Happy Dichotomy Day! One thing people keep asking me for is MOAR moments with Argent & Tsumiko. While I can’t deliver those in books set away from Stately House, I can treat you in other ways. Like so…
“Silver Bells” | art by FoxOfTwilight
For the record, 1) The jingle jammies were totally a gift from Lapis, and 2) Fox and I seem to have kicked off a whole series of cozy pajama pics. Expect more relaxed, at-home moments with more members of the cast in the near future! ::twinkle::
Hemmed in Silver. I’ve been holding back until the short story showed up in ALL the storefronts, and we surmounted that hurdle that over the weekend. (Thank goodness.) So I am here with the first piece of Hemmed in Silver art. For those just now reading Songs of the Amaranthine, #5, I’ll link back to the Squee Post that went up on release day (in case you want to share reactions, speculations, etc.).
Dun Nippets | art by FoxOfTwilight
• • •
It had only been a week. Florent knew he was still an outsider in Hazel’s eyes. On some level, he felt bad for trespassing on her safe corner of the world, but he’d resolved to be patient. If he left her be, eventually, she’d be ordering him around with the same breezy condescension with which she treated the other farmhands.
—Hemmed in Silver
Safe Place. Argent allows his sons to attend the summer courses at Wardenclave, which is arguably one of the safest places on earth. Which allows Kyrie to meet Mikoto, newly appointed headman of this historic village. “It is my honor to welcome you on behalf of Wardenclave. May the coming season find you stronger for your efforts and richer for the bonds we will share.”
“Barefoot Boys” | art by FoxOfTwilight
• • •
Sitting on the edge of the mattress, Mikoto was nearly the same height as the boy, who was compelling at close range. His fingers twitched, but he recalled himself and lowered his gaze.
“Curiosity can be a compliment.” Kyrie carefully picked up Mikoto’s hand and brought it to his face. “Some people need to touch me to be sure I am real.”
“They do?”
The boy smiled. “Touch is part of familiarization. And I find it reassuring.”
Mikoto’s fingertips grazed freckled scales. “You do?”
“I do. Because you are neither afraid of nor disgusted by me.”
What a thing to suggest.
“Not everyone finds the marks of my heritage beautiful.”
That remark was even more telling than the last.
The boy could see right through him. Had weighed Mikoto in a balance and somehow found him worthy. But Kyrie was also baring something vulnerable. People feared this gentle child? Flinched away or thought him ugly? Mikoto felt a surge of indignation, of protectiveness.
Kyrie shuffled closer. “We are becoming friends …?”
“We are friends.” Mikoto pulled him into an embrace. “And not simply because you are beautiful.”
—Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Amaranthine Saga, #4
“Heart of a Dog.” As many of you probably already know, I have a Patreon account. (Details about why are on this page.) One of the incentives I provide as a thank you to my supporters is a Quarterly Art Card, and I’ve just revealed December’s. Since Harmonious Starmark’s story has become a Christmas Eve tradition all over the world (in the Amaranthine universe), I thought “Heart of a Dog” (art by FoxOfTwilight) would be Most Appropriate.
These are 5×7″ cards. You can kind of see the shimmer. I had them printed with a pearlized finish. (Very pretteh!) To get in on the offer, become a patron at the Twinkle tier ($4/month) or higher. This is a limited edition offer, and quantities are limited, too. Don’t dawdle.
Fira folded her arms over her chest. “Human men like docile, doting, dainty wives.”
Ricker blinked. “You are not … large.”
“Compared to mares. But my stature is considered a misfortune. I am ungainly, cumbersome. You know, I have even been described as coltish.”
He snorted his way into a whinnying laugh and swooped her into his arms.
“Her Colt” | art by FoxOfTwilight
::close up::Governed by Whimsy. While you’re (hopefully) enjoying the newest Songs tale, here’s art for the previous one. Ambrose is no doubt attired for some new theatrical in this Rococo-inspired ensemble. And the shoes! “The very kind of extravagance that he both craved and could not have.”
• • •
“My proportions require specialty craftsmanship. And fittings.” Which was as close as Ambrose would come to admitting he had big feet.
Governed by Whimsy
(Songs of the Amaranthine, #4)
“Perfect Fit” | art by FoxOfTwilight
Close-ups:
::twinkle::Kith Partner. I’m always so careful about spoilers, especially right after a new book releases. Not everyone has time to drop everything and read immediately. At the same time, maybe a bit of art will give folks a reason to read! ::twinkle:: This piece features partners Timur and Fend. One is the son of Michael and Sansa. The other is one of Minx’s cubs. (I’m pretty sure you can tell which is which.)
“Two Halves” | art by FoxOfTwilight
Timur whispered, “Between you and me, Fend is the brains of the operation.”
“You admit your Kith is smarter than you?” He was liking this reaver more by the minute.
