Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle)
@kiraofthewind.com
She/her, author of fantasy novels coming from Shadow Spark Publishing✨
Fantasy gamer, anime nerd, reader🌈
SFINCS3 judge📚
Autistic ace vampire🧛♀️ LGBTQ+ safe🏳️🌈 Occasional 18+ content🔞
Links to my stuff: https://linktr.ee/kiraofthewind
Fantasy gamer, anime nerd, reader🌈
SFINCS3 judge📚
Autistic ace vampire🧛♀️ LGBTQ+ safe🏳️🌈 Occasional 18+ content🔞
Links to my stuff: https://linktr.ee/kiraofthewind
Pinned
PINNED POST
Info about me, links to my books, Discords, Patreon, etc.
Please like and repost if you see this🫶💕
Info about me, links to my books, Discords, Patreon, etc.
Please like and repost if you see this🫶💕
#Novmemeber 25
I think Chosen Ones CAN exist in a world where, for instance, Gods are real, are good, and want a mortal champion to do good deeds for them. Put sufficient interaction and reasoning behind the Chosen One and the Chooser, and it can work
I think Chosen Ones CAN exist in a world where, for instance, Gods are real, are good, and want a mortal champion to do good deeds for them. Put sufficient interaction and reasoning behind the Chosen One and the Chooser, and it can work
#Novmemeber 25
Anti-tropes: what are some tropes that you've purposefully avoided in your WIP? OR, are there any tropes that you've put a twist on?
Anti-tropes: what are some tropes that you've purposefully avoided in your WIP? OR, are there any tropes that you've put a twist on?
November 25, 2025 at 7:00 AM
#Novmemeber 25
I think Chosen Ones CAN exist in a world where, for instance, Gods are real, are good, and want a mortal champion to do good deeds for them. Put sufficient interaction and reasoning behind the Chosen One and the Chooser, and it can work
I think Chosen Ones CAN exist in a world where, for instance, Gods are real, are good, and want a mortal champion to do good deeds for them. Put sufficient interaction and reasoning behind the Chosen One and the Chooser, and it can work
#NovemberWorldbuilders Does your fictional world have any wars in its history that are now over? What was the conflict about? What were the repercussions of it?
November 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#NovemberWorldbuilders Does your fictional world have any wars in its history that are now over? What was the conflict about? What were the repercussions of it?
#AwesomeCharacters
MoDaH (Tynan's book) *is* that side story that has been hinted at previously.
Tynan is a side character at the end of MoLaB (Amiere's book). Requiem is a side character in MoKaM (Calinthe's book). Both hint at adventures they had in MoDaH (which I haven't written yet, lol)
MoDaH (Tynan's book) *is* that side story that has been hinted at previously.
Tynan is a side character at the end of MoLaB (Amiere's book). Requiem is a side character in MoKaM (Calinthe's book). Both hint at adventures they had in MoDaH (which I haven't written yet, lol)
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Do you have any side characters with their own adventures going on in the background of your story?
Do we get many glimpses?
Is it in the same genre as your main work? E.g. romance in the background of horror?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Do you have any side characters with their own adventures going on in the background of your story?
Do we get many glimpses?
Is it in the same genre as your main work? E.g. romance in the background of horror?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 25, 2025 at 3:39 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
MoDaH (Tynan's book) *is* that side story that has been hinted at previously.
Tynan is a side character at the end of MoLaB (Amiere's book). Requiem is a side character in MoKaM (Calinthe's book). Both hint at adventures they had in MoDaH (which I haven't written yet, lol)
MoDaH (Tynan's book) *is* that side story that has been hinted at previously.
Tynan is a side character at the end of MoLaB (Amiere's book). Requiem is a side character in MoKaM (Calinthe's book). Both hint at adventures they had in MoDaH (which I haven't written yet, lol)
It's not much, and it didn't take long... but it's the end of my weekend and I wanted to end it with something relaxing. I whipped up a quick little art of a night sky to feel some peace.
