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Panda's Place šŸ¼šŸŒ· where a panda can just draw (or write!)

Decided to add this in my gallery as well. It's bonus art I drew for a certain happy froggy friend <3

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Here's a small collection of some of my old drawings
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The very first concept of Li'l Ears. I drew these between 2004 - 2012

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Some of my other OCs and illustrations

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I'm also going to include an original short story I wrote last year
*Just a fair warning: there is mention of blood/death and other macabre context in this story*
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Eve thought the world most beautiful in autumn. The trees were striking shades of red, orange and brown and speckles of sunlight glittered playfully across the vast surface of the lake. She loved to stop and gaze at it whenever she went on a stroll in the woods. People claimed mysterious things happened there, but it did not faze the woman. She could not quite explain it, but she found a strange allure to the woods. She always did believe there was more to things than just appearances.

But it was one November day when Eve happened upon an old graveyard that her curiosity was especially aroused. There was a delicate mist lingering in the air, dead leaves carpeted the ground, and the headstones were dusty, some misshapen. The atmosphere was lonely, eerieā€¦but it only tempted Eve to walk further in as she examined each grave.

However, one grave particularly stood out from the rest, for its headstone was much larger and decorated in flowers long withered. Briefly adjusting her glasses in intrigue, Eve went to have a closer look. She wiped the dust off with her hand and noticed the inscription was faded in some parts, making it impossible to read, but above it was an extraordinarily beautiful relief depicting a winged, demonic beast flying up to the starry sky.

Eve was very fascinated. If there was one thing she loved it was the supernatural and anything pertaining to it. As a young girl she showed strong interest in the subject, going from library to library to study books all about it, but they were seldom available and it greatly displeased her. That was why she carried a leather-bound tome containing her own personal writings, illustrations and observations, a tome she had been working on all her life. It was not quite finished yet but she was dedicated to it, wanting to learn and understand all she could about monsters. It spoke of ancient artifacts, hexes and in-depth notes on various phenomena she had researched throughout the years. However forbidding the occurrence, no matter how vile the creature, Eve would go wherever new discoveries awaited her, tome ready in hand. But to take pleasure in such interestsā€¦ It was perhaps for that reason most people did not want anything to do with her. Not much was known about her family, but theirs must have been a dark history indeedā€¦

But the opinions of people and the history of her family she did not care about. As a researcher, Eve cared only about her work. Behind those glasses were eyes a deep sapphire, ever focused, and hanging over her shoulder in a fine plait, hair as black as a ravenā€™s wings. Despite her solemn appearance, Eve was quite genial and composed; as sharp as she was enigmatic, there were indeed some people who found her disposition worthy of esteem.

Presently something in the peripheral of her vision promptly seized her attention and she whipped her head in its direction. A gaunt, dog-like creature stood there, several strips of decayed flesh sickeningly dangling from its body. The smell it exuded was indescribably foul. Fascinated by it, she carefully, quietly crouched down to its level. The sight of the undead creature would have had anyone else fleeing, but not her. Eve feared nothing, scoffing at the mere thought of such an inane feeling.

The creature stayed motionless, staring at the human with its white, lifeless eyes. Parts of its head and neck lacked fur and skin, leaving muscle visible, its maw perpetually fixed in a tight, toothy grin. Just as Eve took out the tome from her satchel the creature began to wander around the graveyard, paying her no further regard, almost methodically poking at the ground. The researcher, maintaining a close eye on it, began to sketch the creature in one of the tomeā€™s blank pages. She was certainly impressed by its body, from its putrefied legs to its exposed spine, but before she could finish writing down her observations and all the creature vanished into the mist.

Disappointed, Eve rose to her feet and gave the graveyard one final careful look before leaving the woods.

But later that night she returned with lantern in hand, hoping to encounter the creature again or perhaps some other kind of abomination. She simply had to investigate the graveyard further otherwise she would never forgive herself for neglecting the opportunity. In the thick veil of shadows where unknown dangers lurked the glow of her lantern was like a guiding beacon as she walked onward through the woods. Arriving at the graveyard, the researcher looked around for anything unusual. Three small, identical gargoyles were arranged in a row, viciously baring their fangs. The third oneā€™s head was inexplicably twisted backward. A hum of question rumbled in Eveā€™s throat. She carefully turned the head to its proper position, and suddenly the large headstone adorned in wilted flowers moved back, revealing a flight of stairs leading down into a deep void of darkness.

It was no ordinary headstone, but a mechanism of sorts. Now she was really intriguedā€¦ Just what other secrets was this graveyard hiding? The sight of the entrance was enticing, welcoming her to the macabre world she sought, and yet, Eve was a bit wary. Distant howls echoed through the woods and after a few moments she made up her mind, descending the stairs.