“Part of why we’re such a good team.”
Sinder’s curiosity piqued. “How do you communicate?”
Timur tapped his nose. “Whatever do you mean? Kith are intelligent, loyal, and make good pets. Everyone knows that.”
—Mikoto and the Reaver Village
. . .
Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to read, rate, recommend, and (especially) review Mikoto and the Reaver Village. Authors like me rely on readers like you (and the algorithms you sway).
“May the coming season find you richer for the bonds we will share.” Mikoto’s basically grown up at a reaver summer camp, so he’s used to friends who come and go. I keep calling this a buddy!pic for a buddy!fic, because I ship many ships that aren’t romantic in nature: friendship, kinship, mentorship, partnership. ::twinkle::
“Summer Friends” | art by FoxOfTwilight
They caught up to Timur in the kitchen of a modest house. He had his arm around the shoulders of someone who looked like a young samurai who’d mislaid his swords. Wavy black hair swept back from a broad face with strong cheekbones and a stronger jaw, but his quiet demeanor failed to intimidate.
“This is my new sparring partner, Mikoto,” said Timur.
By the look on the young man’s face, this was news. And good news, at that.
“He’s headman of Wardenclave, so mind your manners.”
Not that Timur was showing even a smidge of respect. And Ginkgo judged that Mikoto appreciated the oversight.
—Mikoto and the Reaver Village
• • •
He strolled toward a line of festive banners rippling on a line above the cliff wall. Jacques smirked when he recognized the shameless display. His own green fundoshi hung among the rest. Lifting his coffee cup, he toasted the freshly-painted sign—FUNDOSHI SWIM CLUB.
—Lord Mettlebright’s Man
Ch151: “Morning Meander”
Fundoshi Swim Club | FoxOfTwilight
Headman at Seventeen. With his father’s passing, Mikoto suddenly finds himself in the role of headman, but Wardenclave (and its founders) stand ready to back him up. Fox was good enough to create a portrait of the Amaranthine Saga’s newest “miko.”
Mikoto Reaver | art by FoxOfTwilight
Color Code. If you haven’t checked out Mood Stripes yet, my apologies for this mild spoiler. Stuff happens, and Sesshoumaru’s stripes begin to reflect his moods. (Yes, he has them.) The catch is, only Kagome can see the shifting shades, but she doesn’t know what they mean. Naturally, she’s determined to figure him out.
• • •
She was definitely the only one seeing the color show, but it was also obvious that the others were reacting to it. Certain shades of green brought Shippo running, but oranges sent him scurrying. And Inuyasha mostly grumbled at the oranges, but black turned him silent and solicitous.
—Mood Stripes, Ch48 “Connected”
• • •
Cheat Sheet. Many (many, many) of you have asked me to provide you with a chart of the colors and their meanings. Continue reading
Amaranthine Edition. Thank you for your suggestions! Here are the girls.
Art by FoxOfTwilight
Amaranthine Edition. Thank you for your suggestions! Here are the boys.
Art by FoxOfTwilight
Taking Suggestions! My Twitter feed has been blowing up with this challenge for two days now, and I’ve been dropping suggestions left and right. (Some even get chosen! Fwee!) Well, I didn’t have to coax very hard for FoxOfTwilight to agree to do the #SixFanartChallenge specifically for the Songs & Saga. So what are your Amaranthine universe requests? Drop them in comments, and we’ll pick our six favorites!
Coming Attraction. Release day is tomorrow, but most of us with pre-orders will be receiving a digital delivery tonight. So here’s fresh enticement in the form of art (and another tiny teaser). Governed by Whimsy will introduce you to members of the Leclerc Company, a traveling theater troupe with a vast repertoire, founded by the brothers Evernhold.
• • •
“Do I have the pleasure of addressing Mademoiselles Dimityblest and Demerara?”
They whirled guiltily.
Tailored gray suit. Chartreuse vest. Velvet shoes. Peridot cuff links. Fanning feathers in the band of the hat in his hands. The gentleman’s tone was cautious, and Greta could guess why. He looked her up and down through glasses with lavender-tinted lenses, shaggy eyebrows on the rise.
Greta rearranged her many parcels, using them as a shield.
“Who might you be?” Lulu’s posture slowly shifted. “Canarian?”
“None other.”
He lowered his glasses, revealing eyes of the same deep orange as his mother’s. Mahogany hair swept away from his brow in waxed waves. “I’m widely known as Monsieur Canarian Leclerc, founding member of the acclaimed Leclerc Company. How may I be of service, ladies?”
— Governed by Whimsy (Songs of the Amaranhine, #4)
• • •
FoxOfTwilight was good enough to create a portrait of my two theatrical dandies, who are quite good at drawing in the crowds wherever they may be performing. Continue reading
FORTHRIGHT 