#ribbitingconversation

Althea Atticus Wemys-Madison:

The dreamer

A girl with disobediently long curly red hair was having herself a time trying to sink into sleep under a poorly constructed roof. She sighed, rubbing tanned hands on a ratty white shirt that looked like it was begging for starching and detergent before placing them near her ears, atop a leather-bound notebook for pillows. As she finally reached sleep, a ladybug found its own bed on her nose and Althea made no attempt to move it. Who knows what she dreamed about that night?

- 🐞

Althea was a very strange girl. At least that's what her alleged best friend, Monica would tell you. She had red hair, brown eyes, and pale-ish skin, and always looked like she was thinking hard or worrying about something. And why wouldn't she? Being head of the girl's choir, trying to survive on a deserted island, and dealing with feelings for your friend Rebecca the sudden, violent tendencies overtaking the island’s inhabitants was a lot for a thirteen year old girl. (Thea is also bisexual and a mezzo.) She learned to bare her teeth for justice and was never quiet again. Althea is white British and wanted to be a poet. She sings soprano.

Emerson Constantine Castleberry:

The mourner

Emerson looked down at his palms, giving in to sobs that shook his shoulders. He was never ashamed of crying, but the overwhelming loneliness made him wish he was fishing instead. His tears made him feel exposed, and like every sensation burned his skin. He stared longingly at the tree stump before him, a small, precious shell placed on top to signify a meeting place of friends; Nobody came.

- 🐠

Emerson was a very unremarkable boy. His skills were mostly in fishing, reading, and academics as a whole. He wasn’t the best for friendships with boys his age, or hunting, or being his dad’s favorite. He was a soft and gentle boy, who spent a lot of time thinking about others, especially his brother. The island taught him how to regret, and never to be distracted again. Poor thing. Emerson is white British and Aro/Ace.

Monica Thompson: The leader

The dark-haired girl looked down at her spear and smiled. The blood on it was fresh. It was the real reward for her precision and accuracy. Authority over something and the ability to induce pain were things that couldn’t be ripped from her, ever. The sweat streaking her paint told her she was alive. She agreed.

- 🪲

Monica is 14 years old, and had a very Jekyll and Hyde personality until she shed her expectations. She was a former ballerina until her father got into a car accident and used up all of her performing money. Then she became angry (except for when she was nice). She also became the secret-keeper for her friends. Even if another lead, she would always hold the power. The island taught her how to be the crushing authority that she knew all too well. Monica is a second generation Taiwanese immigrant. (Given the way she shows it, who knows who she likes.) Alto, but sometimes can hit mezzo notes.

Dixie Lakhani Lancaster: The Knower

A girl with medium-brown skin stared at the mangled remains of her glasses with the same amount of reverence one might give to a pyre. Her low level hyperopia probably wasn’t as important as not ending up like Piggy. That was her goal, anyway, right? Learn how it all works and pretend not to know. She giggled like she was taught and her peppy gaiety perfectly concealed any kind of intelligence.

- 🪶