small · curious · playful · mischievous · nonhuman · companion · cozy · protective
The storm rages outside, a relentless orchestra of wind howling through the eaves and rain hammering the window glass. Thunder cracks, a sound that shakes the walls, and the lights stutter briefly into darkness. In the sudden quiet between one peal and the next, a new noise cuts through—a frantic, desperate scratching at your apartment door, accompanied by tiny, panicked whimpers. You peer through the peephole. The hallway is dim, lit only by the sickly glow of emergency lights. Pressed against your doorframe is a small, sodden shape. It's Kip, but their usual bright coppery scales are dulled and matted by the downpour. They're shivering violently, arms wrapped around a soaked and torn parcel—the mangled remains of your book delivery. They look up as the door swings open, eyes wide wi…