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Description
I told you they will be back. And I told you Vi hates them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sophia walked around the market place, her eyes wide open and filled half with fascination, half with anxiety. Sadly the latter one was still growing though.
She had never been in this part of town during Festive days before. All those smell, sounds, colors and creatures- cats, dogs and, she could swear she saw a few racoons, in the same place running and pushing against each other in order to get to the stands (tuna for only half a price!)... the variety was as much terrifying as it was mesmerizing.
It was not that Sophia wasn't used to crowds- believe me she was. But this crowd was diffrent from the crowd she was grew up in. The arisocratic parties and festives she used to go on, or well, used to be draged to were difrent on so many levels. And that was fine with her.
Vi took her here, obviously. When she heard Sophia was never to the Festive Market she was practiacly ready to drag her from the very spot. She needed to get a few things anyway. But not as far as five minutes here, and Sophia aready lost the tabby from her sight. This place was just so big and colorful and distracting and... fun. Sophie decided that, despite almost having a hearth attack she was quite possibly having fun.
She looked around, partly searching for Vi, partly out of sheer curiosity. Her eyes stopped on something shiny. A jewelery, Nothing special, just a few gleaming stones on a strings with feathers attached to them. Sophia glanced on them briefly only to be startled a little by a sudden movement behind her and a calm voice:
- Seeing anything you like, miss?
She turned around. First thing she noticed were the pair of bright yellow eyes. Eyes that belonged to a... dog? The creature most definitely looked canine, although not quite doggish. There was something strange in them, that Sophia could not quite putt a claw on... but then again, she did not met a lot of dogs on her life. And the ones she met were usually too busy cleaning floors to pay her any attention. So she decided to not overthink it too much.
She pretty much instinctively reached out to the strangers mind. She was used to do it with every new creature she met. Nothing uncalled for, no roaming around just a mere glance to get an idea who she was talking to. That was her way of doing things since she was a kit, and back then she didn't even knew this was something unusual. She got a glance at thoughts of nearly every being she ever talked to, Mrs. Mothwing being the first and only to ever block her out or aknowlange it nearly instantly. At least until now.
Sophia couldn't get through. This surprised her. Completely sealed minds were a rare thing among cats, usually requiring a magical knowlange of some level or a incredible self-control. Dogs however had pracically no magical immunity whatsoever. How then? She quickly looked all over the stranger.
The stranger was not big, at least for a canine. They had long, brwonish, glosy fur and a bushy tail. He was wearing feathers and jewelery and... was that a tit bird on his shoulder?
A wide, polite smile spread acros their muzzle.
-...Excuse me?
Sophia's eye's widen. She had been staring. How impolite of her! Oh, for Creator's sake...
- Oh, I' m sorry.- she meowed and quickly glanced at the jewelery once more- It's all utmostly lovely.
- Glad to hear it.- Canine's smile brighten, their voice soft but vibrant at the same time. Their golden eyes fixed on her.- I just needed one glance to tell you have a fine taste, miss. So, what is a pretty lady such as yourself looking for?
- Well...- Sophia's gaze flickered around- Accually I was simply looking around mr.. mis..uh...- horrfied, she understood she was not only unable to define exact species of the one before her but also their actual gender. She stammered.
Canine however just waved a paw.
- Feel free to drop the formalities, I know they can add to tension sometimes.- they sad, winking at her- My name is Avem, and you can refer to me as such.
-Oh...- She cat looked at him for a moment- Well my name is Sophia Somnia Eira Winterstep... but feel free to refer to me as Sophia.- she added after a moment of consideration.
- Well, it most definitely will save us some time, miss Sophia.- The smirk seemed to never disappear of their muzzle.- Great names tend to mark great cats they say.
They moved garcefuly their tail slightly wraping around her. She-cat wasn't familiar with a physical contat from a stranger, but it would be considered rather rude to flinch away so she did not move. Also she noticed that the tit bird was giving her a look that could be pretty much considered as smug. This was... something new.
- Well, and I can already tell that you have a great appreciation for beauty. So tell me, miss Sophia, have you ever heard of the Night Isles?
