{"title":"Universe - Jokka","description":"\u003cp\u003eBooks, art, bundles, and merchandise relating to the world of the Jokka.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-worth-of-a-shell","title":"The Worth of a Shell (Stone Moon 1)","description":"\u003cp\u003eBorn to a harsh world, we Jokka have evolved three sexes to survive: neuter, male and female. Twice in our lives we may change from one to another. A change we accept with grace... or resignation. It was our way. ...until one female defied all tradition: Dlane Ashoi-anadi, revolutionary, intentionally childless, runaway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not her story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is mine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am Thenet Reña-eperu, female-guardian, voice of orthodoxy... and Dlane's first and dearest companion. This is the tale of how we changed each other... and how that changed everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre (setting):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e low fantasy (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mcahogarth.org\/wiki\/jokka\/\"\u003eJokka\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTags:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e aliens, no-humans, neuters, trisexual, low tech\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRating: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eR for rape, violence\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcerpt from Part 1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eWhat could I say about a Transactions fair to one who has never seen one? The whole of the town square had been commandeered for the platforms each employee of the House of Transactions would use to auction off the contracts--every kind of contract, even. Contracts for breeding for the most biddable of anadi. Contracts for employment for the most deft of emodo, the males with their clever hands and more clever talents. Contracts for lifetime employment for the most powerful of eperu, the neuters like me who do most of the work of the House. In their wisdom, the three gods of the Trinity separated us thus: the fragile anadi who gave their minds to bear children; the dexterous emodo whose minds retained enough elasticity to live lives of indefinite intelligence so long as they marshaled their strength; and the near-indestructible eperu, the neuters who plow and plant and build and hunt. We live outside the breeder's cycle, and so avoid the mind-death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eWhich is not to say we never touch that cycle... for also in their wisdom, the Trinity gave us two chances to experience the lives of the other sexes. At our first puberty and at our second we had a chance to Turn. Not all of us do, of course. I didn't. It was not a matter of choice; even if it had been, I'm not sure I would have taken it. I was merely eperu, and had been all my life: marishet-eperu, we called that. \"Three times the same.\" Three times the same, for three gods, made me one of the most resilient members of our species. I had never touched the breeder's cycle, and gods willing I was as far from the possibility of mind-death as any Jokkad could hope to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eSpring's delicate shadows and cooling breeze made a perfect setting for the fair. I walked past the Houses of our town, het Serean, at a more leisurely pace than those rushing to man booths or help with the set-up of platforms. By the time I arrived, several auctions were already in progress. I spotted many of the het's most important members mingling in the crowds as well as many strangers: Jokka rarely traveled, but fairs of this size compelled some to brave the unfriendly terrain between towns in search of new blood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Hail the Mated jarana!\" a voice called. I turned and found an emodo strolling my way, showing off coarse fangs in a grin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Ke Therun,\" I said with a laugh. \"I should have known you would be about.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Of course,\" he said. \"You know I need more people. Speaking of which, you wouldn't happen to be shaking loose from Mated any time soon, would you?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"No,\" I said. \"I'm happy where I am, and well you know it.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eHe sighed. \"Well, if you will not put your formidable skills to work for me in my House, at least come with me to oversee the anadi they're selling today. Tell me which I should buy and I'll buy her.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eI canted a brow at him, but he was in earnest. No surprise, perhaps. Therun was the Head-in-Training of House Sikkul and for a while Sikkul had courted my contract. Mated refused to release me; they knew a good worker when they saw one. For Therun to ask after me was hopeless but it gave me a touch of a white blush, to know I was still sought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"I'll be glad to give you my best,\" I said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"--excellent!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Unless I see someone I want for Mated instead,\" I finished. \"Then you'll have to out-bid me.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eHe laughed. \"Fair words. They have a separate stage for permanent contracts. This way.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eI followed Therun toward the other side of the fair, passing the crowds accumulated around the emodo and eperu stages. As an anadi-guardian I could bid for eperu and emodo employment contracts on behalf of Mated but I rarely did. My expertise was in females, and the fair had brought them in force. While breeding contracts were negotiated continuously between Houses, full sales of anadi happened rarely, and the fair was a good time to buy. There was already a female on the stage when Therun and I joined the crowd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Here we have Salida Metzi-eperu,\" the Transactions employee was saying. \"She began as eperu, remained eperu in her first Turning, and only just became female. As you can see, she has the strong body of a neuter, and having been born with a neuter's intelligence she will surely pass it on to any of her children.\" On the stool in the center of the stage, the anadi looked bored--still smart enough for that, then. She'd perk up once the bidding started. Who could be bored when listening to people fight for the privilege of buying you?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Should I?\" Therun asked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eI eyed the anadi. \"No.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Just like that,\" he said. \"No reasons, no explanation, nothing? Surely a female from a twice-neuter would last longer...\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"She will give you trouble,\" I said. \"Few Jokka who are neuter for so much of their lives like being displaced to the life of a female. I would only suggest it if you were willing to let her assist the jarana, or if you were to give her some other duty that would help her feel useful.