iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 21/09/2026

Yaetherim doesn't have a romantic partner yet, but that'll change by the end of my current WIP. He and Naeliya are falling in love, but haven't realised it. His brother and her sister push them together. (Art by Ocho.)

A fairy with dark green hair and bark brown skin is sitting in the arms of another. The latter has ginger hair, blue skin and glasses.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 10/09/2026

#QueerPrompts 10/Sep/26: Who do your characters go to for advice before making a tough decision? Yaetherim usually seeks Naeliya's counsel. She's very astute and knows the town of Alkentoft well. She's also observant and smart enough to later become a detective herself. (Art by KumataJDG)

Two fairies are sitting on a table in an inn. One has red hair and blue freckled skin. She is drinking beer. The other has bark-brown skin and leaf-green hair. He is drinking fruit juice.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 10/07/2026

My current novel finishes off Yaetherim's initial character arc, seeing him fully take on the mantle of Inquirer for hire in Alkentoft. It's also where we see him working with his brother, Naveiol, and the two of them finally seeing eye-to-eye again. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social.)

Two fairies are standing on a tiled roof, talking. One with brown hair and blue skin has his arms folded. The other, with bark-brown skin and leaf-green hair is talking passionately.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 10/07/2026

"He's been through a lot." Yaetherim has 8 scars on his arms and legs, and a patch of fabric stitched over a hole in his right wing. All the result of one attack by humans. There's also the scars on his soul, which have left him slow to trust. (Art by Tamasuko.)

A fairy with bark-brown skin and leaf-green hair is sitting down. He has 2 scars on each leg, one on his left arm and 3 on his right. There is a silver patch over a hole in his right wing.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 10/07/2026

#FantasyIndiesJuly 11/Jul/26: Snippet Sunday In which Yaetherim and Innkeeper Rynroth discuss a recent wave of poisonings.

"There's been several of these incidents, all across town. In fact, we were discussing it at our guild meeting a couple of nights ago."

Yaetherim frowned and his wing twitched. This was the first he'd heard of these incidents. But then again, he had been busy.

"Arch-Mage Darnith hired you to help recruit Mage Peran's replacement, didn't he?" Rynroth asked.

"Aye," Yaetherim replied. He rubbed the three scars on his right arm. He'd helped the town guard catch Peran Oaklon, the mage who'd murdered another fairy and nearly killed him. Afterwards, the local Arch-Mage had hired Yaetherim to help ensure he didn't hire another killer.

"You're looking to do the same?" Yaetherim asked. Rynroth nodded.

"It's an option the guild is considering. Some are in favour of it, others believe it's a matter for the healers and apothecaries. They're also worried about this. There's no real clear path forward."

Yaetherim nodded. He'd worked with his brother, Naeviol, while recovering from the attack that had nearly killed him. Had learned a little bit about how illnesses worked. Such a concentration of sickness was unlikely to be the work of chance alone. Perhaps an accidental contamination, or something more deliberate.

"You said several incidents. How many exactly?"

Rynroth leaned back and rubbed a hand on his forehead. His eyes looked off into the distance for a heartbeat, then he spoke again.

"At least a dozen, I can't recall the exact number. Two people had to go to hospital over it. One of them died."

Yaetherim's wings twitched. He stepped forward, a single word shooting from his lips.

"Who?"

"A Jaelshi elf. Don't know his details."

Yaetherim nodded, possibilities already blooming. He took a breath, held it and let it out. Jumping to conclusions wouldn't help. Could just be that elves were more succeptible to whatever was causing this. He needed more facts, but did already know one thing for certain. He would be taking on this investigation. This needed to stop before …

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 09/07/2026

#FantasyIndiesJuly 9/Jul/26: WIP Aesthetics? Rychilla has mostly a Victorian/steampunk aesthetic to it, with airships and steam powered vehicles, along with fairies and elemental magic. I've also worked some elements of the subtropical Australian rainforests into it. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social.)

Two women are standing in a mechanical workshop with multiple steam powered vehicles in the background. The taller one with silver hair is looking concerned. The shorter one with navy-blue hair and overalls is professionally affronted.