Sophia have heard. There were many things about her childhood she despised, but education was never one of them. And although geography was never one of her favourites, she knew all the Invidia map like a back of her paw. What she did not know however, was why would they ask her such a question. As she nodded calmly, Avem's eyes lightened.
- Not surprising. You see, they have a very interesting traditions there. Many of them include a beliefs that some gems harness the magic of this world in what they call 'aura'. So, what would you say if I told you that this necklaces- Sophia had positvely no clue from where did they pull out that piece of jewelery- was made to carry the energy of a moon in it's aura, and bliss it in form of peace and tranquility upon it's owner?
Sophia looked at the neckles for a moment. Then she looked into pair of shiny, yellow eyes.
- That it's probably one of the biggest 'magic ' babble I have heard so far.
Canine laughed. They had a nice, lively laugh that mached their voice in suavity, while still having a cheeky bait to it.
- Precisely!- they humed, smile wide on their muzzle- That's what the huckster of the Night Isles would tell you though.
Sophia glanced at the necklace again.
- This is quite litterally consisting of glass, a few beads, a wire and... a feather?
- Litterally the same thing here and there. Although feather is my personal touch. - they shrugged- What can I say- great tradesmans think alike!
- Don't make it sound, like anyone was even able to think your twisted thoughts, rat.- the voice was sharp and cut through air like knife. It was furious, dangerous and full of slowly boiling rage.
Sophia wasn't surprised to see Vi standing only a few steps away from them. She was glaring at Avem, her gaze fiery and fierce. They however didn't seem to be taken aback even in a slightest.
- Nice to see you too, Vivienne.- Sophia didn't missed the way Vi trembled slightly, when hearing her full name spelled out- Hope you are having a nice time.
- Right now, you're spoiling every second of it. Stop trying to sell her your crap and get the heck out.- Vi growled. Avem tilted his head, small smirk on his muzzle.
- Oh, but I'm just having a nice chat. You know talk politely instead of jabber, for once? You should try it sometime.- Avem's eyes glimmered with something dark- Might discover it's even better than beatting creatures up.
Vi let out a low hiss, her eyes giong dark with anger. Sophia was about to say something but then Avem continiued.
- Also, I just wanted lovely your friend right here is. Smart and pretty is so hard to find those days.- they gave her a long glance- Not many hit it two times in a row.
Suddenly Vi's fur bristled, as she straighten up. She was just about to snarl something when Sophia cut in.
- Thank you for the talk Avem, but I'm afraid me and my dear acquaintance should be going.- she gave them a polite smile and quick nod- Also, even though I'm not quite convinced about it's magical atributes, those jewels are pretty aesthetically pleasing.
- Sophie, come on, you are not seriously talking about this piece of shi...
- Ah, thank you, I try.- they sad, sending Vi a smug smirk- Although I bet they would look even better with a gorgeous cat like yourself to gow with.
Vi sneered- Yeah, fat chance she will buy that piece of glossy cra...
- I'll take it.- Sophia meowed smiling gently as she glanced the necklace in Avem's paw. Canine beamed. Vi's jaw went slack.
-What?!!
- Perfect choice.- Avem 's eyes flickered with light and smug satisfaction as he gave gaping Vi, befor turning around to settle the price.

****************

- Why did you buy that?!- they still haven't even left the market place. But Vi didn't care. She really didn't give a damn. Just a minute ago she was full of rage. Right now she was full of irritation.
- Why would you buy anything from that piece of rat dung?!
- Vi, language.- Sophie sighted softly, her voice calm.
- Oh don't you freaking 'Vi, language' me, and answer, for damn Creator's sake! You sad you knew it was all crap about the 'magic aura' stuff. It was a bluff straight in your muzzle!
- I resume it's called it marketing, Vi.- She gave her a soft glance- Pretty similar to you saying the tuna you sell in the shop is fresh out of water.
- Okey, first of all I do not specify what kind of water is it out of!- Vi was starting to fluff up, the sing of her annoyance rising- Second, it's all not the Creator's damn point! And you know it!
Sophie sighted again.
- They would not let it go if I haven't bought something. I wanted to go. The necklace is pretty. I like it. I wanted to buy something anyway. It had resonable price. That's all the point.