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Useful beyond bearing children,\" Therun said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Not all Jokka understand the value of the anadi role,\" I said. \"Save your shell for someone who looks anxious and curious.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eHe harrumphed, but I could tell he was pleased. Well and again, so was I--this was my work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eWe watched a succession of anadi cross the stage. Over some I shook my head--others, I nodded and Therun bid, though he did not win.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"You're not even trying,\" I said after he lost the fourth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"No,\" he admitted. \"We need people, but it would be cheaper just to make the purchase at Transactions after the fair. There's too much competition here.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"You might not find some of these anadi after the fair,\" I said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"And if you tell me there's one I absolutely must have, I will buy her,\" he said. \"But you have only made the mildest of approving noises so far. I won't spend shell on anything less than your fascination.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eI laughed. \"Good enough. But I need sustenance to continue my evaluations.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Then I shall buy you a roll. Come! The anadi will keep.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eSo he bought me a roll stuffed with the tender pink flesh of forest nibblers, the steam carrying the green, piquant scent of herbs to my nostrils, and we ate and we laughed and we watched the crowd, pointing out the best-dressed or the most impressive tails or the most intriguing personalities. As the wind tugged my forelock over my sloped nose and cooled the sweat from my softly-scaled skin, I realized the kaña-befidzu had been right: I'd needed this time away from the House.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Back to the stage,\" Therun said when we'd finished off our third pastry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Back to the stage,\" I agreed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eWe chatted companionably as the Transactions emodo auctioned off several more contracts. I enjoyed Therun's company; truth be told, I enjoyed any emodo's company. I spent so much time among anadi that the contrast was refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eBut I was not so deep into that enjoyment that I could not be distracted by a flash of gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Here's a true prize,\" the emodo on stage declared. \"This is Dlane Ashoi-anadi, already a kaña in Ashoi. She's ready to be yours! Shall we start the bidding at 100 shell?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eIf there was perfection among Jokka, it would be hard to quantify: we are so varied, between our three sexes and our Turning between them, and every Turning leaving its mark. But this anadi had never been anything but anadi, not with those broad hips and slim shoulders. She had a noble face and tufted ears longer than any I'd seen, a rich mane of flame-gold to match her arm and foot ruffs, and an exquisitely long tail. Across scales so fine I couldn't see them even with my hunter's eyes, brazen gold spirals cut through the clouds that comprised the hue we name shekul -- a gray built out of a thousand gossamer pale colors, so that each is there for the eye to see, but each subordinate to a greater whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eHer beauty was astonishing, like cold water on a summer afternoon... but I could see instantly why she was being sold. Many of the marishet-anadi are tractable, the sweetest and most gentle of our species. But occasionally, the Brightness uses such a three-times-the-same female to reincarnate herself, and nothing is less tractable than a goddess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Oh my,\" Therun said. \"I should buy her.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Only if you have a strong hand,\" I said. \"She'll make you beautiful and intelligent children, but you should pray they all grow up emodo and eperu.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"You're saying she's not happy?\" he said. \"I could make her happy.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"No one could make her happy,\" I said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"All that from seeing her on a stage from over four people's heads?\" Therun asked. \"Are you sure?\" His voice dropped. \"I've never seen anything like her.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"And you never will again, I wager,\" I said. \"If you love adventure, Therun . . . buy her. But it will be adventure.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003e\"Worth it, though,\" he murmured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e            \u003c\/span\u003eI looked on Dlane Ashoi-anadi and knew better. She would be nothing but trouble.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"M.C.A. Hogarth","offers":[{"title":"Ebook","offer_id":48276644626725,"sku":"BK-E-SMS1","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Audio","offer_id":49460771815717,"sku":"BK-A-SMS1","price":7.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":49068003623205,"sku":"9608093000245","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/cns-cover-shell-frontcover-676x1024.jpg?v=1711128589"},{"product_id":"pearl-in-the-void","title":"Pearl in the Void (Stone Moon 2)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen emissaries of the Stone Moon arrive in het Narel, Keshul, the charlatan seer of House Akkadin, is suspicious. Who are these prosperous, well-fed people, and why do they care whether the Houses of het Narel have better wells and healthier crops? It doesn't take long for Keshul to see the breadth of their ambitions and to know they must be fought. But in that battle he discovers that bringing about the downfall of the Stone Moon may undo everything its emperor has planned for the species... including its survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIs freedom the price the Jokka must pay to stave off extinction? And what price will Keshul be forced to personally pay to see his mission to its end?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre (setting):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e low fantasy (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mcahogarth.org\/wiki\/jokka\/\"\u003eJokka\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTags:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e aliens, no-humans, neuters, trisexual, low tech\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRating:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eR for rape, violence\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcerpt from Part 1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eAs usual, both friend and apprentice were awaiting me when I arrived, and both knew instantly that I had had a long night.