041

D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 19/06/2026

Here's the scene from 'Embers of Doubt' where Arch-Mage Darnith hires Yaetherim to help with the recruitment of a new mage. (Darnith is giving Yaetherim a lift in his car. Naeliya is drunk on the back seat.)

Text from an ebook, reads as follows:

“Yes, and I’d appreciate your discretion. You see, ‘twas I who hired Mage Peran about five years ago.”

Yaetherim nodded. He recalled his first meeting with Darnith while investigating Peran’s crimes.

“That explains a bit. You were rather firm. Found it difficult to believe one of your mages could be involved.”

Yaetherim’s cheeks flushed. That had been just before he’d had the wrong mage arrested. But they had released him as soon as they’d realised the mistake.

Darnith hadn’t noticed Yaetherim’s reaction. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on the road ahead. Yaetherim raised an eyebrow.

“Or could you not believe one of them was involved?”

Darnith’s reply came as a whisper. Yaetherim barely heard it. But at least he spoke in Fairic this time.

“I’ve been wondering about that since Peran and his merchant accomplice were convicted. Maybe I missed something. Perhaps I didn’t want to see. And now, I must pick an apprentice to take Peran’s place as mage.”

A smirk slid across Yaetherim’s lips.

“So you’ve come to me?”

Outside, the road came to a junction. A lorry approached from the right. Darnith braked and tapped his fingers against the steering wheel.

“Your testimony at the trial impressed me. I thought you could sprinkle a pinch of distrust on the proceedings, so to speak.”

Yaetherim chuckled. He hadn’t expected his own words to come back to him.

“You’re asking me to check if any of these apprentices are killers?”

“Just if any are of disreputable character.”

The lorry passed, steam belching from its funnel. Darnith moved off. A low growl came from behind. It didn’t sound mechanical. Yaetherim looked over. Naeliya lay slumped on the seat, eyes closed and mouth open. Another snore escaped her.

Yaetherim turned back to Darnith. His gaze fell upon the symbols tattooed along the Arch-Mage’s left arm. Terax marks, all Rychillans had them. Like most, Darnith’s showed he was a rynil. One who could be considered sincere in word …

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 19/06/2026

Yaetherim (green hair) and Naeliya challenge each other, in a good way. Naeliya will listen to Yaetherim's cases and provide a valuable second opinion. Yaetherim encourages Naeliya's curiousity and helps her realise she can be a decent detective in her own right. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social)

Two fairies are sitting down. One, with brown skin and green hair, is slumped on the other one, who has freckled blue skin, ginger hair and glasses. They are both exhausted.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 19/06/2026

Yes. Meet Dylan Ford, a cafe manager from Melbourne and the MC of an urban fantasy series I've planned. She's also a water elemental witch, but doesn't know there are others like her. I just can't get traction on this idea, and I've come back to it a few times. (Art by @pamonyaart.bsky.social.)

A woman with grey hair and blue-grey eyes is standing with her arms folded. She is wearing a vest, button-up shirt and trousers.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 08/06/2026

#QueerPrompts 8/June/26: BFF(s) in story? Yaetherim and Charlys have been best friends since they were younglings. Not related by blood, but they are like siblings to one another. (Art by JankyBones.)

Two fairies, one with brown skin and one with blonde hair, are sitting on a tree branch talking.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 05/06/2026

#FantasyIndiesJune 6/June/26: Saturday Snippet This is from the first chapter of 'What One Does For Hate'. Context is that Naeliya is exhausted from intense casting of a spell, and a little drunk.

After waking Naeliya, he escorted her upstairs. They walked along the corridor to her room. Naeliya stopped in the doorway, leaning against the frame. She turned and kissed Yaetherim on the cheek. Just a light touch of her lips, for less than a heartbeat. Once again, Yaetherim's stomach fluttered.

"You're a good person, Yaetherim," Naeliya slurred.

"I suppose so," Yaetherim replied. 'Twas not how he usually thought of himself. He just tried to do his best. Naeliya put her hand on his right forearm, as lightly as a leaf resting upon the forest floor. A finger brushed one of the three scars on it. Yaetherim didn't flinch.

"I mean that," Naeliya muttered.

"Thank you. Goodnight, Naeliya."