- It's a piece of freaking glass, Sophie!- Vi sneered- You could buy yourself like, I dunno, some pretty gleaming jewel instead of that glassy shit!
And then Sophie turned to look into Vi's eyes.
- And how would it be any better?
Vi stopped, a bit unsure.
- Well...
- Vi, I've seen the jewels as big as an apple. It's the same glossy thing as any other. Big, sparky and useless. There is nothing about it that makes it any more valuable than this piece of glass. - Sophia shrugged. Vi figgeted uncomfortably.
- Still, I don't get why it had to be them...
- And why not. Why shouldn't I buy something I like just because a merchant seems to an evil incarnated in your eyes. It was an transaction, Vi. No hard feelings. No feelings at all. It's you, who makes it all more complicated than it is.
Vi jerked her head, her eyes narrowing.
- Yeah well, you don't know them.
Sophie nodded
-That's right. And that's why I have no reason to not buy this from them.- she stated simply. Vi looked at her for a moment and sighted. She was honestly seeing no wrong in it. She didn't understood why Vi was annoyed. And Vi could do nothing but accept that.
- Okey, have it your way. But I still think it was overpriced as hell. You could have told me you wanted some glossy shit, we would have looked for some.
Sophie gave Vi a small smile.
- Oh please. Where else would I find a necklace ' that was made to carry the energy of a moon in it's aura'- she purred, chuckling softly. Vi rolled her eyes, groaning and couldn't stop herself from smirking slightly. Sophia watched her for a moment with wide eyes beofre stoping befiore her pulling the necklace in question off her neck. Vi raised an eyebrow.
- What are you...?
- They were right though.- Sophia smiled and put in on a starled Vi's neck, before she managed to say anything- It does look prettier when worn by somecat pretty.
Vi stood there for a moment, her jaw slack, eyes wide. Her muzzle felt a bit warm.
- Wha...- she managed to stutter. Sophia shrugged calmly.
- A gift. Keep it, it suits you. Beside- She turned around giving her a look that was almost smug- You seem to need peace and tranquility more than I do.
And she padded forward, calmly and gracefuly like she always did. Vi however stood there for another moment. She stared at Sophie for a long while, some unsetteling feeling coiling in her gut before looking at the necklace. It was made by her sworn enemy... and a gift from her dearest friend. That was messy. And it scared Vi that she didn't actualy mind the first one so much right now.
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So... I'm exploring the dynamics of my characters. Purely for fun, not anything that serious. I just realized I never showed Vi being angry... and she is angry really often.
I may later add background and some better shading. Just wanted to finish that one quickly.
Drawing Avem is hell, but I love them anyway. Also, Sophie is a precious child, just look at her!

Also, also quick fact reavel about the Familiars world. Headcanon time:
> Sophie isn't dense not to recognize Avem is a fox. Foxes are actually not a common species in their location, and if there are any they are mostly seen as weird dogs by the cat society and as some weirdos by actual dogs. Avem's family were actually few imigrants who came to Liks, not long before they were born. They doesn't remember much about them though (cough... shitty puphood... cough), and mostly adopted to local culture, although their parentage had a bigger impact on them than they might realise.
> Avem is notsome 'special snowflake' that is immune to mind magic. It's actually a general trait of fox kind in this world. They all posses an immunity to most kinds of mental spells.
>As you may notice, dogs aren't high in this world's social ladder. I'm going to touch heavly on that subject later on, but let just say that dogs used to be pretty much anslaved and now are considered the working class and are often doing a hard menial labour. Their situation improves slowly, but they are still looked down upon by huge part of cat society.
>I'm still caught up between making Vi and Avem's relationship mostly about rivaly and making it a point of Vi's pettynes (she's a bit close minded) or giving her an actual reason to hate them and making it about Avem not really being a good character (which they aren't). Meh, I will probably do a bit of both.
>Although it changes slowly, social status is a kind of big thing in Liks. The kind of family you are born in can be really game changing, as the top of a social ladder is occupied by a long linage of arisocratic families called 'pure-breeds'. Being born into an high family like this comes with all sorts of 'birth rights'... but it has it downsides. The currently strongest and most influencing of Kins are Winterstep, Rainglint and Jaylilt.

