Before I post the next chapter of "The Rat and the Dragon," I just want to rant a moment.
I build worlds. I create planets and put things on there that make some sort of sense for them, and I give them evolution paths and all kinds of things. Why the fuck does this world have rice? Deer? Rabbits? What? Is it a planet? Is it a dimension? I dunno! The characters don't tell me. That's what exists in their... space. Whatever this world of theirs is. Roan, this isn't fair. Neither is what you're about to do to Cylthan. Why you do this to me- I mean her?
Listen, listen. Readers, I got it. Y'all hate the Appendix in Dragon Tamers. Good news, haters. I have found places in story to put a good chunk of it in ways that didn't have to take up action space. Like Haletis and S're having a moment discussing fruglers since she likes them and he keeps one as a pet and that leads to deeper conversations. I just didn't know if I would find organic ways to explain stuff. In previous ways of writing, I would just throw in the explanation in the middle of actions. Maybe some of you don't mind that. Drives me nuts to get kicked out of a moment just to have something explained, so I try to avoid it when possible. I knew there would be mentions of various creatures on their world, even if there wouldn't be direct contact with all of them. I wasn't going to stop the moment to explain the Snappitts and Snappers in the river, even though their existence makes the world richer and more alive. But, S're doesn't know what the Ghost Drawgs look like while Roscrow does and his mention of sledding piques her interest, so that'll go away with the fruglers. That sort of thing. I'll be fixing and reposting the Appendix at a future date, when I've gotten a little further and know what else I can remove. So, I hope that makes you all happy. Now to piss you off: there will be more elven words. *pulls down eyelid with middle finger and sticks out her tongue* It's a big part of this world. Don't visit foreign countries (or alien worlds) if you're gonna get mad that the natives speak their native tongue. The Appendix is your google translate, but I don't collect your personal info.
My friend who was reading mentioned Tamer story has assured me he's not done, just busy. I shall continue on with regular posting, though I may have a few surprises in store for you guys with previous chapters later on. Expanded on a few skipped scenes that I think will be appreciated and probably tick a few tag boxes.
I hope you guys enjoy the next chapter of Rat and Dragon, the very start of Cylthan's unraveling into Roan's reluctant sub. It all starts with a hunch...