"Night, Therry."

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 28/05/2026

Yaetherim is mostly green and brown, due to being a flora elemental fairy. The frond-like shape of his hair resembles a palm tree. Karis is mostly silver, with naturally grey hair and eyes - this is usual for a Rychillan. Her town guard uniform is maroon - the royal colour. (Art by Sofia Aspe.)

A fairy with green frond-like hair and bark-brown skin is looking at the viewer. He has several scars.

A tall woman with silver hair and silver eyes is looking at the viewer, with her hands on her hips.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 28/05/2026

Yaetherim is a fairy, a snarky former forest protector turned private eye. He bears a few scars on his body and soul, but is a kind person beneath the snark and bluntness. His main purpose as a private eye is to investigate matters that the town guard can't or won't. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social.)

A fairy with green frond-like hair and bark-brown skin is staring at the viewer, arms crossed.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 22/05/2026

#QueerPrompts 22/May/26: Queer leaders in story? Karis is a veritor, the highest rank in the town guard. She regularly leads investigations. She's demi. Her (eventual) girlfriend, Tenora, is an Arch-Mechanic in charge of a workshop and a lesbian. (Art by Sofia Aspe and ROGunsou.)

A woman in her mid-30s with silver hair and steel-grey eyes is wearing a sleeveless maroon top and black trousers. She has a series of tattooed symbols running up her left arm.

A tall woman with silver hair and eyes is carrying a slightly younger woman in a bridal carry through a door. The younger woman has navy blue hair and is a little drunk. The tall woman is looking at the young woman affectionately.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 18/05/2026

#Queerprompts 19/May/26: Agender or gender non-conforming characters? Mage Nelack arrives in book 2, as an apprentice applying for the role of mage at the local college of mages. They're a suspect when one of the other apprentices is murdered. (Art by Sofia Aspe.)

A short person with one grey eye and one purple eye is standing. They have brown hair, which stops just above their shoulders. They are wearing an orange top, brown trousers and boots. They are carrying a staff.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 13/05/2026

#QueerPrompts 14/May/26: Sporty/Athletic characters? My most athletic character would be Karis Relinda. She's a senior member of the town guard who's come up through the ranks. So she keeps herself fit. Usually walks to the guard barracks in the morning, etc. (Art by @pamonyaart.bsky.social.)

A woman in her mid-30s with silver hair and steel-grey eyes is looking at the viewer. She is fit and athletic. She is wearing a black-and-purple dress.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 13/05/2026

Yaetherim is a florakind fairy, so his magic is plant based. This scene, from the finale of 'A Pinch of Distrust' shows him sealing off a door so a pair of killers can't escape. #amwriting

His gaze fell upon the car sitting in the parking lot. Steam curled up from
its funnel. Peran had fired it up a short while ago. While the vehicle’s body
was wood, the engine was metal. Florakind magic couldn’t disable it.
Yaetherim caught Charlys’ attention and pointed down. She nodded. He
strode to the front of the roof, dived and hovered outside the rightmost door.
Cut from a solid piece of timber, it appeared to open inward. A growth spell
wouldn’t work. It had been dead too long.
Yaetherim’s hand flicked out. An incantation spurted from his lips. From
the forest came a sharp snap. A still-green vine sailed through the air.
Yaetherim planted it against the doorsill. He took a deep breath. Energy
raced over his arm and poured into the plant. It shot up, wrapping itself
around the handle. Tendrils grabbed the door and frame, binding them
together.
Yaetherim leaned forward, as though that would boost the speed of the
spell. He stopped only when the vine hit the top of the doorway. His skin
itched. He had never cast that intensely. But he couldn’t help smirking. This
web of vines would ensure no escape this way. With that done, he swapped
out the crystal in his belt with a fresh one from his satchel.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 28/04/2026

Yaetherim's backstory came first. He was originally the 'victim of the week' in the first book, a fairy who'd just survived a murder attempt. Then as I wrote, I realised the story worked better if he was the investigator too. Hence the scars and patch on his wing. (Art by Pamonyaart.)

