  • Hallow must have grabbed the phone because his voice came sharp and clear. “Get to him. Immediately. His crystal’s vibrating nearly to pieces, and its song tells of pain.”

Mikoto and the Reaver Village

Which brings us to Book 5 in the Amaranthine Saga, when Fumiko meets the oft-mentioned “elite taskforce.” Hallow’s all grown up now.

**NOTE** If you haven’t yet read Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate, the remainder of this post contains excerpts which might be considered spoilers. Comments are also suspect. You have been warned.

::twinkle::
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ART: Lost Harbor Lockets

“Added security, you understand.” When Argent Mettlebright sets his trap for the Gentlemen Bandit, he arranges for a security team he can trust. So Juuyu Farroost meets the formidable duo known as the Lost Harbor Lockets. ::twinkle::

Lost Harbor Lockets | art by FoxOfTwilight

. . .

“Curious?” The woman smiled broadly and crooked a finger. “You can look, but don’t touch. They’re loaded.”
The sigils stood out like lace upon her skin, inked in white, shimmering with power.
“These are what I like to call a competitive edge.” She turned, encouraging his perusal. “This set has shields for deflective attacks. Ever been hit by an airbag in a moving car?”
Juuyu’s eyes widened.
So did her smile. “Broke my nose once. Gave me the idea. Defensive measures can pack a wallop. So does my partner. I’m Magda Locket, by the way. We’re the Lost Harbor Lockets.”
As if he should recognize them.
He met her palms and admitted, “I am … unfamiliar.”
“Seriously?” Magda propped a hand on her hip. “We’re on the battler circuit. The games are televised and everything. Ever watch any extreme sports? No?”
“I apologize.”

Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Amaranthine Saga, #5

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Hey, nonny, nonny…

Kiddo. Just wanted to drop this here in case you needed reminding of what Nonny looks like. (Art by FoxofTwilight.) And … while we’re at it! Those who were able to listen in on Travis Baldree’s recording sessions for the audio book of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate already know that Nonny (who often employs Britticisms) has a Cockney accent. ::twinkle::

… such pretty flocking!
::twinkle::

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ART: Elite Trackers

Assembling a Taskforce. With Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate‘s release date a mere 20 days away, I’m teasering all I can without spoilering anything of import. Since these two are known entities, they’re getting their turn in the limelight a little early. You already know that Juuyu and Sinder are partners. What I’ve never mentioned (before now) is the identity of Boonmar-fen Elderbough’s partner. ::twinkle::

Elite Trackers | art by FoxOfTwilight

If you haven’t had the chance yet, I do hope you’ll pre-order Book 5 in whatever format (or formats) you prefer. Print/Digital release is October 22. Audio is scheduled to release on November 9. And I’m now open for pre-orders on author-signed books.

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ART: Moonglade Tea Room

While in Keishi. In a fairly recent story arc in Lord Mettlebright’s Man, Jacques was in Keishi, which is notable for being the home of Harmonious Starmark, Hisoka Twineshaft, and Kikusawa Shrine. Since it will also be the setting for Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons, I decided (in my usual way) to sneak in a bit of foreshadowing. I’d always planned to have an Amaranthine-run tea room in Kimiko’s neighborhood, but I didn’t need it for Bk2. But Jacques needed a spot of tea, and I have a marvelous serial pending, so I pretty much invented Moonglade Tea Room (and its proprietors) on the spot. (It’s shocking how often I do this. Let’s call it authorial privilege.) THEN, (quite predictably), I got attached. Therefore … art!

Moonglade Tea Room | art by FoxOfTwilight

Cousin?” Sonnet called through an open screen. “May I beg a favor?”
Bare feet made no sound upon tatami mats.
Built and bronzed, this male had silver eyes and black hair arranged in a topknot. The flowered kimono hung open, suggesting wolf.
“Paltry!” Sonnet kissed the cousin’s cheek. “Help me warm this human?”
Jacques was past pride. “Have mercy on this poor wretch.”
Palms met. Nostrils twitched. Brows arched. Paltry remarked, “It’s raining cats and wolves today.”
In English.
Bless him.

LMM, Ch228, “Back Door”

. . .

Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons, you ask? If you haven’t yet heard, I’m going to be writing a full-length novel that follows (among other things) Kimiko’s courtship of Eloquence Starmark. The story will be serialized as a Patreon exclusive … and I’ve promised to begin the tale once we’ve reached the (admittedly daunting) community goal of 400 patrons. We’re about 30% there! “Loosely based on the old Amaranthine tale, ‘The Wolf and the Moon Maiden,’ this serial will involve three sisters, twelve pledges, and the long-awaited stirring of a sleeping landmark.“ + Paltry & Churlish ::twinkle::

forthright on Patreon >>

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ART: Sisters

Titular Character. Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate is set up for pre-order (digital edition, Amazon, so far) and will release in October. So … I thought I’d give you a peek at Fumiko. It’s no spoiler to include her sister, since Fumiko’s status as tree-kin is mentioned in the story summary. But other details will have to wait. (I abhor spoilers!)

Sisters | art by FoxOfTwilight

She could make a mess of everything. Especially him.
The Junzi—also known as the Four Gentlemen—are a set of ancient weapons fashioned from remnants. Dragons refer to them as the Four Storms, and Hisoka Twineshaft believes they will make a difference in the hunt for the rogue. But someone else is interested in gathering up these crystal masterpieces. The so-called Gentleman Bandit is responsible for two thefts already, and Hisoka is concerned for the Bamboo Stave. So he deploys an elite taskforce to guard the treasure. And to catch a thief.

Juuyu Farroost and his teammates regroup at a safehouse tucked under the boughs of one of the oldest—and most heavily fortified—orphan trees in the Americas. Fumiko and her tree twin have enough rooms for all of them. If they can shift enough of the woman’s clutter to set up their equipment. Juuyu’s expertise is essential to the success of their mission, but he can barely focus thanks to Fumiko, her messes, and Akira, who apparently owes Boon a favor.

Pre-Order on Amazon (US) >>

Shelve on Goodreads, too >>

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ART: Game Changer

Happy Father’s Day. I’ve been saving up an illustration of Timur’s smol family, and this is the perfect day to unveil it. I am placing it under a cut, though, since it’s a spoiler for the end of Mikoto and the Reaver Village (Amaranthine Saga, #4). I consider it a companion piece (of sorts) to “Two Halves.”

::twinkle::
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