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eBilil said, \"I'll get tea,\" and vanished before I could protest that I loved him. That left me to Dekashin, who said, \"Something uncomfortable.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Is it so obvious?\" I asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eIt just shook its head and said, \"Keshul, Keshul. How long have we known you now?\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Long enough,\" I admitted, and sat across from it after pulling off my pants and vest. The long-cloth I left on, but after wearing the rest of it all day I got tired of the drag at my hair, which sprouted all the way down my spine to my tail. I scrubbed my face with cold hands, wondering if the Void would ever leave them so I could be warm again. \"I don't suppose you've heard anything in the het.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Heard anything?\" Dekashin asked. \"That's remarkably vague.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Anything about... changes,\" I said. \"Big changes.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eIt clicked its tongue against its teeth. \"Nothing like that, no. But I haven't been out in town for a few days, with the pefna working us all so much. Why?\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"I had a client...\" I said, and trailed off as Bilil joined us. This time I finished the ritual: \"I love you.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"I know,\" he said, smiling, and poured us all tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"An emodo came to me,\" I continued after my apprentice had settled, bright tail folded over his feet. \"Asking about whether he should fight some change. And the... Void... was interested in it. I think.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"You think?\" Dekashin asked carefully. Neither of us were true believers... or at least, Dekashin wasn't and I didn't want to be. But the incident last year with Running Rikka and the Unnamed had given me a bad turn on the subject. Since then, I'd had occasional inexplicable knowledge that I tried not to examine too closely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"I think,\" I agreed, trying not to sound as miserable as I was. \"I told him—or something told him—that there would be no fighting this change. It seemed more significant than just some internal matter or personal decision.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Who was it, did you know him?\" Dekashin asked.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"I couldn't even read his house token,\" I said. \"But he was rich. Very rich. And not young.\" I thought. \"I've seen him in the center of town, maybe. Short ear tufts, curled. Pale in the starlight. And a ridged profile, not sloped.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Ke Edu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;\"\u003eñ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003eil,\" Bilil said promptly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eWe both stared at him.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Ke Edu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;\"\u003eñ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003eil,\" Bilil repeated. \"Who heads the House of Transactions. His mane was short, cut at the shoulders? And dark eyes, with one spiral under the left.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Yes,\" I said, startled. \"How...\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"I met him when Akkadin was arranging for my apprenticeship,\" he said. \"He'd come to oversee the transaction. It was only a few moments, but that was long enough to make an impression.\" He sipped his tea. \"The profile and the short tufts, and the rich part... that sounds like him.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Ah...so the emodo in charge of Transactions is worried about a big change?\" Dekashin asked me, ears flattening against its head. \"And the Void was interested in it?\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"The Void thought there was nothing but grief waiting for us without it, but cruelty with it,\" I said with a try at a smile that came out decidedly lopsided. \"Which does sound like the counsel of the god of night.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eDekashin stared at nothing for a moment, then said with an equally wry expression, \"Did this rich emodo at least pay you?\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eBilil snorted, but I said nothing and handed over the fist-sized shell. Dekashin turned the conch in its clever fingers and said, \"For some reason, the Jokka the Void takes an interest in always seem to have deep pockets.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Then we should soon expect shell to be worthless,\" I said, chafing my cold fingers together. At the look the two gave me, I said, irritated, \"It's the Void. All that He touches comes undone.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Sometimes,\" Bilil said, \"something must come undone before it can be repaired.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"And how much more undone can we possibly become?\" I asked him now, ears flat. \"Have you noticed we're practically extinct as it is? Soon there will be nothing left of us. We'll go the way of the eightclaws.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Some say there are still eightclaws on the plains,\" Dekashin murmured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Some say that love solves all problems and things always turn out for the best,\" I said. \"They're wrong too.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eBilil set his tea down and said, \"Well, if we're already nearly undone, master, then surely the repair is coming soon.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"The repair?\" I asked. \"Or the final blow?\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Either way,\" Dekashin said. \"That would be change.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003eI clawed my hair over my face and squeezed my eyes shut. My muscles did not release until Bilil brought me soup and Dekashin draped a blanket over me.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"Be at peace,\" Dekashin said more gently. \"Sometimes a fortune is just a story, Keshul. You should know that better than any of us.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e                  \u003c\/span\u003e\"And sometimes,\" I said. \"It's not.