The constant sound of dripping waterā€”or some ghastly liquid more befitting this ominous placeā€”resounded just like the clicking of her heels as the researcher walked down the dusty corridor. Soon she arrived at a large hall illuminated by several sconces. An underground dungeon, she realizedā€¦ So the graveyard was just a mere ruse, after all. She wondered who could have built something like this, and whyā€¦

Across the hall was a passageway no doubt leading to other grisly chambers just waiting to be explored. And Eve would see to it herself, lips giving shape to a pleased smile. The prospect of adding new entries into her tome thrilled her, so much so that she readied it and headed right in, unbeknownst of the several pairs of eyes watching her from the shadowsā€¦

Before long the researcher came to what appeared to be a prison section of the dungeon. She went about looking into each cell: some were littered with skeletal remains while others were messily painted with patches of dried blood.

One cell contained a prisoner. Peering inside, Eveā€™s mouth opened in a hushed gasp at what she saw. The tall, bipedal rat monster nervously paced around, uttering sounds in its chilling, guttural voice as though it were mumbling thoughts to itself. She took out her tome and commenced sketching it. As she did so, writing a few notes as well, she couldnā€™t help but feel something was amiss. The monster was truly unlike any she had ever seen before. Its behavior seemed almostā€¦human. She dismissed the illogical thought, however. The monster looked at her suddenly and cowered away into the shadows. Eve smiled to herself in slight amusement, concluding that it was an inferior specimen.

As she continued her way throughout the dungeon the researcher encountered and studied many kinds of monsters, from nightmarish insects to atrocious beasts. A rank, familiar odor made her nose crinkle. It was the undead creature! However, it stood in her way, anxiously stamping its paws, growling. Was it perhaps trying to warn her? In an attempt to gain a better understanding of the creature, she slowly reached out a hand to it, but the creature let out a deep howl before taking off.

ā€œWaitā€¦!ā€ she called out, following it down the corridor, but the creature already disappeared. She suddenly heard hurried movementā€¦then, all was silent. Eve remained alert, feeling a presence in the heavy air. She was not alone. Viscous drops of saliva dribbled down from above, causing her to look up where she saw a group of formidable winged monsters. They were perched high upon ledges on either side of the corridor, staring fixedly at their bespectacled visitor. What interesting creaturesā€¦ They looked just like that demonic beast on the relief. The researcher sat cross-legged on the floor sketching themā€”such striking wings and slim physiques; they were indeed fine specimens! Yet, they displayed no hostility. Could it be she was no threat to them? Or maybe they were quite the calculating fiends, simply toying with herā€¦

Eve cried out in surprise when one of them flew by and stole the tome right from her hands, disappearing with it. The others cackled at her as the now infuriated researcher scrambled to her feet and gave chase. That tome was very precious to her; she just had to get it back!

The corridors were winding and interconnecting. It was easy to get lost in the subterranean realm of monsters; Eve had to be careful if she did not want to join the ranks of the dead. But suddenly, as the researcher walked onward, a tentacle made of gelatinous slime swung down from the ceiling and coiled itself around her waist while another one went straight for her neck. Alarmed, she looked up at the creatureā€¦and the creature, a large amorphous glob of thick transparent slime, looked down at her with its one interested eye. Eve struggled to pull free from the creatureā€™s grip. Its eye then focused on her lantern and the tentacle let her go, snatching the object away. The researcher watched as the creature played with the lantern just as a child would play with a fun new toy. It frustrated her that she couldnā€™t record her observations on this fascinating specimen, so she resumed her way down the corridor. Fortunately for her there were candles that provided light, albeit scant, in the darkness. Turning a corner, she spotted a guillotine, its worn, blood-encrusted blade grisly prove of the many victims it had claimed. The researcher could only imagine what other atrocities were committed in this dungeonā€¦ Suddenly she gasped and slapped her arm when something hairy brushed against it. It was only a dangling rope. She couldnā€™t believe such an absurd thing unnerved her, wondering: was this what was calledā€¦fear?

She could feelā€”even hear, under the crushing gravity of silenceā€”the beating of her heart. She was nervous, a single bead of sweat trickling down to her chin. Her chest suddenly ached.

But ignoring the discomfort, Eve journeyed deeper into the dungeon in search of her tome, strongly coughing now and again. Then she happened upon the most interesting place yetā€¦a laboratory. Who could this laboratory have belonged to? It seemed she was not the only one dedicated to the study of monstersā€¦but as she looked around, blood-splattered documents strewn about the floor and broken flasks everywhere, it was clear something must have gone wrongā€¦

Some of the machines, though showing signs of damage, were still in good working condition, and though the monitors occasionally flickered, x-rays of various specimens could be seen. Several images, however, were of humansā€¦ Eve couldnā€™t help but wonder just what kinds of experiments were conducted here. Carefully examining a folder, she found scientific files and notes, but amongst them was a photo. It was a man, a researcher like herself, his expression stern, and beside him was his yellow Labrador. A dark smirk of pleasure curled the corner of her mouth. This laboratoryā€¦ What a glorious place to further her studies. She would not allow this opportunity to slip away. Using the equipment in her satchel and the tools provided to her by the laboratory, she began to perform a series of experiments of her own. And so, Eve remained in the depths of the dungeon. The extent of time she did not care about, for she was much too engrossed in her work. This was her passion; nothing could stop her. How the woman delighted in her studies, conducting research for the sheer rapture of it, even using some of the creatures of the dungeon as living test subjects.

