pixxiu

The thielimalana was not what I expected him to be. He was Baken, taller and thinner than most Omi, and roughly-featured with an aquiline nose. He wore an onyx tunic, sapphire breeches, and elaborately embroidered shoes.  But for his exoticism, he could have been a politician or a businessman. He was Anliaku, Sithadineh's latest scourge. That night, he was merely an up-and-comer, just out of his apprenticeship. A force to be reckoned with, but not yet the master of the city. Fools will tell you that a council rules each city. No one ever mentions who rules the rulers. Society welcomes them, especially the ones who take on Omi nam

Master dismisses Taok for the night and retires to his study. The other kuo are abed at this hour, so Taok is alone at Len Madera. Mostly alone. The moment Master disappears from view, Ileth approaches him. "You're back, Taok. I waited for you." Soft voice like a wind chime. Auburn hair like lyptus. "Let's go to bed, hm?" Retreating to his room with Ileth appeals to Taok. Her body is warm, sweet, and pliant. "Of course," he says, slipping an arm about her waist. She leans her head against his shoulder and the pair make their way towards the western wing. "You know," Ileth starts quietly. That tone means a woman is making trouble. Taok gr

Dara and the northern islands are not part of our fair Eremad, but it is worthwhile to discuss them here. The ocean is warm year-round and murky with plankton and other sea creatures. Forests of crimson seaweed are often found on the island coasts. Dara is home to so many islands that I could write another book on them alone, so for the sake of brevity I will limit myself to the most important three: Fuhransi, Uato, and Tenmo. Ruladineh holds the first and Sithadineh rules the latter two. Fuhransi has been a point of contention between the Two Pillars for several years now. Although all of them are sizeable, Fuhransi is the largest. Although

A –with (suffix) Adineh –city Adin –urban Ani -truth An -true Ari –mark or lily Baehrak –pearldiver Betha –death (noun) Beth –death (adjective) Bethari –death marks; tattoos branded onto kuo Bethaka –grayness Bethak -gray Dorakuh –general Ehna –confederacy Faem –luminous crystal often used in lamps Faole –iron (noun) Faol –iron (adjective) Fuhransi –transcription of Hransi (Xihv) Irathuo –gift Kame -sister Kam -sisterly Kehsifi –transcription of Xihv (Xihv); noun Kehsif –transcription of Xihv (Xihv); adjective Kehsuisa –trans

Tradition says that the Council of Ruladineh holds meetings during the evening to enjoy the serenity of the setting sun, and in the hopes that the dimming light will let truth and wisdom glow more brightly. Taok says that the Council of Ruladineh holds its meetings during the evening to enjoy the galas that occur later in the night, and in the hopes that the dimming light will let scheming and foolishness remain hidden. Master gives him a Look when he makes this type of remark, the one that says that he cannot ever make such quips in front of others. But he permits this cheek. Tonight, Taok's place is where it always is at the start of a ne