Stars made with Krita's built in star brush, so it's nothing impressive. The only purpose of this was to chill
Stars made with Krita's built in star brush, so it's nothing impressive. The only purpose of this was to chill
November 24, 2025 at 9:28 PM
It's not much, and it didn't take long... but it's the end of my weekend and I wanted to end it with something relaxing. I whipped up a quick little art of a night sky to feel some peace.
Stars made with Krita's built in star brush, so it's nothing impressive. The only purpose of this was to chill
Stars made with Krita's built in star brush, so it's nothing impressive. The only purpose of this was to chill
Reason #23364 my books are impossible to market:
-too queer for the dudebros who want epic dark fantasy
-too epic and dark for the gays who want happy queer joy
-too queer for the dudebros who want epic dark fantasy
-too epic and dark for the gays who want happy queer joy
November 24, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Reason #23364 my books are impossible to market:
-too queer for the dudebros who want epic dark fantasy
-too epic and dark for the gays who want happy queer joy
-too queer for the dudebros who want epic dark fantasy
-too epic and dark for the gays who want happy queer joy
#NovemberWorldbuilders 24
Tynan is a double-quarter Godblood, meaning they are the grandchild of TWO gods (Lucognidus on their father's side and Sawyer on their mother's side).
Both Gods played a role is saving the world from demonkind. Although Lulu gets the lion's share of the glory from it,
Tynan is a double-quarter Godblood, meaning they are the grandchild of TWO gods (Lucognidus on their father's side and Sawyer on their mother's side).
Both Gods played a role is saving the world from demonkind. Although Lulu gets the lion's share of the glory from it,
#NovemberWorldbuilders Let's talk about how the world's history directly impacts your main character (or some other important character in the world you're developing). Do they have an important ancestor? Was there a specific event, say a war or diaspora, that impacted their current life?
November 24, 2025 at 5:51 PM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 24
Tynan is a double-quarter Godblood, meaning they are the grandchild of TWO gods (Lucognidus on their father's side and Sawyer on their mother's side).
Both Gods played a role is saving the world from demonkind. Although Lulu gets the lion's share of the glory from it,
Tynan is a double-quarter Godblood, meaning they are the grandchild of TWO gods (Lucognidus on their father's side and Sawyer on their mother's side).
Both Gods played a role is saving the world from demonkind. Although Lulu gets the lion's share of the glory from it,
Reposted by Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle)
🐲 Reviewers Wanted! 🐲
Looking for a fast-paced, queer dark fantasy that's under 300 pages? 👀
Follow this link: tr.ee/XlWJ1ZowTG
#BookSky #ReadSky #QueerBooks
(Third time's the charm because a distracting cat keeps making me forget things 💀)
Looking for a fast-paced, queer dark fantasy that's under 300 pages? 👀
Follow this link: tr.ee/XlWJ1ZowTG
#BookSky #ReadSky #QueerBooks
(Third time's the charm because a distracting cat keeps making me forget things 💀)
November 24, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🐲 Reviewers Wanted! 🐲
Looking for a fast-paced, queer dark fantasy that's under 300 pages? 👀
Follow this link: tr.ee/XlWJ1ZowTG
#BookSky #ReadSky #QueerBooks
(Third time's the charm because a distracting cat keeps making me forget things 💀)
Looking for a fast-paced, queer dark fantasy that's under 300 pages? 👀
Follow this link: tr.ee/XlWJ1ZowTG
#BookSky #ReadSky #QueerBooks
(Third time's the charm because a distracting cat keeps making me forget things 💀)
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
In this chapter, we take a break from the shenanigans at the Good Thyme Inn to look at what's going on with the royalty. Duke Scortho is the consort of Queen Ruphelia and the father of the heir to the throne, Princess Zola, a physically weak young woman.
In this chapter, we take a break from the shenanigans at the Good Thyme Inn to look at what's going on with the royalty. Duke Scortho is the consort of Queen Ruphelia and the father of the heir to the throne, Princess Zola, a physically weak young woman.