The winged monsters gained a sense of trust and admiration of her, eagerly acting as her assistants. Returning the tome to her, the researcher wasted no time filling page upon page with a plethora of notes, analyses on monster physiology and anatomical diagrams according to the dissections she performed. But as the hours went by she began to feel strangely dizzy, coughing more than ever. Covering her mouth with a hand, she coughed up blood into her palm. Trembling, eyes wide with shock, it was then she took notice of her clawed fingersā€¦ It was then she knew what real horror was.

ā€œIs thisā€¦? Is this s-some sort of mutation?ā€ she said shakily. Cursed by the evil power of the dungeon, the gears of her fate began to turn from the moment Eve entered this forbidden place. Because she did not heed her worsening condition the researcher began to suffer from the effects of the curse. Suddenly she clutched at her burning chest, screaming in excruciating pain. She then staggered, trying desperately to hold on to the table for support, vision becoming hazy. From a distance the winged monsters only watched as the human dropped to the floor unconscious, glasses falling off.

Eyes fluttering open, clothes in tatters and once neat braided hair now loose about her shoulders, Eve groaned and dazedly raised her head. It took her a full minute to become aware of the winged monster holding up her arm, but what the creature was doing she could not tell, for as quickly as she gained consciousness she lost it. After a time she awoke again and made out the stone floor and wallsā€¦then the iron bars before herā€¦ She was sitting pathetically on her knees, but no matter how hard she tried she found she could not get up. She gasped in alarm when she found she could not budge her wrists, glancing about her in all directions. They were tightly shackled, arms suspended near her sides by cold thick chains. Looking at her bare feet, her ankles were shackled in the same cruel way. At that startling moment Eve realized she was imprisoned in a cell, scarcely lit by a sole torch. She writhed about trying to free herself, the chains noisily clanging, but her efforts were futile.

There was no escapeā€¦

Eve swallowed hard; she started to breathe heavily, fidgeting her claws a bit. Fearā€¦ Such a disgusting feelingā€¦

Presently she heard a noise and alertly looked to see what it was. On the other side of the iron bars were her captorsā€¦the winged monsters! Eve angrily gritted her teeth. Those traitorsā€¦ How dare they do this to her! The creatures screeched and jeered at her, gleeful with having trapped their new human specimen.

ā€œLet me go! Let me go right now!ā€ she commanded, but the devious creatures would do no such thing. They left her there, disappearing with a few last cackles. She was desperate now, panic gripping her heart as she watched them go. ā€œNoā€¦! You canā€™t do this to me! Let me go! Let me go!ā€ No matter how much she struggled, no matter how much she screamed, it was all in vain. This was only the beginning, for she had yet to know true sufferingā€¦

The torch continued to burn and crackle weakly. As she sat there chained against the wall, head hanging low, hair messily draped over her face, the cursed woman could only contemplate the dire circumstance she found herself in. How could she let this happen? Was this to be her fate, left to die here like some filthy prisoner? Suddenly all she could think about was death, and suddenly it frightened herā€¦ Suddenly she felt so lonelyā€¦

Sensing movement just then, Eve raised her gaze and to her astonishment she saw people passing by, coming and going as they pleased. People! She had never been more relieved to see people!

ā€œSir! S-sir, please! Help me! Excuse meā€¦! Maā€™am! Help me, help me please! Help me!ā€ she called to every person, but no one stopped, no one even looked at her or spoke to her. One crowd laughed amongst themselves while another crowd was conversing. The disembodied voices surrounded the shackled woman, who could not begin to fathom what was happening.

A mind shattered could not think rationally anymore. And so, madness took her.

Eve grew more and more frantic, face filled with terror. ā€œI d-donā€™t want to dieā€¦! Please! H-help me! Helpā€¦!ā€ Tears stung the corners of her eyes. ā€œLook at me! Look at me!ā€ And she began to uncontrollably sob, begging the people, the mere hallucinations, for salvation.

Every night seemed an eternal one. The visions ceased. Eve became catatonic, staring at nothing with a forlorn expression on her tearstained face. She no longer struggled. Her eyes, the pupils now transformed into slits, were inflamed from having cried so much, wrists and ankles bruised from all her exertions. She waited, waitedā€¦ When would death come take her away from this terrible place? No, somewhere in the lingering remnants of her mind she knew not even death could be so merciful to a wretched creature. She remained locked in that dim, sweltering cell, sporadically fading in and out of consciousness as her metamorphosis slowly continued. The winged monsters would clean the dirt and sweat off her body, making sure to take good care of their precious specimen. Her soul was weakening. It would not be much longer now.

One night the cell bars opened and closed. Startled, eyes anxiously looking about the darkness, Eve felt another presence. It was no illusion this time. She spotted her, there in the corner frightfully trembling: a young peasant woman. The winged monsters had abducted her like the hapless prey she was, tossing her into the cell. She did not dare to move from her corner, refusing to let her tearful gaze stray away from the monster chained against the wall.

