New Talian art! Want to learn about Talian, my autistic enby, and the world he is a part of? Bright Fall is up here and here! Chapter two has just gone up (though that one concerns my other character, Callym), but you'll get to meet Talian on page one of the story! Also, I realized I can just go ahead and, again, post the teaser for the story, since I don't have a tiny post length limit here!
Talian Layne, a street urchin and amateur con artist, found his fate changed miraculously ten years ago. Since then, he has been a member of the Royal Guard, a role he has taken to with an exceptional talent and resonance. He enjoys the routine, the occasional adventures, and the access to cleanliness and food, not to mention the feeling that he's helping to keep the denizens of the palace of Gladeforth safe. But another peculiar twist of fate is about to turn his life in a new direction when he, after returning from nearly a year abroad in an exchange of soldiers program, is assigned to be an undercover bodyguard for the heir to the throne, Arbiter Ascendant Callym Naldathin, who is to make a journey across the dangerous Wild to meet with his betrothed and seal a pact between Gladeforth and the distant land of Garvenai through marriage. And it's Talian's job to keep him safe until the Ascendant can be wed and the lands allied. But Callym is a flighty, indulgent sort and spends his nights partying and taking risks that Talian just doesn't understand, especially when he has to save the Ascendant from his own follies. And Callym has no desire to be wed into a loveless marriage, especially when he starts to find himself inexplicably drawn to his new bodyguard. Add to this a stirring rebellion in the heart of Gladeforth and strange forces mobilizing in the wings and the future of the realms is uncertain indeed. And Talian will have to contend with his own feelings and loyalties...