November 24, 2025 at 11:18 AM
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
In this chapter, we take a break from the shenanigans at the Good Thyme Inn to look at what's going on with the royalty. Duke Scortho is the consort of Queen Ruphelia and the father of the heir to the throne, Princess Zola, a physically weak young woman.
In this chapter, we take a break from the shenanigans at the Good Thyme Inn to look at what's going on with the royalty. Duke Scortho is the consort of Queen Ruphelia and the father of the heir to the throne, Princess Zola, a physically weak young woman.
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
In this chapter, we take a break from the shenanigans at the Good Thyme Inn to look at what's going on with the royalty. Duke Scortho is the consort of Queen Ruphelia and the father of the heir to the throne, Princess Zola, a physically weak young woman.
In this chapter, we take a break from the shenanigans at the Good Thyme Inn to look at what's going on with the royalty. Duke Scortho is the consort of Queen Ruphelia and the father of the heir to the throne, Princess Zola, a physically weak young woman.
November 24, 2025 at 10:14 AM
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
In this chapter, we take a break from the shenanigans at the Good Thyme Inn to look at what's going on with the royalty. Duke Scortho is the consort of Queen Ruphelia and the father of the heir to the throne, Princess Zola, a physically weak young woman.
In this chapter, we take a break from the shenanigans at the Good Thyme Inn to look at what's going on with the royalty. Duke Scortho is the consort of Queen Ruphelia and the father of the heir to the throne, Princess Zola, a physically weak young woman.
#NovemberWorldbuilders Let's talk about how the world's history directly impacts your main character (or some other important character in the world you're developing). Do they have an important ancestor? Was there a specific event, say a war or diaspora, that impacted their current life?
November 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#NovemberWorldbuilders Let's talk about how the world's history directly impacts your main character (or some other important character in the world you're developing). Do they have an important ancestor? Was there a specific event, say a war or diaspora, that impacted their current life?
Nothing makes me feel more like a fuckin nerd than talking about the math in my fantasy world's magic system 😭😂
I swear, the reader doesn't have to know about it! I have it all under control!
I swear, the reader doesn't have to know about it! I have it all under control!
November 24, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Nothing makes me feel more like a fuckin nerd than talking about the math in my fantasy world's magic system 😭😂
I swear, the reader doesn't have to know about it! I have it all under control!
I swear, the reader doesn't have to know about it! I have it all under control!
#AwesomeCharacters
Aaaaanything they want~
Tynan can make their hair long or short. Red, blue, black, purple, blonde, *names a million other colors*. It can be curly, wavy, straight, or bald. They can have feathers, fur, or tentacles up there instead. They have opt out of having a head entirely.
Aaaaanything they want~
Tynan can make their hair long or short. Red, blue, black, purple, blonde, *names a million other colors*. It can be curly, wavy, straight, or bald. They can have feathers, fur, or tentacles up there instead. They have opt out of having a head entirely.
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Here's an appearance one that I don't think we've talked about yet: What does your character's hair look like?
Do they have hair? Long or short? What color? How do they usually wear it? Is it important to them?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Here's an appearance one that I don't think we've talked about yet: What does your character's hair look like?
Do they have hair? Long or short? What color? How do they usually wear it? Is it important to them?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 23, 2025 at 11:01 PM
#AwesomeCharacters
Aaaaanything they want~
Tynan can make their hair long or short. Red, blue, black, purple, blonde, *names a million other colors*. It can be curly, wavy, straight, or bald. They can have feathers, fur, or tentacles up there instead. They have opt out of having a head entirely.
Aaaaanything they want~
Tynan can make their hair long or short. Red, blue, black, purple, blonde, *names a million other colors*. It can be curly, wavy, straight, or bald. They can have feathers, fur, or tentacles up there instead. They have opt out of having a head entirely.
#NovemberWorldbuilders 23
The Emperor of Aloutia, a man named Ivan, is immortal... or so the story goes. He doesn't make public appearances and little is known about his private life.
But before Ivan was enthroned by the God Lucognidus, the whole dominion was ruled by the Demon King Elhaim.