Suddenly Eve was captivated by a most tantalizing scent. Faint, yet so freshā€¦ She found herself drawn to the cut on the girlā€™s cheek, and a strange desire came over her. Mustering bestial strength, she pulled and pulled until the chains broke. The girl could not look away from those maddened eyes as claws painfully scratched the cut, painting them a delicate, alluring red. Eve shivered with mirth. She slowly ran her tongue over them, one by one, savoring each droplet of blood as she sighed in shameless pleasure. Such an exquisite, intoxicating flavorā€¦ With that first taste, something awoke in Eve.

ā€œMoreā€¦ā€ she licked her lips, excited by the feel of her fangs against her tongue. ā€œI must have more!ā€

In one swift motion she grabbed hold of the girl and tore into the flesh of her neck, lapping up the rich, delectable nectar. Her squirming only made Eve tighten her grip, her horrific screams only made her drive her fangs deeperā€¦ Only when the struggling ceased did she finally, albeit reluctantly, let the girl go, allowing her cold, lifeless form to slump into a pool of her own blood. Perhaps she had a name, perhaps even a familyā€¦but such things were meaningless to a monster indulging in her savage bloodlust, licking what she could off the floor. From outside the cell the undead creature had watched the dark deed. All it could offer was a pitiful whimper. Another fool corrupted by their obsession with their work, just like its masterā€¦

Eve was broken, nothing but a timid, pathetic thing. She cowered, she whimperedā€¦ All kinds of monsters would come to observe her. Now she was their amusementā€¦ As time went by, she descended further into the depths of despair. She didnā€™t know who she was or where she was anymore. By then, all she saw, all she heard and felt was fear. The shadows scared her. One moment they grew and trembled, the next they faltered and hid. She started hearing thingsā€¦scraping, clatteringā€¦ Faint, creaking footstepsā€¦ Curled up on the floor, she wept for the torment to end. She then recalled the sweet taste of blood on her lips, flooding her senses with a sinful happiness that, for the briefest moment, comforted her. She held on to that feeling, for it was all she had in the encompassing darkness.

The final stage of the curse happened very suddenly one night. Eve was on her hands and knees as she underwent a severe convulsion, inhuman groans echoing beyond the cell. Her heart pulsated intensely, causing her unbearable anguish. If only the pain would kill her, how she begged for it to kill herā€¦then would she finally be saved from this nightmareā€¦

But what followed was a thing of absolute horror.

Head thrown back, Eve let loose a scream of agony as two large wings of flesh, bone and membrane sprouted from her back, blood spattering everywhere. She collapsed afterward, drained of every ounce of consciousness. Hours later she awoke to the sound of rasping voices, groggily sitting up. The winged monsters were grouped around her, watching her expectantly. What she once heard as screeching she now understood as a language. They were chanting, ā€œQueen, queen, queenā€¦ā€

One crept closer to her and said, ā€œWe have waited long for a queenā€¦ā€

Hearing that fascinated Eve. The creatures huddled around her more, fondly addressing her as their queen. It made her feel like she truly belonged, looking upon them with a sense of pride. Her weak human side long forsaken, a newfound power coursed within her veins, filling her with strength.

This was not death, only rebirthā€¦and Eve would fully embrace it. Rising to her feet, she stretched her magnificent wings to their fullest span and, with a sinister smirk, could hardly wait to take flight into the night.

Eve ruled the skies ever since, showing no mercy. Her great legion of winged monsters would swarm villages with a mere gesture of her hand, ravaging everything and killing everyone in their path. Driven by chaos, her soul lusting for bloodshed, Eve was known as the harbinger of madness from then on, for one look into her enchanting sapphire eyes was all it took. A beautiful creature of evil, she delighted in the lovely sounds of ripping flesh as she tore her victims apart.

And somewhere beneath the graveyard, in the realm of the dead, was a tome waiting within the darkness to be finished.
I-I love your creepy horror writing so much šŸ¤§
It reminds me of my close friend's writing who has wrote stories somewhat similar to this one
Where are my words- I'm speechless
 
More traditional, hand drawn illustrations šŸ„° the adventures of the little red squirrel Tabitha "Tabby" Tabbykins and her best friend, the mischievous gray squirrel Checkers

Tabby is fond of pears while Checkers prefers apples​
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Checkers is going to play a trick on her!
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Big cake, bigger problems
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Scary bedtime stories
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Escaping the flood on a raft
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A treasure from the farm!​
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Soft clouds and happy dreams​
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Friends with a frog
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Out on a stroll with the kids
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Where did you find that snack, Checkers?
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The kids can be very sneaky!
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Some very prickly neighbors​
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Lunch on the go!
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Tabby hitched a ride with the postman!​
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Proud to be a postman
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A postman's job is never done
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A postman's job is never easy!
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Smells like adventure!
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More traditional, hand drawn illustrations šŸ„° the adventures of the little red squirrel Tabitha "Tabby" Tabbykins and her best friend, the mischievous gray squirrel Checkers

