Goodness, this piece is dark. As in, drawing something at nighttime means there isn't much light to differentiate things. oops. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with this! I got immensely sidetracked though lol So, here's the character! Bio: Name: Deline Species: Technically, she's supposed to be human, but cats are easier for me to draw haha Occupation: Astrologist Backstory: Deline strolled through the field, clutching a makeshift lantern. It had a cloth thrown over it, with a design of the night sky. She checked once to see that, yes, it hasn't lit itself. You can never be too careful. She climbed a small hill, trying to keep low. Her breath came in low gasps. She dodged the little rocks on the climb up, wincing at the memory of her scratched-up legs. She reached the crest of the hill, shuddering in the cold. She stood, hunched over, simultaneously trying to catch her breath and scan her surroundings. The grass stretched on as far as the eye could see, with distant trees marking the edge of a forest. Wind whispered in her ears, playing with her long hair. The night sky stretched above her, gorgeous and unbroken. She reflexively checked her pockets for her pencil, disappointed in its absence. Though the sky was clear, tonight was not a night for stargazing. She kneeled at the top of that hill, setting the lantern down in front of her. The cloth still clung to it, desperate to conceal Deline's position. But, inside, a cold purple light flickered. Deline hesitated, before slowly sliding the cloth off. The lantern, by itself, was a work of art, made by one of the best blacksmiths in town. The flickering light cast images of animals beneath a night sky onto the grass. Some even seemed to move, ever so slightly. Namely, the wolf and the swallow. In the distance, a wolf howled. Then another. And another. If Deline squinted, she thought she could see dark shapes racing through the stars. She quickly covered the lantern, her burning question answered. She half-ran, half-slid down the hill, again clutching the lantern to her chest. She charged toward the distant forest, her mind conjuring terrifying images. She tripped over a rocky outcrop, landing hard on her knees. The breath was forcibly knocked from her lungs. She took a moment, gasping as she lay on the ground. The howls sounded again, closer now, to the west. Deline picked herself up, nearly taking another tumble, and continued pounding through the grass. Her heart beat wildly, her hands clammy. The land rose and fell in a blur. Another howl, even closer. It was distorted, unnatural. It reverberated through her, sending a chill down her spine. Almost there. She heard the beating of wings as the birds circled above her. They chirruped in a cacophony of notes and sounds. Deline could see the forest clearly now, along with the guardian stones. The pillars that marked her sanctuary. The cloth was nearly useless now, a ghostly light illuminating the field. Another howl, nearly on top of her, sent a shock of fear through her. She dropped the lantern and cloth, making a final sprint to the trees. She stumbled over feet, a scream crawling up her throat She broke into the sanctuary, nearly choking on her rasping breaths. A tree loomed in front of her, sending her sprawling onto the ground. She stayed there, taking long, shaking breaths. The frustrated howls and squawks of the creatures compounded her terror, making her stand, shaking violently. Not risking a glance behind her, she walked towards home. ------ Okay. Well. That was not the mood I intended. But I guess it works? My writing skills are rusty lol. Thanks if you actually read the entire thing ^^' I'm happy to explain what in the world was going on, if anyone's interested.
The design currently belongs to @M0dded , who is the host of the DTA The music is Takes One to Know One by Maira Mena, and while it does not fit the art, it kind of fits the story
