Style Quest: Starlight on Kahari

Varick read through the reports from the early survey of Kahari. The new portal appeared a week ago and made quite an impression on people. A blue sun lit the skies in a beautiful light with a ringed moon that hung low in the sky. Most of the population of the planet were snake-like people known as Thaths.  As Varick continued to read, the Clydesdale tailor felt the call to start trade on this new planet. That was until he came across a picture of the star fields and had an idea. Hours later, the horse tailor gathered his supplies, his blue and green spotted snow leopard lover, Raine, and set off into the new portal world.

 

“This place is lovely,” Raine gushed as they shifted to a smaller feminine form that better filled out their light sweater and jeans. Varick walked beside them, wearing a scarf to accent their regular outfit. “All these crystal sculptures are marvelous.”

 

“According to the reports they are made of a special glass like material called Moonstone,” Varick informed his partner as he followed them along a row of sculptures. “Scupltors take great care to shape these delicate structures for a yearly festival.”

 

“You sound like a travel guide right now,” Raine laughed as they gave Varick a playful shove. “Now, where is this merchant you are supposed to meet with? Let’s drop the goods and start to have fun.” With a smile, the mahogany Clydesdale guided his partner through the streets, occasionally stopping to as a Thath for directions. The colorful snake people were curious about Varick and Raine but also friendly and helpful. Eventually, they found the merchant the tailor had made a deal with.

 

“Varick, I presume and who is this lovely one at your side,” the bright red and purple Thath greeted the Clydesdale as he entered the store. 

 

“Oh good, Nioka,” the tailor breathed a sigh of relief, finally finding the right shop. “This is my partner Raine. As requested, I’ve brought you scarves and sweaters. None of them are enchanted, but if a customer wants something special, you can reach me the same way.” Varick unloaded fifty scarves and sweaters from his bag for Nioka while the merchant counted coins. This deal wasn’t as profitable as direct selling, but it got the tailor’s name into the Kahari. Raine watched and sketched the two in their book. Later, they would paint it as a gift for the Thath merchant.

 

“So where are you going to take me now that your business deal is done,” Raine asked as they left the shop with Varick. Together, they walked the streets briefly, admiring more of the moonstone sculptures. As the day wore on, the equine tailor led his snow leopard lover out of the city and away from civilization.

 

Purple arching trees surrounded an oasis that the pair stopped at for a bit. Varick produced a picnic basket from his bag that he and Raine enjoyed by the nearly translucent water. They sat there for a bit after eating to enjoy the view of the sky made of vivid blues and purples. 

 

“So was this your plan the whole time,” Raine purred as they reclined in by the pool. “Lure me out to a cute little oasis and ply me with food and wine so you can have your way with me.” They were already partially out of their sweater before the horse stopped them.

 

“Not quite, but keep your clothes on for now. We might revisit that later,” Varick chuckles as he stands up and offers his hand. “There is something else I want to check out while we are here.” The snow leopard artist grumbles as they use their boyfriend’s hand to stand.

 

 With the moon starting to rise in the sky, Varick made his scarf glow with a gentle blue light. Soon, the pair found themselves on the edge of a massive shallow-water plain. The clear water reflected the stars and moon on their surface in a beautiful display. Raine’s eyes lit up as they practically tore their pockets, pulling out their sketchbook. Being distracted with their, they didn’t notice Varick pull out his violin until he began to play. He was using the water-walking abilities of the armor hidden under his pants to dance across the shallow surface of a flooded plain. Among the stars, the blonde Clydesdale began to serenade Raine with a song by the Grand High Celestial of Music Bon Jovi. Blue and purple flames erupted from Varick’s mane and tail as tiny flame motes danced around him. Once the song concluded, all the fire died away, and the last dance move landed the equine tailor on his knee in front of Raine.

 

“What are you doing,” the blue and green spotted feline demanded, shaking a bit. “Are you.. are you…”

 

“Raine, you have done so much to make a happier better person and I would like to continue to grow and be happy with you for the rest of our lives,” Varick pulled a gold ring with a rainbow speckling of gems set in it. “Will you do me  the honor of marrying me?”

 

“Move on to the land,” Raine pointed with their hand. Confused, the horse did as bidden. Dropping low, the leopard pounced on Varick, pinning him to the ground. “Yes! Of course I’ll marry you Var-Var! Didn’t want to get my fur wet knocking you into the water.” The two kissed and rolled around on the ground for a bit. Clothes came off, and several hours later, the newly engaged couple were huddled under a blanket, watching the celestial bodies move across the Starfields. A cloud of white-furred puffballs with compound eyes floated by on a gentle breeze. One got stuck in Varick’s mane.

 

“Oh its an eep,” the blonde Clydesdale laughed as he stuck the bug to Raine. “They aren’t a protected species so I think we can take him with us. The report said they can be safely dyed and kept as pets.”

 

“Then lets call it Starry and have someone dyed like this night as a memnto of a perfect evening,” Raine purred, petting their new rider.