Tabby is fond of pears while Checkers prefers apples​
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Checkers is going to play a trick on her!
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Big cake, bigger problems
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Scary bedtime stories
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Escaping the flood on a raft
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A treasure from the farm!​
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Soft clouds and happy dreams​
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Friends with a frog
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Out on a stroll with the kids
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Where did you find that snack, Checkers?
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The kids can be very sneaky!
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Some very prickly neighbors​
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Lunch on the go!
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Tabby hitched a ride with the postman!​
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Proud to be a postman
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A postman's job is never done
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A postman's job is never easy!
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Smells like adventure!
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When is your book going to be published? šŸ‘€ Your art is so so good, it seriously needs to be in a book with your stories! ā˜ŗļø Your drawings tug at my heart so much šŸ˜­, that is seriously how cute they are. I love the vibes your art gives. ā˜ŗļø
 
Drawn using only my watercolor style. I've never been too confident in my poetry skills, but almost every day that I have encountered this rabbit in our yard, I drown in a wave of inspiration, so I give it a go. So here goes:
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Wary friend come to graze
From your secret hiding place
Your gaze never strays
From my own as I stay

Trusting friend to neither me nor you
But like the sky and ocean blue
A curiosity is boundless, love is true
For here you stay, too

And like that, a happiness is known
Like the seasons the wind has blown
Like the flowers upon your throne
You come to roam

Just a little closer each time
A gentle smile you see, an encounter sublime
And away you hide
Taking this kindness of mine

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Drawn using only my watercolor style. I've never been too confident in my poetry skills, but almost every day that I have encountered this rabbit in our yard, I drown in a wave of inspiration, so I give it a go. So here goes:
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Wary friend come to graze
From your secret hiding place
Your gaze never strays
From my own as I stay

Trusting friend to neither me nor you
But like the sky and ocean blue
A curiosity is boundless, love is true
For here you stay too

And like that, a happiness is known
Like the seasons the wind has blown
Like the flowers upon your throne
You come to roam

Just a little closer each time
A gentle smile you see, an encounter sublime
And away you hide
Taking this kindness of mine


Aaaaah, you're a wonderful writer, so of course your poetry is too! Your watercolour neighbour is stunning, and your new neighbour is so adorable. šŸ„° Too much talent in one person! šŸ˜šŸ’–šŸŒŸ
 
I've been wanting to do something like this for a really long time now and I finally got around to it. This was my first time trying something like this and I'm honestly extremely astounded at myself that I could even pull it off, let alone have it turn out so well. I decided to return to the story I wrote for the TBT's Winter Short Story Contest back in mid January 2021 and, while keeping the plot, setting and characters the same, I simply expanded upon it here and there, made several edits, added some more details and lastly, drew special cover art for it. Among the stories I've written, this one particularly holds a special place in my heart. I've never poured more love, effort and dedication into anything in my life but my stories. That's how much they mean to me. I've included the new version of the story below.
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āœ“ļø The Starkeeperā€™s Friendship āœ“ļø
Where the snow was its deepest and the wind its chilliest, where the waterfall sang the woodland animals to sleep and the pine trees wore their best frosty cloaks, was an enchanted clearing secret to humans, and in that clearing, during winter, the most extraordinary creatures would appear. They were known as the Starkeepers. Large celestial birds with long, shimmering tail feathers, wings as dazzling as starlight and eyes more exquisite than jewels, the Starkeepers would soar across the night sky like comets, and at the end of every winter they flew over the misty peaks, returning to the realm of the cosmos.

But there was one Starkeeper who was the smallest of his kind. He was not a strong flier and his feathers were not quite as dazzling, but the light in his heart was sincere and true. Even so, the other Starkeepers paid him no heed. He was all alone while they would fly and play together. It discouraged him, being such a small thing, but he didnā€™t let this faze him too much, for as long as he had this marvelous view of the earthly realm below his sadness could never really stay for too long.

But as the wistful little Starkeeper continued watching the world and its people, their cities, their merrymaking and their gardens, his sadness did stayā€¦ Just as he would watch the world, he sometimes wondered if anyone would watch him too, somewhere in that world. And presently, as the kingdom was tucked away into peaceful slumber, one bedroom light in all the palace remained on. Sitting upon her windowsill, the daughter of the king gazed at the starry sky, expression pensive. Though her room was brimming from wall to wall with all sorts of lovely dresses, though she had many wonderful gifts from all over the kingdom sent to her from her suitors, such trivial gestures could never win her heart. How could she care for such things when all she could ever want was right here, watching the stars she admired so.

But the king was pompous and greedy. He was very pleased to have all the gold and treasures that he had, and more he would have liked still, for to him nothing was out of the reach of his powerful hands and there was nothing his riches couldnā€™t buy. The princess did not think the same way as her father; hers was a virtuous, charitable heart. Where the king would take, the princess would give. The king saw fine, loyal young men ready for marriage, but the princess knew their wily ways.