A fairy with dark skin and green eyes is looking at the viewer. He has green, frond-like hair. There are several scars on his arms and legs, and a silver patch over a hole in his top-right wing. He is wearing a green tunic, a belt with a green crystal in the belt and a pair of shorts.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 04/04/2026

#QueerPrompts 5/April/26: What would your character do for a self-care day? Karis tends to keep to herself. For a self-care day, she'll indulge in her hobby of sketching. She will travel out to a location, usually outside the town with a sketchbook, sit down and draw. (Art by Grbaged.)

A woman in her late 30s with silver hair and grey eyes is standing, wearing a pale green dress. She has a series of small marks tattooed along her left arm.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 03/04/2026

Yaetherim has several scars and a blunt, snarky demeanour. You'd expect him to be a bit of a brawler. But there's kindness underneath, along with a strong moral code and an aversion to inflicting violence. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social.)

A fairy with bark-brown skin and green hair is glaring at the viewer, his arms folded. He has several scars.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/04/2026

I'm into model railroading. I post about it as @bvlcorr.bsky.social. I model in On30. This is 1/48 scale, but uses the track and wheels from 1/87 scale models to represent tracks that are 2'6" wide instead of the standard 4'8.5". I've built most of my trains from kits and scratch.

A small diesel engine sits on a siding. Behind it is a steam locomotive with the number 7.

A steam tank locomotive is crossing a wood trestle bridge, with a boxcar behind it.

A shay-type locomotive shunts log cars into a siding.

A saddle tank locomotive, number 9, is running backwards with a boxcar coupled to its front.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/04/2026

#AprilWorldbuilders 1/Apr/26: City/town in your story? Alkentoft is a regional capital and a major trade port, in the south-east corner of the Kingdom of Rychilla. It's populated by Rychillans (humans) and fairies, as well as elves and humans from neighbouring nations. (Art by Alexis Quintero.)

A city with several brick buildings, with fairies flying around. In the foreground to the right, a fairy with white wings sits atop an octagonal mail tower.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 30/03/2026

I use a program called Joplin to organise my notes. It's free open-source software, that syncs across my computers and phone/tablets. I've got my notes organised into worldbuilding, planning and drafts for the books themselves, characters and a few other categories.

A list of files and folders in the Joplin app.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 14/02/2026

#QueerPrompts 15/Feb/26: What role does romance play in your story? In my current WIP, it's the motive for the murder - the victim is killed out of jealousy. Yaetherim also finds out that someone wishes to court him. But Naeliya, one of my other MCs (art by @o8cho.bsky.social ), is aro/ace.

A fairy with freckled blue skin, red hair and glasses is looking thoughtful. She is wearing a bowler hat, bow tie and cream coloured shirt.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 14/01/2026

Here's an excerpt from 'Embers of Doubt'. For reference, Peran is the man who nearly killed Yaetherim. #WritingQ #SnippetShare

“No, that’s already repaired. It’s about Mage Peran.”
Yaetherim’s free hand dropped to his belt. His fingers closed around his
stinger, a dagger of fine design. It scraped softly as it left the sheath. Light
from the overhead lanterns glinted off the crystal-edged blade. Holding
it ready, Yaetherim positioned himself between Darnith and Naeliya. The
arch-mage stepped back, his palms up.
“What about Mage Peran?” Yaetherim growled. A few of the diners below
looked up. Yaetherim held up his right arm, giving Darnith a clear view of
the three scars across it. More reminders of the wounds inflicted by Peran
Oaklon. Darnith glanced around.
“I’ll have to recruit a new mage to replace him. I’d like your assistance with
that,” he explained. Yaetherim tilted his head. He lowered the dagger, not
yet sheathing it.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 12/12/2025

My next fantasy/murder mystery novel, 'Embers of Doubt', is out now. Yaetherim is hired by the local arch-mage to assess which apprentice to promote to mage. But job hunting can be murder. rychilla.com/about-the-bo... #writer ✍️ #indie #fantasylit #fantasy #whodunnit #Rychilla #auswrites

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 02/12/2025

Dylan Ford is an Australian from Melbourne, who has water magic. She doesn't know whence it came. A few years ago, she was using her powers to help people in a flood, when a TV news crew caught her on camera (from a distance). I've got a strong start for her story. But... (1/2) (Art by GRBaged.)