Description
I told you they will be back. And I told you Vi hates them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sophia walked around the market place, her eyes wide open and filled half with fascination, half with anxiety. Sadly the latter one was still growing though.
She had never been in this part of town during Festive days before. All those smell, sounds, colors and creatures- cats, dogs and, she could swear she saw a few racoons, in the same place running and pushing against each other in order to get to the stands (tuna for only half a price!)... the variety was as much terrifying as it was mesmerizing.
It was not that Sophia wasn't used to crowds- believe me she was. But this crowd was diffrent from the crowd she was grew up in. The arisocratic parties and festives she used to go on, or well, used to be draged to were difrent on so many levels. And that was fine with her.
Vi took her here, obviously. When she heard Sophia was never to the Festive Market she was practiacly ready to drag her from the very spot. She needed to get a few things anyway. But not as far as five minutes here, and Sophia aready lost the tabby from her sight. This place was just so big and colorful and distracting and... fun. Sophie decided that, despite almost having a hearth attack she was quite possibly having fun.
She looked around, partly searching for Vi, partly out of sheer curiosity. Her eyes stopped on something shiny. A jewelery, Nothing special, just a few gleaming stones on a strings with feathers attached to them. Sophia glanced on them briefly only to be startled a little by a sudden movement behind her and a calm voice:
- Seeing anything you like, miss?
She turned around. First thing she noticed were the pair of bright yellow eyes. Eyes that belonged to a... dog? The creature most definitely looked canine, although not quite doggish. There was something strange in them, that Sophia could not quite putt a claw on... but then again, she did not met a lot of dogs on her life. And the ones she met were usually too busy cleaning floors to pay her any attention. So she decided to not overthink it too much.
She pretty much instinctively reached out to the strangers mind. She was used to do it with every new creature she met. Nothing uncalled for, no roaming around just a mere glance to get an idea who she was talking to. That was her way of doing things since she was a kit, and back then she didn't even knew this was something unusual. She got a glance at thoughts of nearly every being she ever talked to, Mrs. Mothwing being the first and only to ever block her out or aknowlange it nearly instantly. At least until now.
Sophia couldn't get through. This surprised her. Completely sealed minds were a rare thing among cats, usually requiring a magical knowlange of some level or a incredible self-control. Dogs however had pracically no magical immunity whatsoever. How then? She quickly looked all over the stranger.
The stranger was not big, at least for a canine. They had long, brwonish, glosy fur and a bushy tail. He was wearing feathers and jewelery and... was that a tit bird on his shoulder?
A wide, polite smile spread acros their muzzle.
-...Excuse me?
Sophia's eye's widen. She had been staring. How impolite of her! Oh, for Creator's sake...
- Oh, I' m sorry.- she meowed and quickly glanced at the jewelery once more- It's all utmostly lovely.
- Glad to hear it.- Canine's smile brighten, their voice soft but vibrant at the same time. Their golden eyes fixed on her.- I just needed one glance to tell you have a fine taste, miss. So, what is a pretty lady such as yourself looking for?
- Well...- Sophia's gaze flickered around- Accually I was simply looking around mr.. mis..uh...- horrfied, she understood she was not only unable to define exact species of the one before her but also their actual gender. She stammered.
Canine however just waved a paw.
- Feel free to drop the formalities, I know they can add to tension sometimes.- they sad, winking at her- My name is Avem, and you can refer to me as such.
-Oh...- She cat looked at him for a moment- Well my name is Sophia Somnia Eira Winterstep... but feel free to refer to me as Sophia.- she added after a moment of consideration.
- Well, it most definitely will save us some time, miss Sophia.- The smirk seemed to never disappear of their muzzle.- Great names tend to mark great cats they say.
They moved garcefuly their tail slightly wraping around her. She-cat wasn't familiar with a physical contat from a stranger, but it would be considered rather rude to flinch away so she did not move. Also she noticed that the tit bird was giving her a look that could be pretty much considered as smug. This was... something new.
- Well, and I can already tell that you have a great appreciation for beauty. So tell me, miss Sophia, have you ever heard of the Night Isles?