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"M.C.A. Hogarth","offers":[{"title":"Ebook","offer_id":48276644790565,"sku":"BK-E-SMS2","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Audio","offer_id":49287789412645,"sku":"BK-A-SMS2","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":49068000870693,"sku":"9608093000252","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/final-cover-cns-pearl-205x300.jpg?v=1711128591"},{"product_id":"a-bloom-in-the-north","title":"A Bloom in the North (Stone Moon 3)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Stone Moon empire is ascendant... and so brutal it is forcing its own people into dissent. But when imperial enforcer Pathen Ures-emodo turns fugitive, he finds himself inheriting a decimated rebellion with a missing leader. There's no winning a war against the Stone Moon with the two hundred Jokka he has left. His only choice? To hide his people in plain sight as dutiful members of the empire... and maybe, just maybe, transform that empire from within. He has a narrow window of opportunity: the emperor of the Stone Moon is on a ship with his most steadfast enemy, sailing north in search of an answer for the mind-death. Can Pathen and his House of dissidents survive until they return? What mysteries will Roika and Thenet uncover in the north? And will the Stone Moon still reign supreme over Ke Bakil when it's over?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final book of the Stone Moon trilogy concludes the story of Thenet, whose love for a woman started a rebellion that would change the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExcerpt From Part 1\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eOn the strength of a kiss—\u003c\/span\u003eand all it implied about who I’d become—I turned fugitive on a dark blue summer night in the back of a wagon outside House Laisira. As one of the Stone Moon empire’s Claws it had been my job to investigate Laisira for possible crimes, and in the course of those duties I’d discovered House Laisira was smuggling its members to the dissident Jokka on the plains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBy that time, I’d already been struggling with my conscience. I’d spent two months working Laisira’s fields, loading its wagons and following its principals nose-to-tail, and those two months had changed me. By the time I’d discovered their crimes I was already one of them... but I didn’t know it, and they certainly didn’t. To protect themselves from discovery they’d attacked me, and there I would certainly have died had Hesa not intervened: Hesa, one half of the pair I’d been sent to investigate, the neuter half, the eperu we’d been sure was indulging in perversities with its Head of Household, Darsi Laisira-emodo. I’d never found evidence of their unlawful relationship because Hesa was not in Darsi’s bed. Hesa was doing something altogether worse: it was running House Laisira. Since eperu could not by law run Households, its sin was... extreme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBut none of that, none of it mattered at all as it rested its brow against mine in the dark of the wagon. Against the canvas walls, backlit Jokku silhouettes rushed hither and yon, finishing preparations for their escape. And instead of finding some way of reporting them to the Stone Moon empire I was lying on the wagon floor, reeling from the terrible implication of my decision—that among my many other sins, I had fallen in love, unnaturally, perversely and very, very completely with Hesa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe kiss was inevitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt was also magnificent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHesa could kiss—how Hesa could kiss! It slipped its curled tongue between my fangs and unrolled it against the roof of my mouth, caressing, and I shook under the hand resting so softly on my shoulder. When it withdrew every part of me felt \u003ci\u003ealive\u003c\/i\u003e, and this... this was what had drawn me to Hesa from the very beginning, the ferocity of its passions, the way it made me feel them too. I curled my hand into its bright red curls and made a fist among them, and the noise the eperu made....\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI lunged up to kiss it again and hissed as the sudden movement broke open the thin clots over the rips my attackers had made in my chest. Hesa caught me by the shoulders, alarmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Pathen—gods, don’t move. Stay.” It touched my mouth with its fingers. “I’ll fetch something to bind them.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt left then, its stride swift, disturbing the expensive silk of its gown. From there it stepped off the back of the wagon from which it had thrown my uniform tunic with such prejudice, the wood creaking beneath the shifting weight. I lay back down with my eyes closed and rested one hand over the rents. They were clotting again but the slices were long and in a bad place, at the bottom of my chest and over my abdomen, where any movement would open them again. We bleed a great deal, though our wounds will clot quickly if allowed. I concentrated on allowing them, then. I found I very much didn’t want to die despite the uncertainty of the life before me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFleeing the Stone Moon? I didn’t think it possible. But if anyone could bring off such a thing, Hesa could. Hesa had a hand for business, for organization—and apparently, for secrecy—that made everything seem possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe wagon creaked again and then I heard the gown hissing against the floorboards. Hesa crouched alongside me and slid its arm around my back, helping me up far enough to get a bandage around my ribcage. One length only; the eperu pressed wads of folded padding to the slices, tying the bandage to hold them in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“There,” it said, soft, resting a hand on my collarbones. “That should hold you. Pathen... Pathen, we have a great deal to talk about, and none of it can be done until these wagons are moving—”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Go,” I said, and drew in a breath to steady my voice. “Go to the work, Laisira.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt smiled and lapped at my mouth once, stealing that breath. “I’ll be back.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI lost some time then, I think. I remember watching the hurried silhouettes against the canvas wall, black against flickering pale red, orange. Heard the sound of crates being shoved over the ground, the groan of wagons settling beneath weight, the whispers and murmurs of Jokka as they worked. I could have wished to smell something other than my own blood, but the summer night was still, without even a breeze to disturb the hollow space beneath the wagon’s fabric roof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAnd then my wagon shuddered and began to roll forth. I lifted my head as Hesa jumped onto the back of it and ducked inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“That took longer than I wanted,” it said, settling alongside me with a sigh. “Even without having to be quite so covert. You were the only one we were concerned about catching us.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Longer than you wanted?” I said. “It’s barely been a quarter of an hour, maybe?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Two,” it said, catching my hand up in its. “It’s been a little over two hours, Pathen.” It touched my cheek with the backs of its fingers, then my chest and arm. “You’re not warm, so I don’t think you took too ill from your knife.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Just weak,” I said. “Thirsty.