The Emperor of Aloutia, a man named Ivan, is immortal... or so the story goes. He doesn't make public appearances and little is known about his private life.
But before Ivan was enthroned by the God Lucognidus, the whole dominion was ruled by the Demon King Elhaim.
We're talking about our fictional world's history this week, #NovemberWorldbuilders. Tell me about a ruler or leader who made an impact in your world. How are they remembered by those living in the future?
November 23, 2025 at 5:55 PM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 23
The Emperor of Aloutia, a man named Ivan, is immortal... or so the story goes. He doesn't make public appearances and little is known about his private life.
But before Ivan was enthroned by the God Lucognidus, the whole dominion was ruled by the Demon King Elhaim.
The Emperor of Aloutia, a man named Ivan, is immortal... or so the story goes. He doesn't make public appearances and little is known about his private life.
But before Ivan was enthroned by the God Lucognidus, the whole dominion was ruled by the Demon King Elhaim.
Reposted by Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle)
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
Aubergine desperately trying to regain the psychic bond to his best friend who he last knew was thousands of miles away and captured by an enemy army
Aubergine desperately trying to regain the psychic bond to his best friend who he last knew was thousands of miles away and captured by an enemy army
November 23, 2025 at 10:52 AM
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
Aubergine desperately trying to regain the psychic bond to his best friend who he last knew was thousands of miles away and captured by an enemy army
Aubergine desperately trying to regain the psychic bond to his best friend who he last knew was thousands of miles away and captured by an enemy army
Reposted by Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle)
YAP SESSION INCOMING!!
A thread🧵 on marriage & love in Nixtral:
Most civilizations on Nixtral historically have been of the mind that “love is universal” & early humans expressed that via polyamorous relationships known as ‘covens.’ The concept of marriage was, in fact, devised by what were known
A thread🧵 on marriage & love in Nixtral:
Most civilizations on Nixtral historically have been of the mind that “love is universal” & early humans expressed that via polyamorous relationships known as ‘covens.’ The concept of marriage was, in fact, devised by what were known
I GOT A YAP SESSION WRITTEN UP
Read on to learn more about marriage in Aloutia. A thread🧵
On marriage and partnership in the PD, pre and during the Greed Wars:
The Good Thyme gang has a saying, that “love is free and infinite” which for them means that they love without marriage and they love as
Read on to learn more about marriage in Aloutia. A thread🧵
On marriage and partnership in the PD, pre and during the Greed Wars:
The Good Thyme gang has a saying, that “love is free and infinite” which for them means that they love without marriage and they love as
Yessss I look forward to it! (Full disclosure I'm married as well as polyamorous, but also have complicated feelings about the institution/how it's structured in our society, and always interested in different relationship paradigms! IMO "fuck marriage" is a valid perspective even if it isn't mine)
November 23, 2025 at 3:22 AM
YAP SESSION INCOMING!!
A thread🧵 on marriage & love in Nixtral:
Most civilizations on Nixtral historically have been of the mind that “love is universal” & early humans expressed that via polyamorous relationships known as ‘covens.’ The concept of marriage was, in fact, devised by what were known
A thread🧵 on marriage & love in Nixtral:
Most civilizations on Nixtral historically have been of the mind that “love is universal” & early humans expressed that via polyamorous relationships known as ‘covens.’ The concept of marriage was, in fact, devised by what were known
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
Aubergine desperately trying to regain the psychic bond to his best friend who he last knew was thousands of miles away and captured by an enemy army
Aubergine desperately trying to regain the psychic bond to his best friend who he last knew was thousands of miles away and captured by an enemy army
November 23, 2025 at 10:52 AM
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
Aubergine desperately trying to regain the psychic bond to his best friend who he last knew was thousands of miles away and captured by an enemy army
Aubergine desperately trying to regain the psychic bond to his best friend who he last knew was thousands of miles away and captured by an enemy army
We're talking about our fictional world's history this week, #NovemberWorldbuilders. Tell me about a ruler or leader who made an impact in your world. How are they remembered by those living in the future?