Sophia have heard. There were many things about her childhood she despised, but education was never one of them. And although geography was never one of her favourites, she knew all the Invidia map like a back of her paw. What she did not know however, was why would they ask her such a question. As she nodded calmly, Avem's eyes lightened.
- Not surprising. You see, they have a very interesting traditions there. Many of them include a beliefs that some gems harness the magic of this world in what they call 'aura'. So, what would you say if I told you that this necklaces- Sophia had positvely no clue from where did they pull out that piece of jewelery- was made to carry the energy of a moon in it's aura, and bliss it in form of peace and tranquility upon it's owner?
Sophia looked at the neckles for a moment. Then she looked into pair of shiny, yellow eyes.
- That it's probably one of the biggest 'magic ' babble I have heard so far.
Canine laughed. They had a nice, lively laugh that mached their voice in suavity, while still having a cheeky bait to it.
- Precisely!- they humed, smile wide on their muzzle- That's what the huckster of the Night Isles would tell you though.
Sophia glanced at the necklace again.
- This is quite litterally consisting of glass, a few beads, a wire and... a feather?
- Litterally the same thing here and there. Although feather is my personal touch. - they shrugged- What can I say- great tradesmans think alike!
- Don't make it sound, like anyone was even able to think your twisted thoughts, rat.- the voice was sharp and cut through air like knife. It was furious, dangerous and full of slowly boiling rage.
Sophia wasn't surprised to see Vi standing only a few steps away from them. She was glaring at Avem, her gaze fiery and fierce. They however didn't seem to be taken aback even in a slightest.
- Nice to see you too, Vivienne.- Sophia didn't missed the way Vi trembled slightly, when hearing her full name spelled out- Hope you are having a nice time.
- Right now, you're spoiling every second of it. Stop trying to sell her your crap and get the heck out.- Vi growled. Avem tilted his head, small smirk on his muzzle.
- Oh, but I'm just having a nice chat. You know talk politely instead of jabber, for once? You should try it sometime.- Avem's eyes glimmered with something dark- Might discover it's even better than beatting creatures up.
Vi let out a low hiss, her eyes giong dark with anger. Sophia was about to say something but then Avem continiued.
- Also, I just wanted lovely your friend right here is. Smart and pretty is so hard to find those days.- they gave her a long glance- Not many hit it two times in a row.
Suddenly Vi's fur bristled, as she straighten up. She was just about to snarl something when Sophia cut in.
- Thank you for the talk Avem, but I'm afraid me and my dear acquaintance should be going.- she gave them a polite smile and quick nod- Also, even though I'm not quite convinced about it's magical atributes, those jewels are pretty aesthetically pleasing.
- Sophie, come on, you are not seriously talking about this piece of shi...
- Ah, thank you, I try.- they sad, sending Vi a smug smirk- Although I bet they would look even better with a gorgeous cat like yourself to gow with.
Vi sneered- Yeah, fat chance she will buy that piece of glossy cra...
- I'll take it.- Sophia meowed smiling gently as she glanced the necklace in Avem's paw. Canine beamed. Vi's jaw went slack.
-What?!!
- Perfect choice.- Avem 's eyes flickered with light and smug satisfaction as he gave gaping Vi, befor turning around to settle the price.

****************

- Why did you buy that?!- they still haven't even left the market place. But Vi didn't care. She really didn't give a damn. Just a minute ago she was full of rage. Right now she was full of irritation.
- Why would you buy anything from that piece of rat dung?!
- Vi, language.- Sophie sighted softly, her voice calm.
- Oh don't you freaking 'Vi, language' me, and answer, for damn Creator's sake! You sad you knew it was all crap about the 'magic aura' stuff. It was a bluff straight in your muzzle!
- I resume it's called it marketing, Vi.- She gave her a soft glance- Pretty similar to you saying the tuna you sell in the shop is fresh out of water.
- Okey, first of all I do not specify what kind of water is it out of!- Vi was starting to fluff up, the sing of her annoyance rising- Second, it's all not the Creator's damn point! And you know it!
Sophie sighted again.
- They would not let it go if I haven't bought something. I wanted to go. The necklace is pretty. I like it. I wanted to buy something anyway. It had resonable price. That's all the point.