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“That I can remedy,” it said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“And not... with honey,” I said, thinking of how I’d uncovered Laisira’s plans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt laughed, that low rich laugh I’d found so compelling when I’d first heard it. “Not honey, I promise.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI put my head back down. When it returned with the cup it offered me, I said, “I’m not sure wine is... an improvement.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I’m not sure either,” Hesa admitted. “But the water is in the other wagons.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Help me—?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt looked behind it, then rose and dragged one of the crates over until it was flush against the wagon wall, closer to me. Then the eperu sat with its back to it and propped me up against its side. I drank from the cup... drank and drank until there was nothing left but a peach-colored gleam on the bottom, and then rested my spinning head against its. The eperu wrapped its arms around my shoulders and held me as the wagon rolled on: smooth, so smooth that I knew we were moving only by the sound of the rikka claws, scraping at a quick trot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“We’re going north?” I said, puzzled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“As scheduled,” Hesa said. “Down the road to het Noidla, by way of het Nekelmi. Sometime tomorrow night we’ll trade off drivers with Jokka awaiting us in hiding near the road. They’ll take over and keep the caravan on schedule all the way to het Noidla while we continue on foot. Westward, toward the plains.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Clever,” I murmured. “And these strangers?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Fellow dissidents,” Hesa said after a hesitation. “From het Nekelmi. We have... an agreement.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“An agreement to help each other fool the empire?” I said, astonished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Yes,” it said. “They are not the only ones. There are discontented Jokka in hets Narel and Serean, too. Though our contacts south are limited.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI looked at it, ears splayed. “And you need this truedark kingdom, why? If half the empire’s already plotting behind the emperor’s back?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHesa grimaced. “You make it sound as if there are so many of us, Pathen... but there aren’t. Even if all the malcontents I know of banded together we couldn’t take on the Claws of the empire. It’s too dangerous for most Jokka to turn unease into revolution. It was almost too dangerous for us.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“But you did it anyway,” I said softly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Yes,” it said. “I knew from the moment ke Jurenel died that I wanted to win us free of the Stone Moon. I wasn’t sure if I could, though. And... only half the House has gone ahead of us. We’re not safe yet.”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"M.C.A. 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I mourned her as if she had died, in lieu of mourning for myself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e* * *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI was born anadi and beautiful, and so my clan anticipated my sale with great joy. Those born anadi usually remained thus. The warm breath that carried praise blew soft across my scaled skin as my family examined me for flaws with each occurrence of the flame in the northern sky. How they adored my long mane of pale glitter and gold! How they loved to spread it over my shoulders and breasts and comment on how well it matched my body, painted by Nature with the iridescence of sukul, the color of a white shell beneath the light of a full moon. Kediil, they said to me, when the gods wove you, they used a warp of moon’s rays and a weft of sun. You are spun light, with the sea in your eyes. 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Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!","brand":"Stardancer Studios","offers":[{"title":"5″×7″","offer_id":50508900696357,"sku":"8023322_16364","price":7.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8″×10″","offer_id":50508900729125,"sku":"8023322_4463","price":9.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"11″×14″","offer_id":50508900761893,"sku":"8023322_14125","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12″×16″","offer_id":50508900794661,"sku":"8023322_1349","price":14.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16″×20″","offer_id":50508900827429,"sku":"8023322_3877","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18″×24″","offer_id":50508900860197,"sku":"8023322_1","price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/enhanced-matte-paper-poster-_in_-18x24-front-6827b150e1f92.jpg?v=1747431769"},{"product_id":"jokka-eperu-portrait-clays-beneath-the-skies-sticker","title":"Jokka Eperu Portrait - Clays Beneath the Skies Sticker","description":"This charming digital sticker features a Jokka character from the desert culture of \"Clays Beneath the Skies,\" depicted with warm brown skin, golden blonde hair adorned with purple beads, and the distinctive curved facial markings of their species. 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This kiss-cut vinyl sticker is perfect for Galactic Tourists and Cosmic Observers who appreciate the thoughtful exploration of alien societies and want to display their quiz results with pride.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• High opacity film that’s impossible to see through\u003cbr\u003e• Fast and easy bubble-free application\u003cbr\u003e• Durable vinyl\u003cbr\u003e• 95µ density\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon't forget to clean the surface before applying the sticker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"size-guide-title\"\u003eSize guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"table-responsive dynamic\" data-unit-system=\"imperial\"\u003e\n\u003ctable cellpadding=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEIGHT (inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWIDTH (inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3″×3″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4″×4″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.5″×5.5″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 ½\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 ½\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"table-responsive dynamic\" data-unit-system=\"metric\"\u003e\n\u003ctable cellpadding=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEIGHT (cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWIDTH (cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3″×3″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4″×4″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.5″×5.5″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Stardancer Studios","offers":[{"title":"3″×3″","offer_id":50562378531109,"sku":"8797528_10163","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4″×4″","offer_id":50562378563877,"sku":"8797528_10164","price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5.5″×5.5″","offer_id":50562378596645,"sku":"8797528_10165","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/kiss-cut-stickers-white-5.5x5.5-default-683cbd9d2b4f5.jpg?v=1748811170"},{"product_id":"emodo-spirit-jokka-gender-quiz-sticker","title":"Emodo Spirit - Jokka Gender Quiz Sticker","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis elegant sticker features the Emodo Spirit, representing the male result from the \"Which Jokka Sex Are You?