A woman in a vest and long sleeved shirt leans against a wall with vibrant wallpaper. She has naturally silver hair and blue eyes.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 17/11/2025

Naeliya is a messenger fairy, who fell into that job as it's the default for town fairies. She finds it boring, and is yet to realise that she's got the instincts and observational skills of a good detective. She eventually becomes the second private eye in the kingdom. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social)

A fairy with frazzled ginger hair, blue freckled skin and glasses sits on a table, reaching out for an envelope. She is looking bored out of her mind.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 06/11/2025

From page 31 of 'Embers of Doubt'. Yaetherim is posing as a caterer, while apprentices present their credentials for the job of mage.

Kelnoss had finished presenting her references, and Torym had taken her
place. As Yaetherim flew closer, familiar words reached him. Names and
titles aside, Torym was repeating what Kelnoss had uttered just moments
before. Yet his voice had a sprinkling of boredom.
Combined with Torym’s earlier anger, Yaetherim couldn’t help but feel
concerned. He had looked after younglings. ’Twas every fairy’s duty to do so.
They picked up such negativity. If Torym could not conceal it, that would
affect his students. Yaetherim pursed his lips. He’d have to mention that to
Darnith.
Yaetherim swooped around Nelack, who stood by the table, a plate in hand.
They smiled and waved the cacao biscuit towards him. It was missing a
couple of bites.
“You know, Yaetherim, I’m sure I had this when I arrived in town yesterday.
Almost exactly the same taste.”
“But with more cinnamon? Chef Tarlon insists on putting his own twist
on them. So you’re staying at Cropper’s Crony?”
Nelack peered at Yaetherim.
“Arch-Mage Darnith recommended it. It’s my first visit here. I’d be foolish
to ignore local advice. Do you work there?”
“I consult on their Fairic food.”
Nelack took another bite. They glanced over their shoulder.
“Oh, please excuse me.”
“Aye, don’t fuss yourself.”
Nelack nodded and strode off. Yaetherim picked up the remaining plate
and flew it over to Banoth. He landed. Nelack was about to present their
documents. He waited so as not to interrupt.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/11/2025

#NovemberWorldbuilders 1/Nov/25: Something in your world that's red? Dark red/maroon is the royal colour in Rychilla. Reserved by law for those on government business. It's the colour of town guard uniforms and cars. As such, Karis usually wears it. (Art by Sofia Aspe.)

A woman in her mid-thirties with silver hair and eyes is standing with her hands on hips, She is wearing a sleeveless top and dark grey trousers.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 18/10/2025

Here's the cover reveal for 'Embers of Doubt', book 2 of my fantasy whodunnit series. It'll be releasing on the 12th of December. Cover art by Mousam Bannerjee. #writer #indieauthor #Rychilla #booksky

A fairy with bark-brown skin and leaf green hair is standing in the burned remains of a classroom. He's holding clockwork gears and examining them closely. The title 'Embers of Doubt' is written above him.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 16/10/2025

Page 33 of 'Embers of Doubt'. It's the moment when Yaetherim puts things together, and realises that the accidental death of Apprentice Kelnoss wasn't an accident. #indieauthors #WritingCommunity #writesky