ā€œThink of the alliances that could be forged! The power that comes from such a union! It shall secure prosperity in our kingdom!ā€ he would beam with pride.

ā€œAnd what of my happiness, father?ā€ but she would shake her head. ā€œIs that not of greater value? I cannot marry a man whose mouth speaks of love and promises but whose eyes speak of my title or my money,ā€ and would return to her windowsill. Often the princess would wonder, like no princess ever wondered, as she wistfully looked out at that vast night sky, if there was a star out there watching over her, one that could grant her wish for love, to make these tears go awayā€¦

One winter night as the princess slept a gentle light flooded her room from the window. Stirred from her slumber and rubbing her eyes, she went to close the curtains but suddenly stopped. When she took in the sight of a distant aurora painting the sky shimmering shades of purple and blue all thoughts of sleep at once dissipated from her mind, face filled with wonder. Putting on her coat, the princess snuck away from the palace and into the snowy woods she ventured, following the light of the aurora, her heart knowing no fear. Everybody knew the trees of the woods played tricks; it was easy to get lost, but the light guided her down the path like a tender hand holding hers, a path no human had ever tread before.

Soon the princess came to a clearing, and thatā€™s when she saw themā€”the Starkeepers. She watched them in astonishment, feeling as though she had stepped into a dream, but it could not be, for not even in dreams could such marvelous creatures be allowed to exist. With wings outspread the creatures joyfully circled and whirled about in the sky, the glittery glow of their tail feathers trailing ribbons of light, creating the aurora. Their calls were hauntingly beautiful.

The Starkeepers were incredible to see, but then she noticed one all by himself. He was so small and looked so lonely that the princess had nothing but compassion for him and went to console him.

ā€œYou dear creature, whatā€™s wrong? Why do you not fly with the others?ā€ she asked, but the little Starkeeper only gave a despondent cry. For a moment the princessā€™s face fell, but then her blue eyes twinkled with an idea.

ā€œPlease donā€™t be so sad,ā€ she smiled. ā€œIā€™ll come visit you every night, then we could make this our own secret place.ā€

The little Starkeeper was touched by this girl who spoke so kindly and sweetly to him, and so every night that winter the princess returned to the clearing where they played under the moonlight. She showed him how she could make snow angels and he showed her how he could glide about, wanting to try his very best for her. It didnā€™t matter that he was one thing and she another. He sang his jubilant song and she laughed her cheerful laugh. Anyone seeing them would have thought the princess and the Starkeeper had known each other all their lives. And truly it seemed so, for the stag and the doe, the white foxes and the owls and all the other woodland animals that watched them agreed they were the happiest pair there had ever been. Even the other Starkeepers had to admire them.

Some nights they simply sat together as the princess told him of her hopes and dreams, of her ambitions and sorrows. She told him of how she would be left heartbroken, for she felt certain nobody would love her, all the while shedding big tears. And the little Starkeeper would listen and look at her and only her, for he did not see riches or even the crown upon her head. He only saw a young woman he would not hurt for the world. If he could only take her troubles awayā€¦if sheā€™d only smile at him again, itā€™s all he would ever want.

The moon disappeared over the misty peaks, and with it went the snow, chill and frost of winter. The time came for the Starkeepers to return to the realm of the cosmos. The time came to say goodbye.

The princess was sad to see him go, but then the little Starkeeper did something wondrous. Using every bit of his power he made a star, a small yet beautiful star that emitted a comforting glow. The princess was captivated as she delicately cupped the star in her hands, but to the little Starkeeper, her smile as it returned to her face was more beautiful than anything else.

It would mean everything to him if he could always make the princess smile like that, but how could she ever love such a small, sorry creature? This made him feel discouraged, but to the princess, his eyes spoke more sincerely, more beautifully than any words ever could and thought that was a silly thing for him to think about, for of course she could.

ā€œI see no small, sorry creature,ā€ she told him, ā€œbut the grandest, sweetest creature in the whole world,ā€ and she placed a tender kiss upon his head. ā€œMy darling Starkeeper, Iā€™ll always be thinking of you, and no matter how far we might be, as long as we look at our star, we wonā€™t ever be lonely.ā€ And with this promise in her heart, the princess let the star go into the sky where it shone brightly over the kingdom.

The princess continued to dream of the stars, looking out at the vast night sky as she tucked some of her wheat-gold hair behind her ear. And whenever her gaze fell upon their special star, she couldnā€™t help but miss her beloved friend so. She wished strongly upon the star every night from her windowsill, longing to see the beautiful aurora and be with her friend again.

Come winterā€™s next visit to the kingdom, the princess was certain she heard familiar calls in the distance, so she hastened to the balcony and stepped into the cool air. It was her greatest pleasure to behold the wonderful return of the Starkeepers. The creatures flew gracefully in the sky, delighted to feel the wind and play in the moonlight again, but there was one Starkeeper who flew strongly and proudlyā€”he was the biggest, most dazzling Starkeeper of them all. Alighting on the balcony, the charming creature bowed before his princess, earning another one of her radiant smiles. No matter what the princess could always recognize those gentle eyes, and so, reunited at last, the two fondly pressed their heads together.