\" quiz on mcahogarth.org. This kiss-cut vinyl sticker is perfect for Galactic Tourists and Cosmic Observers who appreciate the thoughtful exploration of alien societies and want to display their quiz results with pride.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• High opacity film that’s impossible to see through\u003cbr\u003e• Fast and easy bubble-free application\u003cbr\u003e• Durable vinyl\u003cbr\u003e• 95µ density\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon't forget to clean the surface before applying the sticker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"size-guide-title\"\u003eSize guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"table-responsive dynamic\" data-unit-system=\"imperial\"\u003e\n\u003ctable cellpadding=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEIGHT (inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWIDTH (inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3″×3″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4″×4″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.5″×5.5″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 ½\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 ½\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"table-responsive dynamic\" data-unit-system=\"metric\"\u003e\n\u003ctable cellpadding=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEIGHT (cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWIDTH (cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3″×3″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4″×4″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.5″×5.5″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Stardancer Studios","offers":[{"title":"3″×3″","offer_id":50562381906213,"sku":"5593708_10163","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4″×4″","offer_id":50562381938981,"sku":"5593708_10164","price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5.5″×5.5″","offer_id":50562381971749,"sku":"5593708_10165","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/kiss-cut-stickers-white-5.5x5.5-default-683cbe3db4667.jpg?v=1748811331"},{"product_id":"eperu-spirit-jokka-gender-quiz-sticker","title":"Eperu Spirit - Jokka Gender Quiz Sticker","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis elegant sticker features the Eperu Spirit, representing the neuter result from the \"Which Jokka Sex Are You?\" quiz on mcahogarth.org. This kiss-cut vinyl sticker is perfect for Galactic Tourists and Cosmic Observers who appreciate the thoughtful exploration of alien societies and want to display their quiz results with pride.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• High opacity film that’s impossible to see through\u003cbr\u003e• Fast and easy bubble-free application\u003cbr\u003e• Durable vinyl\u003cbr\u003e• 95µ density\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon't forget to clean the surface before applying the sticker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"size-guide-title\"\u003eSize guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"table-responsive dynamic\" data-unit-system=\"imperial\"\u003e\n\u003ctable cellpadding=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEIGHT (inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWIDTH (inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3″×3″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4″×4″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.5″×5.5″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 ½\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 ½\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"table-responsive dynamic\" data-unit-system=\"metric\"\u003e\n\u003ctable cellpadding=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEIGHT (cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWIDTH (cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3″×3″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4″×4″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.5″×5.5″\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Stardancer Studios","offers":[{"title":"3″×3″","offer_id":50562384363813,"sku":"2914166_10163","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4″×4″","offer_id":50562384396581,"sku":"2914166_10164","price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5.5″×5.5″","offer_id":50562384429349,"sku":"2914166_10165","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/kiss-cut-stickers-white-5.5x5.5-default-683cbec93df8d.jpg?v=1748811471"},{"product_id":"clays-upon-the-sands-jokka-collection-2","title":"Clays Upon the Sands (Jokka Collection 2)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eThe treasured anadi who must learn what it means to choose... the mysterious chenji whose magic comes at a terrible price... the jeweler who finds that love requires facing the unknowable future... and the Claw of the empire who discovers that loyalty has limits\u003ci\u003e. Clays Upon the Sands, volume 2 \u003c\/i\u003ein the Jokka Clays series\u003ci\u003e, \u003c\/i\u003ecollects seven more stories of the Jokka of Ke Bakil, an alien species with two chances to change sexes: female, neuter or male... a species where destiny and biology intertwine in ways both beautiful and heartbreaking. Whether it's accepting an unwanted Turning, defying an empire's cruelty, or learning that some truths can only be spoken in the dark, each Jokkad must navigate the complex currents of identity, duty, and desire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSeven voices. Seven transformations. A world where nothing is certain but change itself. Come explore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre (setting):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003elow fantasy (\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mcahogarth.org\/wiki\/jokka\/\"\u003eJokka\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTags:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ealiens, no-humans, neuters, trisexual, asexual, religion, romance, low tech\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRating: \u003c\/span\u003ePG-13 for implied sexual situations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExcerpt from \u003cem\u003eClays Upon the Sands\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBeing carried into the main building as a future employee of House Sadlan instead of as one of its assets was unpleasant. I was in Anoirl’s arms as we passed through a curtain into a room on the second floor, and there I got my first good look at our Head of Household. He rarely visited the anadi caverns; I’d never bothered to learn his name. My eyes immediately lit on the fingers he splayed on his desk as he pushed himself to his feet: long, limber fingers, the delicate hands of someone born male. From the clarity of his emerald gaze and the coarseness of his fangs when he opened his mouth to speak, I guessed he’d never been any other sex. “Anoirl? Nezali? What’s this?