His gaze fell upon the pile of ash in the centre of the room. Nothing else had burned so completely. The fire must’ve started there. Directly above it, the ceiling beam was charred and sagging. Yet it hadn’t had time to burn through. Proof, perhaps, that the one lying on Kelnoss had not fallen by accident.
Something glinted in the ashes. Yaetherim flew over for a closer look. Several jagged metal shapes glinted. Yaetherim frowned. Too big to be nails, they wouldn’t be part of the desk.
Yaetherim landed. With a few firm beats of his wings, he fanned the ash away. His frown deepened. Cogwheels, discoloured by the flames, lay revealed. Small ones like those used in music boxes or watches. Other metal parts rested amongst them.
Footsteps approached the door. Yaetherim’s head shot around. He took flight. Endra led Darnith into the room.
“Excuse me, Arch-Mage Darnith. Do you use anything clockwork in your lessons?”
Yaetherim’s question halted both mages. Darnith glanced at the clock mounted on the rear wall.
“No. It’s not usually needed.”
Yaetherim nodded. Darnith turned, stepped, and stopped. His gaze fell upon Kelnoss. The colour drained from his face. For several heartbeats, he just stared.
“I must admit, I hoped you were mistaken, Endra,” he said, voice trembling.
“So did I,” she replied. Darnith leaned down and closed Kelnoss’ eyes. Slowly, he straightened up.
“I’ll send for a mortician.”
Yaetherim cleared his throat. Cold sweat covered his brow. Unlike the mages, he knew what was coming.
“Arch-Mage Darnith, I think we’ll also need the town guard.”
Both humans stared at him. Endra’s mouth hung open. Darnith frowned, anger simmering in his eyes. Yaetherim glanced down. Kelnoss had been their friend. What he had to say would not go down well.
“You believe there is foul play?” Darnith asked.
“Aye,” Yaetherim replied. He landed on one of the least damaged desks. With his left hand, he gestured to Kelnoss.
“That beam was cut cleanly."

020

D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 29/09/2025

#QueerPrompts 29/Sept/25: What would a fortune cookie tell your MC? "You will be loved." Yaetherim, at this point, sees himself as broken and unlovable. With scars on his body and soul. It's the reason why he hasn't realised another fairy is in love with him yet. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social).

A fairy with blue skin, red hair and glasses is sitting on a bed. She's got her arms around another fairy, who has brown skin, grass-green hair and scars. He's asleep and at peace.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 26/09/2025

Here's page 25 of 'Embers of Doubt' - it's the last page of chapter 2. The apprentices applying for the job of mage have completed their exam. Up next: practical demonstrations of magic.

Yaetherim smiled. Darnith had a point. If this was the worst that happened, things would go smoothly.
A knock came from the door. Yerom leaned into the room.
“Excuse me, Arch-Mage Darnith, but the apprentices are finished. Mage Kepan asked me to tell you.”
Darnith checked his pocket watch again.
“They are a few minutes early.”
Banoth shrugged.
“If they’re done, they’re done.”
Yaetherim took flight. He’d been looking forward to seeing these apprentices in action. Until now, it had been words and formalities. Perhaps their actions would reveal more about them.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 03/09/2025

From Embers of Doubt, page 16 (beta draft). (Yes, it is a metaphor.)

Paetolel took another bite of the biscuit. Correctly this time, with some blueberry. He chewed thoughtfully.
“You’re right. Tastes better when you’ve got the whole thing. Still isn’t quite to my palate. But it’s cooked well,” Paetolel said. He glanced out the door. More voices drifted in from the square, from those who’d returned for lunch.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/09/2025

#QueerPrompts 1/Sep/25: Introduce self & WIP. I'm Daniel, an Australian author writing whodunnits in a fantasy setting. My current WIP, Naeliya Investigates, sees Naeliya look into a theft solo. She finds she enjoys it more than her job as a messenger. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social.)

A slightly disheveled fairy with red hair and blue skin sits on an octagonal bench atop a wooden tower. Her body language shows she's bored. Epically bored.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/09/2025

#FantasyIndiesSeptember 1/Sep/25: Introduce self & WIP. I'm Daniel, an Australian author writing whodunnits in a fantasy setting. My current WIP, Naeliya Investigates, sees Naeliya look into a theft solo. She finds she enjoys it more than her job as a messenger. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social)

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 08/08/2025

#FantasyIndiesAugust 9/Aug/25: Snippet Saturday. From the start of 'Embers of Doubt', Yaetherim is escorting his drunk friend, Naeliya, out of an inn when he's interrupted.

“Hold on, we’re nearly there,” Yaetherim said. They’d almost reached the door when Yaetherim heard his name amongst the hubbub.

“Protector Yaetherim, have you got a moment?”

It had been a man speaking Rychillan. Sounded familiar, but that didn’t quite narrow it down. Yaetherim had spoken to several Rychillans recently. Naeliya giggled.

“Never expected to see the Arch-Mage here.”