ā€œMy darling Starkeeper, how good it is to see you again,ā€ she said, stroking his long neck.

Her heartfelt wishes had given the little Starkeeper the strength to become mighty. His wings were filled with the strength to fly across vast galaxies, further than he had ever gone, but he would always return, for this world was the loveliest place he knew, where a princess and a Starkeeper could meet in perfect happiness.

The king, however, as he looked out at the shimmering sky, did not feel the same joy as his daughter. When he saw the Starkeepers, he indeed thought them the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen, but the longer he watched them, the more desire gripped his heart. Suddenly, the king did not feel satisfied with all the money he had; suddenly, he forgot all about his trove of sapphires and he did not care for his golden rings. Such exquisite creaturesā€¦ They were the true treasures! He must have them, then he could admire their beauty whenever he pleased.

ā€œProve your loyalty to me! Capture the Starkeepers and bring them to me!ā€ the king ordered the suitors and at once they readied themselves at the kingā€™s behest. They raised their weapons and threw their nets, caring not if they hurt the creatures. The Starkeepers, who knew only peace, were so frightened they didnā€™t know what to do and one by one they were captured.

ā€œNo! You canā€™t do this, father!ā€ the princess beseeched, but the king ignored his daughterā€™s pleas. He was quite proud of his fine new collection, looking upon the captured Starkeepers. The creatures hung their heads sadly; how they longed for the wind and the moonlightā€¦ However, not all of them were caught. The biggest, most dazzling Starkeeper remained.

The king was especially interested in him. ā€œThis one I shall keep as an ornament in my throne room. Get him!ā€ he commanded the suitors, but the creature would not let himself be so easily captured. He swiftly dodged their weapons and not a net could brush his feathers, but one young man took careful aim and let his arrow fly, striking him near the heart. Down tumbled the creature, and it seemed he would at last be captured, but using his remaining strength, he flew away to the woods.

ā€œQuickly! Now that the creature is wounded, he shall not escape us!ā€ said one of the suitors, leading the way. But because of the wickedness in their hearts, the trees of the woods confounded them with illusions and no path seemed the same to them. But the princess knew the way, as the goodness in her heart would always take her to the secret path of the woods, reaching the enchanted clearing first. There she found her friend lying upon the snow in much pain, a most terrible sight.

ā€œOh sweet creature!ā€ cried the tearful princess, rushing to his side. ā€œLook whatā€™s happened to youā€¦!ā€ The Starkeeper couldnā€™t move, so deep was his wound. He could only think about the plight of his fellow Starkeepers; to have their freedom suddenly taken away from them, never to see the sky or the moon againā€¦ Even the stars above did not shine as beautifully as before without the Starkeepersā€¦

Suddenly the sound of footsteps became louder and louder.

ā€œThere they are! I see them now!ā€

ā€œThis way! Over here!ā€

ā€œWe have you at last!ā€

The princessā€™s face became pale with terror. ā€œNo! They shanā€™t have you!ā€ she gasped. She then urged her beloved friend. ā€œPlease! You mustnā€™t stay hereā€¦ Fly away! Fly back to the realm of the cosmos!ā€

The Starkeeper gave her a sad, pleading cry, but she shook her head, causing even more tears to fall down her face. ā€œYou must. Even if I am to never see you again, then so be it, but I must know that you will be safeā€¦!ā€ Her voice broke with emotion. ā€œPlease! I c-could not bear to lose you! Oh my darling Starkeeper, fly away!ā€

Within moments the suitors appeared, along with the king. He would not be satisfied until the last Starkeeper was his.

ā€œMy daughter, you will cease this foolhardiness and give the creature to me,ā€ he ordered.

ā€œI wonā€™t,ā€ said the princess firmly. She spoke not only to her father but to the suitors as well. ā€œHave you no sympathy for these creatures? What you have done to them is shameful and wrong. By taking the Starkeepers, you have taken the beauty of the night sky, of the moon and of the stars. This beauty is not there for your selfish desires and it is no oneā€™s possession. It is there for all to see. I wish to protect this beauty.ā€ Finding his strength, the Starkeeper faithfully stood by his princessā€™s side.

But the kingā€™s covetous heart could not be moved. ā€œYou dare to defy me as well, creature? Very well, does your freedom mean more to you than the glow of your feathers?ā€

ā€œNo! I wonā€™t let you give up the glow of your feathers!ā€ the princess protested, but the Starkeeper gave it and as soon as he did he dazzled like starlight no more.

ā€œNow give me the might of your wings,ā€ said the king.

ā€œNo! You mustnā€™t give up the might of your wings!ā€ once again the princess protested and once again the Starkeeper gave up what was his. As soon as he did all the strength left his wings, never to fly again. He did not falter, he did not regret. To give all that he had and all that he wasā€¦ It meant so much more to him than just freedom.