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Put me down,” I said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAnoirl eyed me, and I poked its arm with claws extended. The eperu flinched and dropped me gracelessly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhile I dusted the grass and river dirt from my body onto the Head’s clean floor, Nezali said, “It’s Jekun here. She’s Turning eperu.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Well, that’s a pretty twist of fate,” the Head said with a frown. He scanned my body; I noticed he never made it over my neck. “No use getting upset, though. Make Sirkit kaña and start Jekun through the rotation.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Just like that?” I exclaimed. “You are not giving my ring to anyone!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Head of Household stared at me as if finally noticing a head attached to the rest of my body. “Pardon me?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“We don’t even know this Turning is permanent,” I said. “It might be my second, not my third.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Jekun, that’s very unlikely,” Nezali began.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“So was me Turning this late,” I said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSilence all around, the silence you award a particularly dumb anadi when you don’t want to agitate her. Still, very late third Turnings had happened on occasion in stories, so why not to me?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I’m keeping my ring,” I continued, my hand sliding down to rest over my navel slit and the warm red gold there. “You can wait to declare another kaña.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Head roused himself. “No, we can’t,” he said. “We need a kaña so we can re-negotiate our existing contracts. Whether you’re Turning again or not, we can’t breed you this way. The ring has to go to someone else.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI’d earned this ring. I’d earned it by being pliable. By being smart in spite of bearing multiple children. By being beautiful, the beauty of blank motionlessness. I had compelled my own perfection just so I could lie on a table while an emodo craftsman pierced my navel slit and slipped the heavy piece of gold through it. So that I could hang beautiful chains around my hips that told everyone who saw me that I was worth my weight in shell to House Sadlan. It was mine. I was not giving it to anyone, and I opened my mouth to say so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Ke emodo,” Nezali interrupted, “There is a problem with an immediate declaration of another kaña. If we tell everyone that Jekun is Turning, then all the children from her previous contracts will be suspect. No one wants to work with a House that chances the ruination of their anadi by breeding them before maturity.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe male started. “Truth, Nezali. I hadn’t considered that.” He studied me. “All right, then, she can keep the ring. We’ll start telling people that we’re finding Sirkit more appropriate, so that no one will ask what happened to Jekun until we know ourselves.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Since I’m going to be eperu—briefly—does that mean you can start talking to me instead of about me?” I asked. “What’s your name, anyway?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAbruptly I had his full attention, and I didn’t like it. “I am Oserit,” he said. “Ke Oserit to you. And I’ll start talking to you once you start acting like an eperu rather than a spoiled child.” He sat down. “Take it away, ke eperu, and put it on rotation. Maybe work will shape something useful out of it.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAnoirl and Nezali each took one of my arms and walked me out of the Head’s room while I seethed. Useful! I was already useful... as an anadi kaña! All that had entailed was lying gracefully underground, eating and drifting in cool pools. Now that I was Turning, I wasn’t useful unless I was breaking weeds in fields, or driving caravans, or gods knew what!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“You really should show more respect to the Head of Household,” Nezali said into my ear as we marched down the ramp to the first floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I will when he starts treating me like a person!” I hissed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“You weren’t acting like one,” Anoirl said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBoth my ears sealed to my head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Don’t even say whatever you’re going to say.” Anoirl sighed and dropped my arm. “Where do we go now, Nezali?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“To put it on rotation,” Nezali replied, releasing me. I noticed that after our meeting with the Head, I was now ‘it’, not ‘she.’ “As Ke Oserit said. Let’s find the least strenuous thing on the duty list.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I don’t want to work!” I said again. “I’ll hurt myself!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“You won’t be working. You’ll be observing,” Nezali said. “Besides, you’ll surprise yourself with your stamina.” It continued down the ramp. When I didn’t follow, it looked over its shoulder and said, “Come on, Jekun.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhat could I do? I followed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"M.C.A. Hogarth","offers":[{"title":"Ebook","offer_id":50622113546533,"sku":"BK-E-JKCOL2","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":50688505676069,"sku":"9608093001051","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/cover-clays2-small.jpg?v=1750460405"},{"product_id":"mucha-dlane-jokka-jigsaw-puzzle-fantasy-art-nouveau-art","title":"Mucha Dlane - Jokka Jigsaw puzzle | Fantasy Art Nouveau Art","description":"The inimitable Dlane from The Worth of a Shell, and my bestselling image of her.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAssembling puzzles is the perfect family bonding activity. Treat yourself to a unique puzzle and gather your loved ones for an evening filled with joy and teamwork. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n• Pressed paper chipboard with adhesive, 0.06″ (1.53 mm) thick\u003cbr\u003e\n• 252 pcs puzzle size:  10.62″ × 13.62″ (27 × 34.6 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\n• 520 pcs puzzle size: 15.74″ × 19.74″ (40 × 50.1 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\n• Digitally printed\u003cbr\u003e\n• Semi-gloss finish\u003cbr\u003e\n• Vibrant colors\u003cbr\u003e\n• Can be used as wall decor\u003cbr\u003e\n• Blank product components sourced from the US\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWarning: Choking hazard—small parts. Not for children under 3 years.