Yaetherim pulled up into a hover. A middle-aged Rychillan stood amongst the tables, looking up at them. His hands were conspicuously devoid of food or drink. Yaetherim frowned. He’d thought he was done with the College of Mages. But going by Arch-Mage Darnith Sekan’s expression, the college wasn’t done with him.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 07/08/2025

I've a scene in one of my stories where Naeliya and Taesonith visit the library to check the newspaper archives. While there, they discover a mutual love of reading, and agree to meet up to read together regularly. Like a two-person book club. (Art by Rait Visual Works.)

Two fairies are sitting in a library, reading a book together. Behind them, the walls are covered with books on shelves.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 07/08/2025

#QueerPrompts 8/Aug/25: Snippet with cat or animal. From 'A Pinch of Distrust', chapter 1. Yaetherim and some forest protectors (fairy police) are searching an abandoned human village for signs of recent visitors.

After his preflight checks, Yaetherim joined them. They flew towards the dock, eyes peeled for any signs of movement. About halfway there, a movement amongst the bushes caught their attention. A protector on the right brought her bow up. A small, scaly brown animal skittered out into the daylight. The archer lowered her bow. She let out the breath she’d been holding.

“It’s just a lizard,” she said, relieved. It scurried along between trodden bracken and broken branches. Yaetherim frowned. Between the damaged plants, not around them, on suspiciously smooth soil and stones. Only a few ancient arrowheads littered the track. Even those lay to the sides.

“That’s a path down there,” he called. A few of the protectors looked down.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 02/08/2025

#FantasyIndiesAugust 3/Aug/25: Show us your book covers. I've only got one so far, for A Pinch of Distrust. It depicts a scene in the middle of the story, where the two protagonists (Yaetherim and Tenora) meet for the first time and realise their investigations are connected.

A woman with navy-blue hair and a tall woman with silver hair are standing at a desk, looking at papers. A fairy is hovering next to them. In the background, a man sits dead in a chair.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 25/07/2025

Yaetherim starts as a sour gummy bear. He's cynical, grumpy and determined to get answers. By the third or fourth book in the series, he's become more of a sherbert lemon. Hardened, slightly sweeter, but still with a bit of bite in him.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 18/07/2025

From 'A Pinch of Distrust' - Yaetherim is trying to work out if anyone at the College of Mages could spot a lover walking down the road to her trysts.

To the right of the building sat a cobblestone slab with five cars parked
upon it. Nothing special there. At the front, it met a driveway wide enough
to allow a lorry through. Pruned trees flanked it, their branches slightly
wilted. It entered the forest and joined the road Yaetherim had travelled
to find the boat. He hadn’t paid attention to it earlier. His worry had been
finding the landmarks from Dinsec’s directions.
Yaetherim strode to the front of the roof and peered down the driveway. A
lizard scurried across the far end. Yaetherim frowned. If he could spot that,
so could anyone in the building below him. The more he considered it, the
more it made sense. These mages had skill enough to teach magic. Casting
a complex spell, like a water lance, would come simply to them. They also
had easy access to crystals and a clear view of the road Dinsec travelled to
reach her trysts. A perfect opportunity for someone less than honest.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 16/07/2025

#FantasyIndiesJuly 17/7/25: Any side characters end up being a bigger part of the story? Taesonith was originally a witness who provided an alibi in book 1. She had a bigger role in book 2, so I developed her more. She's now getting her own book and is the MC's love interest. (Art by Sofia Aspe)

A fairy with red skin, ember-red eyes and red wings is standing. She is wearing a green dress and gold chain. Her curly hair is ash-black.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 23/06/2025

#JuneWorldbuilders 23/June/25: Snippet: Crime. This is from 'Naeliya Investigates', a novella I'm working on while 'Embers of Doubt' is with beta readers. This is the moment when Naeliya realises something for sale may have been stolen.

A few fairy buckles sat on the bottom row of the display case. Like the jewellery, they too bore marks of use and held silver crystals. Except for one item. On the left of the shelf sat a bronze eight-pointed star. A silver, dagger-shaped inlay ran from top to bottom.

Naeliya leaned in for a closer look. One point, on the top-left, had been broken off. Several scratches marked the spot. Faded bands of dark red and white coloured the ribbon holding it, five in all. She pointed to the medal.