ā€œAnd your eyesā€¦ How they gleam with beauty. Give that to me,ā€ was the kingā€™s final command.

ā€œNot that, not your beautiful eyes! I wonā€™t allow it! You noble creature, you gave and you gave but now I will give. I will give all that I have and all that I am if it meant we could take this happiness far away with us.ā€

And then, a truly extraordinary thing happened. In answer of this profound wish a brilliant light enveloped the Starkeeper, his form slowly, stunningly changing before everyoneā€™s eyes, and where a creature of feathers and wings once was now stood a resplendently dressed young man with long, flowing white hair. The king was simply astonished. He did not believe this could be that very same creature, but the princess never doubted, never stopped smiling, for she needed only take one look into those gentle eyes. Her money and all her thingsā€¦ She gladly gave away what she never needed.

To the princess and the Starkeeper, it was not sacrifice, but love, and this love could never be taken away.

Hand in hand, they walked up a path of stars, higher and higher to the sky as they left the earthly realm. With their freedom restored, the Starkeepers soared alongside them, filling the air with their joyous calls. The princess and the Starkeeper never gave the thought of marriage any mind. And why should they? There was no better way of delighting in their love than simply being together, laughing together, and dreaming together.

Though no one in the kingdom knew what happened to their virtuous princess or what the king thought of all this, as he never spoke of it, the kingdom was blessed and its people continued to prosper. And every winter, whenever an aurora appeared in the sky, the people were sure they saw two happy figures playing in the stars and couldnā€™t help but feel happy themselves for some reason.
 
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My entry for the TBT Celebrating Diversity 2022 event. An OC villager, named Haruko, who is a bear cub?? (actually a hamster!)

šŸŒø Villager Name: Haruko
šŸŒø Villager Species: Hamster
šŸŒø Villager Personality: Peppy
šŸŒø Villager Catchphrase: "Fiend!"
šŸŒø Gender: Female
šŸŒø Favorite Song: Spring Blossoms
šŸŒø Photo quote: "If you make others suffer, you shall know no mercy from my blade!"
šŸŒø Initial Clothes: Blossoming Kimono
šŸŒø Home Request: A zen garden
šŸŒø Skill: The art of swordplay
šŸŒø Goal: Warrior
šŸŒø Coffee: black, surprisingly!
šŸŒø Birthday: May 15th (Taurus)

šŸŒø How this villager represents me:

When you look at Haruko, a name that means, "child of the sun" what is your first impression? With the markings of a panda bear and a fondness for nature and all things pink, especially cherry blossom trees, one may assume she's but a quiet, gentle little bear cub, but don't let appearances fool you! She is, in fact, a hamster. And not only that, but she has the heart and spirit of a warrior, a warrior who wants to protect everyone and everything she loves. Like the sun, Haruko wants to rise and cast her radiance so that she may bring a smile to all and fill one's heart with hope. With sword in paw, she demonstrates elegance and skill, but even so she is very sweet, fun-loving, a bit hasty, and can't contain her joy when surrounded by the orchestra of spring!

Now, when you look at me, what is your first impression? "Well, she's Hispanic and seems pretty quiet and dull, therefore she has no personality." But you judge me before you get to know me, and so how do you know the real me? Stick around, I'm full of surprises! I enjoy talking with others about all sorts of things, I love to learn about culture and languages, and believe it or not, I can bring a smile to people, too, which sometimes surprises even me. We all have our own special ways of making people smile and feel good about themselves, and I want to be the kind of person one can open their heart to. I may have my moments where I keep to myself and seem uninterested, but if there's anything that truly helps the inner me blossom, it's animals, nature, music, art, writing, and tons more! You just have to get to know me and you'll see I can be a fun, sunny person, too!
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My current avatar. Li'l Ears is trying to enjoy a summer garden salad, but it looks like the ladybugs got to it first....and what's that? Looks like two other little critters couldn't resist, either!
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Showcasing three samples demonstrating the different ways I draw and what tools I use for each style.

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This is my frog OC drawn and colored using only Fine Point and paint bucket, my most cartoonish style.
Frog Prints!.png

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Kirby avatar drawn and colored using only crayon.

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šŸŒ·
My OC, Bounce, drawn and colored using only watercolors.

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Cabbit Cosplay!.png


Aaah the power of music XD this is what happens when I'm inspired by listening to this track from one of the best games on Wii U/Switch -- probably the silliest thing I've ever drawn so far. My OCs cosplaying as their favorite Mario characters šŸ„°
 
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Aaah the power of music XD this is what happens when I'm inspired by listening to this track from one of the best games on Wii U/Switch -- probably the silliest thing I've ever drawn so far. My OCs cosplaying as their favorite Mario characters šŸ„°
OMG IM JUST NOW SEEING THIS WHAT I LOVE IT SO MUCH šŸ˜­šŸ˜­šŸ˜­šŸ˜­

(don't worry gnawty I also love chain chomps!!)
 
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