November 23, 2025 at 5:00 AM
We're talking about our fictional world's history this week, #NovemberWorldbuilders. Tell me about a ruler or leader who made an impact in your world. How are they remembered by those living in the future?
#NovemberWorldbuilders
The society of the Mu jungle went extinct overnight when Sawyer lost control of his powers one day early in his Godhood. Everything on the upper part of this map, minus Life Tree City, are Mujin ruins reclaimed by the jungle. Since the Mujin were hardcore demon worshippers,
The society of the Mu jungle went extinct overnight when Sawyer lost control of his powers one day early in his Godhood. Everything on the upper part of this map, minus Life Tree City, are Mujin ruins reclaimed by the jungle. Since the Mujin were hardcore demon worshippers,
November 23, 2025 at 12:44 AM
#NovemberWorldbuilders
The society of the Mu jungle went extinct overnight when Sawyer lost control of his powers one day early in his Godhood. Everything on the upper part of this map, minus Life Tree City, are Mujin ruins reclaimed by the jungle. Since the Mujin were hardcore demon worshippers,
The society of the Mu jungle went extinct overnight when Sawyer lost control of his powers one day early in his Godhood. Everything on the upper part of this map, minus Life Tree City, are Mujin ruins reclaimed by the jungle. Since the Mujin were hardcore demon worshippers,
#AwesomeCharacters
Tynan does everything. They are happy that they have the skills to do many things at once, and competently to boot. It doesn't concern them that others aren't able to help out. They're happy everyone will get a good grade
Steffa makes lomi to show her support, anyway
Tynan does everything. They are happy that they have the skills to do many things at once, and competently to boot. It doesn't concern them that others aren't able to help out. They're happy everyone will get a good grade
Steffa makes lomi to show her support, anyway
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Your cast is assigned a group project to complete!
Who is doing all the work?
Who disappeared on the first day and hasn't been seen since?
Who is bringing snacks but otherwise hasn't contributed?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Your cast is assigned a group project to complete!
Who is doing all the work?
Who disappeared on the first day and hasn't been seen since?
Who is bringing snacks but otherwise hasn't contributed?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 23, 2025 at 12:38 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
Tynan does everything. They are happy that they have the skills to do many things at once, and competently to boot. It doesn't concern them that others aren't able to help out. They're happy everyone will get a good grade
Steffa makes lomi to show her support, anyway
Tynan does everything. They are happy that they have the skills to do many things at once, and competently to boot. It doesn't concern them that others aren't able to help out. They're happy everyone will get a good grade
Steffa makes lomi to show her support, anyway
I wrote some of this a few days ago and the other yesterday, I think. I kinda like it?? Grilled is a total menace here, but his rage is what makes this book hot and spicy. Doesn't need much editing.
I posted some of this yesterday, I think? So it might be familiar to those who read my snippets
I posted some of this yesterday, I think? So it might be familiar to those who read my snippets
November 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM
I wrote some of this a few days ago and the other yesterday, I think. I kinda like it?? Grilled is a total menace here, but his rage is what makes this book hot and spicy. Doesn't need much editing.
I posted some of this yesterday, I think? So it might be familiar to those who read my snippets
I posted some of this yesterday, I think? So it might be familiar to those who read my snippets
Y'all don't know how much I fucking love Long Live the Queen. I will be playing this for the next few days
Holy shit, space empress sequel to Long Live the Queen just dropped
store.steampowered.com/app/3069630/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3069630/...