"That's a medal for valour, isn't it? From the civil war?" she asked. Lamiol nodded. Naeliya leaned in for a closer look. That made it at least 250 years old. Older than any fairy living today. Several had probably been issued. But that missing point on this medal made it one of a kind.

For the second time today, recognition flowed through Naeliya. She knew this medal's owner. Arild Tainban, a lead actor at the Midnight Theatre. He would never give up this medal, not after the way he'd spoken of it. Nor would he be careless enough to lose it.

Naeliya's wings twitched and she cast a look over the display cabinet. First her bodice, now this medal. Both valuable, both prized by their owners, and both for sale here. Perhaps it wasn't a coincidence.

"Does all this jewellery come from the same place as the clothes?"

"Yes. Broker Taesonith arranged for it. Same as for the clothes."

Taesonith. That name rippled in Naeliya's mind. She'd heard it recently, in connection with something untoward. That settled it. She wouldn't be spending any more kerlum here.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 08/06/2025

Here's Yaetherim in a moment of downtime, slicing some fruit. (Art by ROGunsou.)

A fairy with black skin and green hair is sitting down. He is holding a strawberry with one arm and cutting it with his knife.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 07/06/2025

#FantasyIndiesJune 7/June/25: Saturday Snippet: Magic. This one is from 'Embers of Doubt'. Apprentice Nelack is demonstrating their skills with magic, while trying to get a position as a mage at the local college.

“Excuse me, Arch-Mage Darnith. May I proceed?”
Darnith nodded. Yaetherim touched down on a rock. Nelack stopped a few paces away. They stretched their left hand towards the stream. Water rose from it. Just like Torym’s demonstration, it grew clearer, toxicant dripping from it. Nelack addressed those watching.
“I’ve always believed that magic and finesse go hand-in-hand. Similar to rain and crops.”
Nelack moved their right hand forward. Before it, the liquid took shape. A shape with two arms, two legs, a head and a pair of wings.
“Most people see water as a means to an end,” Nelack said. They’d spoken as though teaching a class. “Something used to grow food or propel a steam engine.”
Water ebbed and flowed, forming details on the sculpture. Eyes, ears, scars and a patch on the right wing. Yaetherim smirked. Now he understood why Nelack had asked for his help.
“But I’ve always thought it’s had a beauty of its own,” Nelack added. Yaetherim chuckled. He’d seen that body and its damage in the mirror often enough. Beautiful was hardly the word to describe it. He caught a look from Nelack. With a few quick motions, he signed two words in Fairic.
“My apologies.”
Nelack raised an eyebrow. With their left hand, they reached for the forest.
“But,” they continued. “There are still some things it cannot do on its own.”
A dozen or so leaves floated into the clearing, bobbing on air currents. Half were the mottled green of those freshly fallen, the others brown. Yaetherim glanced at the water sculpture. ‘Twas conspicuously devoid of hair and clothes. As he watched, the white haze of ice crept through the sculpture.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 19/05/2025

#Queerprompts 19/May/25: Agender or gender non-conforming characters in story? Mage Nelack Elmor is a nonbinary Rychillan who's travelled a lot around the kingdom. They're skilled with water and air magic. Introduced in 'Embers of Doubt', they're initially a murder suspect. (Art by Aikyo Winter.)

A nonbinary person with shoulder-length hair is standing, holding a staff. They are wearing grey trousers, a blue shirt and boots. They have one grey eye and one purple eye.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 13/05/2025

Yaetherim is an 'Inquirer' - the first private detective in the kingdom. He was a forest protector (i.e. fairy cop). After he was nearly killed, he was relieved of duty due to 'scars on his soul'. So he created another purpose for himself. (Art by Grbaged.)

A fairy with dark skin, green hair and green eyes is standing and staring at the viewer. His arms are crossed. He has several scars.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 12/05/2025

Rychillans have a series of tattooed 'terax marks' along their left arm, starting at their wrist. These indicate profession and rank, notable accomplishments and social class. The latter is based on trust, determined by criminal activity or lack thereof. (Art by Ocho.)

A woman with silver hair and eyes is looking at the viewer with her arms folded. She is wearing a red sleeveless top. There are several tattooed marks along her left arm.

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