- It's a piece of freaking glass, Sophie!- Vi sneered- You could buy yourself like, I dunno, some pretty gleaming jewel instead of that glassy shit!
And then Sophie turned to look into Vi's eyes.
- And how would it be any better?
Vi stopped, a bit unsure.
- Well...
- Vi, I've seen the jewels as big as an apple. It's the same glossy thing as any other. Big, sparky and useless. There is nothing about it that makes it any more valuable than this piece of glass. - Sophia shrugged. Vi figgeted uncomfortably.
- Still, I don't get why it had to be them...
- And why not. Why shouldn't I buy something I like just because a merchant seems to an evil incarnated in your eyes. It was an transaction, Vi. No hard feelings. No feelings at all. It's you, who makes it all more complicated than it is.
Vi jerked her head, her eyes narrowing.
- Yeah well, you don't know them.
Sophie nodded
-That's right. And that's why I have no reason to not buy this from them.- she stated simply. Vi looked at her for a moment and sighted. She was honestly seeing no wrong in it. She didn't understood why Vi was annoyed. And Vi could do nothing but accept that.
- Okey, have it your way. But I still think it was overpriced as hell. You could have told me you wanted some glossy shit, we would have looked for some.
Sophie gave Vi a small smile.
- Oh please. Where else would I find a necklace ' that was made to carry the energy of a moon in it's aura'- she purred, chuckling softly. Vi rolled her eyes, groaning and couldn't stop herself from smirking slightly. Sophia watched her for a moment with wide eyes beofre stoping befiore her pulling the necklace in question off her neck. Vi raised an eyebrow.
- What are you...?
- They were right though.- Sophia smiled and put in on a starled Vi's neck, before she managed to say anything- It does look prettier when worn by somecat pretty.
Vi stood there for a moment, her jaw slack, eyes wide. Her muzzle felt a bit warm.
- Wha...- she managed to stutter. Sophia shrugged calmly.
- A gift. Keep it, it suits you. Beside- She turned around giving her a look that was almost smug- You seem to need peace and tranquility more than I do.
And she padded forward, calmly and gracefuly like she always did. Vi however stood there for another moment. She stared at Sophie for a long while, some unsetteling feeling coiling in her gut before looking at the necklace. It was made by her sworn enemy... and a gift from her dearest friend. That was messy. And it scared Vi that she didn't actualy mind the first one so much right now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So... I'm exploring the dynamics of my characters. Purely for fun, not anything that serious. I just realized I never showed Vi being angry... and she is angry really often.
I may later add background and some better shading. Just wanted to finish that one quickly.
Drawing Avem is hell, but I love them anyway. Also, Sophie is a precious child, just look at her!

Also, also quick fact reavel about the Familiars world. Headcanon time:
> Sophie isn't dense not to recognize Avem is a fox. Foxes are actually not a common species in their location, and if there are any they are mostly seen as weird dogs by the cat society and as some weirdos by actual dogs. Avem's family were actually few imigrants who came to Liks, not long before they were born. They doesn't remember much about them though (cough... shitty puphood... cough), and mostly adopted to local culture, although their parentage had a bigger impact on them than they might realise.
> Avem is notsome 'special snowflake' that is immune to mind magic. It's actually a general trait of fox kind in this world. They all posses an immunity to most kinds of mental spells.
>As you may notice, dogs aren't high in this world's social ladder. I'm going to touch heavly on that subject later on, but let just say that dogs used to be pretty much anslaved and now are considered the working class and are often doing a hard menial labour. Their situation improves slowly, but they are still looked down upon by huge part of cat society.
>I'm still caught up between making Vi and Avem's relationship mostly about rivaly and making it a point of Vi's pettynes (she's a bit close minded) or giving her an actual reason to hate them and making it about Avem not really being a good character (which they aren't). Meh, I will probably do a bit of both.
>Although it changes slowly, social status is a kind of big thing in Liks. The kind of family you are born in can be really game changing, as the top of a social ladder is occupied by a long linage of arisocratic families called 'pure-breeds'. Being born into an high family like this comes with all sorts of 'birth rights'... but it has it downsides. The currently strongest and most influencing of Kins are Winterstep, Rainglint and Jaylilt.