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Description

+6 AP to Cricket (shaded fullbody)I really wanted to draw something for Cricket receiving his blessing before the chapter, I originally wanted something more story-oriented (and I may write something up later?) but after doing thumbnails on and off for weeks, I've only ended up with this. :') ... Which about sums up my art lately but regardless Cricket is so much fun to draw and this definitely was relaxing to do. So, here is the boy taking a sentimental moment and trying to get a handle on all of this.

He was blessed with Earth Manipulation between Chapter 5 and 6, right after "escaping" from The Trespasser with Newt and Killian, but before reaching home. He doesn't have much of a handle on it yet and with his mood swings there's definitely been some unwanted flying rocks. But! He is honestly pretty proud of his blessing and is still a bit star-struck from having a run-in with Kaia, even if the experience is a bit fuzzy by now. It has upped his confidence quite a bit! (even though he is still very apologetic and pretty embarrassed about accidental explosions... but he'll get a hang of it soon.) I really want to include this beautiful writing by Jennycallie too

Did something feel... different, in the air? It was a night like most any other, clear bright and cold. Most likely, young Cricket did not notice any great portent or change to the Onean night as once more the darkness surrounded him- an old companion, for the insomniac farmer. Just him, and the peaceful dark… and Kaia, another familiar companion to the hippocamp, a watchful listener who never spoke, only existing as a benevolent outlet for Cricket to pour his heart and soul into.
I know you, child.
Although the room did not change and no equine appeared to give a face to the sudden words, Cricket cannot deny the sudden, visceral feeling that he is suddenly very much watched. A quick glance to the side showed his twin still asleep, unaware of the phenomenon. The fresh, slightly spiced aroma of pine needles threaded its way through the room- pine, and warm, damp earth. A forest’s scent.
Kaia.
Your sibling will not wake for this, she continued. I am here for you and you alone, young mortal. Indeed it was you who called to me, brought me here. A well worn path, between your soul and mine. And yet you have never asked me for a Blessing; indeed, for anything at all.
Kaia’s voice (if indeed it could be called a voice, for no true wordswere ever spoken, but rather just the information… arriving, in Cricket’s mind, and evoking the sense of freshly tilled earth, green leaves turned towards the sun, and beneath it all, resolute stone) fell silent once more, and the sense of her regard intensified, as if she stood directly in front of the farmer, peering into his eyes. Her regard was somehow contemplative, for all that it lacked a physical form.
Your soul is attuned not just to me, but to my earth, a strong connection. Many seek my favor without understanding the earth I am tied to, the earth that sustains them. But you are a child of earth, first and foremost- a Farmer, I think. And though I sense discord and pain in the layers of your heart and mind, your devotion to the land -and me- remains steady. Admirable, for one so young, and with such a tumultuous past. I cannot see much of it, that is my Sister’s realm, but I can sense it. Pain, but strength. You are truly one of my mortals, young Cricket, whose heart seeks mine time and time again, without hope for reward. Well. I think, then, it is time you were Blessed. For a true child of earth who struggles with his place in a difficult land… yes, I think that my most treasured of Blessings would suit you well indeed, little one. Take my Blessing of Earth Manipulation, and use it well; with it, I think you might find your place, and gain the confidence you need among your fellow mortals.
Kaia’s voice is fading, but an awareness is replacing it, a blossoming warmth in Cricket’s chest. The awareness unfurls, tendrils creeping through the Farmer’s veins, anchoring itself with every beat of his heart, settling itself firmly within him, ready to be called.

Earth Manipulation.

Description

+6 AP to Cricket (shaded fullbody)I really wanted to draw something for Cricket receiving his blessing before the chapter, I originally wanted something more story-oriented (and I may write something up later?) but after doing thumbnails on and off for weeks, I've only ended up with this. :') ... Which about sums up my art lately but regardless Cricket is so much fun to draw and this definitely was relaxing to do. So, here is the boy taking a sentimental moment and trying to get a handle on all of this.

He was blessed with Earth Manipulation between Chapter 5 and 6, right after "escaping" from The Trespasser with Newt and Killian, but before reaching home. He doesn't have much of a handle on it yet and with his mood swings there's definitely been some unwanted flying rocks. But! He is honestly pretty proud of his blessing and is still a bit star-struck from having a run-in with Kaia, even if the experience is a bit fuzzy by now. It has upped his confidence quite a bit! (even though he is still very apologetic and pretty embarrassed about accidental explosions... but he'll get a hang of it soon.) I really want to include this beautiful writing by Jennycallie too

Did something feel... different, in the air? It was a night like most any other, clear bright and cold. Most likely, young Cricket did not notice any great portent or change to the Onean night as once more the darkness surrounded him- an old companion, for the insomniac farmer. Just him, and the peaceful dark… and Kaia, another familiar companion to the hippocamp, a watchful listener who never spoke, only existing as a benevolent outlet for Cricket to pour his heart and soul into.
I know you, child.
Although the room did not change and no equine appeared to give a face to the sudden words, Cricket cannot deny the sudden, visceral feeling that he is suddenly very much watched. A quick glance to the side showed his twin still asleep, unaware of the phenomenon. The fresh, slightly spiced aroma of pine needles threaded its way through the room- pine, and warm, damp earth. A forest’s scent.
Kaia.
Your sibling will not wake for this, she continued. I am here for you and you alone, young mortal. Indeed it was you who called to me, brought me here. A well worn path, between your soul and mine. And yet you have never asked me for a Blessing; indeed, for anything at all.
Kaia’s voice (if indeed it could be called a voice, for no true wordswere ever spoken, but rather just the information… arriving, in Cricket’s mind, and evoking the sense of freshly tilled earth, green leaves turned towards the sun, and beneath it all, resolute stone) fell silent once more, and the sense of her regard intensified, as if she stood directly in front of the farmer, peering into his eyes. Her regard was somehow contemplative, for all that it lacked a physical form.
Your soul is attuned not just to me, but to my earth, a strong connection. Many seek my favor without understanding the earth I am tied to, the earth that sustains them. But you are a child of earth, first and foremost- a Farmer, I think. And though I sense discord and pain in the layers of your heart and mind, your devotion to the land -and me- remains steady. Admirable, for one so young, and with such a tumultuous past. I cannot see much of it, that is my Sister’s realm, but I can sense it. Pain, but strength. You are truly one of my mortals, young Cricket, whose heart seeks mine time and time again, without hope for reward. Well. I think, then, it is time you were Blessed. For a true child of earth who struggles with his place in a difficult land… yes, I think that my most treasured of Blessings would suit you well indeed, little one. Take my Blessing of Earth Manipulation, and use it well; with it, I think you might find your place, and gain the confidence you need among your fellow mortals.
Kaia’s voice is fading, but an awareness is replacing it, a blossoming warmth in Cricket’s chest. The awareness unfurls, tendrils creeping through the Farmer’s veins, anchoring itself with every beat of his heart, settling itself firmly within him, ready to be called.

Earth Manipulation.