cmo post 2021

[complementing]

post below with a starter or call for a muse.

for prompt ideas, consider the following:
random scenario | soulmates | rain | stargazing | kisses
insomnia | onsen | snow | survival | hurt/comfort
college | coffeeshop | mystical creatures
red string & reincarnations | canon aus & switches
any au in general is good with me!

send me a plurk at raynestorm
if you want to discuss something more involved!

minako arisato

tifa lockhart

naminé

lunafreya nox fleuret

guizhong

lumine

cardia beckford

gwendolyn

code by cawaii

Comments

Aef AU

[long_live_the_queen]

[It had been drizzly much of the month, drying out just long enough to get one's hopes up before the rain picked up the next day. The blooming trees in the city's parks had lost half of their petals by the time the sun came out properly, drying the mud and bringing some warmth back to the air. The birds had been active all winter, but now increased the volume of their chorus instead of simply hopping about on the balcony.

Half of the city seemed to have the same idea, patchworks of cloth appearing spread out on the newly revived grass and under still-blooming trees like the pieces of a massive quilt. This corner was more secluded from the others, though it was tucked under a nice plum tree. The red-feathered, antlered Chimera with a smoldering glare sitting under it might have had something to do with it.

But for once she wasn't so occupied with deterring strangers from getting close. Kaede smoothed out the edges of the quilt a third time, making sure no ants were trying to crawl over the edges. The basket was in easy reach, there were only some picturesque fluffy clouds in the sky, no sunlight reflected too bright off any nearby windows. Whenever Minako wasn't looking, or at least Kaede thought she wasn't, the Chimera subtly shifted her tail about so the feathers curled and laid just so, to best catch the light and to be easily seen at once. All of her feathers had become burnished and richly colored; she wasn't exactly drab in the winter, but something about the spring made them positively glow.

The one thing Kaede didn't try to fussily arrange and rearrange was the Witch at her side. Minako would definitely notice if she kept picking her up to move her around. But that didn't mean there was nothing for the Monster to do.]

Are you cold? [she asked, nudging at Minako's elbow. Her tail was a nice blanket, maybe she could drape that over the Witch's lap.]

[complementing]

[Minako sends a fond smile in Kaede's direction, finishing her sandwich with a pleased sigh. Her appetite has been absolutely ravenous the past twenty minutes, and despite her obvious attempts at being polite, she's already eaten a good third of the picnic basket. Spring is the season when many Monsters are invigorated and active, but it seems to have an acute effect on this particular Witch, too. She loves being out and about in the spring, and her usual eating habits, already incredulous by normal standards, seem to exceed their limits until she becomes a black hole for food.

After eating so much, she's feeling quite content and comfortable, perfectly willing to be a little hedonistic and bask in the feeling. And when she senses that Kaede wants Minako to pay attention to her, how could she deny her? Leaning back on one arm, she reaches out with the other to sweep a section of her Monster's tail over her lap, smoothing them out so they fan out over her thighs.]

Not really, but let me do this anyway. Look at how gorgeous this color is! I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing you and the other Monsters brighten up in the warm seasons.

[She runs her hand over the feathers, finally satisfying the temptation to touch and inspect them ever since they met up at the park. Minako often takes inspiration from Kaede's subtle changes in coloring for various artistic projects of hers, from making tiny knit animals to decorations for weekly desserts. This season they're more breathtaking than usual, and that deserves an equally special project.]

Hmm...maybe some kind of jewelry this time? I don't know anything about metalworking, but I'm sure it can't be too hard.

[long_live_the_queen]

[The Chimera had been about to teasingly nudge her Witch in the side, but she looked so relaxed Kaede had some second thoughts. And before she could untangle them, Minako picked up her tail herself, draping the long feathers over her lap. Kaede's end of the Bond rippled with little warm bubbles, like a late spring brook that'd shaken off the chill of melting ice.]

Would you like some after I molt? You could make another hat.

[But rather than a cursory examination, Minako left the Monster's tail where it was--stroked it, even. The little tickles and sparks of mana seeping through were tantalizing, and left Kaede feeling flustered pink. She was glad the other girl wasn't looking at her just yet; wouldn't do for a witness noticing her going all soft. Behind closed doors and walls to shield from prying eyes, Kaede didn't mind allowing herself enjoying the nice sweet things Minako made, or the embroidered pillows or little plush creatures strewn over the couch.]

I'm sure there's some goldsmiths looking for apprentices this time of year.

[The city was gearing up for the first season of handfasting and betrothal ceremonies, after all. The jewelers were likely stockpiling in advance.]

If it's just shaping wires, it shouldn't be too complicated.