November 22, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Y'all don't know how much I fucking love Long Live the Queen. I will be playing this for the next few days
I GOT A YAP SESSION WRITTEN UP
Read on to learn more about marriage in Aloutia. A thread🧵
On marriage and partnership in the PD, pre and during the Greed Wars:
The Good Thyme gang has a saying, that “love is free and infinite” which for them means that they love without marriage and they love as
Read on to learn more about marriage in Aloutia. A thread🧵
On marriage and partnership in the PD, pre and during the Greed Wars:
The Good Thyme gang has a saying, that “love is free and infinite” which for them means that they love without marriage and they love as
Yessss I look forward to it! (Full disclosure I'm married as well as polyamorous, but also have complicated feelings about the institution/how it's structured in our society, and always interested in different relationship paradigms! IMO "fuck marriage" is a valid perspective even if it isn't mine)
November 22, 2025 at 4:48 PM
I GOT A YAP SESSION WRITTEN UP
Read on to learn more about marriage in Aloutia. A thread🧵
On marriage and partnership in the PD, pre and during the Greed Wars:
The Good Thyme gang has a saying, that “love is free and infinite” which for them means that they love without marriage and they love as
Read on to learn more about marriage in Aloutia. A thread🧵
On marriage and partnership in the PD, pre and during the Greed Wars:
The Good Thyme gang has a saying, that “love is free and infinite” which for them means that they love without marriage and they love as
#Pretendpanel
It's less about being 'useful' and more about being 'fun.' I like prompt games because it's fun to share with my friends, read their responses, etc. I sometimes do pomodoros through Spirit City, but where that helps is ringing a bell to remind me to fuckin' write. I still take it
It's less about being 'useful' and more about being 'fun.' I like prompt games because it's fun to share with my friends, read their responses, etc. I sometimes do pomodoros through Spirit City, but where that helps is ringing a bell to remind me to fuckin' write. I still take it
#pretendpanel, thank you for the wonderful insightful answers yesterday. I wonder...
November 22nd: Do you find external challenges useful? e.g. writeathons, sprinting, prompts etc.
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
November 22nd: Do you find external challenges useful? e.g. writeathons, sprinting, prompts etc.
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
November 22, 2025 at 1:45 PM
#Pretendpanel
It's less about being 'useful' and more about being 'fun.' I like prompt games because it's fun to share with my friends, read their responses, etc. I sometimes do pomodoros through Spirit City, but where that helps is ringing a bell to remind me to fuckin' write. I still take it
It's less about being 'useful' and more about being 'fun.' I like prompt games because it's fun to share with my friends, read their responses, etc. I sometimes do pomodoros through Spirit City, but where that helps is ringing a bell to remind me to fuckin' write. I still take it
#AwesomeCharacters
Obligatory "Tynan likes and dislikes anything they want to. They will change their brain chemistry as needed."
That said, when one of the first times they feel love is while being cradled by their big sister (who, let's be honest: is overweight), they associate her size and
Obligatory "Tynan likes and dislikes anything they want to. They will change their brain chemistry as needed."
That said, when one of the first times they feel love is while being cradled by their big sister (who, let's be honest: is overweight), they associate her size and
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
How does your character feel about physical touch?
Are they fans of a handshake, hug, pat on the back, etc?
Do they prefer to keep their distance?
Does it matter how close they are to the other person?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
How does your character feel about physical touch?
Are they fans of a handshake, hug, pat on the back, etc?
Do they prefer to keep their distance?
Does it matter how close they are to the other person?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 22, 2025 at 11:07 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
Obligatory "Tynan likes and dislikes anything they want to. They will change their brain chemistry as needed."
That said, when one of the first times they feel love is while being cradled by their big sister (who, let's be honest: is overweight), they associate her size and
Obligatory "Tynan likes and dislikes anything they want to. They will change their brain chemistry as needed."
That said, when one of the first times they feel love is while being cradled by their big sister (who, let's be honest: is overweight), they associate her size and
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
The alchemists collect a variety of substances which either have magical properties in this world or can be used some other way in their magical-chemistry.
It reminds Shallot of her mother's house, which she can't stand.
The alchemists collect a variety of substances which either have magical properties in this world or can be used some other way in their magical-chemistry.
It reminds Shallot of her mother's house, which she can't stand.
November 22, 2025 at 10:32 AM
#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
The alchemists collect a variety of substances which either have magical properties in this world or can be used some other way in their magical-chemistry.
It reminds Shallot of her mother's house, which she can't stand.
The alchemists collect a variety of substances which either have magical properties in this world or can be used some other way in their magical-chemistry.
It reminds Shallot of her mother's house, which she can't stand.