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nImportant: This product is available in US only. If your shipping address is outside this region, please choose a different product. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!","brand":"Stardancer Studios","offers":[{"title":"252 pieces","offer_id":52328397209893,"sku":"9800941_13431","price":19.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"520 pieces","offer_id":52328397242661,"sku":"9800941_13432","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/jigsaw-puzzle-520-pieces-front-69fb778596078.jpg?v=1778087836"},{"product_id":"counters-of-stars","title":"Counters of Stars","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen Kediil, the rogue anadi healer, rides out of the wilderness and into the first burgeoning settlement of the nomadic Jokka, she is astonished. The Jokka do not settle; certainly, Kediil won't, because she gave up everything for freedom. The benefits of this collection of houses and water sources are compelling, though, and that was without the added promise of companionship: of Serel, the builder and dreamer, responsible for recreating a het out of the Age of Mystery; and Winoña, an anadi in whom Kediil sees herself, if she had been able to make a different choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut Kediil's choice—stay or go—may be the least of those before the Jokka of Ke Bakil's nascent town, and one wanderer may be the only thing preventing the entire experiment from dying stillborn in the dust....\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt long last, a key piece of Jokku history is made plain for longtime fans of the world. Come to the fire and hear the true tale of how het Serean was founded!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis novella is available only as an ebook at this time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExcerpt from \u003cem\u003eCounters of Stars\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI had to see her again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAt the bottom of the ramp I halted again, nose lifted and mouth parted so I could sample the air, taste the water in it. My first sight of the anadi of Clan—no, House—Nudet was of a sleeper in one of the alcoves. Of course: they had no reason to rise early, and no environmental cues to order their sleeping. Here underground they could rest as long as they needed, wake when they were ready. No more the tyranny of a nomad’s schedule… they were free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBut as I guessed, my anadi was not dawdling. I followed the tunnel to the storeroom, and as I expected, she was already awake, at work on her odd beaded contraption. The sound of my footsteps should have alerted her, but she was concentrating intently enough that she didn’t raise her face until my shadow fell over her and then… then she looked up at me. An impish smile broke over her face, alive with intelligence and interest, and it stole my breath. “You were looking for me.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I was,” I admitted. I gestured toward the other chair at her table. “May I…?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Of course.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI joined her, spreading out my packs to give my hands something to do. Winoña watched as I pulled out the grinding stone, the knife, the satchels of herbs. “You came to work?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I rarely have company while I do,” I said. “I thought it might be pleasant for a change. To have conversation.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eShe grinned, showing off delicate fangs. For an anadi, they were broader than expected, and blunter, but they were fully as long as a female’s typical needle-thin fangs. The combination charmed me, or maybe it was solely Winoña. Maybe everything about her charmed me. “I like conversation too. Usually I have to wait for the other anadi to wake, or one of the eperu to stop by after their dawn chores.” She resumed sanding one of her beads. “Ke Serel says you travel all over the back of the world. Did you stop here to resupply?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI shook my head. “I’m here to—well, it may sound strange, but I’m here to look at this thing Serel’s made.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWinoña laughed. “So you’re curious? I understand that! When Nudet bought me off the back of a wagon they almost returned me. I was into everything, poking at bricks and half-built rooms. Serel was afraid a rock would fall on my head.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI loved this revelation, imagining it. “So you were here when they started expanding? I don’t remember you from the first time I was here, when they had that initial building.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I was!” Winoña paused to run a thumb over her bead, find the finish inadequate, resume sanding. She had beautiful hands, as delicate as an emodo’s. Perhaps she’d been born one? “They were just beginning to build this larger, more permanent building when Serel arranged to buy me. So I have been here for all of it, from Serel’s negotiations with Ukunis to its purchases of all the new eperu labor.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“So it truly had all the doing of this, then,” I said, eyes wide. “In a hundred years—a thousand! They will talk of Serel the Settler.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“You suppose?” Winoña asked, wistful. “I often wonder. Are we present at the beginning of a new day in the lives of our people? Or will we become another truedark fancy to be told to children? Will someone write of us when we’re gone? And will they tell the truth, or will we have to pick the truth out from the parts they made up?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI glanced at her sharply, then took a bunch of weed-needles and began dicing them, releasing their astringent odor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“I know what you’re thinking,” she said with great calm. “I am over-thoughtful for an anadi. My fingers are too nimble. Was I born some other sex? Have I not finished Turning?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e“Actually, I was thinking how odd it was to have thoughts similar to mine repeated to me by someone else.” I lifted my eyes and found her studying me. She had eyes like sunrise, but by the lamplight I couldn’t tell how intense the hue. I had never seen her outside… would she shine there? Would I be dazzled? “I am also anadi, Winoña, no matter what I wear or how I live. If I find you a wonder, it’s not because I expected stupidity and found intelligence. It’s because I expected a stranger and found kin.”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jaguar's Chimerical Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53614869414181,"sku":"SM-JS1-CountersOfStars","price":3.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/files\/Counters-of-Stars-Generic.jpg?v=1787067167"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0864\/6826\/4229\/collections\/shopify-jokkaverse.png?v=1746292224","url":"https:\/\/studiomcah.com\/collections\/universe-jokka.oembed?page=2","provider":"Stardancer Studios","version":"1.0","type":"link"}